Choosing the ideal gaming headset for a mobile phone depends on several factors, such as the fit that provides maximum comfort during gameplay, specific requirements based on the game genre, and the available budget. The current market offers wired and wireless alternatives, where the presence or absence of a wire directly impacts delay in mobile games.
In this article, Tecnoblog presents ten suggestions for smartphone users' headphones, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of models from brands such as Sony, Edifier, Anker, JBL, Havit, GK, KZ, QCY, HyperX, and Lenovo.
Sony Inzone E9 IER-G900
One of the highlighted models is the Sony Inzone E9 IER-G900, a wired in-ear headphone available in black and white. This design helps reduce playback latency. According to the manufacturer itself, this product was developed in collaboration with the esports organization Fnatic, incorporating optimized adjustments for high-level FPS games.
Although it uses a P2 connector, it comes with a USB-C adapter, allowing connection to mobile phones, computers, tablets, and video games. The Sony Inzone E9 IER-G900 has a removable 1.8m Y-cable and offers passive noise isolation, facilitating listening in noisy environments. Thanks to the included USB-C adapter, it can simulate 7.1 channel surround sound, and adjustments can be customized through the Inzone Hub app. The accessory also includes a carrying case and extra tips for ergonomic adjustment, but it is important to note that this model does not have a built-in microphone.
Edifier Hecate GX05
The Edifier Hecate GX05 is a true wireless headphone aimed at the gaming audience. It features a titanium finish and integrated control buttons, is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3, and comes with a USB-C dongle that ensures a latency of up to 15 ms. This adapter can be used on mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and consoles like PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
A major advantage of the GX05 is the ability to operate simultaneously on more than one device, utilizing the functionality of the USB-C dongle and Bluetooth, for example, connecting to a computer and a mobile phone at the same time. In terms of audio, the Edifier GX05 supports HiRes audio due to the LHDC standard. The battery offers 4.5 hours of continuous use on the earbuds, totaling up to 16 hours with the case, and the recharge time is two hours.
Anker Soundcore VR P10
The Anker Soundcore VR P10 was primarily designed for use with the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, but it also works well with other Bluetooth devices. In addition to Bluetooth, it comes with a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle, ideal for the Meta Quest 2 and other compatible devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, or video games. It is possible to maintain active connections on two devices simultaneously: one via dongle and one via Bluetooth.
This model has splash resistance with an IPX4 certification. The battery life is 6 hours of uninterrupted playback, which can reach 24 hours with the charging case. A notable feature is fast charging: only 10 minutes connected to power provide up to 1.5 hours of playback.
JBL Quantum TWS
For those looking for a gaming headset with noise cancellation, the JBL Quantum TWS is an excellent alternative. Compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, it includes a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle to establish low-latency connections, usable on computers, mobile phones, tablets, and PS5.
The battery life is 8 hours on the earbuds and 16 hours in the case. An important differentiator is the Dual Source technology, which facilitates the automatic switching of game audio (via USB-C dongle) to incoming phone calls (via Bluetooth). Additionally, it features adaptive noise cancellation, allowing switching between full isolation or transparency mode to hear the environment. The JBL Quantum TWS has an IPX4 certification and allows equalization, microphone, and surround sound adjustments through a dedicated application.
Havit TW970
Focusing on cost-benefit, the Havit TW970 stands out by offering up to 18ms latency when using the USB-C dongle, in addition to being compatible with Bluetooth 5.3. This headphone also appeals to the gaming audience by incorporating dynamic RGB lighting on both the case and the headphones themselves.
Regarding communication, the Havit TW970 is equipped with a dual microphone that uses ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology to filter background sounds during calls. Offering two connection methods (USB-C dongle or Bluetooth), it supports automatic switching between two devices, enabling simultaneous connection with mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and other peripherals. The battery lasts up to 5 hours of continuous playback, reaching 24 hours with the case.
GK Kunten
The GK Kunten is a headphone praised for its sound quality and good cost-benefit ratio. Being a wired model, it is ideal for gamers who want to minimize latency and avoid worrying about recharging. A notable aspect is its ability to reproduce deep bass and maintain instrumental separation, making it also suitable for use as professional audio monitoring.
It should be noted that there are various versions of the GK Kunten, with 3.5mm or USB-C connectors, and options with or without a built-in microphone, which is common in this headphone category.
KZ EDX Pro X
For gamers who prefer wired headphones, the KZ EDX Pro X is a good choice. It is an in-ear headphone that offers passive acoustic isolation to muffle external noise. It has a removable and replaceable cable and is available in USB-C or 3.5mm versions, with or without a built-in microphone. Its dynamic driver operates at frequencies from 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz, ensuring less distortion and clearer highs.
As a wired headphone, the KZ EDX Pro X is perfect for those seeking maximum latency reduction. The product comes with extra silicone tips to help the user find the most comfortable fit.
QCY MeloBuds Pro HT08
Although the QCY MeloBuds Pro HT08 is not specifically aimed at gamers, it can satisfy players. It is a wireless TWS model that promises good audio fidelity, standing out for its deep bass thanks to the LDAC codec and Hi-Res certification. An advantage is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), useful for staying focused during gaming sessions. The QCY MeloBuds Pro HT08 also supports multipoint connections, allowing it to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
A drawback compared to other gaming headphones is the lack of a USB-C dongle to reduce latency. However, it offers a battery life of up to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted use, or up to 34 hours considering the case.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds II
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds II is another recommended option for the gaming audience, as the wired connection ensures lower latency. The headset comes with an elegant storage case. One of its strengths is the immersive sound provided by the 14 mm drivers, which improves the auditory experience during gameplay. The product includes four sets of earplugs to ensure the ideal fit in the ear.
It should be noted that the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II uses a 3.5mm (P2) connection and does not include a USB-C adapter, which requires purchasing a separate adapter, since many modern smartphones no longer have this port.
Lenovo GM2 Pro
For those looking for an affordable wireless gaming headset, the Lenovo GM2 Pro can be a good option. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 and has a low-latency gaming mode that can be activated by a side command on the headphone. The battery of this model allows up to 5 hours of continuous playback, or 30 hours with the case. Furthermore, it has IPX5 protection against sweat and splashes, making it practical for daily use. However, a weakness compared to other wireless headphones is the lack of noise cancellation, despite the good cost-benefit for the gaming audience.
Before purchasing a gaming headset for a mobile phone, it is crucial to analyze the type of connection, latency, compatibility, and features such as noise cancellation, as each characteristic meets a distinct need during games.
The Lenovo GM2 Pro stands out as one of the best cheap wireless headphones for gaming, thanks to its low-latency mode. Among wired models (P2 or USB-C), the GK Kunten and KZ EDX Pro X stand out for their excellent cost-benefit and good sound quality.
The differences between headphone types are related to comfort and acoustic isolation. Generally, in-ear models block external noise better, making them ideal for first-person shooter (FPS) games. Open-ear or over-the-ear headphones do not seal out external sound as much, unless they have active noise cancellation (ANC). For some people, this latter type is more comfortable, being suitable for those who play in quiet environments or need to be aware of their surroundings.
A wired headphone represents the best choice for gaming, especially FPS and other competitive titles, as it offers near-zero latency, unlike wireless models which present a small delay in milliseconds. Other advantages of wired headphones include eliminating the need for recharging, the absence of spectrum interference, and lower prices than their Bluetooth equivalents.
Even so, there are several factors to consider when deciding which gaming headset is best. For casual games, a wireless headphone remains a good option due to its practicality and freedom of movement. Although zero latency cannot be achieved with headphones connected to a mobile phone, a nearly imperceptible value can be reached using wired models. The phone system itself can introduce a delay due to audio processing, especially when using USB-C to P2 or P3 adapters; however, this delay is considerably smaller than that found in wireless headphones. Some wireless models offer a USB-C dongle to try to reduce latency compared to Bluetooth, making it advantageous to opt for this type if the priority is the lowest wireless delay.
