🎧 Best Gaming Earphones in India 2025 – Tested & Ranked

Introduction

In recent years, mobile and PC gaming in India has grown at an unprecedented pace. Popular titles such as BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), Call of Duty Mobile, and the anticipated release of Valorant Mobile have made competitive gaming more accessible than ever before.

While professional players invest heavily in high-end headphones, many everyday gamers prefer wired gaming earphones for their lightweight design, portability, and affordability.

However, not every earphone is optimized for gaming. Clear footstep sounds, accurate directional audio, and a good-quality microphone are critical in competitive matches. A delay of even half a second in hearing enemy footsteps or poor communication with teammates can cost players the game.

This detailed guide ranks and reviews some of the most popular gaming earphones in India (2025), tested across multiple devices including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Poco F7, and iQOO 13. Each earphone has been assessed for sound clarity, microphone quality, comfort, and value for money.

Additionally, we also evaluated several DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and adapters, as many smartphones no longer include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The right DAC can dramatically improve audio quality, while the wrong one can limit performance.

By the end of this article, you will know which models to avoid, which ones offer average performance, and which gaming earphones are worth your money if you are serious about gaming.

Understanding DAC/Adapters in Gaming

With many modern smartphones removing the headphone jack, external DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) and USB-C adapters have become essential for wired gaming earphones. A DAC is responsible for converting digital signals from your device into analog signals that earphones can process.

• Budget DACs often fail to deliver accurate sound reproduction, which can result in unclear footsteps or muffled voices.
• Premium DACs, on the other hand, enhance sound separation, allowing gamers to detect minute details such as distant gunfire or enemy movements.

DACs Tested

We tested three popular options currently available in India:

Key Insight: For budget gaming earphones under ₹1500, a basic DAC is sufficient. But if you are planning to invest in professional IEMs (In-Ear Monitors), consider a higher-quality DAC to unlock their full potential.

Worst Options (Avoid These for Gaming)

Not all earphones marketed for gaming deliver good performance. Below are models we tested that did not meet expectations for competitive gaming.

1. JBL Tune 310C – Price: ₹1500

Despite JBL’s strong reputation in audio products, the JBL Tune 310C underperformed during testing. Footstep sounds lacked separation, making it difficult to identify enemy positions in BGMI.

Pros:

• Decent build quality
• Recognized brand name

Cons:

• Weak directional audio
• Average microphone clarity
• Not optimized for gaming

Verdict: Best suited for music listeners, but not for competitive gamers.

2. Razer Hammerhead V3 – Price: ₹5600

Marketed as a premium gaming earphone, the Razer Hammerhead V3 failed to justify its high price point. While design and branding are excellent, real-world gaming performance was disappointing.

Pros:

• Attractive design with Razer branding
• Good packaging and comfort

Cons:

• Poor value for money
• Weak footstep clarity
• Average mic performance

Verdict: A premium price tag without premium performance. Avoid unless you are buying only for brand appeal.

3. KZ Castor IEM – Price: ₹2000

The KZ Castor is an IEM (In-Ear Monitor) designed for music lovers. Unfortunately, its tuning does not suit gaming requirements. While it delivers good bass, footsteps and environmental cues often get lost.

Pros:

• Good bass response
• Solid build

Cons:

• Poor sound separation
• Not designed for gaming
• Mic performance below expectations

Verdict: Great for music, weak for gaming.

4. HyperX Cloud Earbuds 2 – Price: ₹3500

As a brand, HyperX is well-regarded in gaming peripherals, but the Cloud Earbuds 2 were a disappointment. The sound profile felt flat, with footsteps and gunshots often blending together.

Pros:

• Comfortable for long sessions
• Comes with a carry case

Cons:

• Weak sound imaging
• Mic lacks clarity
• Overpriced for performance

Verdict: Not recommended, especially considering the price.

5. Apple Type-C Earphones – Price: ₹1700

Apple’s official Type-C earphones provide decent audio for calls and music, but for gaming, they fall short. They lack the punch and clarity needed for competitive play.

Pros:

• Good build quality
• Reliable for daily use

Cons:

• No soundstage for gaming
• Weak bass response
• Average mic quality

Verdict: Functional but not designed for gaming. Better alternatives are available at this price point.

📊 Comparison Table – Worst Gaming Earphones

Mid-Tier Options (Average Performance)

The following gaming earphones are neither the worst nor the best. They deliver moderate gaming performance but may lack in one or more critical areas such as mic clarity, bass response, or long-term comfort.

6. KZ ZSN Pro X – Price: ₹2150

The KZ ZSN Pro X is popular among budget audiophiles. While it produces a wide soundstage, footsteps are not always accurately positioned, making it less reliable in competitive scenarios.

Pros:

• Strong bass and treble
• Detachable cable design
• Good for music and casual gaming

Cons:

• Overemphasis on bass reduces clarity
• Mic quality inconsistent
• Not tuned for eSports

Verdict: Suitable for mixed use, but not the best for serious gamers.

7. Logitech G333 – Price: ₹5000

Logitech’s G333 comes with dual drivers and promises gaming-grade performance. While the sound is immersive, the price tag is relatively high compared to the value delivered.

Pros:

• Dual-driver setup for clear highs and mids
• Comfortable silicone tips
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Price is steep for the performance offered
• Slight delay in footsteps during testing
• Average mic pickup

Verdict: Decent choice for casual gamers who value brand reliability, but better options exist.

8. Final VR500 – Price: ₹2500

The Final VR500 from Japan is designed with virtual reality in mind, and while it excels in spatial sound, it underdelivers in competitive gaming scenarios.

Pros:

• Impressive VR-focused soundstage
• Comfortable lightweight design
• Works well for movies and immersive content

Cons:

• Footstep separation average
• Not tuned for fast-paced FPS titles
• Limited availability in India

Verdict: A niche product. Good for immersive experiences, not for competitive BGMI or COD Mobile players.

📊 Comparison Table – Mid-Tier Gaming Earphones

Recommended Options (Best for Gamers)

These are the top-performing gaming earphones that stood out during testing. They deliver clear footsteps, balanced sound, and reliable mic quality, making them ideal for both casual and competitive gamers.

9. JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired – Price: ₹1100

One of the most surprising performers, the JBL Endurance Run 2 combines affordability with strong sound performance.

Pros:

• Clear footstep sounds
• Comfortable fit for long gaming sessions
• Good mic performance

Cons:

• Build quality is basic
• Bass could be deeper

Verdict: Excellent balance of price and performance. Highly recommended for budget-conscious gamers.

10. KZ EDC Pro IEM – Price: ₹750

The KZ EDC Pro is the best low-cost IEM for gaming. Despite its low price, it delivered exceptional footstep clarity and stable mic output in all test devices.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Superior sound separation for footsteps
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

• Cable quality could be improved
• Not suitable for heavy bass lovers

Verdict: The best entry-level gaming earphone in India under ₹1000.

11. Realme Buds 2 Neo / Realme Buds 3 – Price: ₹500–600

Realme has established itself as a strong budget player. Both the Buds 2 Neo and Buds 3 performed well in our tests, especially considering the price.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Good mic quality for in-game communication
• Decent bass and sound clarity

Cons:

• Build quality is average
• Limited sound separation compared to IEMs

Verdict: Perfect for beginners entering competitive gaming.

12. Sony MDR EX255AP – Price: ₹1000–1300

The Sony MDR EX255AP is a well-balanced gaming earphone that consistently delivered clear and crisp audio. While not a dedicated gaming model, its tuning made footsteps easy to identify.

Pros:

• Excellent clarity in footsteps
• Reliable mic performance
• Strong build quality

Cons:

• Slightly higher price compared to Realme models
• Design feels dated

Verdict: A safe and dependable choice for gamers who want brand reliability and performance.

📊 Best For Table – Recommended Gaming Earphones

How to Pick the Best Gaming Earphones: A Buying Guide

Take into account these important variables before making a purchase:

1. Sound Clarity & Footstep Accuracy – Accurately directed audio is essential for competitive games. Seek out models with a high degree of sound separation.

2. Quality of Microphone – Effective team communication is essential. Cooperative gaming can be ruined by a muted microphone.

3. Comfort for Extended Sessions – For prolonged gaming sessions, earphones should be lightweight and offer a variety of ear tip sizes.

4. Device Compatibility – Verify that the earbuds you have selected are compatible with your PC or smartphone, particularly if you are using a DAC or adapter.

5. Price-to-Performance Ratio – Higher expenditures may not always translate into superior outcomes. Our testing reveal that low-cost versions, such as the KZ EDC Pro, perform better than a number of more costly ones.

Conclusion

It is not always necessary to have pricey equipment to create the ideal gaming setup in India. Our tests on a variety of well-known smartphones showed that, when it comes to gaming-specific requirements, less expensive choices can perform better than high-end, branded devices.

• The Realme Buds 2 Neo / Buds 3 (₹500–600) are a great option for gamers on a tight budget.

• The JBL Endurance Run 2 (₹1100) provides dependable audio and mic clarity for those looking for balanced performance.

• The KZ EDC Pro IEM (₹750–930) offers the best sound separation at its pricing range for serious entry-level competitive players.

• Additionally, the Sony MDR EX255AP (₹1000–1300) is still a good choice for people who want reliable performance and brand loyalty.

The best option ultimately relies on your spending limit and degree of gaming dedication. You may choose the gaming earphones that will improve your gaming experience in 2025 with confidence if you follow this instructions.

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