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Whether you're playing PUBG or Hogwarts Legacy, you know the importance of good sound quality. 

But what's the best way to achieve this, so you can have a truly immersive game?  

Should you opt for gaming earbuds or headphones?

This article explores the pros and cons of each option to help you make the right decision. 

In this article, we’ll cover:  

PS: Shop earbuds or headphones on Singtel and pay in 12, 24 or 36 month instalments!  

Between gaming earbuds and headphones, how do you know which one to choose?  

There are a few things you need to consider: 

In this article, we'll break down what you need to know to find the perfect fit for your gaming needs.  

One of the most notable differences between headphones and earphones is their size. 

Headphones are bigger and cover your entire ears, resting on top of your head. 

They can be a hassle to store compared to earbuds– if you want something compact, go for headphones that are foldable and can be neatly tucked away in a case.

Earbuds, on the other hand, are much smaller and fit snugly inside your ear canal.  

When it comes to storage, earbuds can be coiled up or kept in a case that doesn't take up much space.

This makes earbuds more portable than headphones, which is great if you’re gaming on the go.

When it comes to gaming headphones vs earbuds, each has its own unique strengths when it comes to sound quality.

Headphones are bigger, so they've got a wider soundstage which lets you hear every tiny sound in the game, making it more enjoyable. 

They've got some great bass for those intense moments – like when you’re creeping around the battlefield. 

Earbuds, on the other hand, can get the sound directly into your ear canal for a more personal experience.  

However, because they're small, the sound quality may not be as good as headphones, which may affect your immersion.

It's worth noting that wearing earbuds for extended periods can be harmful to your ears because the audio vibrates directly into your eardrums.

Headphones offer a bit of a buffer between the audio and your eardrums, making them a better choice for long-term wear.

When you're gaming with your squad, you don't want any outside noise to interrupt your gameplay. 

Picture this: you’re at the most critical point in your game, but you’re distracted by the sound of your washing machine, and you can hear the neighbours arguing in the background. Not ideal, right?

So, you need a product with excellent noise-cancelling capabilities.

Both headphones and earbuds have their unique features when it comes to noise cancellation.  

First, headphones cover your ears and provide good noise isolation. 

On top of that, some headphones come with noise-cancelling technology that works great in blocking out surrounding sounds.

Then there’s earbuds, which fit snugly in your ears with cushioned tips. 

For effective noise cancellation, it's best to choose earbuds with foam tips instead of silicon – these work better at blocking out ambient noise. 

When you're playing games with your friends, you'll need a mic that can capture your voice clearly. 

If not, your teammates might end up hearing your surrounding noise more clearly than your own voice, which could cost you your win.

Let’s talk about how headphones and earbuds fare here.

Firstly, headphones come with built-in microphones. There are two types of built-in microphones: 

Having a microphone with excellent noise cancellation is crucial during online gaming. 

With the right microphone, you’ll be able to communicate clearly with your team and enjoy a more immersive gaming experience.  

High-end headphones usually have better noise-cancelling mics for clearer communication during gameplay.

Wired earbuds, on the other hand, have smaller in-line microphones - the little controller along the wires - that are not as powerful as those in headphones. 

Since the mic is closer to your ears than your mouth, it might not pick up your voice as precisely as headphones. 

However, some newer earbud models have noise-cancelling microphones for better sound quality. 

If you're gonna spend a lot of time gaming, you'll need something comfortable for your ears.

Imagine throwing down so much cash just for it to not fit comfortably – truly a tragedy. 

Let’s talk about headphones first. These have two types of ear pads: 

It’s self-explanatory: on-ear headphones rest on your ears, while over-ear headphones have cups that fit around your ears. 

On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter, making them more portable and comfortable for long periods of use.

As compared to on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones are bigger and heavier – so they may be uncomfortable over time.  

Some people have also complained about over-ear headphones getting too hot while you’re wearing them, but it can vary based on your surroundings.  

We can see this being a problem in Singapore, especially with our humid weather. 

The sweat and heat can build up, creating a damp and uncomfortable environment inside the ear cups 🤢

So that’s headphones – how about earbuds?

With earbuds, their comfort all depends on their cushioning.  

With proper cushioning, your earbuds should be comfy, without too much pressure on your ears.

Earbuds come in different sizes, but some people have found that their earbuds keep falling out. 

But don't worry, manufacturers have come up with a solution!

They now include multiple sizes of ear tips to fit different ear sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect fit and avoid any discomfort or slipping. 

Before you buy your earbuds, check if extra tips are included to avoid any problems down the line.

When you’re in the middle of a game, the last thing you want is for your audio to cut out. 

Seriously – you don’t want to be THAT person, where you suddenly can’t communicate with the rest of the team and become a burden at the most crucial moment of the game. 😉 

So, it’s important to make sure your headphones or earbuds have a long battery life.

Here are your options: 

The first two options (wired headphones and earbuds) don’t need an internal battery, so you won’t have to worry about battery life.

Between the last two options, wireless headphones generally have a longer battery life.

If you’re wondering why there’s a big difference in the battery life, it’s because wireless headphones are generally bigger, and they can accommodate a larger battery. 

If you're someone who gets easily frustrated and ends up rage quitting, you'll need headphones or earbuds that can withstand the test of your rage. 😉 

We don't want you to keep throwing away your hard-earned cash for a new pair of headphones every other month. 

That's why it's essential to find a durable pair that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.

The durability of each product depends on the quality of the materials used. 

Headphones are generally heavier than earbuds and can cause more damage if dropped, but most models can withstand falls as long as they're not from a high distance.

However, some models are made with cheap plastic that can break easily even with light impact.

How about earbuds?

Since these are more lightweight, they can be easily damaged when dropped. 

To make sure you're getting a durable product, we recommend doing some research before buying.

You can check consumer sites like Hardware Zone, Reddit, and even eCommerce sites like Lazada and Shopee for reviews of the products.

When shopping for headphones or earbuds, you'll find that prices vary depending on the brand, model, and features. 

Earbuds are usually cheaper because of their smaller size.

But obviously, there are both expensive and affordable options for both headphones and earbuds. 

If you're thinking of grabbing a cheap $10 pair of earbuds from a no-name brand and store, then be warned - you might get what you paid for! 

They might not last very long and may not provide the rich sound quality you're looking for. 

It's worth investing a little more in a reputable brand to get the most out of your listening experience.

Here's a rough idea of the price ranges you can expect: 

Remember, these are just rough estimates. Prices may vary depending on the store and any ongoing promotions. 

So, now that you know all about headphones and earbuds, it's time to pick the right one for your gaming needs!  

Here’s our recommendations:

Let’s break it down.

Firstly, if you're more into solo, casual games like Cookie Run: Kingdom, then earbuds are the way to go. 

They might not have the best sound quality, but they'll get the job done. 

You can choose between wired or wireless, based on your personal preference. 

Just remember to keep the volume at a safe level, so you don't damage your hearing in the long term. 

But if you're someone who likes to play intense solo games like Fortnite or Halo, then you're better off with headphones. 

They have a wider sound range that'll help you hear your enemies sneaking up on you. 

Finally, for all the hardcore gamers out there, who love multi-player games such as:

We recommend going with headphones. 

MOBA and MMORPG are games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Fortnite, where you work in teams. 

With these games, you really need to be able to hear everything going on around you, so a wider sound space is essential.  

Plus, headphones are a good fit for these games because most headphones come with a built-in mic.

This lets you communicate with your team effectively, and avoid getting kicked out of the lobby. 😉 

When it comes to choosing the right audio device for gaming, it's important to consider the type of gaming device you'll be using. 

Here are our recommendations:

If you're looking for headphones for gaming on your PC, check out the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P.

These headphones are totally wireless and come with a USB dongle that lets you connect them to your device in a snap. 

Plus, they're comfortable and lightweight, so you can wear them for hours on end. 

Don't worry about the battery life, either – they can last for up to 38 hours (about 1 and a half days) on a single charge! 

But even if they do run low, just plug them in for a quick 15 minutes and you'll get an extra 6 hours of use.

If you're a mobile gamer, we recommend checking out the OPPO Enco X2 wireless earbuds. 

These earbuds are equipped with excellent noise cancellation features and deliver great mic quality. 

Plus, they're comfy to wear so you can wear them for hours without feeling discomfort. 

And to top it all off, they have a whopping 40-hour battery life, so you won't have to worry about constantly recharging them.

If you're looking to up your gaming experience on devices like the Nintendo Switch or any other gaming device, the JBL Quantum 50 is a great choice.

These wired earbuds are lightweight and easy to use. 

Because they're wired, you don't have to worry about charging them before every gaming session.

And just because they're earbuds doesn't mean they lack sound quality.  

They deliver crisp and clear audio that will immerse you in the game.

Finally, the JBL Quantum 50 also has an in-line microphone that will let you communicate with your team clearly, without any background noise.

You can shop the JBL Quantum 50 via Singtel's online store. 

When it comes to picking between earbuds and headphones for gaming, you have to think about what’s the best fit for your gaming needs. 

Do you want to take your gear on the go? Then earbuds might be the way to go. 

But if you want that full immersive experience, look for headphones.

Just make sure to do your homework before you make a purchase. Check out reviews and compare products to make sure you're getting what you need. 

If you've figured out what type of gaming headphones or earbuds you need, head over to the Singtel website to explore the range of available options:

You can buy them with Singtel PayLater which lets you pay for them in 12, 24, or 36 month instalments with no interest and hidden fees.  

So, go ahead and immerse yourself in your favourite games while enjoying top-notch audio quality!