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My favorite gaming earbuds got their first discount
Asus's Cetra Open wireless earbuds, praised by The Verge for their gaming and general audio performance, have received their first-ever price cut. The open-ear design lets outside noise mix with in-game or podcast audio, a feature the reviewer favours for staying aware of their surroundings, though some gamers may prefer more isolation. The discount matters for anyone considering a multi-device gaming headset, as the earbuds are compatible with a wide range of platforms rather than being locked to one system.
The Cetra Open earbuds are $22 off at Amazon and Best Buy, bringing the price down to $206.99. They work well across the Steam Deck, PC, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5, as well as connecting easily via Bluetooth to phones for music and podcasts. Standout features include strong battery life, deep customisation through a mobile or browser app, and a USB-C 2.4GHz transmitter with a built-in passthrough charging port supporting up to 60W (though it cannot be used for data transfer). A reflective band is also included to link the earbuds behind the neck for added stability and visibility during exercise.
In short
- Asus Cetra Open gaming earbuds get first-ever discount, now $206.99
- Open-ear design blends outside sound with game or podcast audio
- Works across PC, consoles and phones, with passthrough charging support
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
At $22 off, the Cetra Open offers a versatile option for people who want one set of earbuds for gaming across several platforms as well as music and podcasts. Its open-ear design can help users stay aware of their surroundings, while long battery life, extensive customisation and a charging passthrough add practical value.
The case against
The discount is modest, leaving the earbuds at $206.99, so buyers may reasonably expect a larger saving or compare them with less expensive alternatives. Their open-ear design also lets outside noise compete with game audio, which may be a poor fit for players who value immersion or need clear sound in noisy settings.
Explained simply
Gaming earbuds connect players to game audio and voice chat, often with lower delay than standard Bluetooth headphones. The Asus Cetra Open are designed to work with several gaming systems as well as phones, so they can also be used for music and podcasts.
Their open-ear design lets some outside sound through while audio plays. That can help users stay aware of people and traffic around them, but offers less isolation than sealed earbuds. A USB-C wireless transmitter provides a separate 2.4GHz connection for gaming, while Bluetooth supports phones.
The range of compatible devices matters for people who play across different systems and want one pair of earbuds. The Cetra Open also offer customisation through an app and a charging passthrough in the transmitter, which can be useful when a device has few USB-C ports.
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