First revealed at CES 2026, ASUS’s first ever open-ear gaming earbuds — the ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless — are now finally available to buy. At $229.99, they’re aimed squarely at gamers who also live active lives and don’t want to be cut off from the world around them while doing either.
ASUS ROG Cetra Open Wireless: Full Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver | 14.2mm Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.0 + 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova |
| Dongle | USB-C with passthrough charging (first for ROG) |
| Battery | Up to 16 hours (64 hours total with case) |
| Fast Charge | 15 min = 3 hours playback |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Audio Modes | Phantom Bass, Immersion Mode |
| Microphones | Quad-mic array with AI Noise Cancellation |
| RGB | Aura RGB — 16.8 million colours |
| Price | $229.99 / £174.99 |
| Availability | Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, ASUS eStore |
Why These Earbuds Are Worth Paying Attention To
Open-ear earbuds hook around your ears with drivers that sit a few millimetres further away than regular in-ears, leaving your ear open for almost complete situational awareness and massively reducing fatigue. For gamers who spend hours at a desk or athletes who need to hear traffic, that’s a real-world advantage no amount of ANC can replicate.
The 14.2mm DLC-coated drivers are notably larger than most gaming earbuds — delivering a wider soundstage and deeper bass than open-ear physics typically allow. Phantom Bass compensates for the natural low-end loss of an open design, while Immersion Mode filters out background rumble and fan noise for focused gaming sessions.
The included USB-C dongle enables interruption-free passthrough charging — a first for ROG — meaning you won’t have to choose between charging your handheld and staying connected. It works seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, ROG Xbox Ally X, and PC. Physical buttons instead of touch controls are another smart call — they remain responsive even when it rains or when the wearer sweats, helping prevent unintentional commands.
At $229.99, these sit at a premium compared to most wireless gaming earbuds — but for a package that bridges competitive gaming, outdoor workouts, and all-day comfort, ASUS has made a compelling case.
