While headphones provide an immersive audio experience, they are not practical for those long gaming sessions for some people. They are bulky, and heavy and can feel uncomfortable if you work or game for long sessions.
Even the best headsets can feel tiring to wear for long hours. Plus, you cannot avoid that head dent you get after. Fortunately, there is a great alternative to traditional gaming headsets
In-ear monitors or IEMs. The term might sound technical but they look similar to your everyday earbuds. However, most IEMs are targeted toward music listeners and audiophiles. There are great options for gamers who want the comfort of IEMs but the spatial audio for gaming.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of these IEMs for gamers. Some of these outperform your high-end headphones at a fraction of the cost. So, let’s dive right in.
Why You Should Trust Us
At League Feed, we take pride in reviewing all sorts of peripherals, including IEMs. Audio amounts to a great share of your gaming experience. That’s why we have poured hours into researching the best IEMs for gaming
Here, we’ve removed the marketing gimmicks and are focused on the core performance of the product. We researched everything from the clarity of sound, durability of material, comfort, and whatnot. All of these IEMs are audiophile-approved.
What Are IEMs
IEMs are audio devices that share their appearance with traditional earbuds. But, they’re slightly different and better.
They’re made out of materials like metal, resin, acrylic, and plastic, making them durable. Unlike your earbuds, they’re tucked inside the ear canal offering better sound and fit. This also results in better passive noise cancellation.
Due to their features, the main market of IEMs used to be the music industry. But, some IEMs are catered for gaming. Now, gamers like us can enjoy these immersive audio experiences.
IEMs use special drivers to deliver different sounds, making the mids and trebles more consistent and better. They’re also super comfortable and lightweight, making great partners for long gaming sessions and travel. Since they’re tucked inside your ear canal, they offer better stability than traditional headphones. Plus, you can say bye to the head dent you get while using headphones.
6 Best IEMs for Gaming
These are the best IEMs for gaming, built to provide you the comfort and performance, all while keeping your pocket in check.
Moondrop Aria (Editor’s pick)
Built from a sleek metal chassis and a nylon braided wire, the Moondrop Arias are our pick for the best IEM for gaming.
The Moondrop Arias are quite popular in the industry due to their audio consistency and great customer reviews. They provide a smooth consistent bass with great mids.
They don’t have ANC (active noise cancellation), but with the crisp audio, that’s hardly an issue. The Aria tucks inside your ear canal offering passive noise cancellation making them sound even better.
Comfort is a deal-breaking factor when buying an audio device, and the Aria doesn’t lack here either. They offer a great fit with their 6x set of silicone tips and are almost weightless. So, even in those long sessions, you won’t even feel them.
Offering great stability, they’ll never fall out of your ear. But, if you drop them somehow, don’t worry because they’re quite durable too. The metal chassis ensures that they can handle drops and your device will be fine even after multiple drops.
The nylon braided wire adds to the durability, and it’s detachable too. So, even if the wire breaks, your Arias won’t become obsolete as you can buy a replacement cable and attach it.
These IEMs are considered one of the best ones out there by a whole community, and we think so as well. The Arias provide a lot of features at a very small price tag, making them the ideal package.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Great comfort and stability ✅Durable chassis and detachable wire ✅Clear and consistent sound ✅Budget-friendly | ❌No Built-In Microphone |
What’s in the box?
- MOONDROP Aria headphones
- Detachable cable
- 6x sets of silicone tips
- 3x sets of filters
- Tweezers
- Hard carrying case
- Manuals
SteelSeries Tusq (Best Mobile Gaming)
The SteelSeries Tusq made our list because of its one key feature: a detachable boom microphone.
Communication is an important factor in competitive gaming, you need to deliver comms to your team and you can’t do that without a mic. This is where the Tusq comes in.
While most IEMs in this budget don’t offer a microphone, the Tusq not only offers it but excels at it. The recording quality of their mic is excellent, making sure your voice isn’t muffled or lost in the comms
The SteelSeries Tusq made our list because of its one key feature: a detachable boom microphone.
Communication is an important factor in competitive gaming, you need to deliver comms to your team and you can’t do that without a mic. This is where the Tusq comes in. While most IEMs in this budget don’t offer a microphone, the Tusq not only offers it but excels at it. The recording quality of their mic is excellent, making sure your voice isn’t muffled or lost in the comms
The sound is good enough for your gaming needs. But, if you go into the technicalities, the Tusq can be a little bass-heavy. It isn’t a deal breaker though, because the mids and treble are decent.
For an IEM in this price range, the comfort is good. They provide 3x ear tips for you to find the size that fits perfectly for you. Once you do, the Tusq provides good stability and stays in your ear.
While the outer shell of the Tusq is quite durable, surviving multiple drops. The wire is non-detachable. So, if it breaks, you’ll need to get a new pair of the Tusq. In our opinion, this costs them their durability making it a significant drawback.
All things considered, they’re still a great option if you’re looking for a pair of IEMs with a mic. They’re economical and get the job done well. So, if a microphone is a necessity for you, give these a try.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Detachable boom microphone ✅Excellent recording quality ✅Decent comfort ✅Cheap and economical | ❌Non-detachable wire ❌Sub-par passive noise isolation |
What’s in the box?
- SteelSeries TUSQ In-Ear headphones
- Carrying case
- 3x ear tips
- Detachable boom mic
KZ ZS10 (Economic Option)
If you’re looking for an option that’s light on your wallet, go for the KZ ZS10.
These are a steal at their price, having a sleek transparent design, the build quality doesn’t feel cheap at all.
In fact, they’re better looking than some of their higher-priced competitors.
When talking about their sound, they prove to be a great value for money. Having good mids, decent treble, and clarity, they make sure that you won’t be disappointed. Compared to the Tusq, they provide a more balanced sound at a lower price.
But, they don’t include a mic. However, considering their low price, you can get yourself a secondary mic without costing much.
The ZS10 is a little bulky, but once you find the right ear-tip size for you, they’re quite comfortable. Stability isn’t neglected here either as they provide decent stability and won’t fall off even during exercise. You won’t feel tired after long use since they’re lightweight and can handle those long sessions.
You probably don’t want to hear outside noise while in a ranked match, and the ZS10 has you covered. If you don’t live right beside an airport, these will kill all the normal ambient noise through their passive noise cancellation.
While these are cheap IEMs, they prove to be decently durable. The ZS10 has a detachable cable which is pretty surprising to see at this price point. The earbuds themselves are built out of dense plastic and don’t crack easily, passing our durability test.
The ZS10 is a great pair of budget-friendly IEMs, they pack a punch for their price and will probably outlast your pair of AirPods. The sound itself proves to be better than the Tusq but not better than the Moondrop Aria.
While both the Tusq and the Aria have a higher price than the ZS10, they have their specific features too. The Tusq provides a detachable boom mic and the Aria has a better sound. So, at the end of the day, it’s all about what features you prefer.
If what you prefer is an economical and convenient option, buy the KZ SZ10.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Sleek and beautiful design ✅Economical option ✅Detachable Cable ✅Decent Sound | ❌No microphone |
What’s in the box?
- KZ ZS-10 Headphones
- Earbud tips (x3)
- Manuals
Razer Moray (Most Comfortable)
The Moray is Razer’s first installment into the IEM world. And, since Razer is renowned for its gaming peripherals. Even for Valorant, Razer has produced one of the best keyboards and mice.
Similar to the Aria, these have a great balanced sound that serves well in all aspects. Whether you use them for gaming or listening to music, these will provide an immaculate experience. But, compared to the Aria’s, these work even better on the gaming side of things.
The Moray earbuds have better clarity compared to the Aria, with better treble and highs. The mids are great too alongside excellent bass accuracy. Due to all of this, you’ll hear the dialogues crystal clear in a game, and those heavy shooting sounds won’t feel underwhelming either.
These prove to be extremely comfortable as well and have a vast variety of silicon and memory foam tips included, for you to find your preferred fit and comfort. The foam tips adapt according to your ear canal, ensuring a tight and secure fit.
If this was not enough, the Moray wraps around your ear providing added stability. The tight fit ensures decent passive noise isolation and adds to the sound.
They’re made out of extremely durable plastic and have a braided detachable cable. This passes our durability test with ease since they’re hesitant to crack and the cable is easily replaceable. That is, if the cable breaks, which seems unlikely since it’s protected by a rubber-like material.
One potential downside to these alongside other IEMs is that they don’t include a mic and you’ll have to use a separate one.
But, if you can look past that, these are a great purchase. Your gaming needs will be completely fulfilled and once you give these a try, you’ll probably won’t be able to return to your $10 wired earphones.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Extremely comfortable ✅Vast variety of ear tips ✅Lightweight and stable ✅Balanced sound | ❌No microphone ❌A bit pricey |
What’s in the box?
- Detachable cable
- 3x sets of foam tips
- 3x sets of silicone tips
- Carrying case
- Manuals
- Carabiner
Shure SE215 (Best Passive Noise Cancellation)
Entering the premium category of our list, the Shure SE215 is the epitome of passive noise cancellation.
With 9x Eartips provided alongside the earbuds, they make sure that you find the right fit for you.
And, once you do, say goodbye to the outside world.
Their passive noise cancellation provides such an experience that it outperforms some of its peers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Ambient noise can’t penetrate through these making them the best choice for gaming without interruptions.
The sound is extremely balanced as well. Lows, mids, and highs are all consistent providing an immersive experience. Bass doesn’t lack either and packs a punch. The Shure SE215 will make you hear instruments in songs that you never noticed before. That’s how good these sound.
Shure definitely kept comfort in mind while designing these because the SE215 earphones are extremely comfortable. Being lightweight and stable, they stay in your ear but feel like they are not even there. The Shure team did a great job in this regard because you can wear these for countless hours and not get tired.
The cable is also detachable and made out of Para-aramid Fiber (Kevlar). This is a direct emphasis on their durability because a Kevlar cable won’t break easily in the first place, and if it does, it’s replaceable.
Our team was really satisfied with the use of the SE215. They sound great, are comfortable, and most importantly durable. Even though they sit at a premium price point, it’s justified if you’re looking for a pair of IEMs that’ll last you a couple of years without deteriorating and becoming obsolete.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Excellent passive noise cancellation ✅Extremely comfortable ✅Balanced and clear sound ✅Kevlar braided cable | ❌Premium price range ❌No microphone |
What’s in the box?
- Audio cable
- Earbud tips (x9)
- Wax removal tool
- Carrying case
- Manuals
Sennheiser IE 300 (Premium option)
Here is the most premium option on our list, we could’ve included a couple of products at this price point, but we feel like the Sennheiser IE 300 really justifies its premium price tag.
Providing a premium glittery finish on the outside of the earbuds, these feel expensive from the get-go. Pair that up with an included detachable Kevlar cable because you’re on the higher end now. This already makes you feel special even before you put them on and hear what they sound like.
Once you put them on, the luxurious feeling doesn’t stop. They sound phenomenal with spot-on bass and clear mids. The stereo sound is particularly good and will immerse you fully when playing a game. The IE 300 earbuds are powerful IEMs and will hold up against any kind of use.
Given its premium price point, the IE 300 provides a premium comfortability level as well. Silicon and memory foam tips are included for your preference, in our experience, the foam tips add to the comfort even more.
The earphones are stable and ergonomic with an around-the-ear fit and can handle intense use. They’re lightweight so you’re not burdened by them either.
The build quality of both the earbuds and the wire is excellent. The dense plastic makes sure they don’t crack, while still pleasing the premium aesthetics. The cable is of course Kevlar and it’s replaceable too.
Compared to the Shure SE215, these have a more premium feel. But, both of them are quite similar in their functionality. The SE215 is a great alternative if you want to spend less without compromising on quality.
But, if you’re looking for a premium and more exclusive option and don’t mind paying a couple of bucks more, The Sennheiser IE 300 is the way to go!
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Ergonomic and comfortable ✅Luxurious feel ✅Premium build quality ✅Excellent sound | ❌Premium price tag ❌No microphone ❌Lacks controls |
What’s in the box?
- IE 300 earphones
- Detachable cable
- Carrying case
- silicon tips/foam tips
- Cleaning tool
- Manuals
Buyer’s Guide – How to Pick the Best IEMS for Gaming
When looking to find the best possible IEM for you, there are a couple of things to consider. Here, we’ll guide you through what you need to look for to make the perfect choice.
Basically, it comes down to your preference and usage. You won’t need a premium product like the Sennheiser IE 300 if all you need to use it for is regular everyday use. On the other hand, you won’t be satisfied with the Tusq if you want luxury and a powerful sound.
So, before making a decision, take a moment to consider your needs and choose any from this list that fits your description perfectly.
Another big aspect in this regard is comfort. Any audio peripheral you buy needs to be comfortable otherwise you’ll regret buying it. So, if it comes down to a couple of bucks, spend a little more and choose something like the Moray.
Durability is also a huge concern in the audio peripherals department. Wireless products can be a liability because if anything goes wrong, the whole product becomes obsolete. We recommend going for a durable wired IEM with a detachable cable. So, even if the cable wears out, you can buy a new one and keep enjoying your IEMs.
Whenever we review these devices, we keep four things in mind.
- Sound
- Comfort
- Stability
- Durability
All these factors are professionally dissected in our reviews. So, highlight the factors that resonate with you the most within your budget, and then make an informed decision.
Is It Worth Switching to IEMs?
For focused gaming, Headsets are a better pick. They are designed and catered for gaming needs. But, when it comes to comfort, IEMs are the better option. Secondly, the audio difference between the two is not that big. There is also the aspect of price. Good IEMs cost way less than good headphones. You can get a great pair of durable and great-sounding earphones for under $50-60. At the same price, you won’t get that same quality in headphones.
The time is nigh for you to make the switch from these bulky headphones to a comfortable pair of IEMs. The benefits are higher, plus they’re cheaper.
Even if you spend a good amount on headphones, you’re still bound to experience ear fatigue and pain because of their bulkiness and weight. And quite frankly, no one wants that.
So, rather than hurting your ears and your wallet, switch to a pair of IEMs that provide the same quality of sound while adding to your comfort. Your ears will thank you!
