My Go-To Gaming Earbuds
I’ve been diving into audio gear for two decades now, and my experience as a freelance headphones panelist has allowed me to test countless earbuds. Some have impressed me, while others have been downright disappointing. As I transition from one pair to the next, they often start to blend together. However, a few truly exceptional models manage to capture my attention. Here are the three pairs I find myself reaching for the most these days.
First up are the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. After years of relying on Apple’s AirPods Pro—first the Pro 2 and then the Pro 3—these new $170 earbuds have become my daily drivers. Right now, I’m enjoying some Lofi beats through them as I write. The sound quality is impressive, especially after tweaking the frequency response in the Soundcore app (out of the box, the bass is a bit overpowering, which can muddy vocals and muffle snare hits). They fit snugly in my ears, and with an IP55 rating, I could even take them for a run if needed—though I usually prefer my Powerbeats Fit for that. Plus, they support the LDAC high-res audio codec with compatible devices, which is a bonus for audiophiles.
The noise cancellation is also outstanding, rivaling that of pricier options like the AirPods Pro 3. While the Soundcore buds let in a bit more midrange, they effectively block out low-end noise.
However, the real highlight of the Liberty 5 Pro is their call quality. I’ve never encountered earbuds that do such a great job of filtering out background noise, allowing me to sound crystal clear during calls and meetings. Whether it’s the family parrot squawking nearby or the hustle of Los Angeles traffic, my conversation partners are never distracted by the noise around me. Many are surprised when I mention how much chaos is happening in my environment.
The Liberty 5 Pro also come packed with useful features, including voice controls, AI translation via the Soundcore app, and a case equipped with a 0.96-inch TFT touchscreen and wireless charging. For an extra $60, you can opt for the Liberty 5 Pro Max, which adds AI transcription and summary capabilities, but the earbuds themselves are identical to the 5 Pro. Unless you frequently need to record and transcribe, I’d skip the upgrade.
Battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) is somewhat lacking, rated at just 6.5 hours (or 28 hours total with the case), and that drops further if you’re using high-res audio features. I find myself recharging the case every couple of days.
Switching between paired devices can be a bit of a hassle. I often use my work MacBook, iPhone, and iPad throughout the day, but the earbuds can only connect to two devices at once. This means I frequently have to disconnect from one to connect to another.
When I need a reliable fallback, I turn to my Apple AirPods Pro 3. They seamlessly integrate with my Apple devices, so I can just pop them out of the case and they’re ready to go. Whether I’m watching a show on my iPad or switching to my iPhone, the AirPods automatically connect and notify me with a pop-up.
Sound-wise, the AirPods do edge out the Soundcore, though the difference isn’t huge. They also provide some of the best noise-canceling performance available.
The AirPods Pro 3 come with a host of features that work best within the Apple ecosystem. Live translation on supported iPhones is decent, and the case supports magnetic wireless charging. They include a Find My feature for when (not if) you misplace them, and even a hearing test. Plus, they have a heart rate sensor that syncs with the iOS Fitness app, and they boast an IP57 rating, which is slightly better than the Soundcore’s IP55.
However, despite the improved fit over the Pro 2, I still struggle with the AirPods during workouts. While they stay put when I’m at my desk, a light jog can dislodge them. Earbud fit is highly personal, and for me, Apple hasn’t quite nailed it. The stem design, while iconic, can be frustrating when I’m trying to adjust settings mid-run.
That’s where the Beats Powerbeats Fit come into play. Their wingtip design ensures they stay securely in my ears, and they’re comfortable throughout my workouts. The in-ear design also doesn’t interfere with sunglasses, making them preferable to the ear hooks of the Powerbeats Pro 2. Even though Beats is under the Apple umbrella, these earbuds can connect to Android devices without losing functionality through the Beats app.
One downside is their IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. I don’t sweat heavily during workouts, and living in dry Los Angeles means humidity isn’t a concern, but I’d be cautious about running in heavy rain. They should hold up fine in most situations, though.
Recently, there’s been a surge in open earbuds that offer great environmental awareness since they don’t fully seal in your ears. However, they often lack the sound quality of in-ears, particularly in bass response. I don’t think the tradeoff is worth it, but the Powerbeats Fit do have a solid transparency mode for when I need to be aware of my surroundings. If you prefer not to have anything in your ears, options like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are worth considering.
Most people don’t cycle through earbuds as frequently as I do, and not everyone needs three different pairs of $200-ish earbuds. If I had to choose just one, it would be the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro. They’re the most affordable of the bunch, versatile, sound fantastic, and excel in call quality. With their IP55 rating, they’re even suitable for workouts. All three options are excellent, and if you’re looking to stay within the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 3 are a solid pick. But for me, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro truly stands out.
