Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Moondrop Chu II | Best overall budget IEM | 3.5mm, detachable 2-pin cable |
| Moondrop Chu II DSP | Plug straight into USB-C (PC, phone, Switch) | USB-C with mic |
| TANGZU Wan'er S.G II | Best with a built-in mic | USB-C with mic, 2-pin cable |
Are IEMs good for gaming?
Yes. Because IEMs sit inside the ear canal, they block outside noise and deliver detail like footsteps and reloads very clearly. Wired IEMs also have zero Bluetooth lag. The trade-off is a narrower 'soundstage' than open-back headphones, and you'll need a separate mic for party chat unless your cable has one built in.
The best IEMs for gaming
Best for: Best overall budget IEM
Moondrop CHU II
A 10mm dynamic driver in a metal shell, with a brass nozzle, replaceable filters and a detachable cable. Balanced, detailed sound that makes footsteps easy to place, at a very low price.
- Excellent detail for the price
- Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
- Case and ear tips included
- Standard version has no mic
- 3.5mm plug needs an adapter on some phones
Best for: PC, phone and Switch players
Moondrop CHU II DSP (USB-C)
The same Chu II tuning with a USB-C cable that has a built-in DAC, mic and three bass presets you can switch in the Moondrop Link app.
- USB-C plug and play
- Built-in microphone
- Adjustable bass presets
- Won't plug into a 3.5mm controller jack
- Mic is fine for chat, not streaming
Best for: Gaming-tuned IEM with mic
TANGZU Wan'er S.G II
A 10mm PET dynamic driver, a tangle-free detachable 2-pin cable and a USB-C version with an in-line mic — marketed specifically as a gaming IEM.
- Mic version available
- Light, comfortable shells
- Detachable cable
- Stock can be limited
- Plastic build
How to set up IEMs for gaming
- On PS5 or Xbox, plug the 3.5mm version into the controller jack. For voice chat, add a budget gaming microphone or use a mic-equipped cable.
- Try every ear-tip size. A proper seal makes a bigger difference to bass and noise blocking than the IEM itself.
- Prefer wireless? Our wireless gaming headsets and wireless earbuds guides cover low-latency options.
Keep a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in your bag so the 3.5mm Chu II works with phones and laptops that lack a headphone jack.
FAQ
Are IEMs better than headphones for gaming?
For hearing footsteps and blocking noise, often yes. Open-back headphones give a wider soundstage. Many players use IEMs for competitive games.
Do IEMs work on PS5 controllers?
Yes, 3.5mm IEMs plug straight into the DualSense jack. USB-C versions like the Chu II DSP need a USB-C port instead.
Do IEMs have a microphone?
Some do. The Chu II DSP and the mic version of the Wan'er S.G II include one; the standard Chu II does not.
Are cheap IEMs good?
Budget IEMs from Moondrop and Tangzu are widely praised and often outperform gaming earbuds that cost more.