In-ear monitors, commonly known as IEMs, have become a popular audio choice for many gamers. But are dedicated gaming IEMs the right pick for your needs? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using IEMs for gaming and how they compare to traditional gaming headphones.
What Are Gaming IEMs?
In-ear monitors are a type of earphone that sit inside your ear canal, using silicone or foam ear tips to create a seal. The in-ear design provides excellent noise isolation, blocking out external sounds for an immersive listening experience. Many IEMs are also designed specifically for gaming, with features like surround sound, gaming mode for low latency, and built-in boom mics for voice chat.
However, gaming IEMs haven’t caught on like gaming earbuds, and especially not gaming headsets. If you head online and search for gaming headsets, you’ll find countless reviews, recommendations, and options. In contrast, there are some good gaming IEMs, but only around a tenth of the choice. Simply put, the range of gaming IEMs isn’t there, and that could be a direct reflection of the gaming audio market as a whole.
Still, that hasn’t stopped some of the biggest names in gaming audio from launching gaming IEMs, with brands like Razer, HyperX, and EPOS offering gaming-focused IEM models.
Specs and Features to Check Before Buying Gaming IEMs
Gaming IEMs and other headsets aren’t so different. There is still a core set of specs and features to check out before you buy, many of which are similar to a regular gaming headset.
Your gaming IEMs need the following features:
Given most gaming IEMs are wired, low latency should be a given, but it’s always worth checking beforehand.
Like the features, you’ll want tocheck out the following specs when buying gaming IEMs.
Aside from the specs and features, comfort is another factor when buying gaming IEMs. If they’re not comfortable for long gaming sessions, there is no point in buying them.
Gaming IEM Pros and Cons
For many gamers, IEMs provide advantages over bulky gaming headsets. Their small, lightweight size makes IEMs highly portable and ideal for mobile gaming. The noise isolation lets you focus on game audio, even in loud environments. IEMs also occupy very little space, making them great for gaming in tight quarters or on the go. Many include detachable boom mics that enable clear voice communication for multiplayer.
However, there are some potential downsides to choosing IEMs over headphones for gaming purposes. Their closed-in-ear design lacks the spacious, open soundstage many gaming headphones provide. This can limit your ability to pinpoint directional audio cues in games like first-person shooters accurately. The audio signature of IEMs also tends to be more neutral versus the boosted bass and lively treble of gaming headsets. This may result in a flatter, less exciting sound for some gamers.
When comparing IEMs to dedicated gaming headphones, both have their merits. Large over-ear headphones surround your ears with big audio drivers, creating a wide dynamic range and crystal-clear positional audio. This lends itself well to experiencing a game’s full immersive soundscape. Headphones crafted specifically for gaming also fine-tune the sound signature to accentuate important in-game frequencies like footsteps or reloads.
On the other hand, the supreme noise isolation and portability of IEMs make them a superior choice in certain gaming scenarios. If you primarily game on the go with a Nintendo Switch or mobile phone, IEMs are far more practical and provide better listening privacy. For voice-chat-dependent team multiplayer games, many IEMs now integrate high-quality boom mics with gaming-optimized controls for balancing game and chat audio.
Ultimately, choosing between IEMs and gaming headphones comes down to weighing your priorities. If immersive soundstage and tailored gaming audio are most important, over-ear headphones are a better pick. But if you value mobility, voice chat clarity, and noise isolation over an expansive cinematic experience, today’s gaming IEMs can deliver.
6 Gaming IEMs You Can Buy Right Now
For those interested in gaming IEMs, here are some top models to consider across various budgets:
Key Features
Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
Low latency wireless connection, touch controls, mobile gaming focus
HyperX Cloud Gaming Earbuds
Officially licensed by Nintendo Switch, accentuated bass, in-line microphone
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
Detachable boom mic, Bluetooth 5.2, 7.1 surround sound
Shure SE215
Heavily noise isolating design, add-on microphone cable available
Universal IEM with crisp, extended frequency range tailored for gaming
1More Quad Driver
Accurate soundstage recreation, detachable boom mic
Prices for gaming IEMs range from around $50 to $200, but you could spend over that limit. SomeIEMs can be very expensive!
Should You Buy Gaming IEMs?
While everyone’s preferences vary, this gives a broad overview of the gaming IEM landscape. There are now many choices designed to provide an optimized gaming audio experience in an ultra-portable format. Just be sure to carefully match the right IEM model features to your specific gaming needs.
