Review: Asus ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds: Comfort Reigns Supreme
Asus has introduced the ROG Cetra Open Wireless Gaming Earbuds, a novel audio solution that departs from conventional earbud design. Rather than sitting inside the ear canal with a seal, these earbuds are held externally and operate similarly to open-back headphones while maintaining wireless connectivity.
The defining advantage of the Cetra Open is exceptional comfort combined with environmental awareness. By eliminating the traditional in-ear seal, the design enables extended wear without fatigue while allowing users to remain conscious of their surroundings. This approach proves particularly valuable in scenarios where monitoring the ambient environment is important.
During Digital Foundry’s month-long testing period, the Cetra Open demonstrated versatility across multiple use cases. The reviewer found them especially beneficial for running, household chores, and gaming while monitoring for sounds like a doorbell. This range of applications shows that despite their gaming branding, the earbuds function effectively across diverse daily activities.
The open-back design positions the Cetra Open as a distinctive niche product that bridges traditional in-ear earbuds and over-ear headphones. Rather than isolating users from their environment, the design embraces ambient awareness while providing gaming-grade audio quality. This unconventional approach represents Asus exploring designs beyond its core gaming peripherals, addressing real comfort and usability challenges in the wireless audio market.