7 BEST IEM for gaming to buy in 2024

In-ear monitors, also known as IEMs, have gained a lot of traction amongst gamers in recent times, mainly due to their compact designs and high-end audio and communication experiences. Whether you are a competitive gamer or a casual one, the right IEM could deliver one of the best gaming experiences, audio-wise, when you are enjoying your favorite games. 

So, how do you choose the perfect IEM that would complement your gaming by enhancing the audio and communication experience? Well, that is where we come in with our list of the best IEMs for gaming that you can consider purchasing in 2024. Check out the sections right below to dive into the world of the best in-ear monitors and choose the right one for yourself!

7 Best IEMs for gaming to buy in 2024

Now, without wasting any more words, let's quickly take a look at the 7 best IEMs for gaming that you can buy in 2024. Although we have provided a purchase link for each of the listed IEMs on our list, make sure to read their brief descriptions before finalizing your choice.

1. Sennheiser IE 900

Brand	Sennheiser
Connectivity	Wired
Price	$1200

Although Sennheiser says that the IE 900 is designed for music lovers, these IEMs are great for gaming, as per many gamers. The IE 900 comes with a specially designed 7mm TrueResponse transducer, a triple-chamber absorber, and an acoustic vortex to deliver a "larger-than-life" audio experience to users.

So, whether you are into competitive FPS titles or AAA titles, you will get a balanced and immersive audio experience with the Sennheiser IE 900 earbuds. Additionally, the IE 900 comes with para-aramid reinforced cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors for durability and efficient audio delivery. However, you should keep in mind that the IE 900 is in no way a cheap IEM and costs over $1000. So, we'd recommend you check out all its features and quirks in-depth before making that purchase.

Check out the Sennheiser IE 900 on Amazon

2. Shure SE535-CL

Brand	Shure
Connectivity	Wired
Price	$449

The Shure SE535-CL is another great IEM for gaming, thanks to a variety of features and factors of the earbuds. Firstly, these IEMs come with a special sound-isolating technology that can block up to 37dB of noise, allowing gamers to focus just on game sounds and communications. 

Secondly, the Shure SE535-CLs are designed to deliver a full range of audio with an emphasis on the bass frequencies, thanks to the triple high-definition driver setup. Furthermore, the IEMs come with reinforced cables and gold-plated MMCX connectors with a 360-degree lock-snap mechanism for a secure connection.

Check out the Shure SE535-CL on Amazon

3. Sony WF-1000XM5

Brand	Sony
Connectivity	Wireless
Price	$266

Now, if you are looking to take the wireless route in terms of gaming IEM, you might want to take a look at the Sony WF-1000XM5 IEM earbuds. Coming in with advanced features such as support for Hi-Res audio and AI-backed noise cancellation technology, the 1000XM5s are perfect for not only gaming but also for general music listening and calls as well. 

The Sony WF-1000XM5 packs two processors - Sony's QN2e HD Noise Cancelling Processor and the Integrated V2 processor, to deliver rich audio and provide an immersive sound-isolation experience. The battery life of the Sony IEMs is also great, delivering up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge with a 16-hour battery life with the charging case. Furthermore, with a quick charge tech, users can top up the earbuds for a 60-minute battery life in just 3 minutes.

Check out the Sony WF-1000XM5 on Amazon

4. Sennheiser Momnetum True Wireless 3

Brand	Sennheiser
Connectivity	Wireless
Price	$199

Another great option in the wireless gaming IEM category is the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds. Although the name of the earbuds is a mouthful, they offer a ton of great features at a moderate price range, including high-resolution audio and adaptive noise cancellation. 

These wireless IEMs from Sennheiser come with the company's TrueResponse transducer and aptX Adaptive technology to deliver an immersive audio experience. The audio experience via the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds can also be customized as per user needs, thanks to a built-in equalizer and pre-sets. Additionally, users can also take advantage of the Adaptive Noise Cancellation or Transparency Mode to further customize their audio experience.

Check out the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 on Amazon

5. Moondrop KATO

Brand	Moondrop
Connectivity	Wired
Price	$189

Now, coming down to the budget price segment for IEMs, one of our first recommendations would be the Moondrop KATO. These wired IEMs from Moondrop are pretty raved about among gamers, primarily for their crisp and clear sound and advanced directional audio. It comes with an Ultra-Linear-Technology (ULT) driver, which the company says took 2 years to develop. 

So, if you often dive into the world of competitive FPS games with your friends, the Moondrop KATO's directional audio can really help in discerning footstep sounds and other subtle in-game sounds. Moreover, the KATO focuses more on the mids rather than the bass frequencies, which in turn allows the IEMs to deliver the audio with impeccable separation and clarity. Additionally, the Moondrop KATO comes with a unique housing design that is bound to stand out in your overall gaming setup.

Check out the Moondrop KATO on Amazon

6. Letshuoer S12

Brand	Letshuoer
Connectivity	Wired
Price	$149

Coming to the under-$150 segment for gaming IEMs, one of our recommendations would be the Letshuoer S12 IEM earbuds. Featuring CNC-ed metallic ear cavities, these IEMs look and feel quite premium and more than what they are worth. Not only that but the Letshuoer S12 comes with a large 14.8mm planar magnetic driver to deliver bass-heavy audio to users.

Thanks to the large planar magnetic driver inside the S12 IEMs, they can deliver high-quality audio with deep and resonant bass, which can really up your gaming experience when playing immersive games on your gaming PC or console.

Check out the Letshuoer S12 on Amazon

7. FiiO FH3

Brand	FiiO
Connectivity	Wired
Price	$109

Now, for the last gaming IEM on our list, we have chosen the FiiO FH3 IEM earbuds. It is a really great IEM option, which costs just over $100 bucks and offers some of the best features for users. The FiiO FH3 earbuds focus on the highs and mids rather than the bass, thanks to the beryllium-plated dynamic driver inside. Furthermore, the IEMs also come with a pair of Knowles drivers paired with the 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic driver to deliver balanced highs and mids.

Additionally, the FH3 IEMs feature the FiiO's patented S.TURBO acoustic design to balance the air pressure in the front and rear chambers, allowing for a more stress-free audio experience. Overall, the FiiO FH3 are great IEMs for gaming and music listening at a budget price point.

Check out the FiiO FH3 on Amazon

Why get an IEM for gaming instead of a gaming headset?

Now, let's take a quick look at why you should consider getting an IEM for gaming rather than a traditional, over-the-ear, gaming headset.

IEMs are essentially designed to provide clearer and more separated audio for sound designers and studio professionals, allowing them to mix and edit audio more efficiently than ever. They are also loved by the global audiophile communities to get an enhanced audio experience while listening to their favourite tracks. 

However, piggybacking the ongoing gaming revolution around the world, in-ear monitors have made their way to the gaming industry for their compact designs, Hi-Fi audio, in-ear noise cancellation, and low maintenance.

IEMs are typically in-ear buds that are much smaller compared to bulky gaming headsets, and naturally, are more portable and comfortable. Additionally, the balanced sound signatures of IEMs are perfect for delivering the right frequencies for gaming soundscapes as well as in-game communications. Furthermore, IEMs are much easier to maintain than traditional gaming headsets, thanks to detachable IEM cables and the ability to convert a wired IEM to a wireless one with just an additional module.

So, sitting in 2024, you should definitely consider getting an IEM over a traditional gaming headset.

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