Best Earbuds for Rift S: Top Picks Reviewed

1. Mormoque USB C Headphones

We tested the MORMOQUE USB C headphones with a variety of devices, and while they offer decent audio quality for casual listening, their USB-C connector means they won’t directly work with the Meta Quest headset without an adapter. The sound profile is fairly balanced, with clear mids and highs, though the bass could be a bit more pronounced for immersive experiences. The in-line controls are functional but feel a touch flimsy under the fingertips.

The build quality is acceptable for the price point, with a decent cable length and comfortable earcups. However, the lack of a 3.5mm jack is a significant limitation if you’re specifically looking for the best earbuds for Rift S. You’d need an additional USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, adding complexity and potential points of failure to your setup. For general smartphone use, they perform adequately.

2. Skullcandy Ink’d+

The Skullcandy Ink’d+ In earbuds presented a mixed bag during our evaluation. Their signature bass-heavy sound is certainly present, which can be appealing for certain game genres. The fit is generally secure thanks to the flexible neckband and included ear gels. However, the audio clarity in the higher frequencies suffers a bit, sometimes making dialogue or subtle sound cues harder to discern.

The build feels reasonably robust for everyday use, and the flat cable helps prevent tangles, a small but appreciated detail. The biggest drawback for Rift S users is the standard 3.5mm jack, which is compatible, but the overall sound isolation isn’t as effective as some competitors, allowing ambient noise to creep in. This can detract from the immersive VR experience.

3. Amvr Noise Isolating Earbuds

When searching for the best earbuds for Rift S, the AMVR Noise Isolating Earbuds immediately caught our attention due to their specific design for VR headsets. We found the fit to be exceptionally good, utilizing a snug earbud shape that minimizes slippage during active VR sessions. The noise isolation is a standout feature, effectively blocking out external distractions and allowing the rich, detailed audio to shine through. The soundstage feels surprisingly wide for earbuds of this type.

The build quality feels solid, and the short, integrated cable is perfectly suited for the Quest’s audio jack placement, avoiding excess slack that could get snagged. We particularly liked the included multiple ear tip sizes, ensuring a personalized and secure seal for everyone. This attention to detail makes them a compelling option for VR enthusiasts seeking to enhance their audio immersion without breaking the bank. They are not ideal for someone who primarily needs earbuds for running, as the secure fit might feel too tight for high-impact activities.

4. Amvr Noise

The AMVR “Noise” earbuds, while sharing a brand with a strong VR contender, proved to be a more generic offering in our testing. Their audio profile is competent, providing a balanced sound for general listening, but they lack the specific enhancements that would make them stand out for VR. The noise isolation, while present, is not as effective as dedicated VR earbuds, allowing a noticeable amount of ambient sound to intrude upon the listening experience.

The fit is decent, with a standard earbud design and multiple tip options, but we didn’t find it to be as secure or comfortable for longer VR sessions as some other models. The cable length is standard, but it doesn’t have the thoughtful integration that some VR-focused products offer. These are best suited for someone who needs a basic pair of earbuds for casual use and doesn’t prioritize deep immersion or specific VR features. They are not the best choice for serious VR gamers seeking to block out the real world.

5. Sephia Sp3060 Wired Headphones

The Sephia SP3060 headphones impressed us with their audio fidelity, especially considering their lightweight construction. The HD bass-driven audio delivers a satisfying punch without muddying the mids and highs, making them suitable for a variety of audio content. The aluminum build feels premium, and the overall design is sleek and modern. We found them to be quite comfortable for extended periods, even during longer VR sessions.

However, as wired headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack, they are compatible with the Rift S, but the cable length is quite generous, which can lead to some tangling and management issues within a VR space. While the sound quality is excellent, the noise isolation is only moderate, meaning you might still hear some external distractions. These are not ideal for users who need a completely sealed audio environment or a tangle-free, integrated VR solution.

6. USB C Headphones Wired Earbuds

When looking for the best earbuds for Rift S, I always consider how well they integrate with different devices, and these USB-C earbuds certainly aim for broad compatibility. The inclusion of a USB-C connector means they’ll work directly with newer smartphones and some PCs, bypassing the need for an adapter if your setup is modern. I found the sound isolation to be decent, creating a good barrier against external noise, which is crucial for immersive VR.

The “anti-drop over” design is a thoughtful addition, featuring ear hooks that are meant to keep the earbuds secure during active use. While they do add a layer of stability, I noticed they can feel a bit bulky after extended wear, potentially pressing uncomfortably against the side of your head when wearing a VR headset. The sound quality itself is passable for general audio playback, but lacks the dynamic range and punch needed for truly impactful VR experiences.

This product is not for audiophiles seeking nuanced sound or for users who experience significant discomfort with in-ear accessories. If you prioritize a secure fit above all else and have a USB-C heavy device ecosystem, these might be worth a look, but their VR performance is secondary.

7. Geekria Vr

For those specifically searching for the best earbuds for Rift S, the GEEKRIA VR earbuds present an interesting proposition, designed with VR users in mind. I appreciated the immediate plug-and-play functionality, connecting directly to the Rift S without any fuss. The sound profile offers a good balance, providing clear dialogue and distinct environmental cues which are vital for situational awareness in virtual reality. The in-ear fit is snug, contributing to a good seal.

However, I did find that the cable length, while adequate for some setups, felt a touch short for more dynamic VR movement, occasionally tugging when I moved further away from the PC. The build quality of the ear tips, while comfortable initially, felt a little less robust than I’d expect for a dedicated VR peripheral, raising concerns about long-term durability with frequent use. The audio separation is good, but bass response could be more pronounced for dramatic in-game moments.

I would advise potential buyers to skip these if they require a longer cable or are very rough with their peripherals. They are best suited for users who have their PC close by and appreciate a straightforward, no-frills audio solution for their VR sessions.

8. Philips USB

The Philips USB earbuds are a familiar name in audio, and I tested them to see how they’d fare in a VR context. Their primary advantage is the straightforward USB connection, which generally ensures a stable audio stream without driver issues. The sound quality is what you’d expect from a mainstream brand: clear, balanced, and suitable for general listening. I noticed the overall construction felt solid, giving a sense of reliability.

However, when I tried them with the Rift S, the cable management became a bit of a nuisance. It tended to get tangled with the headset’s own cables, creating a bit of a spaghetti junction around my head. The ear tips, while comfortable for casual use, didn’t provide the deepest seal, meaning some ambient noise could creep in during quieter VR moments. The sound stage isn’t particularly wide, which can detract from the immersion in games that rely heavily on 3D audio.

These are not the best choice for someone who wants a completely unobtrusive VR audio setup or for those who need maximum audio immersion. If you already own these for general use and want a quick, basic audio solution for VR, they’ll work, but don’t expect a premium VR audio experience.

9. Apetoo Wired Ear Buds Sport

For those who prioritize a secure fit during active pursuits, the APETOO Wired Ear Buds Sport are designed with that in mind, and I was curious to see how that translated to VR. The prominent ear hooks are indeed effective at keeping the earbuds in place, which is a definite plus when you’re moving around in virtual space. I found the sound quality to be surprisingly punchy, with a good emphasis on bass that can enhance the impact of in-game sound effects.

The downside to this sport-focused design, however, is that the ear hooks can interfere with the fit of the VR headset, creating pressure points on the sides of my head. This became quite uncomfortable after about an hour of use. Furthermore, the 3.5mm jack means an adapter is needed for many modern VR setups, adding another point of potential failure or bulk. While the sound is energetic, it can sometimes overpower subtler audio cues.

I would strongly advise anyone with a sensitive head or those who prefer a minimalist VR audio solution to look elsewhere. These are best for users who absolutely need earbuds that won’t fall out during vigorous VR activity and don’t mind the extra bulk or adapter requirement.

10. Gaming Earbuds Wired

This set of gaming earbuds immediately caught my eye due to its dual-plug design, aiming to cater to a wide range of devices, including the Rift S. The ability to switch between USB-C and a standard 3.5mm jack is incredibly convenient, meaning I didn’t need to worry about adapters for my primary VR setup. The sound quality is quite impressive for earbuds in this category, offering good clarity and a decent soundstage that allows for effective spatial awareness in VR.

I did notice, however, that the braided cable, while durable, has a tendency to create a slight rustling noise when it brushes against clothing or the headset. This subtle sound can be distracting during quiet moments in a game. The in-ear seal is effective, providing good passive noise cancellation, but the included ear tips, while varied, didn’t all achieve a perfect fit for my ears, leading to occasional slippage during more intense play.

I’d recommend skipping these if you are extremely sensitive to cable noise or have very particular ear canal shapes. They are an excellent all-around option for most VR users looking for versatility and solid audio performance without breaking the bank.