If you’re looking for the Best Earbuds for Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets, you’re not alone. I personally think the speakers built into the Meta Quest 3v (and 3S) headsets are pretty decent – they’re definitely a lot better than those on the Quest 2, for instance – but they’re not ideal.
Investing in a pair of earbuds, or even wired headphones for the Quest 3 is the best way to upgrade your audio experience (and enjoy a little more privacy). The challenge is finding a pair of earbuds that not only work with the Quest 3, but also don’t make the headset annoyingly uncomfortable.
Here, I’ll share my top picks for the best earbuds Meta Quest 3 users can consider based on comfort, overall audio fidelity, and general compatibility.
Why Invest in the Best Earbuds for Meta Quest 3 Headsets?
Before we dive into my top picks, you might be wondering why you should spend extra on earbuds at all. After all, there are plenty of Quest 3 accessories that add more to your XR experience – like the Elite strap with the added battery pack – which I think is a must have for most users.
Technically, you don’t need earbuds for the Quest 3 or the Quest 3S (the more affordable model). Both have their own speakers built-in which offer a pretty decent level of volume and clarity. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is that the sound quality on these devices could be a bit too good.
Imagine, for instance, you’re using your Quest 3 headset remotely to engage in an immersive meeting on Microsoft Teams. If you want to keep your conversation private, it’s pretty hard to do with Meta’s open-air speakers. Even relatively low-volume sound can easily leak out, which will be a problem for more “sensitive” meetings.
Even if you don’t have to worry about keeping your conversations private, the strong volume on the Quest 3 headsets can still pose a problem. If you were using your headset in the office, for instance, whatever you’re listening to definitely has the potential to distract and disturb your team members.
Plus, I honestly feel wearing earbuds gives me a deeper sense of immersion overall when I’m using an XR headset. Noise-canceling headphones, in particular, are great if you want to block out more of what’s happening around you in the “real world” while you’re using XR.
The Best Earbuds for Meta Quest 3 Headsets: Top Picks
I chose the following options for my list of the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets for a few reasons. First, they’re comfortable, and convenient for long-term wear. They’re also easy to connect (or link) to your Quest headset, and they offer fantastic audio performance. On top of that, the following earbuds all have a few unique features that I think make them really stand out.
Let’s dive into the options.
1. Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed Earbuds: Best Overall
It’s probably no shock that Razer’s Hammerhead Hyperspeed earbuds made it to the top of this list. After all, they’re one of the few sets of earbuds created in collaboration with Meta. These wireless earbuds are pretty expensive, costing around $150 on the Meta store. However, they’re some of the most comfortable options available, with flexible silicone ear tips, and a lightweight design.
They also deliver phenomenal performance. Thanks to an ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless connection (enabled by an included dongle), these earbuds constantly deliver seamless, low-latency audio, perfect for any mixed reality experience. The active noise cancellation is brilliant too.
It effectively blocks out all of the surrounding noise in your environment, boosting immersion, and keeping you focused if you’re using your Quest headset for work. You even get a fantastic battery life of up to 30 hours with the included charging case.
I particularly love how flexible these earbuds are – they don’t just work with the Meta Quest and Meta Quest 3S – they can connect with virtually any Bluetooth enabled device. I regularly use them with my smartphone and my laptop at work.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Fantastic active noise cancellation
- Comfortable design for all-day wear
- Excellent compatibility
- Instant set-up and connection
Cons:
- Expensive pricing
2. Soundcore VR P10: Smart, Affordable Earbuds
Soundcore might not be as well-known in the earbud landscape as companies like Razer or Logitech – but they produce some of the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets by far. Unlike most wireless earbuds, these headphones are designed specifically for VR and MR headsets.
Initially, they were designed to work with the Meta Quest 2, but they’re compatible with the Quest 3 and Quest 3S too – as well as plenty of other devices.
Even though they’re a little older than some of the earbuds on this list, the Soundcore VR P10 buds deliver exceptional audio clarity – and low latency. Like the Razer earbuds mentioned above, they come with a dongle for fast-paced connectivity, with a latency of less than 30ms.
The 11mm drivers and included “Bass Up” features allow for excellent clarity, although I did find that the bass was a little lacking in some areas. Additionally, with six hours of battery life on a single charge, you shouldn’t have any trouble with running out of power mid-meeting or gaming session.
Costing less than $100, these earbuds are an affordable, versatile option for anyone who wants to upgrade their VR experience, without spending a fortune.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Low latency connectivity
- Excellent audio quality and volume
- Reasonably long battery life
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Limited microphone performance
- Missing some bass
3. PrismXR Vega T1 Earbuds: Excellent Plug-and-Play Performance
Again, PrismXR is a company you’re probably less likely to be familiar with – unless you’ve been shopping for XR accessories for a while. However, I think the Vega T1 earbuds really pack a punch for Meta Quest users. They’re similar in a lot of ways to the Soundcore earbuds mentioned above.
You get a similar 6 hours of battery per charge (increased to 24 hours with the included charging case). Plus, you won’t have to worry about latency, thanks to the USB-C dongle that can plug into your Quest 3 or 3S USB-C port directly.
One thing the PrismXR Vega T1 earbuds have that you won’t get on other headphones, however, is a USB-C passthrough port. This means you can use your battery-powered Elite head strap to charge your device, and your earbuds while you’re using them.
The PrismXR Vega headphones sound amazing, with crisp and distinct audio quality, and they feel comfortable to wear for long periods too. You can also grab a pair of these earbuds for less than $80 if you’re looking to keep costs low.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Minimal latency thanks to the USB-C dongle
- Passthrough charging support
- Excellent sound quality
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- No IP rating for outdoor use
4. Apple Airpods Pro 2: Best Spatial Sound
Already have a pair of Airpods for your smartphone? Why not use them as your Quest headphones too? Apple’s Airpods are easily some of the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets – although they’re often overlooked by most people.
Despite launching quite a while ago, these headphones are packed with brilliant features. They offer amazing active noise cancellation, robust audio and volume, and a range of advanced listening modes. Plus, you get a feature-rich case with wireless charging capabilities.
Perhaps one of the top things that make these earbuds stand out for Quest users – however, is the spatial audio capabilities. You can actually use an app on your Apple smartphone to measure the geometry of your head, and create a “sound profile” for your listening experience.
If you’re looking for a more immersive spatial audio experience than you can get from the Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets alone – Apple’s earbuds are hard to beat. The biggest downside, for most, will be the hefty price tag. Still, it’s worth remembering you can use these earbuds with practically anything – including your computer or smartphone.
Pros:
- Excellent spatial audio performance
- Fantastic active noise cancellation
- Compatibility with various devices
- Easy connectivity for Meta Quest headsets
- Comfortable and stylish design
Cons:
- Expensive pricing
5. Logitech G333 Gaming Earphones: Best Wired Earbuds
The Logitech G333 Gaming earphones are one of the few best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets actually recommended by Meta (alongside the Anker Soundcore buds). Technically, Meta recommends using these earbuds with the Quest 2. However, the Quest 3 also features a headphone jack – so you can use the earbuds with that too.
Just remember, the Quest 3S doesn’t have an audio jack – so you can only use wireless (Bluetooth) headphones with that. Although having an extra wire to contend with when you’re wearing an MR headset is a little annoying, you do get to eliminate the issue of latency almost completely.
The Logitech G333 earbuds also feature dual drivers, excellent high and mid-levels, and booming bass—for an experience that far outperforms many competitors. Plus, since these are wired headphones, you benefit from inline controls for your microphone and volume.
If you don’t particularly love the touch controls on most wireless alternatives, or you have a hard time accessing them when you’re wearing your headset, the G333s could be an excellent alternative. On top of that, there are various color options available, so you can showcase your personal style.
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- In-line controls for easy audio management
- Multiple color options available
- Minimal lag and latency
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Not compatible with the Quest 3S
- Not as convenient as wireless earbuds
How to Choose the Best Earbuds for Meta Quest 3 Headsets
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for choosing the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets. I’ve tried to offer a range of options here to appeal to all kinds of users, but if you’re struggling to make a decision, here are some points to consider:
- Sound quality: Obviously, crisp, clear sound is a must for any earbuds. I particularly recommend looking for headphones that offer custom sound profiles, or access to spatial audio, if you want a more “immersive” experience. Active noise cancellation is a good feature to prioritize too, to eliminate those unwanted external distractions.
- Integrated features: Consider how you’re going to be using your headphones in XR. If you want a pair of headphones for immersive meetings, you might need a built-in microphone, or a dongle for low-latency connectivity, for instance.
- Connectivity: Technically, if you’re using a Quest 3S headset, you’ll only be able to choose “wireless” headphones for your device. However, if you’re using a Quest 3, you do have the option to pick from wired and wireless headsets. Typically, wireless options are going to be a lot more convenient, but it all depends on your personal preferences.
- Comfort and design: Style might not be a huge factor for someone searching for the best earbuds for Meta Quest 3 headsets. Your headset will usually hide your earbuds from view. However, comfort is crucial – particularly if you’re going to be using these earbuds for long periods. Make sure they’re easy to wear and have adjustable tips for better comfort.
- Pricing: You usually get what you pay for in the world of audio accessories. Still, it’s worth looking for something reasonably affordable. My best advice is to ensure your earbuds work with a wide range of devices – so you can get the most value for your money.
Upgrade Your XR Audio Experience
If you’re looking for a way to take your Meta Quest 3 experience to the next level, investing in a solid pair of earbuds is a good first step. Sure, the audio quality on Meta’s headsets is decent enough, but a pair of earbuds can take your immersion up a notch. Plus, wearing earbuds is a good way to keep your conversations private (and avoid distracting your colleagues).
Hopefully, this list has given you a few potential options to start exploring. Make sure you check out our guide to the best Meta Quest 3 accessories too, if you’re looking for more inspiration on the extra kit you can add to your XR collection.
