If you are looking for big sound in a compact design the ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds have a lot to offer. These in-ear wireless buds are designed with gamers in-mind, packed with a bevy of features that will keep you locked into your game. Both at home and on the go I put the ROG Cetra through its paces. Let’s look at how these earphones performed and see if they can make gaming on the go better.

ROG Cetra earbuds unboxing and design

The unboxing and set-up process is quick and simple with the ROG Cetra. Opening the box, you’ll find the earbuds, nestled securely inside the charge case. The case is compact, offering a sturdy build. The only drawback is that it’s a little too round and bulges out of your pocket. The case has a USB-C port to plug in, and you can also wirelessly charge with compatible wireless charging surfaces. The earbuds are held in place and charged by magnetized points inside the case. Along with the earbuds are two more pairs of different-sized ear tips, offering a few options for a more secure, comfortable fit.

You’ll also find a USB-A to C charging cable, essential for powering up your earbuds for those long gaming sessions. There is also a Quick Start Guide, it’s illustrated to help guide you through the setup process. It introduces you to all the advanced features of the ROG Cetra earbuds.

Overall, the ROG Cetra is light weight, quite durable and easy to use. Its hard plastic construction is lightweight, yet very sturdy. If you are intending on using the earbuds for exercise, they carry a IPX4 splash-proof water resistance for added protection. I’ve used the earbuds through a light rain, and they stood up to the elements without issue. 

ROG Cetra colourway options

The Centra earbuds are available in two different colour options: black and white. I reviewed the white option, and the style grew on me. I am always partial to darker hues when it comes to tech, but the white Centra model offers a modern, clean look more akin to Apple AirPods. I’m apprehensive about going with lighter models due to dirt and scuff marks. Travelling around with both the earbuds and case, I am happy to share they stood up well to wear and tear. Minor fingerprints and scuff marks were wiped off easily. Ultimately, when it comes to which colour to pick, it all comes down to your personal preference.

ROG Cetra battery performance

In terms of the hardware’s features, it also has great battery life with a smart fast charging design. The earbuds in combination with the case can last up to 27 hours. Battery life does vary depending on which modes you are using. When you switch off the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the earbuds can deliver 5.5 hours of use on a single charge. That’s enough to cover a good chunk of your day without worrying about finding a power outlet.

The ROG Cetra case also acts as a charger that extends your listening time by an impressive 21.5 hours. I was able to get nearly a full day of use, so whether you’re gaming, or listening to music the battery life is great. Even if you’re in a rush and realize your earbuds are out of power, the Cetra has got you covered with its quick-charge technology. Just 10 minutes of charging in the case can provide up to 1.5 hours of usage. That’s enough for a solid gaming session or a long commute. Its smart design and practical functionality makes the ROG Cetra stand out in the crowded world of audio devices.

ROG Cetra True Wireless touch controls

Author Matthew Rondina tapping the ROG Cetra wireless earbud listening to music.

The touch controls on the ROG Cetra earphones are located at the top of the earbuds and are designed to provide quick sound adjustment. The controls allow you to shift through different modes (Heavy ANC / Light ANC / Ambient mode / ANC off) by pressing with a single or series of taps. These sequences can also activate your voice assistant by pressing and holding, play and pause by single pressing, skip forward by double tapping, and skip backward by triple pressing. I personally didn’t find the touch controls very intuitive to use, and sometimes my “taps” didn’t register at all. Overall, the basic single-touch controls on the ROG Cetra are easy to use, but it would be great to have the more complex taps register for the intended outcome.

ROG Cetra casual audio quality

Matthew Rondina playing Call of Duty Mobile on an iPhone using the ROG Centra wireless earbuds.

The Cetra earphones are equipped with 10mm ASUS Essence drivers and hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) technology. This all adds up to great audio and noise cancellation that keeps you focused on gaming. The hardware also features low-latency gaming mode so you can enjoy perfectly synchronized audio and video, free from lag.

The earphones deliver excellent audio performance and noise isolation with their hybrid ANC technology and low-latency wireless connection. The noise cancelling feature works great in various noisy environments (such as buses and trains) where it eliminates any distracting sounds from the surroundings. The 10mm ASUS Essence drivers enhance the audio quality and provide rich and immersive sound for gaming, music, and movies. I did a lot of testing with music tracks and was very impressed. I also listened to podcasts and overall, the seal from the noise cancellation had hosts voices come through extremely clear. 

ROG Cetra earbuds gaming audio quality

In my gaming tests, I played Call of Duty: Mobile and was very impressed by the earbud’s performance. The hardware offers a low-latency wireless connection that ensures perfect synchronization between audio and video, making them an excellent choice for competitive gaming on the go. The earbuds also feature several EQs that you can adjust to suit your preferences with the ROG Armoury Crate app. The active noise cancellation (ANC) feature comes in handy when you need to focus on your game.

Final thoughts

The ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds have a lot to offer, especially for avid gamers. From the sleek design and comfortable fit to the impressive audio performance and low-latency gaming mode, these earbuds check all the right boxes. The touch controls could be more intuitive, and the case could be less bulky. However, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the earbuds’ many strengths. The long battery life, quick charging, and great build quality make them an excellent companion for both gaming and everyday use. If you’re looking for high-quality wireless earbuds that can enhance your mobile gaming experience, the ROG Cetra earbuds are an excellent choice. They offer great value and stand out in a crowded market thanks to their gaming-focused features and strong overall performance.

Be sure to check out Best Buy Canada’s full line of gaming headsets in-store and online.

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Matthew Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.