ASUS ROG Cetra Review – Low Latency, ANC & RGB Tested

Introduction

ASUS ROG Cetra. Gaming audio has changed. Gone are the days when bulky headsets ruled the desk. Now, sleek tws wireless earbuds are stepping into the spotlight. And honestly? They’re not just for music anymore.

The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless, created by ASUS under its gaming division Republic of Gamers, promises low latency, ANC, RGB lighting, and serious gaming performance—all packed into tiny in ear form.

But are they just flashy? Or do they truly perform?

Let’s break it down step by step.

Unboxing Experience

First impressions matter. And right away, the box screams “gamer.”

The packaging feels premium. Inside, you get:

The earbuds
Charging case
Multiple silicone eartips for earbuds
USB-C charging cable
User manual

Moreover, the presentation feels polished. Everything sits snugly in place. No wasted space. No cheap inserts.

Design & Build Quality

These are not your typical office earbuds.

RGB That Actually Looks Cool

Yes, RGB on earbuds. Sounds excessive, right? However, the subtle logo lighting gives them a futuristic vibe without being obnoxious.

Compact Yet Aggressive

They’re classified as small earbuds, yet they maintain that signature ROG gaming identity. The case is compact enough for your pocket, although slightly thicker than minimalist music-focused buds.

The matte finish resists fingerprints. Meanwhile, the lid feels sturdy and doesn’t wobble.

Build quality? Solid.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort can make or break earbuds. Especially for long sessions.

Are They Comfortable Earbuds?

Surprisingly, yes.

They sit securely in your ears without excessive pressure. Long-term gaming tiredness is also avoided by the lightweight design.

Eartips for Earbuds Matter

The box includes multiple sizes. Choosing the right fit dramatically improves:

Noise isolation
Bass response
Stability

Switching to a snug size instantly enhanced ANC performance.

Sleep in Earbuds? Not Exactly

Could they double as earbuds for sleeping?

Technically, yes—but realistically, no. The angular design and RGB elements aren’t ideal for side sleepers. If you need dedicated sleep in earbuds, look for flatter models.

Earbuds vs Earphones – What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear the confusion.

Earbuds vs earphones isn’t just semantics.

Earbuds rest lightly at the ear opening.
Earphones (in-ear monitors) insert deeper into the ear canal.

The ROG Cetra falls firmly into the in ear category. Therefore, they provide better isolation and bass compared to traditional loose-fit earbuds.

Furthermore, modern tws wireless earbuds eliminate cables entirely, which makes them ideal for mobility and gaming.

Audio Performance

Now, the real test.

Bass Response

The bass is punchy. Not overwhelming—but strong.

Explosions in FPS games feel impactful. Meanwhile, music tracks maintain rhythm without distortion.

Midrange Clarity

Vocals come through clean. Dialogue in games remains crisp.

Treble Detail

High frequencies sparkle without sounding harsh. Cymbals sound natural.

Are These the Loudest Earbuds?

They’re impressively powerful.

While not marketed as the loudest earbuds, they reach high volumes without distortion. However, pushing maximum volume constantly isn’t wise for your ears.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

ANC can feel like magic.

How It Works

Microphones detect ambient noise. Then, inverse sound waves cancel it out.

Real-World Testing

In a café environment, background chatter faded significantly. Air conditioner hum? Almost gone.

However, sudden sharp noises still slip through.

Transparency Mode

Switching modes lets outside sound in. Perfect for awareness while commuting.

Low Latency Gaming Performance

Latency is the enemy of gamers.

Why Latency Matters

If gunshots are heard half a second late, you’re already eliminated.

Gaming Mode Activated

These earbuds offer a low-latency mode. Once enabled, audio sync improves dramatically.

During competitive gameplay, delay was nearly imperceptible.

Therefore, they’re actually viable for mobile and casual PC gaming.

Microphone Quality

Communication is critical.

Built-In Microphone Performance

The dual-microphone system captures voice clearly.

Teammates reported clean audio during voice chat. Furthermore, background noise reduction worked well in moderate environments.

Call Quality

For phone calls, voices sound natural—not robotic.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery anxiety? Let’s talk numbers.

You get roughly:

4–5 hours with ANC on
20+ hours total with the case

Moreover, fast charging provides usable battery in minutes.

Wireless charging support adds convenience.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Pairing is simple.

Open the case. Select device. Done.

They work seamlessly with:

Smartphones
PCs
Tablets

Bluetooth stability remained consistent within standard indoor range.

Hearing Protection Earbuds – Are They Safe?

Volume matters.

Although these aren’t marketed as hearing protection earbuds, their sealed in ear design helps block passive noise. Consequently, you can listen at lower volumes.

Pro tip: Stay below 60% volume for extended sessions.

Your future self will thank you.

Comparing with Competitors

Compared to music-first earbuds:

Better gaming latency
RGB flair
Solid ANC

Compared to gaming headsets:

More portable
Less immersive soundstage

Therefore, they occupy a unique middle ground.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Low latency mode
Solid ANC
Comfortable earbuds
Stylish RGB
Good microphone quality

Cons

Not ideal for sleeping
Battery life shorter than some competitors
Slightly premium price

Who Should Buy Them?

Mobile Gamers

Perfect fit.

Travelers

ANC helps during flights.

Everyday Users

If you want gaming style plus daily functionality, they work well.

Final Verdict

The ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless isn’t just flashy RGB tech. It’s a serious contender in the gaming earbud space.

It combines:

Low latency
Active Noise Cancellation
Strong microphone performance
Comfortable design

While they may not replace full-sized gaming headsets for hardcore esports professionals, they absolutely shine for portable gaming and everyday listening.

In short? They’re compact powerhouses.

FAQs

1. Are the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless good for competitive gaming?

Yes, especially with low-latency mode enabled. Audio sync is impressively tight.

2. Are they the loudest earbuds available?

Not the absolute loudest earbuds on the market, but they reach high volumes without distortion.

3. Can I use them as earbuds for sleeping?

They’re not ideal for side sleeping due to their shape and RGB design.

4. Is the microphone good for Discord or voice chat?

Yes. The built-in microphone delivers clear communication with decent noise reduction.

5. Do they offer hearing protection?

They’re not certified hearing protection earbuds, but their seal helps reduce external noise naturally.