Quick Verdict
The ROG Cetra SpeedNova is a pair of in-ear gaming earbuds with a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, adaptive noise cancelling, and bone-conduction AI microphones that pick up your voice from skull vibrations. For players who want low-latency wireless earbuds for PC, PlayStation 5, or Switch, it is a strong pick. The trade-offs are a larger-than-average case, battery that drops with ANC and RGB on, and no Xbox support listed in dongle mode.
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Considering an over-ear headset instead? See our Astro A50 X vs ROG Cetra SpeedNova comparison.
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Table of Contents
ROG Cetra SpeedNova Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Type | True wireless in-ear earbuds with charging case |
| Wireless | Bluetooth plus 2.4 GHz ROG SpeedNova (USB-C dongle with USB-A adapter) |
| Audio | 24-bit/96 kHz in 2.4 GHz mode, Dirac Opteo |
| Noise cancelling | Adaptive ANC with Auto mode, adjustable ANC levels, and ambient mode |
| Microphones | Bone-conduction AI microphones |
| Battery (Bluetooth) | Up to 46 hours total with the case (ANC and RGB off) |
| Battery (2.4 GHz) | Up to 36 hours total with the case (ANC and RGB off) |
| Per charge | About 9 hours in 2.4 GHz mode with ANC and RGB off, about 5 hours with both on |
| Fast charging | 5 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour of use |
| Charging case | USB-C and wireless charging |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Multipoint | Two Bluetooth devices, or the 2.4 GHz dongle plus Bluetooth |
| Dongle compatibility | PC, Mac, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| In the box | Earbuds, charging case, 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle, USB-C to USB-A adapter, charging cable, ear tips |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 2.4 GHz dongle mode for low-latency gaming audio
- Bluetooth and dongle can be used at the same time
- Adaptive ANC with Auto mode and an ambient mode
- Bone-conduction AI microphones for voice pickup
- IPX4 water resistance and a wireless-charging case
- Up to 46 hours of total battery in Bluetooth mode
Cons
- Battery drops noticeably with ANC and RGB lighting on
- The dongle mode list does not include Xbox
- The case is larger than average
- Earbuds depend on a good ear-tip fit for the best ANC
Performance and Real-World Use
Dongle mode for gaming
The 2.4 GHz dongle is what separates these from ordinary Bluetooth earbuds. Plug it into a USB-C port or use the included USB-A adapter, and there is no pairing step. ASUS lists compatibility with PC, Mac, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Noise cancelling and microphones
Adaptive ANC with Auto mode adjusts cancelling to your ear fit and your surroundings, and you can also set a fixed level or switch to ambient mode. For voice, the bone-conduction AI microphones pick up your speech from vibrations in your skull, not just the air.
Battery
Battery life depends on your settings. ASUS lists up to 46 hours with the case in Bluetooth mode and up to 36 hours in 2.4 GHz mode with ANC and RGB off. With ANC and RGB on in 2.4 GHz mode, expect a much shorter session per charge.
Who Should Buy the ROG Cetra SpeedNova?
A great fit if you…
- want a pocketable setup for PC, PlayStation 5, or Switch
- like having both a low-latency dongle and Bluetooth
- want noise cancelling and a good voice mic in a small package
Look elsewhere if you…
- play on Xbox and need dongle support
- prefer over-ear comfort for very long sessions
- want the longest battery life with ANC and RGB on
Alternatives to Consider
- SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: gaming earbuds that also use a wireless dongle.
- Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed: another gaming earbud with a low-latency wireless mode.
- Logitech Astro A50 X: an over-ear headset with a base station. Read our review.
Browse more audio gear in our gear review hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROG Cetra SpeedNova a bone-conduction headset?
No. It is an in-ear earbud set. The bone-conduction part is in the microphones, which pick up your voice from skull vibrations. See the ASUS product page for full details.
Does it work with Xbox?
ASUS does not list Xbox for the 2.4 GHz dongle mode. It lists PC, Mac, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Is it waterproof?
It has IPX4 splash resistance, which covers sweat and light splashes.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 46 hours with the case in Bluetooth mode and up to 36 hours in 2.4 GHz mode, with ANC and RGB off. Turning ANC and RGB on shortens it.
Final Verdict on the ROG Cetra SpeedNova
For gamers who want true wireless earbuds with a real low-latency dongle mode, adaptive ANC, and a good voice mic, the Cetra SpeedNova delivers. Skip it if you play on Xbox or want over-ear comfort.