ROG Cetra Open: open-back gaming headphones with 64 hours of battery life — balancing sound and safety
Asus unveiled an open‑ear model for gamers and active urbanites — we explain why the ability to hear the surrounding world matters in a gamer’s kit and whether the $230 price tag will live up to expectations.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 9, 2026 · 2 min read
New from Asus for gamers and active lifestyles
Company Asus has introduced the wireless headphones ROG Cetra Open — an open‑ear device that allows you to listen to audio while hearing ambient sounds. This solution is aimed not only at gamers but also at those who train or spend a lot of time in the city and don’t want to lose situational awareness.
Connectivity and gaming interaction
For gaming there is a USB‑C dongle operating at 2.4 GHz, which provides low latency — important for those who play on PC, portable consoles, and home consoles. According to the manufacturer, ROG Cetra Open are compatible with PCs, smartphones, portable consoles, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5, making them a versatile option for multiplatform gamers.
Battery life and fast charging
One of the key figures is up to 16 hours on a single charge. The charging case adds another 48 hours, so total runtime can reach 64 hours. Fast charging is supported: approximately 15 minutes of charging provides about 3 hours of playback — useful when there’s little time for a full recharge.
Sound, modes and protection
To compensate for the natural loss of low frequencies in an open design, the model features personalized audio modes: Phantom Bass to boost the bass and Immersion Mode to attenuate low‑frequency background noise. The headphones also have splash protection and come with a removable reflective strap — a useful accessory for morning runs in the city.
"ROG Cetra Open allow you to listen to music and at the same time hear the surrounding world, which makes them convenient for workouts and city life."
— Android Headlines
Context: price and market
The price is $230, placing the Cetra Open in the premium segment of wireless accessories. For the user the question is simple: do you value the combination of safety, multiplatform compatibility and long battery life more than traditional noise isolation? The answer depends on lifestyle — for urban athletes and those who often switch between devices, the advantages are clear.
What else to know
The presentation comes against the backdrop of changes in Asus’s strategy (the company has stopped developing new smartphones), which partly explains the increased focus on peripherals and gaming solutions. Audio market analysts note that open‑ear design is receiving a fresh push precisely because of the need for safety and mobility.
Summary: ROG Cetra Open are not about "loud gimmicks" but about a compromise between sound quality, battery life and the ability to stay connected to your surroundings. The $230 price makes them a choice for a conscious buyer: if safety during workouts or multiplatform compatibility without high game latency matters to you — these headphones are worth considering.
Source: Android Headlines; specifications and Asus release.
