If you want open ear earbuds for gaming that let you hear your surroundings while playing, choose JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones; if you need the best bluetooth earbuds for gaming with deep bass and a secure in-ear seal, choose Defunc True LITE II.
• JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones: The standout strength is its IP68 waterproof rating and 32GB of built-in storage, allowing you to leave your phone behind entirely during intense activities. The trade-off is the open-ear bone conduction design, which sacrifices deep bass isolation for situational awareness. This pick is for athletes and outdoor gamers who prioritize safety and device independence.
• Defunc True LITE II: Its biggest advantage is the powerful 13mm dynamic driver paired with Bluetooth 6.0 and low latency, delivering a rich, immersive soundstage perfect for music and competitive play. The compromise is the IPX4 rating, which handles sweat but not submersion, and the reliance on a charging case for extended battery life. This pick is for listeners seeking premium audio fidelity and a comfortable semi-in-ear fit for daily use.
The JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones are engineered for a very specific type of user: someone who refuses to be isolated from their environment. Whether you are running on a busy city street, cycling through traffic, or swimming in an open pool, the open-ear design resting gently on your cheekbones ensures you can hear ambient sounds like approaching cars or conversations while still enjoying your audio. This isn't just about comfort; it is a critical safety feature for anyone who needs to stay alert while listening. Unlike traditional in-ear buds that create a seal, these headphones utilize a bone conduction driver to transmit sound through the cheekbone, leaving your ear canal completely open.
For the gamer who plays outdoors or in high-noise environments, this product offers a unique solution. The inclusion of 32GB of internal storage means you can store thousands of songs directly on the headphones without needing a smartphone or app connection. You can support multiple audio formats including MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC, giving you high-fidelity sound whether you are off the grid or underwater. This level of autonomy is rare in wireless audio and makes it ideal for runners who want to leave their phones in the locker room or swimmers who need music without the tangle of wires.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-27 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this design comes with distinct limitations that define who should skip this product. If you are looking for passive noise cancellation or a heavy bass experience that vibrates through your skull, this is not the right tool. The lack of a physical seal means sound leaks out, and external noise easily mixes in. Additionally, while the Bluetooth 5.4 connection offers a stable range of up to 10 meters (32.81 feet), the primary use case here is clearly sports and active lifestyles rather than stationary, immersive gaming sessions where total immersion is key. If your priority is hearing every footstep in a quiet indoor game, the open design might feel too exposed.
The Defunc True LITE II targets the listener who values Scandinavian minimalism and sonic purity above all else. Born from a philosophy that great sound should be effortless and accessible, these semi-in-ear headphones deliver a balanced stereo experience powered by a robust 13mm dynamic driver. This driver size is significant because it allows for richer bass and clearer vocals compared to smaller drivers found in many budget options. The result is a "big sound in a small package" that feels premium and polished, making it suitable for everything from long commutes to intense gaming marathons. The ergonomic fit is designed to be lightweight and natural, ensuring they stay secure without causing ear fatigue over hours of wear.
For gamers specifically, the Defunc True LITE II shines due to its low latency performance and advanced connectivity. Featuring Bluetooth 6.0, the connection is faster and more efficient than previous generations, reducing the delay between your actions on screen and the audio you hear. This is crucial for competitive gaming where split-second timing matters. The inclusion of ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) for calls also ensures that your voice comes through clearly even in noisy environments, while the touch controls allow for seamless interaction without fumbling for buttons. The AI app support adds another layer of customization, letting you tweak the sound profile to match your specific preferences for different genres of games or music.
That said, the Defunc True LITE II is not built for the same rugged abuse as its competitor. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, it can handle sweat and light rain, but it is not rated for submersion or heavy downpours. You cannot take these into the pool or a shower. Furthermore, the 20-hour battery life is a combined total including the charging case, meaning the earbuds themselves have a shorter continuous runtime that requires frequent recharging. While the carrying case is compact and easy to slip into a pocket, the reliance on the case for power means you must carry it with you to get the full benefit of the advertised playtime. If you need a device that can survive a swim or a dusty construction site, these simply won't cut it.
• Best for outdoor safety and awareness → JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones: The open-ear design keeps your ears free for traffic and conversation, a non-negotiable feature for runners and cyclists.
• Best for immersive gaming audio → Defunc True LITE II: The 13mm dynamic driver and low latency provide the depth and precision needed for a true gaming experience.
• Best for waterproofing and swimming → JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones: An IP68 rating means you can fully submerge these in water, whereas Defunc is only splash-resistant.
• Best for battery independence → JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones: With 32GB of built-in storage, you don't need your phone to play music, offering complete freedom from devices.
• Best for modern connectivity features → Defunc True LITE II: Bluetooth 6.0 and AI app support offer the latest in wireless efficiency and sound customization.
• Best for call clarity → Defunc True LITE II: The ENC technology actively reduces background noise during calls, outperforming the basic button controls of the JOWORLDS.
• Best for portability and storage → JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones: No case is needed for charging due to the magnetic dock, and the internal memory removes the need to carry a phone.
• Best for bass response → Defunc True LITE II: The dedicated bass driver delivers the low-end punch that bone conduction simply cannot replicate.
I would buy the Defunc True LITE II for general gaming and daily listening because the immersive sound quality and low latency are essential for the best headphones for gaming experiences. The ability to tune the sound via the AI app and the superior driver size make it the clear winner for audio fidelity. However, I would strongly recommend the JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones only if your primary goal is open ear earbuds for gaming in an outdoor setting where situational awareness is more important than sound isolation. For most people looking for the best bluetooth earbuds for gaming indoors, the Defunc offers the performance and comfort required for long sessions without the safety risks of an open design.
Yes, both models work for gaming, but they serve different styles. The Defunc True LITE II is better for immersive, low-latency gameplay indoors, while the JOWORLDS is safer for outdoor gaming scenarios where hearing traffic is necessary.
Only the JOWORLDS Open Ear Headphones can be used for swimming, thanks to their IP68 waterproof rating. The Defunc True LITE II has an IPX4 rating, which protects against sweat and light rain but not submersion.
No, the JOWORLDS model includes 32GB of built-in storage, allowing you to play thousands of songs directly from the headphones without connecting to a smartphone or app.
The Defunc True LITE II offers up to 20 hours of total playtime when including the charging case, whereas the JOWORLDS provides 10 hours of continuous playback on the unit itself before requiring a recharge.
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