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ASUS Cetra Open Wireless vs Baseus Inspire XC1: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Baseus Inspire XC1 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 79. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Baseus Inspire XC1 - Great overall at around $107.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Baseus Inspire XC1 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • ASUS Cetra Open Wireless
  • Baseus Inspire XC1
HearWiki score
76
79
Sound
7.0
7.7
Noise cancelling
2.0
-
Battery
9.0
8.1
Calls
7.0
7.8
Value
5.5
6.6
Price (USD)
$210
$110

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2026. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Baseus Inspire XC1 adds Water resistance IP66 against IPX5.

  • Cetra Open Wireless2026
  • Inspire XC12026
What differsCetra Open WirelessInspire XC1

Everyday features

Water resistance
IPX5
IP66

Level on: USB-C, Companion app.

Specifications

Cetra Open WirelessInspire XC1
Type
Open-Ear
Open-Ear
Price (USD)
$210
$110
HearWiki score
76
79
Released
2026
2026
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
14.2 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
14.2 mm
10.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Bluetooth
-
6.1
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Latency
-
60 ms
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
64 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
-
40 h
Full charge time
-
90 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2.5 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
No
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
11 g
5 g
Water resistance
IPX5
IP66
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
silicone
-
Microphones
1
4
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

ASUS Cetra Open Wireless

These open-ear wireless earbuds are designed for long gaming sessions, offering a comfortable fit with a detachable neck strap and a lightweight build. They provide dual connectivity via Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle, and their 14.2mm drivers deliver clear sound. With an impressive 64-hour battery life and IPX5 water resistance, they're built for extended, active use, though they lack active noise cancellation and a custom EQ.

  • Pro:Long 64-hour battery life
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable open-ear design
  • Pro:Dual-mode connectivity (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz)
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No custom EQ options
  • Con:Only one microphone for calls

Baseus Inspire XC1

The Baseus Inspire XC1 are affordable open-ear earbuds that deliver surprisingly solid audio for their class, featuring a hybrid dual-driver setup with LDAC support. They offer a comfortable, lightweight fit with IP66 durability and a practical 8-hour battery life, making them a compelling pick for those seeking an open-ear design without breaking the bank.

  • Pro:Excellent sound quality for open-ear design, especially bass
  • Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Strong IP66 water and dust resistance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Charging case can be slippery and easy to drop
  • Con:Companion app has some software quirks

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonASUS Cetra Open WirelessBaseus Inspire XC1