When you think “gaming audio,” chances are your mind jumps straight to chunky headsets, RGB lighting, and marketing that promises “immersive 7.1 surround.” But what if the next level of sound fidelity wasn’t over your ears, but in them? Beyerdynamic’s DT 70 IE in-ear monitors (IEMs) are built with mixing and critical listening in mind, not gaming. Yet after weeks of testing these studio-grade IEMs across everything from frantic multiplayer shooters to moody single-player epics, I’m convinced they deserve a place in the high-end gaming audio conversation—if you can stomach the price.
Studio Roots, Gaming Ambitions
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. In Australia, the DT 70 IE retails for a hefty $849 AUD. That’s not a typo—these are nearly nine hundred dollar IEMs. But it’s important to be clear: the DT 70 IE is not a gaming accessory. This is a professional tool, hand-built for sound engineers, musicians, and serious audio artists who demand absolute precision, durability, and fidelity in their monitoring gear. For most gamers, this is a massive barrier to entry, especially when the gaming IEM market is filled with solid options under $200. Unless you’re an audiophile with deep pockets, the DT 70 IE is a luxury far beyond the reach—or needs—of the average player. Still, it’s worth talking about.
Build Quality and Comfort
Handmade in Heilbronn, Germany, the DT 70 IE’s build is exceptional. The shells are featherlight at just 6 grams each (without cable), and the MMCX connector system is a clear upgrade over the more common 2-pin setups found in consumer IEMs. The cable itself is robust, minimizing microphonics (the annoying rustle you hear when it brushes against your shirt), and the included eartips cover a wide range of ear sizes and preferences.
Comfort is key for marathon gaming sessions, and here the DT 70 IE excels—once you adapt to its unique wearing style. These IEMs use an over-ear cable hook, which can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to traditional earbuds or gaming headsets. For glasses wearers, this design can be especially fiddly: the cable hooks often tangle with your frames, requiring some adjustment to get a comfortable and secure fit.
Once you find the right tip and get used to the fit, the IEMs all but disappear in your ears. Unlike heavy over-ear headsets that can induce fatigue or heat, these monitors are unobtrusive and breathable. The passive noise isolation—an impressive -39dB—blocks out distractions better than most gaming headsets, letting you focus on the action whether you’re at home or in a noisy esports arena.
The only real comfort drawback? If you’re used to the “hug” of a gaming headset, the DT 70 IE’s in-ear fit and cable routing may take some getting used to. But for those who value lightweight minimalism, it’s a revelation.
IP68 certification means the DT 70 IE can handle sweat, dust, and even a dunk in water. For gamers who travel, compete, or just want gear that lasts, this is a huge plus. The included hard case is compact enough to slip into a backpack or laptop bag, making these IEMs a great choice for gaming on the go.
The MMCX connectors also mean you can swap cables if you want to upgrade to a balanced setup or need a replacement—something rarely offered in the gaming headset world.
Sonic Performance: Fletcher-Munson, Tesla.11, and the Gaming Edge
Audio nerds will appreciate Beyerdynamic’s attention to the Fletcher-Munson curve—a tuning philosophy that accounts for how our ears perceive different frequencies at varying volumes. In practice, this means the DT 70 IE delivers a balanced sound signature at any loudness, with lows and highs always in proportion. For gaming, this translates to accurate positional cues and a natural sense of space, whether you’re tracking footsteps in Counter-Strike or soaking in the orchestral swells of Final Fantasy XVI.
The real star here is the Tesla.11 dynamic driver system. Unlike the balanced armature drivers found in many IEMs, Tesla.11 offers stunning resolution and clarity, with total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.02%. In gaming, this matters. Explosions thump with satisfying weight, dialogue is crisp, and subtle environmental sounds—think the rustle of leaves or distant gunfire—are rendered with lifelike detail. The DT 70 IE’s impulse fidelity means fast transients (like gunshots or footsteps) are delivered with pinpoint precision, giving competitive gamers a tangible edge.
Maximum sound pressure tops out at a blistering 137dB, though you’ll never need to push it that far. The 16-ohm impedance means these IEMs work seamlessly with everything from high-end audio interfaces to humble smartphone jacks and gaming laptops.
Gaming Test: From Esports to Open Worlds
Plugging the DT 70 IE into a PC, console, and even a handheld gaming setup, I ran them through a gauntlet of genres. In Valorant and Apex Legends, the IEMs excelled at revealing positional audio cues. Footsteps, reloads, and ability triggers were easy to pinpoint, and the soundstage—while not as cavernous as some open-back headphones—was impressively wide for an in-ear design.
Switching to single-player experiences, the DT 70 IE made the lush soundscapes of Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring come alive. The linear tuning meant music and effects never overwhelmed dialogue or subtle environmental details. I found myself catching background audio I’d missed with other headsets, like distant thunder or the hum of city machinery.
The passive isolation also proved invaluable. Whether gaming late at night with a sleeping household or trying to focus in a bustling LAN party, the DT 70 IE blocked out distractions and let me immerse in the game. No ANC required—just pure, physical isolation.
Downsides: The Studio vs. Gaming Trade-Off
No product is perfect, and the DT 70 IE’s studio pedigree does mean a few trade-offs for gamers. There’s no built-in microphone, so you’ll need a separate solution for voice chat. The tuning, while balanced, may lack the exaggerated bass some gamers crave for “cinematic” explosions. And at $849 AUD, these IEMs are an investment few can justify for gaming alone. For most, this price tag is a hard stop.
If you’re not ready to drop nearly a grand on studio-grade IEMs, there are plenty of more affordable options tailored to gamers. The Simgot EA500 (around $120 AUD), Truthear Zero (about $75 AUD), 7Hz Zero ($30–45 AUD). If brand matters, there’s also the highly lauded and more easily accessible Sennheiser IE 200 (roughly $230–$250 AUD). All these are highly recommended in the gaming community for their balanced sound, comfort, and reliable imaging. These options may not match the DT 70 IE in build quality or sonic nuance, but they’re accessible and deliver excellent performance for competitive and casual gaming alike. Even the KZ ZSN Pro (roughly $18 AUD) offers solid value for budget-conscious players.
Verdict: A New Contender for Gaming Audio Purists—If You Can Afford It
The Beyerdynamic DT 70 IE isn’t marketed as a gaming product, but after putting it through its paces, I’m convinced it deserves a spot in any serious gamer’s arsenal—if you’re willing to pay the premium. But make no mistake: this is a professional instrument, not a gaming gadget. If you’re tired of heavy headsets, want uncompromising audio detail, and appreciate gear that’s built to last, these studio IEMs deliver in spades.
But the $849 AUD price tag is a massive barrier. For most gamers, more affordable IEMs like the Simgot EA500, Truthear Zero, or 7Hz Zero make far more sense. The DT 70 IE is a luxury—a statement piece for those who demand studio-grade fidelity in every gaming moment. If that’s you, welcome to the top tier. For everyone else, there’s no shame in sticking with the budget picks; your wallet and your gameplay will thank you.
Beyerdynamic Australia kindly loaned the DT 70 IE to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
