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When you picture a SteelSeries gaming headset, wireless earbuds are likely not what you envision. However, you might reconsider after examining the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.
SteelSeries is the company responsible for the Arctis series of gaming headsets, which rank among the most well-known globally. We’ve offered Arctis headsets much-deserved acclaim previously, yet now SteelSeries is venturing into new territory: a pair of genuine wireless earbuds tailored for gaming.
If you’re doubtful about utilizing earbuds for gaming, I completely understand. In-ear audio devices can often be notoriously uncomfortable, especially during extended gaming sessions. Nevertheless, the Arctis GameBuds pleasantly caught me off guard. If you’re a gaming enthusiast in search of headphones that aren’t oversized or adorned with RGB lights, the GameBuds may be just right for you.
Can the Arctis GameBuds measure up to the reputation that secured their over-ear ancestors recognition as the top gaming headsets? Here’s a summary of my experience with the GameBuds and why you should also consider them.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Pricing and Availability
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are priced at $159 and are available in two variants: Xbox and PS5. The Xbox version is entirely black while the PS5 model comes in both black and white options. Both variants include the earbuds, a charging case, and a USB Type-C 2.4GHz wireless dongle.
Depending on the model you choose, the GameBuds are compatible with PS5 or Xbox in addition to PC, Switch, Meta Quest headsets, and most mobile devices via Bluetooth 5.3. Somewhat perplexingly, the Xbox variant is compatible with both Xbox and PS5, while the PS5 variant is incompatible with Xbox due to a special dongle required for the Xbox’s unique wireless frequency. Thus, technically the Xbox version offers the greatest compatibility, but it is solely available in black.
Our review unit is the white PS5 model.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Design
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds exhibit a minimalist, round aesthetic that isn’t ostentatious, but I find it appealing. The earbuds are entirely white (or black) featuring gray silicone ear tips. Various ear tip sizes are provided in the package. Each earbud displays a simple SteelSeries logo on the exterior, centered above a concealed physical button.
The GameBuds take on a shape similar to in-ear monitors (IEMs): wide and rounded to fit securely into the contours of your ear. This design promotes comfort and also enhances isolation for superior noise cancellation. There are no hooks, loops, or athletic clips.
The GameBuds come with a compact charging case that also serves as a storage space for the USB Type-C 2.4GHz dongle. The case is small and lightweight enough to fit easily in my jacket or jeans pocket. The lid conveniently secures itself when opened and makes a satisfying magnetic snap upon closing. Like the GameBuds, the case maintains a very minimalist aesthetic, simply a white (or black) orb adorned with the SteelSeries logo on top and a USB Type-C charging port on the rear.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Comfort
Earbuds are often a mixed bag regarding comfort for me, particularly true wireless models that miss the stability provided by a headband or cord. Thus, I was somewhat apprehensive that the Arctis GameBuds would prove too bulky to comfortably sit in my ears. Fortunately, that concern was unfounded, albeit I did encounter one minor comfort issue.
The Arctis GameBuds rest in your ear by gently leveraging the lower edge, so they don’t rely entirely on the friction from the silicone ear tips. This configuration also assists in keeping the GameBuds securely in place, which can often be a source of annoyance for me. I seldom needed to readjust the GameBuds in my ears, and I could wear them for several hours without experiencing discomfort.
The only downside for me was the silicone ear tips. My skin can react slightly to certain materials and textures, which is why silicone ear tips usually don’t work for me. However, the ear tips on the GameBuds did not irritate me as much as I anticipated. My ears felt a bit itchy after several hours, but not enough to be bothersome.
Of course, this may not be an issue for everyone. However, if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, you might want to opt for a headset devoid of silicone ear tips. If you choose to try the GameBuds, ensuring the ear tips are cleaned before putting the earbuds on may help prevent itchiness based on my experience.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Audio Quality
The Arctis GameBuds performed admirably with music, games, and calls during my testing. The audio quality is quite balanced with commendable highs and lows, and sufficient subtlety in the mids to enhance games with backdrop ambiance. The bass could be more robust, but you can adjust a custom EQ setting in the SteelSeries GG app if the default configurations do not suit your preferences.
There are also numerous EQ presets tailored for various games, from Halo to Tales of Kenzera:
ZAU. They are fine-tuned for the sound in a particular game, and the few I experimented with did indeed sound quite impressive, including Minecraft and Tales of Kenzera: ZAU.
Both titles sounded more complete with a focus on crucial sound effects such as weapon switching, motion, and skills, but Tales of Kenzera stood out with its exceptional audio. It has an outstanding soundtrack from the outset, and the GameBuds accentuated the rich, lively melodies of each track. Even the sound effects for navigating menus or activating skills were enjoyable, delivering sharper and smoother notes with the game’s personalized preset in use.
I experienced similarly impressive audio quality on my Nintendo Switch as well. I swiftly transitioned over by merely plugging in the 2.4GHz USB Type-C dongle. The audio in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was crisp, fluid, and immersive, partly due to a sound preset designed for the game.
The enriched music and atmosphere in shrines created an engaging experience while solving puzzles and completing challenges. Even the snap of my bow was more distinct than usual. This is worth mentioning as the game-specific audio presets can be beneficial even if you aren’t gaming on an Xbox or PS5 (more on that later).
The active noise cancellation on the GameBuds proved quite effective during my tests. You can cycle through ANC modes by tapping the button on the left earbud. ANC successfully eliminated the TV noise from another room in my apartment and minimized most traffic sounds when I took a stroll around the block.
The transparency mode functioned well too. In fact, I frequently activated transparency mode whenever I was conversing with the GameBuds in, as the design of the earbuds effectively blocked out ambient noise, making it difficult to gauge how loudly I was speaking. This also indicates that these earbuds exhibit minimal audio leakage, so you don’t need to fret about accidentally cranking up your music so others can hear it.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Microphone
One of the few shortcomings of the Arctis GameBuds is the mic performance. The integrated mic isn’t terrible, but it pales in comparison to a dedicated microphone. My friends could immediately tell when I switched mics on Discord because the GameBuds’ mic quality simply could not match that of the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma that I usually utilize.
My voice was sufficiently clear with the GameBuds’ mic, but there was a slight hollowness and distortion on the edges, akin to a standard phone mic. It works adequately for voice chats during gaming, but if you intend to record gameplay clips or audio, you might prefer a more robust solution.
Since I already employ a separate, dedicated USB microphone, this wasn’t a major flaw for me. The few instances where I wouldn’t have access to that mic, such as making calls on my phone, don’t necessitate high-quality mic audio. Nevertheless, it would have been pleasing to see a marginal improvement in mic audio. It’s decent, but not outstanding, either.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: Battery life
I adore wireless headphones, but I often forget to recharge mine. Therefore, excellent battery life is essential for me. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds did not disappoint. I only needed to recharge them a couple of times over several weeks while using them as my primary headphones.
Each earbud lasts approximately 10 hours per charge, which can be extended to 40 hours or beyond with the charging case. A small LED indicator on the front of the case signifies when they are charging (orange) or fully charged (green). The charging case was particularly convenient for me as I didn’t have to remember to plug in my headphones. I could simply place the earbuds back in the case at day’s end, and they would be fully recharged by the following morning.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: App
The Arctis GameBuds are compatible with the SteelSeries GG PC application and the SteelSeries Arctis mobile app for Android and iOS. You can view and swap audio presets on either application, but the PC app is preferable for viewing, editing, and creating audio presets. SteelSeries GG is also the interface for setting up enhanced Sonar audio, but you need to log in to the app with your SteelSeries account first.
In addition to audio presets, you can also utilize SteelSeries GG to modify the button mapping on the GameBuds. By default, double-tapping on the left or right button changes music tracks backward or forward, but I opted to change it to adjust volume up and down instead. There are multiple functions you can assign to either button, such as play/pause, mute/unmute mic, switch audio mode, cycle noise control, and activate the mobile assistant (i.e. Siri).
The mobile application isn’t quite as extensive, but it encompasses everything I need to make adjustments on the go. It allows you to easily monitor the battery status in both the case and each earbud. You can also toggle noise control on or off, modify mic volume, and alternate between different presets and audio modes (Bluetooth or 2.4GHz).
Bottom line
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds encapsulate the audio quality associated with SteelSeries headphones and package it into an ultra-compact form factor that is comfortable and understated, even if it’s not flawless.
If you’ve been seeking an alternative to large, ostentatious over-ear gaming headphones, the Arctis GameBuds are certainly worth investigating. While the integrated mic could use improvement, they deliver a sufficiently strong listening experience to be excellent all-around earbuds for gaming, exercising, commuting, and beyond.
With the charging case, the Arctis GameBuds boast an impressive 40+ hours of battery life. Combined with their compact form factor, these earbuds are perfect for gamers who are frequently traveling or need something that occupies minimal space in their bag. A decent mobile app and a robust PC application offering extensive customization and audio presets for numerous games are a convenient bonus.
The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds might not cater to everyone, especially if microphone quality is a primary concern or if you may have sensitivity to silicone ear tips. However, if you’re in search of wireless earbuds for gaming, it’s hard to make a mistake with the Arctis GameBuds. For a look at some alternatives, you can explore our guide to the best gaming headsets.
This page was generated programmatically. To read the article in its original form, you can visit the link below:
https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/gaming-headsets/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-review
and if you wish to remove this article from our site, please contact us.
