SteelSeries has introduced new earbuds designed for compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch consoles, PCs, and mobile phones. The Arctis GameBuds, priced at $159.99, feature active noise cancellation (ANC), Qi wireless charging, and the capability to switch seamlessly between mobile Bluetooth use and console or PC gaming.
The Arctis GameBuds exude a design resemblance to many earbuds currently on the market, equipped with various silicone tips to accommodate different ear shapes. SteelSeries employs a four-microphone ANC system to minimize external noise during gameplay, and a transparency mode is available for users who need to hear their surroundings.
These earbuds connect to Xbox or PlayStation via a small USB-C dongle, which offers 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. Users can switch between Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile devices and the 2.4GHz wireless signal for consoles and PCs by triple-tapping a button on the earbuds. While the transition is notably quick, simultaneous audio over Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, a feature found in Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds, is not supported.
The mobile companion app for the Arctis GameBuds has impressed users with its EQ settings. It offers over 100 audio presets tailored for popular games like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, EA Sports FC 24, Fortnite, and Valorant. These presets are similar to those available in SteelSeries’ GG desktop PC app with Sonar, delivering impressive results in games where sound detail is crucial. The ANC and transparency modes, as well as the level of noise cancellation, can be adjusted through the mobile app or the desktop SteelSeries app, which also displays the battery life levels for each earbud and the charging case.
The ANC effectively reduces environmental sounds when playing music or loud games, though some ambient noise may persist at lower volumes or during quieter games. SteelSeries claims the charging case provides 40 hours of battery life, with each use lasting 10 hours and three additional charges from the case. The battery tends to drain at a rate of 10 percent per hour using the 2.4GHz connection, indicating solid battery performance. The case supports wireless Qi charging and has a rear USB-C connection, offering around three hours of play with 15 minutes of fast charging.
While the GameBuds are compatible with various platforms, separate models exist for Xbox and PlayStation. The PlayStation model exclusively works with Sony’s consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, whereas the Xbox version is compatible across all platforms. The Xbox variant includes an additional chip to meet Microsoft’s security policies and a slider button for Xbox compatibility. The white model is exclusive to PlayStation users, and a black variant is available for both Xbox and PlayStation users.
SteelSeries enters a competitive market for gaming earbuds, contending with brands like Sony, Razer, and Logitech. At $159, the Arctis GameBuds are priced lower than Sony’s $199 PlayStation Pulse Explore and include ANC, which Sony’s offering lacks. Although Sony’s $199 InZone Buds feature ANC and a 12-hour battery life, they do not come with a wireless charging case. The $149 Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed earbuds offer ANC but only provide three hours per charge. Logitech’s $179 G Fits have better battery life at seven hours but lack ANC. SteelSeries has identified a market need for low-latency earbuds that combine Bluetooth connectivity, a mobile app, ANC, and a wireless charging case at a competitive price point.
The Arctis GameBuds are available for preorder in both black and white versions at $159.99 (€169.99) and will be released worldwide on October 29th.
