TL;DR
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are your new go-to for gaming, music, and everything in-between. These comfy, lightweight earbuds offer seamless multi-device switching (PS5, PC, mobile), impressive battery life (40 hours with the case), and effective Active Noise Cancellation. While the PS5 volume could be louder, they deliver great sound and customizable profiles for an optimized audio experience. Ready to upgrade your audio game? Dive into the full review!
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds present a compelling option for gamers seeking in-ear headphones that excel across various activities, including gaming, music listening, and portable audio. The earbuds are compact, streamlined, and immediately convey a design optimized for both gaming and daily use.
First Impression
The packaging is sleek and thoughtfully designed, creating a positive initial impression. SteelSeries facilitates an easy setup process with a QR code on the box, which directs users to their companion app. Within the app, users can configure settings ranging from over 100 sound profiles to ANC functionality. The application is notably user-friendly and responsive.
Initial connectivity tests on both a mobile phone and a PlayStation 5 were seamless and flawless. A key advantage of these earbuds is their multi-device compatibility, supporting PS5, PC, and mobile platforms. Users can effortlessly switch between Bluetooth and the dedicated 2.4 GHz dongle without interruptions or complications.
Design and Comfort
The design is discreet and contemporary. Furthermore, the earbuds offer a highly comfortable fit. They are lightweight, stable, and remain comfortable even during extended sessions. Their IP55 rating signifies resistance to sweat and light rain, making them ideal for active and outdoor use.
The earbuds demonstrated excellent universal fit, comfortably accommodating various ear shapes without requiring ear tip adjustments – a significant ergonomic advantage.
Sound and Features
The audio performance is remarkable for their compact size. The ANC effectively blocks out distracting ambient noise, while the transparency mode is ideal for maintaining situational awareness without removing the earbuds.
While ANC effectively minimized most ambient noise, some intense background sounds persisted, particularly in exceptionally loud domestic environments, suggesting its limitations against extreme sonic disturbances.
The maximum volume output on the PS5 was found to be somewhat limited. Even with the console volume set to maximum, the audio level remained subtly insufficient, potentially impacting the clarity of subtle in-game audio cues like footsteps. Otherwise, they deliver high-quality sound in both gaming and music contexts.
A notable advantage is the ease with which users can change sound profiles in the app, optimizing the audio experience for specific games. Testing the headphones in Battlefield 6 and Warzone revealed that the customized profiles significantly enhanced the audio soundscape.
Battery Life
The 10-hour battery life is commendable for earbuds simultaneously utilizing both ANC and various gaming features. With the charging case, the total battery life extends to 40 hours, ensuring uninterrupted use during extended gaming sessions or on-the-go activities. For comparison, Anker SoundCore Liberty offers approximately 7 hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with its case, giving these headphones a distinct edge in terms of battery longevity.
The case features rapid charging capabilities and supports wireless Qi charging. The ANC system relies on multiple microphones to suppress ambient noise, and despite noise reduction typically consuming more battery power, the earbuds are highly optimized. This optimization results in extended usage time without sacrificing functionality.
They also incorporate neodymium drivers, which deliver robust audio performance efficiently. This combination of efficient drivers, rapid charging, and intelligent power management ensures prolonged usability.
Summary
Arctis GameBuds are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a versatile audio solution that performs effectively across diverse environments – whether at home, during commutes, at the gym, or while gaming. They are user-friendly, deliver excellent audio quality, and offer a comprehensive feature set. While the maximum volume on PS5 could benefit from a higher setting, overall, they provide a well-engineered, seamless, and dependable user experience.
SteelSeries provided review samples for this test. Material providers have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.
