The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are a noteworthy new player in the gaming audio market, offering a combination of good sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a practical companion app. However, like any product, they aren’t without their shortcomings, although some issues are really not on them.
Gaming headphones have traditionally been associated with bulky headsets equipped with microphones and often adorned with RGB lighting. As gaming needs evolve, so do the products. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds — compact, true wireless earbuds designed for versatility across gaming platforms.
Design
Each earbud requires a simple press and twist to fit securely in the ear. According to SteelSeries, the GameBuds’ design was informed by scans of 40,000 ears (Mark Cerny approves). However, fit remains subjective, and individual ear shapes will always influence comfort and stability.
The included silicone ear tips were serviceable but not ideal for extended gaming sessions. Foam ear tips could provide a better fit and improve noise isolation, though these would require an additional purchase.
Read also: Steelseries Arctis Nova 5P review: mid-range PS5 headset with game-changing features
SteelSeries opted for physical buttons over traditional touch controls, reducing the chance of accidental inputs — a welcome change. That said, pressing the buttons requires enough force that it can create some pressure on the ear, which isn’t ideal during prolonged use.
The GameBuds come in two versions: one dedicated to Xbox (black) and another for PlayStation (available in black or white). The Xbox version is broadly compatible across platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and others, while the PlayStation version is restricted from connecting to Xbox. The same exact thing happened with Arctis 5. It was strange then, and it still is.
As expected for true wireless earbuds, the GameBuds come with a charging case. The case supports both USB-C wired charging and wireless charging, which adds convenience.
The earbuds themselves are compact and barely protrude from the ears. Their housing is rated IP55, offering resistance against dust and water, making them suitable for everyday use. They’re lightweight and designed to fit snugly, though achieving the perfect fit may depend on swapping out the included ear tips.
Sound and connection
The SteelSeries Arctis Companion app (we talked about it when discussing Arctis Nova 5P) offers extensive customization options and works with zero issues. With nearly 180 preconfigured equalizer profiles tailored to popular games and genres, the app allows for significant sound optimization. For instance, audio profiles vary noticeably between games like Apex Legends and Halo. If needed, users can manually adjust the equalizer for more personalized sound settings.
Despite their small 6mm drivers, the GameBuds deliver remarkable audio quality. The soundstage is detailed, with a balanced profile that extends across lows, mids, and highs. The bass response is particularly noteworthy, providing depth and richness.
Read also: Logitech G ASTRO A50 X review: Almost perfect console headset
The active noise cancellation (ANC) in the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds performs impressively, effectively handling even louder environmental sounds. Transparency mode, which uses the same four microphones as the ANC, is precise enough to allow clear conversations without needing to remove the earbuds. This dual-functionality makes them versatile for both immersive gaming and everyday interactions.
The GameBuds support dual connectivity modes: a 2.4 GHz wireless connection via an included dongle and Bluetooth 5.3. The dongle is compact and designed not to block adjacent ports or buttons, ensuring compatibility with various devices. Switching between 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth is straightforward, requiring a triple press of the button on one of the earbuds.
The built-in microphone is equally impressive for an earbud. After slight volume adjustments on the PS5, voice clarity was comparable to that of a traditional gaming headset (although it does not reach the level of ASTRO A50 X). The microphone also excelled in work calls and phone conversations, providing clear and consistent audio.
Verdict
The GameBuds combine strong performance with a sleek design. They deliver excellent sound quality, broad compatibility, and detailed customization options. Their battery life is respectable, and the earbuds cater to both gaming and general use scenarios.
However, their versatility has limits. For instance, while the GameBuds work seamlessly with PlayStation consoles, they are not compatible with the PlayStation Portal handheld device due to Sony’s exclusive wireless protocol for that platform. But that really is on Sony.