Cliches are often true, especially in the gaming space. “Big things come in small packages” is one such corny adage that can be applied to everything from the Steam Deck to Kirby, and now, the Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds.
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Sure, the concept of a set of wireless earbuds meant for gaming isn’t exactly a new concept. But Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds pack quite a few big features in a form factor that fits most pockets. I put these earbuds through the ringer for the last two weeks, and am happy to report quite a few surprises.
What Are the Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds?
- Dimensions: 2.06 H x 2.76 W x 1.19 D inches
- Weight: 2.24 ounces
- Style: In-ear gaming headphones with built-in microphone
- Power: Approx. 10 hours, up to 40 hours with charging case
- Connection: 5.3 Bluetooth, 2.4 ghz wireless
- Compatible Platforms: PlayStation, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Steam Deck, Android, iOS
- Features: Active Noise Canceling (ANC), Intense 360 audio, Mobile companion app, Cross-platform wireless adapter, Qi Wireless Charging, ergonomic form factor, IP55 Water Resistant
- Price: $159.99
These wireless in-ear headphones made by esports brand Steel Series are made for gamers who know how important audio quality is when it comes to immersive gaming. Unlike other popular wireless earbuds like Apple Airpods or JBL Vibe Beam, Gamebuds are built with gaming in mind. Their built-in mics are perfect for trash talking during online bouts of Fortnite or Counterstrike, and Arctis Gamebuds for PlayStation pack Tempest 3D audio compatibility. This is the model I tested, though, there are also Arctis Gamebuds made for Xbox consoles.
What sets these earbuds apart from other gaming in-ear headphones? For one, Gamebuds pack a ton of battery life. On a full charge, they last up to 10 hours. Couple that with the power inside its charging case, and you’ve got a combined 50 hours of battery life. You know, in case you need to schlep somewhere without USB ports for a couple days. Not that you need a cable to charge these bad boys. When the earbuds are in their case, they’re compatible with Qi wireless chargers.
Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds Review
First Impressions
Unboxing these earphones was an all-too-familiar process. Like just about every other model on the market, the case for the buds is also where they power up. Interestingly enough, the case also has a slot for the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, which makes it great for gaming on the go. After charging them to full, I decided to try Arctis Gamebuds under the worst conditions: a six-hour Greyhound bus ride.
After connecting the buds to their companion app, I slid them into my ears. They were initially very comfortable, but almost all earbuds are. Would they be just as comfortable in hour four? Spoilers: yes. Since the trip, I’ve used them as my primary source of sound, whether I’m listening to a podcast during work, or playing a few rounds of Balatro in bed while my spouse sleeps. I’ve fallen asleep with these earphones in, and woke up with no aches or discomfort.
Active Noise Canceling
Active Noise Canceling in earbuds always feels compromised when compared to standard headphones. I am pleased to report that the ANC function in these earphones is almost too good. So much that I couldn’t hear my spouse yell from about 20 feet away. You can turn the function on and off with a simple tap on the earbuds.
Battery Life
Steel Series boasts that Arctis Gamebuds pack more battery life than similar gaming earbuds. During the aforementioned six-hour trip, I feared that the power would go into the red before I got to my destination. Luckily, I didn’t need to charge the case once during my weekend trip, and the buds were still charged for a couple days after I got home. A pair of Skullcandy buds I purchased a few years back had abysmal battery life. But Arctis Gamebuds makes even similar models look like battery hogs by comparison.
An App That’s Actually Sort of Useful
At this point, everything from gamepads to air fryers have their own dedicated app, most of them being completely superfluous. The Steel Series Arctis App is at the very least, easy to sync up to, and lets you customize your audio experience. There are tons of presets for popular games including Counter-Strike and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which you can flip through fairly easily.
I used the app to try out Arctis Gamebuds Sonar feature, which uses the power of sound to help point you towards the enemy. I tried it out in Fortnite, with some success. It did amplify footsteps, especially when someone was near, which I can see being helpful to people who know what they’re doing. For gamers who sort of suck at Battle Royals, we can at least tap into Sonar for slight a slight ASMR effect. Luckily, you can use Arctis Gamebuds without ever turning the app on once.
Minor Issues
I never want to discount having weird ears. But there were a few growing pains when it came to the onboard controls. Tapping the Gamebuds can pause audio, turn on ANC, or even switch between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless. Initially, I would set off some of these functions just by turning my head. Or nodding a little too hard. After adjusting the way I wore them, this problem went away. And the convenience of being able to pause audio without having to be near my gaming device was worth the initial annoyance.
Final Thoughts on Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds
Steel Series’ latest in-ear headphones are full of frills, and they’re welcome additions. However, what truly makes Arctis a fantastic pair of game-ready earbuds is that they improve more than they innovate. Sure, I’ll take an easy-to-use app with countless customization features. But the insane levels of battery life, the all-day comfort, and easy connectivity from console to console are what make Arctis Gamebuds sing. I don’t know how much better gaming earbuds can get, especially at the Arctis’ price of $159.99. As far as immersive gaming earbuds goes, this may be the last pair you need to nab for a while. Steel Series Arctis Gamebuds release on October 29, and are available for pre-order at Best Buy.
Pricing and discounts listed are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change.