SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds Review – Big Gaming Audio in a Tiny Package

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds Review

I have to be upfront: earbuds aren’t exactly my first choice when it comes to gaming audio. I’m much more comfortable wearing a traditional over-the-ear headset. That said, I can appreciate why some folks prefer something smaller and more portable. For gaming on the go, it just makes sense. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, a premium pair of wireless earbuds designed to deliver that familiar Arctis audio experience in a considerably smaller package. With 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, active noise cancellation, and a slew of customization options, there’s plenty here to like.

However, there’s one important lesson I learned early on. That is, read the instructions before you start using them. Naturally, I did the exact opposite…

I yanked the GameBuds out of the box, connected them to my phone through Bluetooth, and headed out for a walk with my dog, Jim. Initially, everything sounded fantastic. Music was clear, they seemed comfortable, and the earbuds delivered superb sound. Unfortunately, things got a little weird when I received a phone call. After the call ended, the earbuds continued dinging with that phone call notification. I double-tapped, held the buttons down, and tried everything I could think of, but those notifications wouldn’t stop until I disconnected.

It turns out there’s more to these earbuds than simply connecting them to your phone. Go figure! The lesson here is simple: take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the controls and Arctis app before heading out. It’ll probably save you some frustration.

Sometimes, Reading the Instructions Helps

After I had a moment to sit down and learn some of the controls, the GameBuds deliver some impressive audio. SteelSeries has brought its Arctis audio into an entirely different form factor, and the results are encouraging.

Whether listening to music, watching videos, or gaming, the GameBuds sound rock solid. There’s plenty of punch to the bass without completely overwhelming the rest of the audio. The dialogue remains clear and easy to follow. For gaming, their 360-degree spatial audio support promises an immersive experience, particularly when paired with compatible games.

Active Noise Cancellation is another welcome addition. When enabled, it helps reduce distracting background noise but doesn’t completely wipe out outside noise. Without ANC, however, some lower-frequency sounds from passing trucks and cars still come through during outdoor walks. That’s something worth considering if you’re planning to use these primarily outside.

One of the GameBuds’ biggest strengths is their versatility. The included USB-C wireless dongle provides low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity for gaming, while Bluetooth 5.3 handles mobile devices and everyday listening. Quick-Switch Wireless allows folks to move between the two connections, making it possible to stay connected to a phone while gaming.

The Mobile Arctis App is another major selling point. With more than 200 game-specific audio presets, gamers can customize their sound for individual titles without leaving their games. It’s an impressive feature, particularly for gamers who enjoy fine-tuning their audio experience.

Plenty of Battery Life

Battery life is equally appealing. The earbuds offer more than 10 hours of use per charge, with the charging case extending total battery life to approximately 40 hours. Add IP55 water resistance, wireless Qi charging, and multiple silicone ear tips, and you’ve got a versatile package.

My biggest annoyance is the touch sensitivity. The controls are responsive, but accidental taps can become frustrating. When you’re walking around and need to remove an earbud, it’s surprisingly easy to inadvertently touch the outside and trigger a command.

This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. If you’re sitting comfortably at your desk or couch without constantly adjusting the earbuds, it’s unlikely to become a major issue. However, it’s something I noticed immediately during everyday use.

And then there’s the fit itself. Personally, I’m simply not a huge fan of wearing earbuds for extended gaming sessions. I much prefer having a traditional headset resting comfortably over my ears. That’s entirely subjective, though, and gamers who enjoy earbuds will probably appreciate the compact design.

While it isn’t cheap at around $200 USD, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds sound excellent, offer tremendous wireless flexibility, and pack an impressive collection of features into a tiny package. The extensive EQ customization, ANC, and decent battery life make them appealing for gamers on the go or for those who just want something versatile beyond their gaming setup.

I’m Still an Over-Ear Headset Guy

The sensitive touch controls and occasional frustrations with everyday use aren’t ideal, but they’re relatively minor concerns in an otherwise capable product. Ultimately, I’m still reaching for my traditional gaming headset. However, I can absolutely appreciate what SteelSeries has accomplished here. For gamers who prefer earbuds, the Arctis GameBuds are a fantastic alternative that delivers impressive audio without sacrificing the features expected from a premium gaming product.

***The earbuds were provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***