SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds evaluation: gaming earbud perfection, practically

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are one thing of a revelation. Whereas there are actually many choices out there for these searching for a low-cost set of wi-fi earbuds, few additionally embody a straightforward technique of connecting them to your gaming PC. That’s the place the two.4GHz wi-fi dongle with this in-ear headset comes into play. What’s extra, the good consolation and sound of those earbuds, mixed with their 100+ game-specific sound profiles, makes them a very easy and decent-value various to a traditional gaming headset.

Razer could have overwhelmed SteelSeries to the punch for two.4GHz wi-fi earbuds, with its Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed (evaluation imminent), however the Arctis GameBuds do exactly sufficient to earn the crown of the perfect gaming earbuds on our greatest gaming headset information. The variations are refined, although, so learn on to seek out out why the Arctis GameBuds are so good.

Specs

Options

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are primarily similar to Apple AirPods, or any variety of different absolutely wi-fi earbuds, with their potential to ship wi-fi audio individually from every earbud whereas having a compact carry case that may recharge the earbuds a number of extra occasions.

They’ll join through Bluetooth to your cellphone, pill, laptop computer, or gaming PC with a Bluetooth adapter (sometimes, most Wi-Fi playing cards or the inbuilt Wi-Fi adapters on motherboards embody Bluetooth now), however the actual key to those gaming earbuds for PC customers is their inclusion of a 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle too. The USB-C dongle, which comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, permits you to join these earbuds to any PC, offering a low-latency audio connection that’s ultimate for gaming.

The earbuds every incorporate a single driver of unspecified measurement to ship its audio, whereas 4 little microphones permit the buds to supply voice comms together with lively noise cancellation (ANC) and audio pass-through. The latter helps you to preserve the earbuds in your ears and nonetheless clearly hear what’s occurring outdoors.

Every bud additionally has a button that permits you to play/pause/skip tracks, change between Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz, management quantity, enter pairing mode, reply/finish a name, change between ANC and pass-through modes, or simply flip off the mics fully so the buds depend on the passive sound blocking of the eartips (the perfect setting for prolonging battery life). Every of those options is activated by some mixture of a single press, double press, triple press, press then maintain, or by holding down the button.

The buds can present ten hours of battery life per cost, with the case then offering three extra full costs, for 40 hours of complete on-the-go listening. These are significantly spectacular numbers, with Apple’s AirPods Professional solely delivering a complete of 30 hours, and simply six hours for every cost of the buds. The Razer Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed additionally affords 40 hours however with 6.5 hours per bud. The GameBuds case can also be suitable with Qi wi-fi charging.

Different inclusions within the field is a brief USB-C to USB-C charging cable and a field of small and enormous silicone eartips as alternate options to the default medium-size ideas. The charging case itself features a USB-C charging port, and inside it has room to accommodate the USB-C dongle, although not the USB-C to USB-A adapter. Notably, the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed can’t retailer its wi-fi dongle.

The Arctis GameBuds can be found in three completely different configurations. There are black and white variations which might be suitable with PC and PlayStation, then solely a black model that’s suitable with Xbox consoles.

Design and luxury

With this white PlayStation-compatible model we’re reviewing, we have now to confess the Arctis Gamebuds don’t instantly give off a very fashionable vibe. The white case appears and feels a bit plasticky, and the white earbuds equally lack the marginally cleaner, slicker look of Airpods. That mentioned, the shortage of a protruding stick, just like the one the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed and Airpods, means these earbuds do disguise away in your ears slightly extra.

Furthermore, earbuds generally are arguably not probably the most fashionable equipment, and these are completely tremendous as compared with different buds. Plus, they’re primarily meant for gaming use at house, and as journey headphones second, so avenue trend isn’t an important standards.

Trying on the case a bit extra carefully, it’s a sensible, compact unit that’s simply pocketable. That mentioned, it’s noticeably larger than the second-gen AirPods Professional case (under proper) and the Razer Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed case (under middle). It’s round 50% thicker and barely wider than each. It’s additionally heavier than the Razer buds case, however really a gram lighter than the AirPods Professional case.

As such, the SteelSeries buds don’t simply slip into the tiny further pocket you discover in denims, as is the case with the AirPods Professional, however they’re tremendous with some other small pocket and are typically tremendous moveable. Plus, that further bulk will get you the flexibility to hold across the USB dongle, making certain you by no means lose it (with out shedding your complete set of GameBuds, clearly).

The lid to the case feels a bit skinny and low-cost, although. It’s additionally only a bit awkward to grip the case whereas additionally flipping the lid – a symptom of its horizontal relatively than vertical structure, seemingly. Plus, the lid solely opens about 70% of the way in which earlier than hitting a slight resistance that requires you to push the lid again the remainder of the way in which. It’s a far cry from the snappy, magnet-assisted lid of AirPods or the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed. It’s not a deal breaker, however only a very slight irritation.

Equally, lifting out the earbuds isn’t fairly as easy as with AirPods Professional, however it’s easy sufficient – and much simpler than the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed – they usually snap again into place very cleanly because of their magnet help. In the meantime, the dongle makes use of a push match and is a bit more awkward to grip from the case, however you’re far much less prone to be frequently eradicating it when on the go, so it’s not a serious concern.

I discovered the match of the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds to be very good. They push fairly deeply into your ear canal, so if you happen to’re not a fan of that sensation then you definately gained’t get on with these buds. In distinction, AirPods Professional and the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed have their rubber ideas sitting so they only cowl the doorway to your ear canal, relatively than pushing deeper into it.

Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t thoughts the deeper type of match, these slide into your ears simply, and, regardless of the cumbersome design of the earbuds, they settled into the form of my ear properly, making for a match that didn’t really feel like the burden of the buds was pulling on the silicone ideas. The default medium ideas did the job for me, however you might have the 2 different sizes if wanted.

Match for earbuds is a really private issue, although, so whereas I really feel these are broadly a well-designed form, there’s solely a lot I can recommend they’ll swimsuit different wearers. Additionally, as a result of they do should be pushed into your ears considerably deep, there’s a transient second the place the buds are midway to being pushed in that it’s a must to modify your grip, which could be a bit fiddly to keep away from urgent the buttons on the skin of the earbuds, however you get the grasp of it.

As soon as in, I discovered these earbuds remained comfy for an entire day’s listening. Crucially, if you happen to put on glasses these earbuds completely keep away from the problem of your glasses arms being pressed into the facet of your head and inflicting discomfort.

There might sometimes be a second an hour or so into carrying them that they may really feel a contact tickly, so a fast rejig of the match was required, however then they may go virtually unnoticed for a lot of hours extra. They do require pushing again into your ears slightly as soon as each hour or two, although. – to not the purpose the place they’re vulnerable to falling out, however simply to enhance the seal and have them be slightly extra comfortable, which makes a giant distinction to their bass response.

They really feel safer for exercising than AirPods Professional and the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed too, I wouldn’t wholeheartedly belief them for lengthy coaching classes. I used them on the health club loads of occasions with out problem however for an extended run or trip, they’ll work free greater than a devoted set of sports activities earbuds.

Much less of a consolation problem, however a extra normal usability issue, is the superb design of the outer buttons on these earbuds. The entire flat outward-facing floor of the buds is a button that’s each very easy to succeed in and to press – the button feels mild however outlined, so you already know for certain while you’ve pressed it.

Not solely are the buttons simple to press, however their multitude of capabilities is intuitive and simple to carry out. It takes a short while to recollect each operate, and if you happen to very occasionally use sure options you could discover you possibly can’t fairly bear in mind which mixture brings it up while you want it, however for probably the most half, it’s surprisingly simple.

Software program and sound profiles

You’ll be able to configure the GameBuds through each desktop and cellular apps, with the previous utilizing the SteelSeries GG software program, and the app merely known as SteelSeries Arctis Companion. Each apps offer you entry to many of the similar capabilities, although solely the desktop app helps you to create customized EQ profiles. You’ll be able to select the quantity of as much as ten frequency bands, with the sections of the frequency vary handily labeled as sub bass, bass, low mids, and so forth.

Within the Audio part of the apps you possibly can change between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, set an EQ, toggle noise management, change mic quantity, set a sidetone quantity (the quantity of your mic you possibly can hear), and allow a quantity limiter (as per EU rules).

In the meantime, within the Settings part, you may as well change how lengthy it can take earlier than the earbuds flip off when no audio is enjoying (from 1-90 minutes or by no means). At that time, the buds do fully flip off and should be returned to their case to come back again out of sleep mode, which is sort of irritating, so I discovered lengthening this turn-off time to at least one hour from the default of half-hour was helpful.

Different settings embody a put on sense possibility that can robotically pause your music while you take away an earbud. You may also change the button mapping, selecting what capabilities shall be triggered by a single press, double press, and so forth. It’s a complete record that makes it very easy to get the Arctis GameBuds arrange simply how you want.

The ultimate piece of the puzzle, earlier than we have a look at the general sound high quality, is the choice of pre-built sound profiles from which you’ll select. There are over 100 game-optimized EQs out there, that are tweaked for components reminiscent of enhancing the readability of footsteps or different essential audio cues.

Such EQ settings aren’t a brand new function to gaming headsets however they do work significantly effectively for a set of earbuds that you simply’re more likely to wish to optimize for excellent music sound high quality when touring, however then tune to a selected recreation while you’re enjoying. A devoted wired headset, however, can get away with being completely tuned for a recreation always.

Microphone sound high quality

The mics on the GameBuds sound nice, so far as earbuds go. They do a great job of clearly choosing up your voice and preserving a good quantity of lower-end readability, all whereas decreasing the impression of some outdoors noise.

Additionally they work effectively in transparency mode. As with all such modes, the tone tends to be a contact extra trebly in comparison with the true outdoors sound, however you possibly can maintain a dialog and get a way of site visitors round you with none apparent distortion. Your individual voice additionally doesn’t come by way of with too unusual a tone or delay.

The one slight problem is that moments in dialog the place you speak over one another barely imply you merely can’t hear what the opposite particular person says while you usually would be capable of. That is frequent with these modes, although.

Headphone sound high quality

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds sound high quality is nice. The drivers do a strong job of reproducing a variety of sounds with none actually apparent coloring of the tone. Bass presence is robust when known as upon however not compelled, top-end element is obvious with out being shrill, and there’s loads of mid-range heat, making for a typically easy and satisfying pay attention. Whether or not listening to Fleetwood Mac, Kanye, or Amyl and Sniffers, these earbuds are as much as the duty.

For these aware of them, the Arctis GameBuds really sound remarkably just like the AirPods Professional buds. In the meantime, the Hammerhead Hyperspeed buds as an alternative have a way more clearly emphasised bass response with much less mid-range presence.

That prowess at music interprets to video games and video too, with the default sound bringing plenty of element and environment to no matter you throw at them. The sport-specific profiles are an fascinating addition too, although not all are as profitable as others.

The Counter-Strike 2 profile tuned by Faze does an ideal job of amping up the readability of footsteps and different key in-game noises. The result’s fairly shrill, with pointless bass tremendously lowered, however it works as a gaming benefit. Conversely, the Apex Legends profile surprisingly bumps up the bass, which makes for a big-impact, enjoyable sound, however it’s not a alternative I’d make for tuning a aggressive recreation like that, although in equity it does additionally crank up the treble for a bit of additional readability.

As for the noise canceling of those earbuds, it’s excellent. The passive noise discount from the silicone ideas is usually sufficient to only take off the sting in a barely busy workplace, or when there’s a little bit of hustle and bustle outdoors your window, however turning on the ANC helps significantly in louder environments.

I primarily examined these earbuds at my native health club, which blasts a variety of loud music all through the entire constructing and the ANC did an ideal job of masking many of the din. The bass particularly is saved at bay, permitting the bass of what you’re listening to by way of to your ears.

Battery life

The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds battery life is incredible. I discovered they frequently lasted an entire working day with out working flat, simply dwelling as much as their ten hours per cost declare. I additionally discovered the claimed three hours of listening from quarter-hour of charging declare to be largely correct too.

Contemplating the scale of the case, it could have been good to get a good larger complete listening time than 40 hours however it’s nonetheless a good total lifespan between costs. The battery life does cut back if you happen to use ANC however they nonetheless last more than most rivals.

Value

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds worth is $159.99, making these a fairly premium possibility so far as gaming headsets go. Nevertheless, this worth matches the Razer Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed and is in the identical ballpark as different wi-fi earbuds. As such, they provide first rate worth total.

Alternate options

Razer Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed

With core specs similar to the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds, the Hammerhead Professional Hyperspeed affords a barely completely different match, case design, and sound profile. The match is extra like an AirPod, with its lengthy outer stalk and fewer deep-sitting eartips. Their sound has a stronger bass push too, all for primarily the identical worth because the GameBuds.

Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds won’t be the primary gaming earbuds, however they’re positively my favourite of the choices out there proper now. Their mixture of nice sound high quality, glorious noise canceling, normal ease of use, long-term consolation, and lengthy battery life makes them a pleasure to make use of while you’re gaming at your desk and whilst you’re out and about.

There are a number of little irritations, such because the failure to activate after dropping into standby mode, and the marginally cheap-feeling plastic lid of the case. Plus, the general consolation and match of earbuds will be very subjective. Nevertheless, total these earbuds nonetheless provide an expertise I actually loved and one I can suggest at present pricing.

When you’re nonetheless not satisfied by an in-ear headset alternative, learn our information on the perfect wi-fi gaming headsets for extra over-ear headset choices. Or, try our record of the perfect laptop audio system for some out-loud audio choices.