What we have for review is the Arctis Gamebuds from SteelSeries. This is a gaming TWS in-ear style earphones, featuring 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth support for the PC, PlayStation and Xbox. This wireless gaming earbuds is priced locally for about ₱9,410 PHP, or about $160 USD globally.
Disclosure: SteelSeries provided the Arctis Gamebuds for the purpose of review. As with previous samples, the brand did not request any specific comments about this particular product.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
Unfortunately, SteelSeries has not released the official specifications for the Arctis Gamebuds, so we don’t know much about its hardware. What we do know is that it features dynamic drivers, and it is equipped with microphones for each ear cup (input and ANC). The Gamebuds is also IP55 rated which means it offers decent dust and water protection.
| Earphones | |
|---|---|
| Transducer | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Sensitivity | N/A |
| THD | N/A |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz RF, Bluetooth |
| Microphone | |
| Transducer | N/A |
| Polar Pattern | N/A |
| Frequency Response | N/A |
| Sensitivity | N/A |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 70 mm |
| Width | 53 mm |
| Height | 31 mm |
| Weight | 63.7 g |
Packaging and Accessories
The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds is enclosed in a compact package; with its accessories neatly organized into sections.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds
- Charging case
- Charging and data cable (USB Type-C)
- Wireless 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- 6x silicon ear tips (Small, medium, and large)
- User guide
Design, Build and Connectivity
The Arctis Gamebuds are pebble size wireless earbuds – like many TWS models that came before it. However, it looks more organic, and lacks the stem found on most models in its class. Each bud has its own microphone for audio input and ANC, along with remappable gesture control buttons. To add, a mini-LED illuminates both earbuds as status indicators – but there’s a vocal indication too if visuals alone wont cut it for your needs.
The inner side of the earbuds houses the contact points for charging and data. This side also shows the removable silicon tips along with the legends for each channels.
SteelSeries provides two ways to connect the Arctis Gamebuds: either through a 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth. Both options feature a 16-bit, 48000 Hz sampling rate. That said, it’s a bit disappointing that the 2.4 GHz option may primarily be intended for improved latency and quicker connectivity. It is nice to see a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter thrown in the mix though.
Ergonomics
The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds is featherweight – about 5.5 grams each. Now while I prefer memory foam over silicon tips, SteelSeries offered three sizes so you still get plenty of choice for the best fit, feel, and seal.
Regarding the overall fit of Gamebuds, they fit my ear well almost like a glove, a product of thousands of ear scans during its R&D. However, I have a narrow ear canal, so even the smallest silicone tip still causes discomfort after a while. That considered, the Gamebuds have a nozzle diameter of 5 mm, and a pair of memory foam tips suitable of that size should help alleviate some discomfort.
Software
The Arctis Gamebuds is compatible with the SteelSeries GG software – both for the PC and mobile. In my previous review of the Arctis Nova 5 wireless, I praised the SteelSeries GG for its parametric EQ and it still did not disappoint. What is problematic however, is the cumbersome equalizer drop-down menu, which inconveniently places the general presets at the bottom, requiring to scroll past the extensive list of supported titles and modes.
Other notable features includes noise control, adjustable directly through the Gambud’s buttons, wear sensing (available exclusively via Bluetooth), and a button remapping function.
Frequency Response
The Arctis Gamebuds does not follow the IEM Diffused Field target, and yet it doesn’t sound bad – just lacking in certain areas. Notables here are the sub bass and upper mid regions, with up to 5 dB of difference compared to our target. The upper bass up to the mid regions however, are acceptable – considering the average frequency response of both channels. This earphone and its presets were tested with the ANC turned off. On that note, refer to this graph for the measurement of each general presets.
Bass
On average, I find the lack of sub bass output acceptable, to a point where I could simply enjoy a punchier listening experience. This is where most of the channel imbalance occurs, so we are generally on target above 100 Hz with averaging considered.
Mids
Midrange on the other hand has small elevations up until it declines in amplitude at 1.6 kHz. This could be easily equalized to your liking via the SteelSeries GG software, but I actually like where it is by default with the exception of the said upper midrange response.
Treble
Top-end performance is lacking in terms of detail, but I think this could be attributed to the lack of energy between 2-4 kHz. As said before, this earbud doesn’t sound bad – just lacking song spiciness with its default settings.
Distortion
The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the Gamebuds is below 1% as far as the audible range is concerned. These are excellent results from my perspective.
CSD
With such small ear couplers, I am not sure if I should or should not expect this amount of lingering bass energy from the Arctis Gamebuds. One thing’s for certain though – you don’t want to add more energy around the said region.
Noise Isolation
As for noise reduction, ANC works well in general but with the exception to the midrange, featuring a lesser effect around 1 kHz. Passive noise isolation is actually better at that range, but it is not as good with the feature turned on. Transparency mode on the other hand amplifies anything up to 2.4 kHz and then sharply declines towards the treble region.
Microphone
The microphone of the Arctis Gamebuds is acceptable considering its design limitations. It has a weak lower midrange input, so it may sound nasal due to the extra energy at the midrange proper.
Input Lag
Now input lag is also acceptable. The 2.4 GHz wireless mode is of course the lowest measured connectivity option with a latency of 34.4 ms on average. Bluetooth on the other hand averages at 218.9 ms. For competitive gaming, using 2.4 GHz RF is my recommendation.
Final Thoughts
The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds is a good option for gamers who prefer in-ear audio solutions over traditional headsets. Their lightweight design, dual connectivity options (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth), and decent ANC capabilities make them versatile for both gaming and casual use. The SteelSeries GG software enhances their functionality with EQ customization and button remapping, enhancing user experience along with a bit of adaptability.
While the sound profile of the Gamebuds is enjoyable, there are some trade-offs, particularly in its sub-bass output and upper-midrange response. The microphone is serviceable but not exceptional, and the ANC works well except for some weaknesses in the midrange. Comfort may also be a concern for those with smaller ear canals, despite the inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes.
Battery life is still not in my list to test accurately, but I’ve found that a single charge will last for a day of use. That’s about 8-10 hours, and with its fast charging capabilities, that’s plenty enough for my needs.
At $160, the Gamebuds face competition, but their low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection gives them an edge for gaming. If you prioritize a compact, truly wireless design with solid connectivity and don’t mind some minor drawbacks, the Arctis Gamebuds are worth considering.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds $160
Product Name: Arctis GameBuds
Product Description: The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are wireless gaming earbuds featuring low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity via a USB-C dongle, active noise cancellation, and compatibility with multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
Brand: SteelSeries
Summary
If you prioritize low latency gaming audio, solid build quality, and software customization over anything else, the Arctis Gamebuds is a compelling choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for most users
- Dual connectivity (2.4 GHz & Bluetooth)
- Low latency 2.4 GHz for gaming
- Decent ANC and transparency mode
- Parametric EQ via SteelSeries GG
- Remappable buttons are a plus
- Qi charging capable case
Cons
- Upper-midrange response could be better
- ANC struggles in the midrange frequencies
- Microphone quality is just average
- Can cause discomfort for gamers with smaller ear canals
