SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review
When I got my hands on the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for the first time a little over a month ago, apart from being surprised that they actually fit my weird little ears, I was also surprised by how premium they look, feel, and sound. Now that I've had time to thoroughly test them, I'm pleased to say my initial impressions weren't skin-deep. These are incredible gaming earbuds that more than justify their admittedly steep price tag.
They're not expensive next to the PlayStation Pulse Explore and Sony InZone Buds, but they are pretty expensive compared to other options. After all, we're PC gamers 'round here, so we can swat aside all that «console» nonsense. And in the realm of earbuds for PC gaming, the Arctis GameBuds do face some competition at their $160 MSRP price point. The JBL Quantum TWS earbuds, for instance, do a lot of what the GameBuds do and often go on sale for a lot cheaper than their standard $150 price tag.
Make no mistake, though, the GameBuds do indeed do a lot, which goes a long way towards justifying their MSRP—not to mention their stellar audio quality, which we'll get to.
We're talking quick-switch Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz USB-C connectivity, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes, impressive battery life, cross-console compatibility (depending on whether you buy the Xbox or PlayStation version), 360-degree spatial audio, Qi wireless charging, IP55 water resistance, «WearSense» tech that pauses playback when you remove the earbuds, plenty of left- and right-side button controls, and even a slot in the carry pod for the USB-C dongle. None of this is even to mention the SteelSeries GG software, phone app, game audio profiles and full parametric EQ customisation.
Drivers: 6mm neodymium magnetic
Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
Weight: 11 g (both)
Connection: 2.4 GHz wireless | Bluetooth 5.3
Battery life: 40 hr (10 hr earbuds + 30 hr charging case)
Durability: IP55 water resistant
Price: $160 | £159 | AU$359
The GameBuds quite
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