SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds Review – True Wireless Earbuds for Gamers

Gaming earbuds—do we really need them? If you’re diving into intense first-person shooters or battle royale games, the answer is a resounding yes. While your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones might suffice for casual use, latency issues often happens during fast-paced gaming. Enter the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. Designed with 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, these earbuds offer a gaming-centric solution that also works seamlessly across platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. They’re compact, versatile, and a legitimate contender for replacing your traditional gaming headset.

STEELSERIES ARCTIS GAMEBUDS REVIEW – UNBOXING AND PACKAGING CONTENTS

STEELSERIES ARCTIS GAMEBUDS REVIEW – DESIGN AND FEATURES

As a long-time advocate of over-ear gaming headsets (like the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless), I was initially sceptical about whether earbuds could truly deliver the same immersive experience. After all, a good headset provides not just sound quality but also excellent audio positioning, crucial for fast-paced, online, competitive gaming. But life on the go has pushed me towards lighter, more portable options, and my trusty Bose QC45 headphones, while great for music and movies, left something to be desired in the gaming department. Enter the Arctis GameBuds, which quickly proved to be a game-changer.

The first thing you’ll notice is how portable they are compared to bulkier headsets. The Qi charging case is small enough to slip into your pocket and can be charged via USB-C or even wirelessly on a Qi pad. The earbuds themselves last up to 10 hours on a single charge, with the case extending that to a total of 40 hours—perfect for gaming marathons or extended trips.

The design strikes a balance between function and comfort. Unlike the elongated look of AirPods, the Arctis GameBuds has a more compact, in-ear design reminiscent of Jabra’s earbuds. A slight twist and push ensure a snug fit, ideal for blocking out distractions and staying secure during gameplay.

Controls are intuitive and customisable via the SteelSeries app, making it easy to adapt to your preferences. For instance, by default, a triple tap on the right earbud toggles between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, while a single tap on the left switches between noise-cancelling modes. These controls feel natural after a short learning curve, and the app allows fine-tuning of audio presets to match the games you are currently playing. There are over than 100 game audio presets available in the app.

You can also check the battery levels of your earbuds and charger within the app.

STEELSERIES ARCTIS GAMEBUDS REVIEW – NOISE CANCELLING AND AUDIO QUALITY

The active noise cancelling (ANC) on the Arctis GameBuds is impressive, even if it’s not as aggressive as market leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. That said, it strikes a good balance, muffling background noise without the intrusive air pressure some ANC systems cause.

I tested these earbuds across Melbourne’s bustling CBD, in open office spaces, and even noisy cafes. The results were solid: crowd chatter and ambient noise were muted effectively (like the sound of an idle truck nearby and general noise ambiance), and I could focus on my games or music with ease. For gaming at home, I often switched to transparency mode, which allowed me to stay aware of my surroundings—handy when my son or wife needed my attention mid-session.

STEELSERIES ARCTIS GAMEBUDS REVIEW – GAMING PERFORMANCE

Where the Arctis GameBuds truly shine is in gaming performance. Audio positioning is critical in fast-paced shooters like Overwatch 2, and the GameBuds don’t disappoint. Despite their compact size, they deliver clear, directional audio that rivals many over-ear gaming headsets.

During a recent Overwatch 2 session, I could hear a Tracer flanking from the right by hearing her footsteps, quickly followed by a Hanzo attempting to ambush our team through the rear window. This level of clarity and spatial awareness allowed me to counter their attack and alert my teammates in time. Whether it’s subtle footsteps or chaotic battles, the GameBuds provide immersive, precise soundscapes that keep you in the game.

For more relaxed experiences, like playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the audio is equally enjoyable. The sound is rich and balanced, making it easy to appreciate everything from dialogue to musical scores. As a bonus, I even used the earbuds for music practice (I play bass), and the clarity was fantastic—I could hear every note and bass distinctly.

STEELSERIES ARCTIS GAMEBUDS REVIEW CONCLUSION

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are a compelling choice for gamers seeking portability without compromising on performance. They deliver the immersive sound and audio positioning needed for competitive play, along with low latency through 2.4GHz with the added benefit of active noise cancellation and excellent battery life. The compact design and Qi charging case make them perfect for gaming on the go, while their versatility across platforms ensures they’re more than just a PC accessory.

While they can’t fully replicate the experience of a high-end over-ear headset, the Arctis GameBuds come remarkably close. Whether you’re a mobile gamer, a remote worker, or simply want a lighter option for your gaming sessions, these earbuds deserve a spot in your setup.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are available now at retailers around Australia for A$359 RRP.

Disclosure: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review sample was supplied for reviewing