SteelSeries has refreshed its Arctis GameBuds with new Matcha and Yuzu finishes, but the hardware underneath remains the same premium gaming earbud package introduced earlier.
The Matcha Xbox model reviewed here costs $199.99 and combines low latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, Active Noise Cancellation, 360 degree Spatial Audio and a charging case with both USB C and Qi wireless charging.
The biggest advantage of the Xbox version is compatibility. It works with Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, handheld gaming systems and mobile devices, making it the better option if you use more than one gaming platform.
Compact design with a more lifestyle focused look
The new Matcha finish gives the earbuds and charging case a light green appearance that feels less aggressive than traditional gaming hardware.
There are few visual elements that immediately identify them as gaming earbuds, which makes them easier to use outside a gaming setup.
Each earbud weighs 5.3 grams and uses a compact stemless design.
SteelSeries includes small, medium and large silicone ear tips, which is important because fit has a major effect on comfort, bass response, isolation and ANC performance.
| Specification | SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds |
|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 |
| Drivers | 6mm neodymium |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Wireless | 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Bluetooth codec | SBC |
| ANC | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes |
| Spatial audio | 360 degree Spatial Audio |
| Microphones | Two per earbud |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours |
| Total with case | Up to 40 hours |
| Charging | USB C and Qi |
| Resistance | IP55 |
| Weight | 5.3g per earbud |
| Platforms | Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, handhelds and mobile |
Once properly fitted, the earbuds sit securely enough for longer gaming sessions.
The in ear design is deeper than some lifestyle earbuds, so comfort will still depend heavily on personal preference.
Physical buttons reduce accidental inputs
SteelSeries uses physical controls instead of touch sensitive surfaces.
That makes inputs more predictable and reduces accidental commands when adjusting the earbuds.
The drawback is that pressing a physical button can push the earbud slightly deeper into your ear.
This was not described as a major comfort problem, but a lighter button action would have improved the experience.
The earbuds also carry an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
That makes them suitable for everyday use, commuting and light exercise, although they are not designed for swimming.
2.4GHz wireless is the main gaming advantage
The included USB C adapter gives the GameBuds their strongest gaming feature.
Bluetooth is convenient for music, video and calls, but latency can become noticeable in games.
The dedicated 2.4GHz connection provides much faster response and keeps game audio better synchronized with on screen action.
Bluetooth 5.3 is still available for phones and everyday use.
Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz can be handled through the earbuds themselves.
One limitation is that both sources cannot be heard at the same time.
Unlike some larger SteelSeries headsets, the GameBuds do not mix Bluetooth audio with 2.4GHz game sound simultaneously.
Xbox version is the better multi platform choice
The Xbox model includes an adapter with PC and Xbox modes and can also work with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and other compatible devices.
The PlayStation model does not offer equivalent wireless Xbox support.
That makes the Xbox edition the more flexible choice even if PlayStation is your main console.
The USB C adapter itself is relatively wide, however, and can block a neighboring port on some laptops or handhelds.
SteelSeries includes an extension adapter to help with this problem.
ANC is useful but not class leading
Active Noise Cancellation performs well enough to reduce steady background noise and improve immersion.
It does not completely silence a busy environment and is not described as matching the strongest premium lifestyle earbuds.
Still, it is effective enough to be useful.
Transparency mode allows outside sound to pass through when you need awareness of your surroundings.
Both ANC and transparency performance depend heavily on getting a proper ear tip seal.
Companion app adds real value
The Arctis Companion app is one of the strongest parts of the package.
It provides more than 100 game specific audio presets that can be selected directly from a smartphone.
That is particularly useful for console players because you do not need to connect the earbuds to a PC to change profiles.
Some presets emphasize footsteps and positional cues, while others add more bass and create a more cinematic sound.
The app also allows control customization and other settings.
The large number of profiles can initially feel overwhelming, but search makes specific game presets easier to find.
Battery life reaches up to 40 hours
SteelSeries rates the earbuds for up to 10 hours of use per charge.
The case provides another 30 hours, giving a total of up to 40 hours before the case itself needs charging.
Real battery life will vary depending on volume, ANC and wireless mode.
The charging case supports USB C and Qi wireless charging.
Qi is not essential, but being able to place the case on a charging pad makes daily use more convenient.
The case also includes storage for the USB C wireless adapter, reducing the chance of losing it.
Audio quality is strong for gaming earbuds
The GameBuds use 6mm neodymium drivers with a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response.
The review describes the default tuning as balanced, with enough bass for explosions, engines and music without overpowering dialogue or smaller details.
The midrange remains clear and voices are easy to understand.
Treble provides enough presence for footsteps, weapon sounds and positional information without becoming consistently harsh.
The soundstage cannot match a good full size open or over ear headset, but the earbuds still produce a convincing sense of space.
360 degree Spatial Audio can further widen the presentation in supported games.
Positional audio works well for competitive play
Directional effects are one of the stronger areas.
Footsteps and other environmental cues are clear enough to help identify where sounds are coming from.
The low latency 2.4GHz connection also helps by keeping those cues synchronized with gameplay.
Competitive presets can push upper midrange and treble detail further, while cinematic profiles add more low end weight.
Some of the more aggressive competitive profiles may sound less natural for general gameplay or music, but switching between them is easy.
Music quality is good, but codec support is basic
The GameBuds also work well for everyday music listening.
Bass has enough weight, vocals remain clear and the overall sound is enjoyable.
However, Bluetooth support is limited to the SBC codec.
There is no higher quality Bluetooth codec for buyers primarily interested in music playback.
That limitation does not affect gaming through the dedicated 2.4GHz adapter.
Microphones are adequate for chat
Each earbud includes two microphones used for voice capture, noise management and ANC.
Voice quality is sufficient for party chat, phone calls and casual online gaming.
However, the microphones still have the thinner and more compressed character associated with true wireless earbuds.
They cannot compete with a dedicated boom microphone positioned close to your mouth.
Anyone who regularly streams, records content or prioritizes microphone quality will still be better served by a traditional gaming headset or separate microphone.
Premium price comes with broad functionality
At $199.99, the Arctis GameBuds sit firmly in premium territory.
The price brings strong gaming audio, low latency wireless, useful ANC, broad platform support, more than 100 app controlled presets and a practical charging case with wireless charging.
There are compromises.
Bluetooth is limited to SBC, the earbuds cannot mix Bluetooth and 2.4GHz sources, microphone quality is only adequate, and the wide USB C adapter can obstruct neighboring ports.
Comfort will also depend on how well you tolerate sealed in ear designs.
The Matcha color does not change any of those fundamentals, but it gives the product a more distinctive appearance.
For players who want a compact alternative to a traditional headset without giving up low latency wireless or console support, the Arctis GameBuds offer a strong overall package, especially in the more flexible Xbox version.
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