SteelSeries Arctis GameBudsPrice, Battery Life, Specs & Console Support
Ask about the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
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TO SHELF
Released Guide updated
The Arctis GameBuds are SteelSeries' wireless gaming earbuds. A small USB-C dongle gives a low-latency 2.4GHz link to a console or PC, and a triple tap of the earbud switches to Bluetooth 5.3 for your phone. They have 4-mic hybrid noise cancelling, 360° spatial audio with Tempest 3D support, IP55 water resistance and up to 40 hours of play with the case.
Where it shines
Comparison
Compare earbudsHow it compares
Price
$199.99
The official list price to buy it.
Weight
5.3g
Grams in your ears. Lower is lighter.
Battery life
~10 hrs
How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.
Price
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds$199.99
OnePlus Buds 4$129.99
soundcore Liberty 5 Pro$169.99
Pixel Buds Pro 2$229
AirPods Pro 3$249Weight
Battery life
Current list prices.
One earbud, not the pair, and not the case.
Hours on one charge with noise cancelling on, where that figure is officially stated; otherwise the official headline figure. Prices are each product's lowest version. Battery life varies with use, settings and firmware.
If not this one
- If sound quality decides itGalaxy Buds4
360 Audio with head tracking and a 24-bit hi-fi codec bring out the richness of music, with 30 hours from the case.
- If comfort and fit decides itsoundcore AeroClip
It clips outside the ear with an open ring, so nothing presses into the ear canal, at 6.0 grams per earbud.
- If call quality decides itNothing Ear (3)
The Super Mic in the case cuts up to 95 dB of background noise on calls, on top of three microphones and a voice pickup unit in each earbud.
Quick answers
All FAQsQuick answers
How much do the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds cost?
$199.99 at SteelSeries' US store, for the PlayStation or the Xbox edition. They launched in North America at $159.99.
Which Bluetooth codecs do they support?
SBC only, over Bluetooth 5.3. There is no AAC or LDAC.
Do the Arctis GameBuds work with PS5?
Yes. Plug the USB-C dongle into the PS5 for a 2.4GHz link. Bluetooth earbuds cannot connect to a PS5 on their own, which is why the dongle is in the box. Tempest 3D audio is supported.
Sep 26, 2024 · Announced
SteelSeries introduces the Arctis GameBuds
At a glance
THIS PRODUCTSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
COMPARE WITHNothing Ear (a)Price
The starting list price, not a temporary sale price. It is usually the first thing that rules a product in or out.
From $199.99
From $79
Case battery
The case is what gets you through a week without a charger.
Technical specs⌄
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other connections determine what the device can work with.
Status light
A status light is how you know the battery level or pairing state without a phone.
Unknown
Controls
Taps, head nods, eye and hand tracking suit very different situations.
Battery
More time between charges usually makes a wearable easier to live with.
Lossless audio
A cable or codec that carries the full file is the difference between hearing the master and a compressed copy.
Unknown
Where to buy
We do not have a store link for SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds yet.
What's in the box
What comes in the box with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?
Here is what you get when you open it.
Pair of earbudsUSB-C wireless dongle
2.4GHz
Qi wireless charging case
USB-C to USB-A adapter
USB-C to USB-A charging cable0.3m
Silicone ear tipsSizes S, M and L
Regulatory bookletFrom SteelSeries. Checked Nov 1, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Questions about SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
Top questions
How much do the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds cost?
$199.99 at SteelSeries' US store, for the PlayStation or the Xbox edition. They launched in North America at $159.99.
Which Bluetooth codecs do they support?
SBC only, over Bluetooth 5.3. There is no AAC or LDAC.
Do the Arctis GameBuds work with PS5?
Yes. Plug the USB-C dongle into the PS5 for a 2.4GHz link. Bluetooth earbuds cannot connect to a PS5 on their own, which is why the dongle is in the box. Tempest 3D audio is supported.
Do the Arctis GameBuds work with Xbox?
Only the Xbox edition. SteelSeries says Xbox support requires the Arctis GameBuds for Xbox, and that edition's dongle also plugs into a PS5, PC and Switch.
How do I switch between the dongle and Bluetooth?
Triple tap the earbud. It moves between the 2.4GHz link and Bluetooth.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 10 hours per charge and up to 40 hours with the case, measured on 2.4GHz with noise cancelling off. A full charge takes 90 minutes.
Do they fast charge?
Yes. 15 minutes over USB-C gives 3 hours of play.
Does the case charge wirelessly?
Yes. The case charges on a Qi wireless charger or with the included USB-C cable, and it holds the dongle too.
Do they have noise cancelling?
Yes. A 4-mic hybrid noise cancelling system, plus a transparency mode for hearing what is around you.
Are the Arctis GameBuds waterproof?
They are rated IP55 for dust and water, which covers the gym and rain. SteelSeries does not rate them for swimming.
What is in the box?
The earbuds, the USB-C wireless dongle, the Qi wireless charging case, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, a 0.3m charging cable, small, medium and large silicone ear tips and a regulatory booklet.
How much do they weigh?
5.3g per earbud. The case weighs 48.7g.
Using it
Does it have noise cancelling?
Yes, it cancels noise.
What does it cost?
It costs $199.99. That is the list price.
Does it work with my phone?
Yes, it works with an iPhone or an Android phone.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 5.3g.
How does it connect?
It connects over Bluetooth.
Water
Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes for sweat and rain, but not for the shower. Its rating is IP55. It is rated for splashes, not immersion.
Price and models
Is there a newer one?
No. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds is the current model.