Nothing Ear (3) vs SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: which should you buy?

Key differences

• Water resistance: IP54 vs IP55Nothing Ear (3): IP54 ConfirmedSourceSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: IP55 ConfirmedSource
• Battery life: close (38 hrs vs 40 hrs) (both with case, ANC off)Nothing Ear (3): 38 hrs ConfirmedSourceSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: 40 hrs ConfirmedSource
• Weight: close (5.2g vs 5.3g) (both per earbud)Nothing Ear (3): 5.2g ConfirmedSourceSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: 5.3g ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed. Two figures measured under different conditions are shown side by side, not compared.

Who should buy which

• The Nothing Ear (3) Guide names it for calls, noise cancelling and sound quality.Calls: The Super Mic cuts up to 95 dB of background noise on calls and voice notes. Source linkedSourceNoise cancelling: Adaptive noise cancelling up to 45 dB that rechecks your surroundings every 600 milliseconds. Source linkedSourceSound quality: 24-bit Hi-Res Audio over LDAC and an 8-band equaliser in the Nothing X app. Source linkedSource
• The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds Guide names it for gaming, battery life and noise cancelling.Gaming: A USB-C 2.4GHz dongle gives a low-latency link to PS5, Switch and PC, which ordinary Bluetooth earbuds cannot make. Source linkedSourceBattery life: Up to 10 hours per charge and 40 hours with the case. ConfirmedSourceNoise cancelling: 4-mic hybrid noise cancelling with a transparency mode. ConfirmedSource