These new gaming earbuds for Xbox gaming are now available to buy and I am intrigued given this brand’s reputation for the great Xbox headsets
The Steelseries Arctis gamebuds are a first for its Xbox accessories
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What you need to know
Steelseries are known for making top-notch Xbox accessories, including theArctis Nova Pro wireless headsetwhich topped ourbest Xbox headsetslist for a considerable amount of time and is still one of the best for most gamers. Earlier this month we shared the news that Steelseries was launching a shiny new product, earbuds for Xbox. TheSteelSeries Arctis Gamebudsare designed specifically for Xbox gaming (and also work with PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch) and they are now available to buy fromBest Buy,AmazonandSteelseries directfor $159.99.
SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds|$159.99 at Best Buy
SteelSeries is planning to set a new benchmark for audio console gaming with the Arctis GameBuds. These Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, a Cross-Platform Wireless Adapter, Intense 360° Audio, compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, and much more.
Buy at:Best Buy|Amazon|SteelSeries
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A first for SteelSeries on Xbox (but make sure you buy the correct pair!)
It’s worth noting if you are going to purchase these, we have linked specifically to the Xbox-compatible model as the alternate versions for PlayStation will not work, however the Xbox model works out the best value as they work acrossallplatforms including Xbox.The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds use Bluetooth 5.3 and a cross platform wireless adapter to enable connectivity with Xbox, and you can switch between modes with a triple-tap to the earbuds on the fly. They are also packed with active noise cancellation and come with a mobile companion app which provides game-specific audio profiles for over 100 Xbox and PlayStation titles, letting you fine-tune your audio.
Recharge the buds with ease using the included Qi wireless charging case, which doubles as storage for the 2.4GHz adapter.
The SteelSeries Arctis Gaming Buds also boast an impressively long battery life of over 40 hours—10+ hours per use and three additional charges in the dock—you can get three hours of playtime from just 15 minutes of USB-C fast charging. The ergonomic design includes multiple silicone tips for a secure and comfortable fit during long gaming sessions. Plus, with IP55 water resistance, they’re protected against dust, dirt, and water.
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SteelSeries is well-respected in the gaming community for creating some of the top headsets for Xbox and PC, including models like theArctis Nova Pro,Arctis Nova 7X Wireless, andArctis 1 Wireless. With this impressive pedigree, we’re excited to see how the Arctis GameBuds perform in the gaming earbud market, especially compared to theHyperX Cloud MIX Buds 2and the budget-friendlyPrism XR.
Notably, the Arctis GameBuds are the first earbuds the firm designed to be compatible with Xbox, eliminating the need for third-party adapters like theSkull & Co Bluetooth adapter that connects AirPods to the console. These being made specifically with Xbox gaming in mind should provide a higher-quality audio experience. Other manufacturers have explored this format, notablyRazer with its Hammerhead earbuds for Xbox, but the specs SteelSeries is offering here blows that early effort out of the water. The increased competition should be intriguing to watch play out.The SteelSeries Arctis Gaming Buds are available now for $159.99 fromAmazonandBest Buy.
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Jen is a News Writer for Windows Central, focused on all things gaming and Microsoft. Anything slaying monsters with magical weapons will get a thumbs up such as Dark Souls, Dragon Age, Diablo, and Monster Hunter. When not playing games, she’ll be watching a horror or trash reality TV show, she hasn’t decided which of those categories the Kardashians fit into. You can follow Jen on Twitter@Jenbox360for more Diablo fangirling and general moaning about British weather.