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GamingMics Mic test
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Works on Windows, Mac, PS5 and Xbox, with a mute control; for Xbox, buy the Xbox edition.

EarbudsWireless earbuds with a USB-C dongle for PS5, PC and Switch, and Xbox in the Xbox edition

Check this setup

Platform connections

Choose the edition for your console

“Works” means the maker lists that platform for the connection shown; “Maker doesn't say” means it doesn't mention it either way. On a headset, it also depends on the edition you pick.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds: how it connects and what you can adjust

Over the wireless dongle

  1. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds microphone
  2. The dongle for your headset’s edition
  3. Mic input on your PC or console
  4. Game chat
Connections
2.4 GHz USB-C wireless dongle (Xbox edition: Xbox / PC switch) · USB-C to USB-A adapter cable for the dongle · Bluetooth 5.3
Mute
Hold the button on either bud for 1 second to mute or unmute
Hear yourself
Not listed by the maker

Choose it if…

  • You want game sound and voice chat in earbuds, not over your ears.
  • You are happy to check your voice with your chat app’s mic test instead of hearing yourself continuously in headphones.
  • You want a wearable microphone rather than a separate desk stand or arm.

Before choosing this model

  • For Xbox, buy the Xbox edition: its dongle has an Xbox / PC switch. The PlayStation edition's dongle doesn't work on an Xbox, and neither do the White and Glorange colours.
  • Bluetooth connects one device at a time; a triple tap switches between the dongle and Bluetooth, so you don't hear both at once.
  • SteelSeries' 10 hours per charge is with the dongle in use, noise cancelling off and full volume; 40 hours counts the case.
  • ChatMix needs SteelSeries GG on Windows; SteelSeries says PlayStation doesn't support it.
  • For Xbox, buy the Xbox edition: SteelSeries lists Xbox only for that one.
  • No stand or arm needed: the mics are in the earbuds.
  • Use the cable in the box; you only need an adapter if your computer lacks that port.

Others like it

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Controls and specifications

PC · Mac · PlayStation · Xbox (Xbox edition) · Nintendo Switch · Mobile. Software: SteelSeries GG on Windows (Sonar: ChatMix and ClearCast AI mic noise cancelling) · Arctis Companion app on a phone (EQ, button mapping, noise control).

Connections, controls and fit
Connections 2.4 GHz USB-C wireless dongle (Xbox edition: Xbox / PC switch) · USB-C to USB-A adapter cable for the dongle · Bluetooth 5.3
Microphone mute Hold the button on either bud for 1 second to mute or unmute
Monitoring Not listed by the maker
Chat controls mute: hold either bud 1 second · volume: double tap and hold · triple tap: switch between the dongle and Bluetooth · transparency and noise cancelling: tap the left bud
Mounts Not listed by the maker
Dimensions Not listed by the maker
In the box and parts
Included parts Arctis GameBuds earbuds · Charging case (Qi wireless charging) · USB-C 2.4 GHz wireless dongle · USB-C to USB-A adapter cable for the dongle · Short USB-C charging cable · S, M and L ear tips
Additional parts Depends on how you connect it and the headphones you use.
Manufacturer specifications for SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds.
Compatibility the maker lists PS5, PC, Mac, Switch and phones; Xbox only with the Xbox edition (dongle switch at Xbox)
Connections USB-C 2.4 GHz dongle with a USB-C to USB-A adapter cable; Bluetooth 5.3, one device at a time
Microphone Built-in mics in each bud; no boom. ClearCast AI noise cancelling for the mic through GG Sonar on a PC
Weight 5.3 g per bud; case 48.7 g
Controls Buttons on both buds: hold 1 second to mute, tap the left bud for noise cancelling or transparency, double tap and hold for volume, triple tap to switch dongle and Bluetooth
Software SteelSeries GG with Sonar on Windows; Arctis Companion app on a phone

Questions about the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Does the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds work on PS5?

Yes, SteelSeries documents it. Pick it in the console's microphone settings and check the level before joining a party.

Does the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds work on Xbox Series / One?

Yes, SteelSeries documents it for the Xbox edition. Pick it in the console's microphone settings and check the level before joining a party.

Set it up for game chat.

  1. Connect the parts shown in the diagram. If you use XLR, connect the microphone to the interface before selecting it in your app.

  2. Choose the intended input in the operating system. Run the Discord input check or use your console’s microphone test.

  3. Check speaking level and mute with headphones on. Change only one gain, sensitivity or suppression control between tests.

References