SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds X review: Elite gaming and gym-ready earbuds

Finding a gaming headset that can do it all across multiple devices is hard enough, but earbuds? That's almost impossible.

Earbuds usually only connect to phones or a Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth, plus the added portability and convenience of earbuds compared to over-ear headphones comes with a major drop in sound quality. But there is some hope for those who really prefer this form of audio companion.

SteelSeries’ range of Arctis GameBuds demonstrates a major change in how we think about earbuds. The GameBuds make it so you can play on whatever device you like on the go or at home, whilst playing perfectly with active lifestyles. Users get all-around great sound no matter what you’re doing. 

SteelSeries versatility

In the same manner as others in the SteelSeries audio range (like the Arctis Nova 7X headset), the Arctis GameBuds come in two styles. The PlayStation SKU can connect to almost every platform you can think of via 5.3 Bluetooth or wireless 2.4GHz USB-C dongle, including the PS5, PS4, Switch 1, Switch 2, PC, tablet, etc.

The only console you can't connect to is the Xbox, due to the Microsoft-made console’s alternate wireless protocol technology requiring its own dedicated type of connectivity.

That’s where the “Designed for Xbox” Arctis GameBuds X come in. This iteration’s dongle comes with a switch that has a separate mode for Xbox and PC, which actually means everything else. With the included USB-C to USB-A converter, you can plug the dongle into your Xbox and enjoy gaming, TV, and movies as you would on every other device.

Earbuds for on-the-go and gaming

This improved connectivity adds more versatility to what’s already a solid pair of earbuds for gamers and non-gamers alike. Delivered via neodymium magnetic drivers at 20–20,000 Hz, the Arctis GameBuds bring immersive sound in either its ANC (active noise cancellation) or transparency modes — all of which you can tweak in the SteelSeries mobile app, with re-mapping controls. 

When out in public, the ANC mode doesn’t fully block out the hustle and bustle of a busy train station or a gym’s awful playlist compared to fully over-ear headphones, but still does the job well enough that you can enjoy your favourite songs or podcasts without letting those external sounds bother you. 

If you’re heading somewhere where carrying a full set of over-ear headphones would be a nuisance, or you simply don’t have the luggage space, the less powerful noise cancellation is still a worthwhile tradeoff. 

Passing the gym test

If you’re a regular gym goer or jogger who loves to game as well, the Arctis GameBuds should be something to carefully consider. Their effective design really took me by surprise. Along with an IP55 rating for dirt, dust, or water protection, these not only sound great, but they stay in place throughout even the most strenuous of workouts.

Compared to other earbuds, like my Sony WF-1000XM3s, the slightly more curved and rounded Arctis aesthetic makes it so each bud slots within the concha of your ear for a better and stronger fit. And the smaller profile adds a certain sleekness.

So, whether I'm lifting weights, bobbing my head up and down with back extensions, or sprinting like a madman on the treadmill, both GameBuds stayed firmly within my ears without a single dropout. Be sure to check the three sizes of earbud tips the GameBuds come with and swap in the correct size for your ears if needed, to ensure the best fit at all times.

I did have a couple of occasions where I was lying down and doing scissor kicks and leg raises, resulting in the GameBuds edging outwards and causing my podcasts to stop playing. The Wear Sense feature automatically pauses the audio when they drop out, which is helpful.

Wonderful presets and portable gaming

When you’re done with the outside world, the Arctis GameBuds can switch from an audiobook on my walk home via Bluetooth to playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on my PS5 — or streaming King of the Hill on my Xbox Series X via the 2.4GHz dongle, all without ever taking them out. 

The 200+ presets already available after the latest update are another sweet bonus. Along with medium-specific soundscapes like “Movie: Immersion” or “Music: Clear Vocals”, the GameBuds come with hundreds of game-specific presets to get the best out of each title without any tweaking. 

It’s slightly annoying that you can only create additional custom presets with the SteelSeries GG software, especially if you’re diving into a more obscure indie game or a brand-new title like Donkey Kong Bananza, but the base-level presets still offer a top-rate earbud-audio experience all the same. 

Speaking of Nintendo Switch 2 games, the Arctis GameBuds work perfectly with the newly released handheld, both in handheld and docked via Bluetooth and dongle. The dongle works perfectly for home gaming, commutes, and long flights, since you can use the dongle’s 2.4GHz for playing Mario Kart World at the best latency level — while being able to switch to Bluetooth for your phone on the fly. 

Although the top of the clamshell case doesn’t feel like the best quality in the world, with a thin plastic layer that doesn't exactly scream durability, the GameBud’s 40-hour battery life through its rechargeable design makes these a total package that’s perfect for any adventure.

Where can to buy SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds?