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Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation vs SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

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Product A: Apple

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

86 of 166 known

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B

Product B: SteelSeries

Arctis GameBuds

78 of 166 known

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

General

8 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods exact model subsection. Family name normalized from AirPods / AirPods Pro generation title.

Arctis1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact model heading establishes the Arctis family.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

A3055, A3056, A3057, A30594Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 30 September 2026Identify your AirPods: AirPods 4 (ANC) A3056, A3055, A3057. Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4 (ANC) A3059

61706, 61707, 61708, 61709, 61714, 61715, 61716, 61717, 61680, 61681, 61682, 61683, 61710, 61711, 61712, 61713, HS35R, HS35L, HS35TX, HS35C, HS35TXX1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026US structured Product data and embedded colour/platform variation list. Retail SKUs 61706-61709 and 61714-61717.9Maker product pagesteelseries.com/de-de/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026European structured Product data and embedded variation list.13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Regulatory hardware models: right HS35R, left HS35L, PS transceiver HS35TX, case HS35C. Retail SKUs retained from each maker colour/platform page.15Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/arctis_gamebuds_x_digipig_en_us_web.pdfRead 30 September 2026Xbox manual regulatory section: Xbox transceiver HS35TXX. Shared left/right buds HS35L/HS35R and case HS35C.

GTIN / EAN

019594968967329Retailer pagefuture-x.de/Apple-AirPods-4-with-Active-Noise-Cancellation-True-Wireless-Kopfhoerer-mit-Mikrofon/999885569Read 7 October 2026Exact new EU MXP93ZM/A ANC package retailer product header GTIN 0195949689673. Cross-checked equivalent UPC 195949689673 on another new-package retailer. Refurbished/repacked 195949689284, other regional LL/A/D package identifiers and invalid shifted code 1959496896736 are not merged. Maker exact page has no GTIN. One proved EU package code, not asserted worldwide complete list.

5707119062640, 810164140098, 5707119062664, 810164140104, 5707119062688, 810164140111, 5707119062701, 810164140128, 5707119069304, 810164144386, 5707119069328, 810164144393, 5707119069342, 810164144409, 5707119069366, 810164144416, 5707119057226, 810052987132, 5707119058261, 8100529878731Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Black PS US: EAN 5707119062640, UPC 8101641400982Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Black Xbox US: EAN 5707119062664, UPC 8101641401043Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119062688, UPC 8101641401114Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119062701, UPC 810164140128. Listed as not orderable5Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119069304, UPC 810164144386. Launch date 2026-09-01 in store data6Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119069328, UPC 810164144393. Launch date 2026-09-01 in store data7Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119069342, UPC 8101641444098Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026EAN 5707119069366, UPC 8101641444169Maker product pagesteelseries.com/de-de/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Black PS EU: EAN 5707119057226, UPC 81005298713210Maker product pagesteelseries.com/de-de/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Black Xbox EU: EAN 5707119058261, UPC 810052987873

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

9 September 20242Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026Dated maker launch release header and introductory announcement of exact generation.

26 September 202412Press releasesteelseries.com/press/148-steelseries-sets-new-benchmark-for-earbuds-with-the-introduction-of-arctisRead 30 September 2026Dated opening announcement: September 26, 2024. Footer has a conflicting September 20 dateline, opening and preorder date preferred.

Status

Not available

Available1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026In stock at the US store

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1792Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026$179 (U.S.)

$159.9912Press releasesteelseries.com/press/148-steelseries-sets-new-benchmark-for-earbuds-with-the-introduction-of-arctisRead 30 September 2026Availability paragraph: North American original MSRP $159.99.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€1993Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 30 September 2026German price, 199 Euro inkl. MwSt.

€169.9912Press releasesteelseries.com/press/148-steelseries-sets-new-benchmark-for-earbuds-with-the-introduction-of-arctisRead 30 September 2026Availability paragraph: EMEA original MSRP €169.99.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, DE, CN30Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact launch pricing and availability explicitly U.S. orders with USD 179 ANC edition.31Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 7 October 2026Exact Germany maker launch price EUR 199 incl VAT, exact ANC edition.32Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China-market retail A3057/A3059 ANC package label identifies Apple authorized China distributor. No cross-model features borrowed.

US, EU1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026US regional maker product heading.9Maker product pagesteelseries.com/de-de/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026German/EU regional maker purchase page. EU priced SKU rows documented in variant verification.

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC review case paragraph explicitly only available in white. Apple product renders match but were not sole color-name evidence.

Black, White, Glorange, Yuzu, Matcha1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact parent product variation attributes Color values Black/White/Glorange/Yuzu/Matcha. Platform-specific purchase rows checked separately.

Segment

Not available

Gaming1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Store category Gaming In-Ear

Design

3 of 4 differ

Form factoriIn-ear seals the ear canal with a tip. Semi-in-ear rests in the outer ear without a seal. Open-ear leaves the ear canal unobstructed.

Semi-in-ear6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Unsealed earbuds

In-ear11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Type: In-ear

Bud shapeiStem describes an extending control or microphone stalk. Stemless describes a compact body without a stalk.

Stem6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Control design paragraph explicitly calls the control-bearing earbud extension a stem.

Stemless1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Product photos show stemless buds

Use one bud aloneiWhich earbud can operate alone. This does not mean two earbuds can play from different sources.

Either bud10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Play audio: wearing one AirPod plays and pauses audio through that earbud. Applies to AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro.

Not available

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

7 of 17 differ

Drivers per budiAudio transducers in one earbud. Rows distinguish their type, acoustic role and published diameter. Do not count microphones.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Type	Count per earbud
Dynamic	1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026One "custom high-excursion Apple driver" per bud. Role and type are not stated on this page. The type comes from the TechRadar spec table.18Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition review explicitly high-excursion dynamic driver. Existing one-per-bud count retained. No full-range role, size or diaphragm material guessed.

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	6	1

Source16Reviewgamesradar.com/hardware/headsets-headphones/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-reviewRead 30 September 2026Key Specs: 6 mm neodymium drivers. Performance paragraph explicitly says a pair of 6 mm drivers. One in each earbud. Neodymium is magnet material, not a transducer-type claim.17Reviewtechporn.ph/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-reviewRead 7 October 2026Transducer table and specification paragraph explicitly identify dynamic technology. Existing 6 mm/count 1 from GamesRadar preserved.

Driver typeiPublished transducer technology. High-excursion, composite and neodymium do not by themselves establish a driver type.

Dynamic17Reviewtechradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC spec table explicitly High-excursion dynamic driver. Maker high-excursion alone is not technology proof. No diaphragm material, diameter or impedance inferred.

Dynamic17Reviewtechporn.ph/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-reviewRead 7 October 2026Technical Specifications paragraph expressly states dynamic drivers and Transducer table says Dynamic. Exact original GameBuds, not an inference from neodymium magnet. Public RTINGS comparison table corroborates Dynamic transducer.

Driver sizeiLargest explicitly published circular driver diameter in one earbud. A rectangular driver width is not a diameter.

Not available

6mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Drivers per budiTotal audio transducers in one earbud, summed from explicit driver quantities. A row with an unknown quantity makes the total unknown.

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

1=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

Diaphragm material

Not available

Not available

Frequency responseiPublished acoustic frequency response of the earbuds. Codec transmission bandwidth alone does not qualify. Conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Min20 HzMax20 kHz1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Audio specifications: headphone frequency response 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Impedance

Not available

Not available

SensitivityiPublished acoustic sensitivity. The electrical reference and frequency must be stated in sensitivity_reference or the source note.

Not available

Not available

Sensitivity reference

Not available

Not available

Max sample rateiHighest supported audio sample rate under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. This does not establish lossless playback.

Not available

Not available

Max bit depthiHighest supported audio bit depth under the codec and source-device conditions in the source note. Bluetooth version alone does not establish this.

Not available

Not available

Adaptive EQiAn inner mic tunes the sound to your ear in real time

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive EQ.

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes14Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev00eb7e0a3/webRead 7 October 2026Exact supported AirPods 4 family Personalized Spatial Audio uses iPhone X or later camera representation of individual ear and head shape, profile syncs across Apple Account devices. Existing tech specification TrueDepth camera requirement preserved. This is ear/head scan personalization, not an assumed hearing test or simple preference EQ.

Not available

Onboard EQ

Yes8Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ note: settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices.

Yes18Reviewhifioasis.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-reviewRead 7 October 2026SteelSeries GG and Sonar section explicitly says profiles applied for both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth are saved to GameBuds and remain when moved to different devices. Engine hardware EQ, not Sonar host-only processing. Reviewed white PlayStation edition. Maker separate gaming/mobile saved presets corroborates.

Custom EQ bandsiNumber of independently adjustable custom equalizer frequency bands. Availability may require current firmware, an app or a compatible device.

38Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 30 September 2026Customize EQ: Low, Mid and High controls. Supported-models appendix explicitly includes this model. Current feature, requires compatible Apple software and firmware.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-nz/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 30 September 2026Custom EQ supported models: AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 both editions, AirPods Pro 2/3 and AirPods Max 2.

1018Reviewhifioasis.com/reviews/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-reviewRead 7 October 2026Same section explicitly says 10-band PEQ. Exact PCTuning review independently states EQ with 10 adjustable frequencies, PC app required for custom creation. No count borrowed from another Arctis model or Sonar bus.25Reviewpctuning.cz/article/konecne-tws-pecky-na-hrani-recenze-sluchatek-steelseries-arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact GameBuds software paragraph explicitly EQ with 10 adjustable frequencies, only in PC app. Independent corroboration of HiFi Oasis 10-band hardware-EQ profile description. Sonar host processing remains distinct.

EQ presetsiNamed equalizer sound presets. Noise-control modes and spatial-audio modes are separate features.

Not available

Flat, Deep Bass19Maker product pagesteelseries.com/blog/best-earbuds-for-the-gym-1237Read 7 October 2026Maker exact GameBuds blog explicitly says I use the Deep Bass preset. Flat is explicitly named by exact maker support article 31369371701389 as Engine EQ setting. Only verified literal preset names listed, not an invented exhaustive 300-name library.20Maker product pagesupport.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/articles/31369371701389-Why-is-the-audio-on-my-Arctis-GameBuds-distortedRead 7 October 2026Exact GameBuds support article says set Engine EQ to Flat when using Sonar, or set Sonar to Flat when using Engine/mobile EQ. Flat name verified as headset Engine preset, not a noise-control mode.

Volume limit

Not available

Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 2 differ

Spatial audioiNamed spatial or surround audio processing supported with the source and platform conditions stated in the source note.

Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

360° Spatial Audio, Tempest 3D, Sonar Spatial, Microsoft Spatial1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Supported (incl. Tempest 3 D, Sonar Spatial). Microsoft Spatial appears only on the Xbox Matcha and Yuzu pages7Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Supported (incl. Microsoft Spatial, Tempest 3 D, Sonar Spatial )

Head trackingiSpatial audio changes with head movement. Static spatial processing alone does not qualify. Compatible device or content requirements belong in the source note.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.

Not available

Noise cancelling

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Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Active Noise Cancellation.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Audio specifications: active noise cancellation, 4-microphone hybrid.

ANC typeiFeedforward uses exterior microphones. Feedback uses interior microphones. Hybrid uses both. Adaptive control is separate from microphone placement.

Hybrid6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"the hybrid ANC unit"

Hybrid1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Yes - 4 mic Hybrid

ANC microphones in both earbudsiPhysical microphones used by ANC across the pair. A shared call and ANC microphone counts once. Case microphones and vibration sensors are excluded.

Not available

41Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Yes - 4 mic Hybrid

Adaptive ANCiANC strength or calibration adjusts automatically to noise, fit or ear acoustics. The source note states the adjustment conditions.

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model noise section explicitly continuously scans surroundings and standard ANC adjusts directly to new noise. Reviewer observes response after about one second to traffic/train/chatter. This supports ANC adjustment, independent of Adaptive Audio blended mode. Apple manual separately proves adaptive noise-control mode. Firmware unstated.

Not available

ANC levelsiNumber of selectable ANC strength levels. Excludes ANC off, transparency and activity profiles unless they explicitly set distinct strength levels.

Not available

311Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026There are three strengths to choose from

ANC attenuation (claimed)iManufacturer maximum claimed noise attenuation. Frequency and measurement conditions belong in the source note. This is not reviewer-measured overall attenuation.

Not available

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Transparency.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Audio specifications: Transparency Mode, Yes.

Adjustable transparency

Not available

Yes14Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-review-gaming-buds-that-do-it-all-126900Read 7 October 2026App section explicitly lists ANC and Transparency mode levels as adjustable settings. Exact Xbox 61707 sample firmware 1.2.0, app 2.0.0. Not the count of selectable ANC modes.

Automatic ANC and transparency blendiAutomatically blends active cancellation with ambient sound. Automatic activity-based switching between separate modes alone does not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology names Adaptive Audio.

Not available

Conversation detection

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio Technology explicitly lists Personalized Spatial Audio and Conversation Awareness.

Not available

Wind noise reductioniA documented physical design or processing feature for reducing wind noise. The source note distinguishes mesh or shape changes from selectable processing.

Yes23Reviewscarbir.com/tws/apple-airpods-4-anc-reviewRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC noise section explicitly detects wind and adjusts/filters it, in ANC and transparency. Separate phone-call paragraph reports wind suppression in microphone path. No attenuation dB or dedicated toggle inferred.

Not available

Measured

8 of 23 differ

Frequency response notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Warm sound signature. Bass slightly underemphasized, treble very underemphasized.5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Sound signature: Warm. Detailed results are members only and were not read

Balanced sound signature with slightly elevated bass and de-emphasized treble against the reviewer's target. Well-matched left and right drivers.11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Our Verdict: Audio Reproduction Accuracy

Bass amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the bass range. Positive means more bass. Target, test method and settings belong in the source note.

-2dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Public summary on test bench 2.3: Slightly Underemphasized (-2 dB)

1dB11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Public summary: Slightly Emphasized (1 dB). Test bench 2.3, Black (PS) unit. Full results are behind a paywall and were not read

Treble amount (measured)iDeviation from the review source target in the treble range. Positive means more treble. Values from different targets may not be directly comparable.

-6dB5Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-truly-wirelessRead 30 September 2026Very Underemphasized (-6 dB)

-1dB11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Public summary: Balanced (-1 dB)

Deviation from target (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Consistency between fittings (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Harmonic distortion (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

0.061%20Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC THD table 0.061%, not THD+N 0.73%. Method low-harmonic 1 kHz sine, artificial head with linear mic approximately 1 cm away, source RMS -2.4 dBFS. App/firmware, volume and ANC state for THD unspecified. Date 6 February 2025. No percent of frequency response used.

Not available

Sound leakage (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Noise isolation, best (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Passive isolation (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Call quality notes (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Background noise is filtered by processing on the iPhone, so the microphones perform better with an iPhone than with other devices.6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Microphone test paragraph: iPhone processing filters background noise. Paired iPhone microphone demos underpin comparison.

Speech sounds fairly natural and clear, if a little bright. The mic struggles to separate your voice from background noise with default settings.11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Our Verdict: Microphone

Mic low-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic high-frequency extension (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Latency in game mode (measured)iThe best case the buds can reach. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Battery life (measured)iReviewer-tested operation from one full charge of the earbuds. Excludes case recharges. ANC, codec, connection, volume and tested edition belong in the row or source note.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

ANC	Codec	Hours (h)
No	Not available	6.35
No	AAC	6.9

Source6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 20266 h 21 min on one charge, without noise canceling or transparency mode21Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-AirPods-4-ANC-review-Compact-design-colossal-sound.952120.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC model Spotify loop at 65 dB(A), AAC with ANC off, 6.9 h. Review explicitly says wear detection prevented ANC during fixture test despite generic chart heading incl ANC. Test endpoint full discharge implied runtime procedure, precise first/last-bud cutoff, firmware and host model unstated. Existing SoundGuys 6 h 21 min ANC-off test is separate at 75 dB SPL standardized peaks, not replaced.

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

ANC	Hours (h)
No	8.53

Source14Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-review-gaming-buds-that-do-it-all-126900Read 7 October 2026Battery test: 8 h 32 min, PC 2.4 GHz connection, ANC off, medium volume. Tested Xbox model 61707. Single charge of earbuds, no case total.

Longest tested use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only duration among stored reviewer tests. Modes and settings may differ between tests and products.

6.9h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

8.53h=CalculatedFrom Battery life (measured)

Battery life with case (measured)iReviewer-tested total including earbuds and case recharges. Do not calculate this by multiplying one-charge runtime by claimed recharge count.

Not available

Not available

Full charge time (measured)iBuds in the case, 0 to 100 %. Measured by a reviewer

Not available

Not available

Weight per bud (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

4.4g(0.2 oz)19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC edition A3057 earbud/A3059 case teardown. Written measurement caption explicitly approximately 4.4 g for one earbud, separate from whole set 43.0 g and case weight. Scale image inaccessible, scale model and calibration unknown. Direct reviewer weighing report, not package weight or maker 4.3 g claim.

Not available

Microphones and calls

3 of 7 differ

Voice microphones in both earbudsiPhysical call and beamforming microphones across the pair. Excludes case microphones and vibration sensors. Shared ANC microphones can also count here when used for calls.

Not available

Not available

All microphones in both earbudsiEvery physical microphone across the pair, including call and ANC microphones. Shared microphones count once. Excludes the charging case and voice vibration sensors.

619Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact ANC earbud complete teardown and summary physically enumerate three MEMS in one bud: inward S341, outward noise G205, tail call S341. Two earbuds give six physical microphones across pair, consistent with maker dual beamforming and inward microphone inventory. Shared roles counted once. No role-specific call/ANC count inferred.

Not available

Bone conduction voice sensoriA dedicated bone or jaw conduction sensor for detecting speech vibrations. A microphone or speech-detecting accelerometer alone does not prove this architecture.

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

AI6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"rely on AI processing that takes place on your iPhone"

Not available

Call audio bandwidthiHighest supported call-audio bandwidth. Compatible phone, operating system, call app or network requirements belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Mic mute controliAn earbud control that mutes the microphone during calls. Includes touch or pressure gestures and physical buttons. Phone/app-only controls do not qualify.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: press once to mute/unmute.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026On-ear buttons let you mute

SidetoneiHear your own voice in calls

Not available

Yes21Reviewpctuning.cz/article/konecne-tws-pecky-na-hrani-recenze-sluchatek-steelseries-arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Software paragraph explicitly describes adjustable sidetone so wearer hears their own voice during calls/communications. Both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz settings separately documented. Reviewer observed sidetone interfered with ANC in its sample, firmware not stated. No universal current-firmware incompatibility asserted.

Connectivity

11 of 18 differ

Chip

H21Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Chip: H2 headphone chip.

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

2.4 GHz, Bluetooth1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Wireless specifications: Quick Switch between 2.4 GHz gaming wireless and Bluetooth.

Bluetooth

5.31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology.

5.31Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Wireless specifications: Bluetooth 5.3.

Bluetooth codecs

AAC6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"Bluetooth 5.3 over AAC"

SBC1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Wireless specifications: Bluetooth codec SBC.

Bluetooth profiles

Not available

Not available

LE Audio

Not available

Not available

Auracast

Not available

Not available

MultipointiConcurrent Bluetooth connections to multiple source devices. Pairing memory and switching through a manufacturer account alone do not qualify.

Not available

No11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026The Bluetooth implementation lacks high-quality codecs, fast pairing, and multi-pairing

Multipoint devicesiMaximum source devices concurrently connected by Bluetooth, not the number remembered in pairing history.

Not available

122Reviewpcgamer.com/best-wireless-gaming-earbudsRead 7 October 2026Exact GameBuds section explicitly says can only connect to one Bluetooth device at a time. Maximum simultaneous Bluetooth source count 1, consistent with existing multipoint false. Pairing-list memory remains unknown.

Multipoint with LDACiMany buds turn multipoint off on LDAC

Not available

Not available

Paired devices rememberediMaximum remembered Bluetooth source pairings. This is separate from simultaneous multipoint connections.

Not available

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Yes11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-airpods-between-apple-devices-dev228ba3df8/webRead 30 September 2026Automatic switching supported for AirPods 3/4/5 and Pro with compatible Apple devices signed into the same Apple Account.

Not available

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup16Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104989Read 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 both editions setup instructions open case near iPhone, setup animation, tap Connect. Compatible iPhone at least iOS 18, later feature requirements separate. This is Apple setup interaction, not Google Fast Pair or Bluetooth pairing memory.

Not available

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 202612Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 30 September 2026Share Audio instructions and Change the volume/listening mode paragraph explicitly cover AirPods 4 ANC, AirPods 5 and AirPods Pro. Both headphone sets pair to a supported iPhone/iPad.

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Wireless receiveri2.4 GHz dongle

Not available

Included1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Box contents: USB-C Wireless Nano-Dongle included.

Receiver connector

Not available

USB-C1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026USB-C Wireless Nano-Dongle, USB-C to USB-A adapter included

Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audioiBoth connection types can play audio together. Quick switching between independent modes does not qualify.

Not available

No13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Quick-Switch Wireless p 7: modes used independently, triple tap switches between Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz.

Latency

None of 3 known

Low latency mode

Not available

Not available

Claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

Not available

Not available

Compatibility

4 of 4 differ

PlatformsiPlatforms with documented audio support. App availability and advanced features can be more limited. Edition-specific support is listed in variants.

iOS, macOS, Android1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Apple lists iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro, and says AirPods work as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Android pairing described in the review

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android, Meta Quest1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 20262Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026Adds Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One to the PlayStation list24Maker product pagesteelseries.com/en-au/blog/introducing-arctis-gamebuds-1188Read 7 October 2026Maker exact Cross-Platform Wireless Adapter section explicitly includes Meta Quest for the 2.4 GHz USB-C adapter. Existing platforms preserved. Xbox dongle must use ordinary USB mode for non-Xbox devices.

Connection per platformiDocumented audio connection for each platform. USB-C phone routes require a compatible port. Platform edition and microphone restrictions belong in source notes or feature requirements.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Not available

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Platform	Connection
PS5	2.4 GHz
Windows	2.4 GHz
Nintendo Switch	2.4 GHz
Nintendo Switch	Bluetooth
Nintendo Switch 2	2.4 GHz
Nintendo Switch 2	Bluetooth
iOS	2.4 GHz
iOS	Bluetooth
Android	2.4 GHz
Android	Bluetooth
macOS	2.4 GHz
PS4	2.4 GHz
Meta Quest	2.4 GHz

Source1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Current embedded compatibility table: Switch 2 and USB-C iPhone added alongside Bluetooth phone connections.13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Gaming Device Setup p 6: common PS/PC/Mac/Switch/Android dongle routes. Xbox connectivity requires the Xbox edition. Phone USB-C routes require compatible USB-C port. newer Switch 2 from current store compatibility.24Maker product pagesteelseries.com/en-au/blog/introducing-arctis-gamebuds-1188Read 7 October 2026Added Meta Quest 2.4 GHz row from exact maker adapter compatibility list. Microphone operation is unproved for this row and omitted.27Reviewsoundguys.com/steelseries-arctis-gamebuds-review-gaming-buds-that-do-it-all-126900Read 7 October 2026Exact GameBuds connection paragraph independently lists Meta Quest among devices supported through included 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle. Added Quest playback row only. No Quest microphone operation inferred. Xbox source pairing still requires Xbox edition.

Features that need a specific deviceiDevice, operating system, firmware, codec, content, account or region requirements for a named feature.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Feature	Needs
Live Translation	Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 and later
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	iPhone with TrueDepth camera
Find My	iOS 26 or later
Lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro	Compatible Apple Vision Pro and software. The maker names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. Ordinary Bluetooth playback uses AAC.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact technical requirements cover compatible Apple devices and firmware, TrueDepth camera for the Spatial Audio profile and Apple Intelligence iPhone with iOS 26 for Live Translation. The Vision Pro lossless route is supported separately by the current maker 118522 article.33Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118522Read 7 October 2026Independently read during verification. Apple names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for lossless audio with Apple Vision Pro. Ultra-low latency is unavailable in Japan. This proves the route, without a device-wide maximum bit depth or sample rate.

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Feature	Needs
ChatMix	Windows 10 and above (via GG/Sonar). PlayStation and Mac not supported.
Xbox wireless connection	Arctis GameBuds for Xbox edition with Xbox-compatible 2.4 GHz dongle. PlayStation edition has no Xbox wireless support.
USB-C phone connection	Compatible USB-C iPhone or Android device. Bluetooth also works with compatible phones.

Source1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 202612Press releasesteelseries.com/press/148-steelseries-sets-new-benchmark-for-earbuds-with-the-introduction-of-arctisRead 30 September 2026Wireless adapter paragraph: Xbox support requires Xbox edition.

Official licence

Not available

Designed for Xbox23Maker product pagenews.xbox.com/en-us/2024/12/03/designed-for-xbox-holiday-gift-guide-accessoriesRead 7 October 2026Microsoft Xbox official Designed for Xbox accessories guide, Audio Upgrades section explicitly lists SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox. Licence applies only to Xbox edition, not PlayStation edition. Base list is union of known edition licences.26Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact Xbox-edition maker identity corroborates scope for licensing-authority family claim. This is Xbox platform edition only, no PlayStation licence asserted.

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ

Battery per budiBattery cell capacity of one earbud. The source note states typical or rated capacity. Charging input current is not capacity.

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable earbud batteryiThe maker documents normal battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime under the stated mode, codec and spatial processing state. Name the spatial or immersive processing mode and other conditions in source notes. Omit unspecified settings. with_case false means one charge of the earbuds. true means earbuds plus case recharges.

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	4
ANC off	No	5
ANC on	Yes	20
ANC off	Yes	30

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Battery and footnotes 13-14: single charge 4 h ANC on /5 h off, total with case 20 h on /30 h off. iPhone 16 Pro Max, 50% volume, 256 kbps AAC playlist, spatial audio and Conversation Awareness off.

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	10
ANC off	Yes	40

Source1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Embedded Power table: 10 h earbuds per charge, 40 h buds plus case. 2.4 GHz active, Bluetooth connected, ANC off, 100% volume. 90-minute full charging claim does not identify component.

Longest claimed use per chargeiHighest earbuds-only runtime among all stored modes. This can be ANC off, Hearing Aid, heart-rate or call use. Read the battery table and source conditions.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

10h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC enabled. Codec and spatial-audio conditions belong in the source note.

4h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)iHighest claimed earbuds-only playback with ANC disabled. Codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

10h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case (claimed)iHighest claimed runtime including the initial earbud charge and all case recharges. It is not the case recharge runtime alone.

30h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

40h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Total with case and ANC (claimed)iClaimed total playback with ANC, including the initial earbud charge and case recharges.

20h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

Talk time (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Full charge time, budsiTime to charge discharged earbuds to full in the case. Excludes charging the case itself or a combined buds-and-case result.

Not available

Not available

Charging guidanceiPublished charging guidance or estimates that do not separate earbuds and case. Preserve the maker’s component scope and limits. Do not assign an unspecified or combined estimate to a component-specific numeric field.

Not available

Not available

Quick charge timeiCharge duration corresponding to quick_charge_playback_h. Source note states earbuds-only or case-inclusive charging and playback settings.

5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC Battery section: five minutes in the case provides around one hour of listening under the published test conditions.

15min1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026USB-C Fast Charge: 15 mins for 3 hours use

Earbud playback after quick chargeiEarbuds-only runtime after quick_charge_min of charging. A claimed case-inclusive total does not qualify. ANC, codec and volume conditions belong in the source note.

1h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026"5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time"

3h1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Power specs: 15 min 3 h fast charge.

Charging case

4 of 10 differ

Case batteryiCharging-case battery cell capacity. The source note distinguishes typical, rated and output capacity. USB output capacity alone does not qualify.

345mAh19Review52audio.com/archives/214147.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact China retail A3057 earbud/A3059 ANC case package. Written case-lid and actual S2103 battery captions explicitly rated 345 mAh, 3.852 V, 1.329 Wh. Charging input/output current separate. Direct public article independently downloaded and read. No non-ANC case or guessed typical capacity.

700mAh13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Chinese regulatory charging-case table p 25: rated capacity 700 mAh, nominal 3.87 V. Earbud charging input 150 mA is not battery capacity.

User-replaceable case batteryiThe maker documents normal case battery replacement by the user with its approved procedure and tools. Service or recycling disassembly does not count.

Not available

Not available

Case charging port

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with USB-C.

USB-C1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Charge via the included USB-C cable

Case full charge timeiBy cable, 0 to 100 %. A time the maker gives with the earbuds inside the case counts, and the source note says so.

Not available

Not available

Wireless charging

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Power specs: Qi Wireless Charging Case Yes.

Wireless standardsiDocumented case charging standards or supported chargers. Magnetic alignment alone does not establish Qi2 certification.

Qi, Apple Watch charger1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case works with Apple Watch charger and Qi-certified chargers.

Qi1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Power specs: Qi Wireless Charging Case Yes.

Wireless charging poweriHighest wireless charging input the maker states for the case. The output of a charging pad does not count.

Not available

Not available

Speaker in caseiAn audio speaker physically in the charging case, for locating or status sounds. A microphone in the case is separate.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Charging Case includes a speaker for Find My.

Not available

Screen on case

Not available

Not available

Case works as audio transmitteriCase relays external source audio through USB or an analog audio input. A case microphone for recording or calls does not qualify.

No22Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 7 October 2026Exact ANC model connection paragraph explicitly AirPods do not relay wired source audio through charging case, only wireless source playback. Case USB-C charging and Find My speaker do not establish audio transmission.

Not available

Controls

4 of 5 differ

ControlsiPressure is a force sensor that does not move, such as a stem you squeeze. Button is a key that moves when pressed.

Pressure, Head gestures, Voice commands1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Force sensor on the stem, "Hey Siri", and Siri Interactions head nods

Button1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Product description: on-ear physical buttons control volume and mute.

Earbud volume controliHow earbud controls adjust volume, including a voice command if supported. Phone or app controls alone do not qualify.

Voice6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026No swipe volume. Volume through "Hey Siri"

Buttons1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026On-ear buttons control volume. FAQ: double tap + hold for volume up and down

Gestures

Press once, Press twice, Press three times, Press and hold, Nod or shake head (Siri Interactions)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls enumerates one/two/three press, press-and-hold and Siri nod/shake interactions.

Single press, Double press, Triple tap, Double tap + hold1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026FAQ wording. Single and double presses can be remapped. Triple tap and double tap + hold cannot

Remappable controls

Yes15Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 supported in press-and-hold function reassignment and call end/mute Press Once/Press Twice switching, on compatible iPhone/iPad/Mac. Camera Control action can be Press Once or Press and Hold. Not arbitrary independent remapping of every gesture.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact FAQ accepted answer: functions remappable mobile Arctis Companion/PC GG Engine. Triple tap/double tap hold excluded.

Voice assistant

Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Controls: Siri voice commands.

Not available

Sensors and health

2 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/play-audio-on-your-airpods-dev216d7c746/webRead 30 September 2026Pause audio: specifically AirPods 3/4/5/Pro remove one to pause, return it to resume. Automatic ear detection can be disabled.

Yes1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026WearSense auto-pause can be turned off

Sensors

Optical in-ear sensor, Motion-detecting accelerometer, Speech-detecting accelerometer, Force sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Sensors explicitly list optical in-ear, motion-detecting and speech-detecting accelerometers and force sensor.

In-ear detection sensor (WearSense)1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Audio table explicitly names In-ear detection / sensor (auto pause/play), Yes, WearSense auto-pause can be turned off. No unproved optical/infrared/gyro sensor subtype added.26Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact Xbox Audio table identifies same WearSense in-ear detection sensor, auto-pause can be disabled. No optical/IR subtype inferred.

Heart rate sensor

Not available

Not available

Skin temperature sensingiA documented skin temperature sensor. This is separate from the operating temperature range or a heart-rate sensor.

Not available

Not available

Hearing aid featureiAmplification for mild to moderate hearing loss

No6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026Exact-model FAQ: No hearing-aid functionality.

Not available

Medical clearances

Not available

Not available

Hearing testiA documented hearing assessment feature, including consumer sound-personalization tests. Medical diagnostic clearance must be stated separately.

Not available

Not available

Hearing protectioniLimits sudden loud sounds

Not available

Not available

Health features

Not available

Not available

Fit and durability

5 of 7 differ

Ear tips includediTip sizes supplied with the product, including the pair fitted to the earbuds. Do not list separately sold sizes as included.

Not available

Small, Medium, Large1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Comfort section: Small, Medium and Large eartips included.

Ear tip materials

Not available

Silicone12Press releasesteelseries.com/press/148-steelseries-sets-new-benchmark-for-earbuds-with-the-introduction-of-arctisRead 30 September 2026Maker launch Ergonomic Comfort paragraph expressly silicone tips included.

StabilisersiPhysical stabilizing fittings or structures. Stability bands are separate from fins, wings and ear hooks.

None6Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-with-active-noise-cancellation-review-124137Read 30 September 2026"No stabilizer fin"

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC dust, sweat and water resistance is IP54 under IEC 60529. Other AirPods generations are excluded.

IP551Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026AquaBarrier section: IP55 water, dust and splash resistance.

Dust and water rating, case

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026"Products including charging case ... have a rating of IP54 under IEC standard 60529"

Not available

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

5 of 6 differ

Companion app

Not available

Arctis Companion App1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Arctis Companion App for iPhone (iOS 15.6+) and Android (Android 9+). SteelSeries GG covers Windows and Mac

App platforms

Not available

iOS, Android1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Product feature list: Arctis Companion App for iOS and Android.

User firmware updates

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Audio and Live Translation footnotes explicitly require latest AirPods firmware.

Yes2Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 30 September 2026FAQ entry about updating the Xbox version from a PC

Finding network

Apple Find My1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Find My functionality requires iOS 26 or later

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No24Reviewengadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-review-pro-features-for-everyone-120032046.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact AirPods 4 ANC case offers proximity view, without Precision Finding.28Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Exact current maker guide distinguishes general nearby finding from precise case arrows/distance limited to Pro 2 and Pro 3. Notebookcheck exact ANC model independently says no UWB. Audible case speaker and proximity view are separate.

Not available

Live translation

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Live Translation feature named under exact model. Device, language and region conditions are retained in feature requirements and notes.

Not available

Dimensions and weight

4 of 4 differ

Weight per budiMass of one earbud. Tip size and approximate values belong in the source note. Do not store pair or case-inclusive mass.

4.3g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

5.3g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Product Weight: Buds 5.3 g (each)

Bud dimensionsiDimensions of one earbud on the explicitly identified width, height and depth axes. An unlabeled tuple cannot establish those axes.

Width18.3Height30.2Depth18.1mm(0.7 × 1.2 × 0.7 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: each bud H30.2/W18.3/D18.1 mm, 4.3 g.

Not available

Case weightiCharging case mass excluding earbuds. Case-inclusive product mass does not qualify unless the source explicitly gives the empty-case figure.

34.7g(1.2 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size/Weight: case H46.2/W50.1/D21.2 mm, 34.7 g.

48.7g(1.7 oz)1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Box Contents Product Weight explicitly separates Buds 5.3 g (each) from Case 48.7 g. This is the case alone, not buds-plus-case or retail package mass. Xbox table gives same separate case figure.26Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Fresh Xbox-edition maker serialized Box Contents table independently separates Buds 5.3 g (each), Case 48.7 g. Same case figure as PS5, no case-inclusive mass.

Case dimensionsiCharging-case width, height and depth on explicitly identified source axes. Report conflicting axis labels rather than reorder a tuple by appearance.

Width50.1Height46.2Depth21.2mm(2 × 1.8 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Size and Weight named per-bud grams and case height, width, depth rows.

Not available

Certifications

1 of 3 differ

Hi-Res AudioiThe Japan Audio Society logos. Hi-Res Audio Wireless is also written Hi-Res Wireless Audio.

Not available

Not available

Communication certifications

Not available

Not available

FCC IDs

BCG-A3055, BCG-A3056, BCG-A305925Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3055Read 7 October 2026Public FCC grant mirrors identify BCG-A3055 and BCG-A3056 wireless earbuds, BCG-A3059 wireless charging case, Apple Inc., 9 September 2024 grants. Exact Apple model identification maps these to ANC edition. China A3057 not automatically assigned same FCC code. Proprietary 5/6 GHz authorization is not standard Wi-Fi/Auracast capability. Confidential descriptions not read.26Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3056Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3056. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.27Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCGA3059Read 7 October 2026Public exact Apple grant table identifies BCG-A3059. This is the listed earbud/case authorization, not an invented combined identifier.

ZHK-HS35R, ZHK-HS35L, ZHK-HS35TX, ZHK-HS35TXX13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Regulatory section p 14: right/left earbuds and PlayStation transceiver FCC IDs.15Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/arctis_gamebuds_x_digipig_en_us_web.pdfRead 30 September 2026Xbox transceiver FCC ID ZHK-HS35TXX. PlayStation transceiver ZHK-HS35TX. Each variant explicitly lists its edition-specific FCC IDs.

Other certifications

Not available

Qi (Qi ID: 22505)13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026Printed regulatory page 15 displays Qi logo and Qi ID 22505. Exact Xbox guide gives same identifier. Maker-declared Qi registration, independent WPC database retrieval not verified. No stronger third-party re-verification claim.

In the box

2 of 2 differ

In the box

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026USB-C charge cable sold separately

Arctis GameBuds, Charging case, USB-C wireless 2.4 GHz dongle, USB-C female to USB-A male dongle adapter, USB-C to USB-C charging cable (0.3 m), S/M/L ear tips13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026General p 3 and Accessories p 5: USB-C-to-C charging cable. Conflicts with maker store A-to-C box table, manual preferred. Xbox edition has same listed cable.

Cables included

AApple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

Not available

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB-C to USB-C	0.3	1

Source13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026General p 3 and Accessories p 5 specify one 0.3 m USB-C-to-C charging cable.

Links

Not compared

Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Archived exact 2024 ANC edition technical specifications. Current generic AirPods page describes AirPods 5.

steelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebuds1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Canonical maker product page. The query selects the real PlayStation variant.

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1212041Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121204Read 30 September 2026Opened document title identifies exact generation. Stored URL resolves to this technical specification.

steelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebuds1Maker product pagesteelseries.com/gaming-in-ear-headsets/arctis-gamebudsRead 7 October 2026Exact maker page contains the full Audio, Quick-Switch Wireless, Power and Box Contents specification tables. Public serialized table text read without executing scripts.

Manual

support.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/web7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 30 September 2026AirPods User Guide, shared current guide includes AirPods 4 ANC.

downloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdf13Owner's manualdownloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/HS_arctis_gamebuds_digi_pig_en_us_web.pdfRead 7 October 2026PlayStation Product Information Guide, exact earbuds and case. Xbox edition guide also read.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year13Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/airpods/repairRead 7 October 2026Apple US AirPods service warranty explicitly one year from purchase against manufacturing issues, separate from consumer-law rights and optional AppleCare coverage. Source market US, standard hardware warranty.

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.