Earbuds / Compare

Apple AirPods 4 vs SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

A

Product A: Apple

AirPods 4

76 of 166 known

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B

Product B: SteelSeries

Arctis GameBuds

78 of 166 known

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All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple AirPods 4

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

General

8 of 8 differ

Series

AirPods4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026

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.

A3053, A3050, A3054, A3058, MXP63LL/A4Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 5 October 2026Exact generation heading names the earbuds. Charging case heading gives A3058. No sibling generation or case revision is included.16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/purchase/contracts/docs/NASPO_PSS_Apple_Branded.pdfRead 7 October 2026Apple US NASPO price catalogue, Accessories row MXP63LL/A names AirPods 4. Separate MXP93LL/A row explicitly names AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Only standard USB-C case hardware is retained.

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

19594968852217Retailer pageabt.com/Apple-Airpods-4-with-USB-C-Charging-Case-MXP63LLA/p/212160.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard AirPods 4 MXP63LL/A listing gives UPC 195949688522. The ANC edition is separate.

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 5 October 2026

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.

Apple AirPods 333Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS calls the AirPods 4 without noise cancelling the successor to the AirPods 3rd generation.34Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-3rd-generation-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS says the AirPods 3 were replaced by the AirPods 4.

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.

Apple AirPods 5 (USB-C Charging Case)33Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-4-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS marks the AirPods 4 as replaced by the AirPods 5.35Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-5-review-163483Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys says the AirPods 5 replace the AirPods 4 as the entry point into Apple's lineup.

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.

$1292Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026US launch price from Pricing and Availability.

$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.

€1493Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026German launch price including VAT from Preise und Verfuegbarkeit.

€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.

US16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/purchase/contracts/docs/NASPO_PSS_Apple_Branded.pdfRead 7 October 2026US Apple NASPO sales catalogue lists exact standard MXP63LL/A, corroborated by US Abt listing. No new regional variants are introduced.

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

White17Retailer pageabt.com/Apple-Airpods-4-with-USB-C-Charging-Case-MXP63LLA/p/212160.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard edition General Color table states White. SoundGuys standard review independently says only white is available.

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-ear2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026

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.

Stem2Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 5 October 2026

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 bud7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Set the microphone location. Either earbud can act as the microphone when used alone.

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

Count per earbud
1

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Audio Technology names one custom Apple driver per earbud. Driver technology and diameter are not published.

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.

Not available

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Not available

Not available

Onboard EQ

Yes8Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 2026Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods and carry across paired devices. Model eligibility is confirmed by the linked supported-model list.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 5 October 2026

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/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 2026Current guide is for iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. Three adjustable bands on eligible AirPods 4 and Pro 2.9Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 5 October 2026Supported list explicitly includes AirPods 4 both models and AirPods Pro 2. Requires current compatible Apple software.

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.

Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, Brightness28Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/set-headphone-accommodations-devcd05671ab/webRead 7 October 2026Maker Audio Tuning choices are Balanced Tone, Vocal Range and Brightness. Host Headphone Accommodations presets, separate from custom onboard three-band EQ. Requires compatible Apple host software. Preference-based Customize Audio is not a hearing assessment or ear scan, so sound_personalization is omitted.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Noise cancelling

8 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026Background distinguishes basic model without ANC from the separately marketed ANC model.

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-between-listening-modes-dev9812f5cc3/webRead 7 October 2026Current guide lists AirPods 4 with ANC, AirPods 5, Pro and Max for listening modes. Standard AirPods 4 is excluded. SoundGuys standard review explicitly lists No ANC/Transparency. Passive open-ear construction is not electronic 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.

No21Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/switch-between-listening-modes-dev9812f5cc3/webRead 7 October 2026Current maker eligibility list names AirPods 4 (ANC) for the ANC/transparency blend. Standard AirPods 4 has neither ANC nor the electronic transparency mode.

Not available

Conversation detection

No22Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/adjust-listening-mode-settings-dev6d977ff21/webRead 7 October 2026Current note explicitly says Conversation Awareness is only available on AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, Pro 2, Pro 3 and Max 2. Standard AirPods 4 is excluded. Personalized Volume is a separate feature and is not conversation detection.

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.

Not available

Not available

Measured

7 of 23 differ

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

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

-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

Not available

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

iPhone Voice Memos recordings reject background noise but sometimes also cut out the voice.30Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 7 October 2026Standard non-ANC sample. Review recordings use an iPhone Voice Memos app and ideal, office, street, windy and reverberant scenes. Text states background rejection is fairly good but occasionally the algorithm cuts the voice. iPhone model, codec and firmware are not specified. This is the tested host-side Voice Isolation path, not universal Android behavior.

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

ANC	Hours (h)
No	6.35

Source12Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly tests standard non-ANC retail unit. Battery section reports 6 h 21 min continuous playback. Codec and firmware are not specified for the test, so they are omitted.

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.

6.35h=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)20Measurement52audio.com/archives/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard edition teardown states measured single-earbud mass approximately 4.4 g. Digital scale photograph and one-bud scope. No ear tips are installed. Claimed 4.3 g is preserved separately. Firmware is irrelevant to mass.

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/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact standard A3054/A3058 teardown. One earbud disassembly identifies two S340 MEMS microphones and one inward S342 MEMS microphone. Summary states three MEMS microphones in an earbud. Pair total is 3+3=6 physical capsules. Call roles are separately described and are not inferred from total count.

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

AI12Measurementsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 5 October 2026Call section says the microphone signal is sent to the iPhone for AI processing. This does not promise equivalent filtering on Android.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC23Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/airpods-4-vs-beats-solo-buds-which-is-apples-best-budget-budsRead 7 October 2026Article explicitly profiles the non-ANC version. Connectivity comparison table states Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC. Standard SoundGuys review independently confirms actual AAC operation. Proprietary Vision Pro lossless protocol is not a Bluetooth codec.

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

Yes13Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev228ba3df8/webRead 5 October 2026Opening section explicitly describes switching between Apple devices signed into the same account. Linked supported-model list includes these models. This differs from simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint.

Not available

Fast pairing

Apple one-tap setup25Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Maker setup instructions open the case next to iPhone/iPad until the setup animation, then follow the screen. Standard SoundGuys review calls this iOS pairing feature. Apple account pairing only, not Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair.

Not available

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Yes24Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/share-audio-on-iphone-or-ipad-dev3786f35c8/webRead 7 October 2026Official guide describes sharing one source with a second pair and links the supported headphones list, which explicitly includes AirPods (all models). Requires supported iPhone/iPad and a compatible second pair.

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/121203Read 5 October 202614Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev499c9718b/webRead 5 October 2026Android setup explicitly covers AirPods 3, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Audio and calls supported, Siri unavailable on non-Apple devices.

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

Platform	Connection	Microphone works
iOS	Bluetooth	Yes
macOS	Bluetooth	Yes

Source25Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Guide opening explicitly supports listening and phone/FaceTime calls. Model-specific AirPods 4 pairing instructions use Bluetooth on iPhone and Mac. iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS lack distinct schema platform options and are reported rather than merged into an ambiguous Other row.

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

Feature	Needs
Personalized Spatial Audio profile	iPhone with TrueDepth camera. Compatible content, hardware and software.
Custom three-band EQ	Compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 27 or iPadOS 27, or Mac with macOS 27. Current AirPods firmware.
Audio Sharing	Supported iPhone or iPad and a compatible second pair of AirPods or Beats.
Headphone Accommodations presets and preference-based setup	Compatible Apple host software. These are host accessibility audio settings.
Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency	Apple Vision Pro and current supported software. Uses a proprietary wireless audio protocol. Availability varies by region.

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 20268Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/te819024i19r/webRead 5 October 202632Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-with-an-apple-device-dev7c85810f2/webRead 7 October 2026Existing requirements retained. Current maker guide explicitly includes AirPods 4 for Vision Pro Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency using a proprietary wireless protocol. No unreported sample rate, bit depth or latency number is added. Other appended requirements follow the directly cited sharing and accommodations guides.

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

7 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

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	No	5
ANC off	Yes	30
Call	No	4.5
Call	Yes	20

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Battery and footnotes 10 and 11. AAC playlist, 50% volume, Spatial Audio off, iPhone 16 Pro Max. Five hours earbuds only and 30 hours including case.31Maker product pageapple.com/bh/airpods-4/specsRead 7 October 2026Standard AirPods 4 section gives up to 4.5 h talk per earbud charge and up to 20 h including USB-C case. July/August 2024 preproduction standard A4 with preproduction iPhone 16 Pro Max, prerelease software, 50% volume, Spatial Audio off, cellular phone call until first bud stops. Case-inclusive test repeats charge cycles until both case and earbuds empty. Call codec not specified. Existing music rows retained. ANC edition rows excluded.

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

Talk time (claimed)

4.5h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/121203Read 5 October 2026Battery. Approximately one hour of earbud playback after five minutes in the case. Spatial Audio off in footnote 12.

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.

345mAh11Press articlemacrumors.com/2024/10/02/airpods-4-teardown-ifixitRead 5 October 2026Exact non-ANC teardown paragraph reports 345 mAh case cell. Not an earbud capacity.19Review52audio.com/archives/214334.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact A3058 case and PWGL4 battery label: rated 345 mAh, nominal 3.852 V, rated energy 1.329 Wh. Existing value is unchanged and now has directly identified label evidence. Earbud A3087 cell is 32.1 mAh and is not rounded into the integer field.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026

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.

Not available

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.

No10Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_4Read 5 October 2026

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.

Not available

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 commands6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026Model-specific controls section. Force sensor on stem. Pro 2 adds volume swipe. AirPods 4 and Pro 2 support head gestures with Announce Calls and Announce Notifications enabled.

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.

Voice6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 202615Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102628Read 5 October 2026Control audio with AirPods Pro 1, AirPods 3, AirPods 4 (both models), or AirPods 5. Explicit Siri volume commands. Requires compatible Apple device and Siri availability.

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

Single press, Double press, Triple press, Press and hold, Nod or shake head6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/devb2c431317/webRead 5 October 2026

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

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Change press-and-hold and mute/end call actions.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

Not available

Sensors and health

1 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes7Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/webRead 5 October 2026Turn automatic ear detection on or off. Playback stops on removal and resumes on insertion.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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

Not available

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.

None29Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-4-review-124236Read 7 October 2026Exact standard review explicitly says these do not include swappable tips, fins or ear hooks to adapt fit. No physical stabilizing fittings, not a statement about electronic fit compensation.

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Not available

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IP541Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Resistance section. For non-water sports and exercise. Resistance is not permanent.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026Resistance section explicitly covers the charging case as well as earbuds.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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

Finding network

Last location in the app26Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Guide states models without Find My network show the last time/place connected. The exhaustive network eligibility list includes AirPods 4 with ANC, excluding standard 4. Standard supports app location and play sound, without crowd finding or case finding.

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

No26Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/find-your-airpods-dev8e8b93d71/webRead 7 October 2026Current Find My guide names Pro 2 and Pro 3 charging cases for precise UWB-based finding. Standard AirPods 4 has only the basic app location/play-sound functions, confirmed by maker feature matrix.

Not available

Live translation

No27Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/translate-in-person-conversations-dev9c215ca94/webRead 7 October 2026Current supported models are AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, Pro 2/3 and Max 2. Standard AirPods 4 is not supported. Playing general phone-translated audio is not this integrated AirPods feature.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/121203Read 5 October 2026Size and Weight. Dimensions of one earbud in published metric units.

Not available

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

32.3g(1.1 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026Size and Weight. Maker charging-case weight, not combined case and earbuds weight.

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/121203Read 5 October 2026

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

Not available

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, Charging Case (USB-C), Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026USB-C charging cable is 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

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

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Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1212031Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/1212031Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121203Read 5 October 2026

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/web5Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/welcome/webRead 5 October 2026

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.

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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.

1year18Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/accessory-warranty-english.htmlRead 7 October 2026Apple accessory warranty covers Apple-branded hardware for ONE (1) YEAR from original retail purchase. Retained MXP63LL/A is US hardware, with one-year parts/labor corroboration from Abt. Statutory consumer rights and AppleCare are separate.

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