Earbuds / Compare

Nothing Ear vs SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

A

Product A: Nothing

Ear

100 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

ANothing Ear

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

General

6 of 8 differ

Series

Ear1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 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.

B17122Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Spec table of the review lists model number B171.

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

6974434222175, 69744342221821Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Variant SKU codes of the Black and White options on the maker's US store. Nothing uses them as barcodes.

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.

18 April 202419Press articlem.gsmarena.com/watch_nothing_ear_nothing_ear_a_launch_live_stream-news-62494.phpRead 23 October 2026Live-stream news item dated 18 April 2024 says Nothing unveils the Ear and Ear (a) that day.

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

Available1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026The US store offers both colours with an Add to bag button. Its current price of USD 109 is not stored as launch MSRP.

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.

Nothing Ear (2)20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Review says the Nothing Ear replaces the Ear (2).

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.

Nothing Ear (3)26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS calls the Ear (3) the successor of the Ear.27Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-3-in-earRead 23 October 2026RTINGS says the Nothing Ear (3) replaces the Nothing Ear.

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.

$14920Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Review gives $149 / GBP 129 / EUR 149 for the Nothing Ear. Excludes sales tax.21Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/nothing-earRead 23 October 2026Review lists a launch price of $149 and says the Ear is on sale at that price from the nothing.tech store.

$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.

€14920Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026EUR 149 as published in the review spec table. Country not named.21Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/nothing-earRead 23 October 2026Review says on sale at EUR 149 via nothing.tech.

€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, EU20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Markets named by the USD and EUR launch prices.21Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/nothing-earRead 23 October 2026

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

Black, White1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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

Music1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Sold as an Audio product with no gaming or sport positioning.

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

Design

2 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.

In-ear1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Ships with silicone ear tips and an ear tip fit test for the seal.26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS lists the type as in-ear.

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.

Stem21Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/earbuds/nothing-earRead 23 October 2026Review describes the printed lettering on each 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 bud12Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726209093649-Can-I-use-just-a-single-earbudRead 23 October 2026Either earbud can be used alone after the first pairing with both.

Not available

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Drivers and sound

10 of 17 differ

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

ANothing Ear

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	11	1

Source1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Sound table gives 11mm dynamic. The product text calls it an 11 mm driver and describes airflow within each bud, so one driver per bud.

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.

Dynamic1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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.

11mm=CalculatedFrom Drivers per bud

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

Ceramic1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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.

192kHz15Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726267801361-How-do-I-use-the-LHDC-featureRead 23 October 2026LHDC 5.0 supports 24 bit and 192 kHz. Needs a source with LHDC enabled. LDAC reaches 96 kHz.

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.

24bits15Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726267801361-How-do-I-use-the-LHDC-featureRead 23 October 2026LHDC 5.0 at 24 bit, same conditions as the sample rate.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Yes16Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726213261329-What-is-Personal-Sound-ProfileRead 23 October 2026Personal Sound Profile builds a profile from an audio test in Nothing X.

Not available

Onboard EQ

Not available

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.

81Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Nothing X lists an Advanced Equaliser with 8-band EQ.

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, More Bass, More Treble, Voice8Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726193430417-How-many-equaliser-settings-does-Nothing-Ear-haveRead 23 October 2026Four simple EQ presets. Custom effects are separate.

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

1 of 2 differ

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

Not available

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.

Not available

Not available

Noise cancelling

6 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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.

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Noise cancellation features list Smart ANC algorithm and Adaptive ANC. Adaptive adjusts cancellation to ambient sound.22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Adaptive ANC adjusts ANC strength to the noise level. Smart ANC checks leakage at each wear.

Not available

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

31Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimer 4 names four modes: high, mid, low and adaptive. Three are fixed strengths.

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.

45dB1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Up to 45 dB, range 15 to 45 dB across modes. Frequency range stated as 5000 Hz. Nothing laboratory theoretical value.

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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.

Not available

Not available

Conversation detection

Not available

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.

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Maker says a new talk mic and an extra airway on the stem let wind pass through and cut interference by 60 percent compared with Ear (2). A physical design feature.

Not available

Measured

7 of 23 differ

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

RTINGS rates the sound signature warm. SoundGuys finds bass above its preference curve by default, a dip near 470 Hz and a rise near 5.5 kHz.22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Default settings, firmware 1.0.1.39, app 2.3.15, compared with the SoundGuys preference curve.26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026Public Sound Signature tile: Warm.

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.

2dB26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026Public tile: Slightly Emphasized (2 dB). RTINGS test bench 2.3, reviewed 15 July 2024, white unit. Settings in the comments: ANC on, Balanced preset, Bass Enhance level 3.

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.

-2dB26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026Public tile: Slightly Underemphasized (-2 dB). Same test conditions.

-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

0.092%25Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Comparison-test-All-of-the-latest-wireless-Nothing-headphones-reviewed.875347.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026THD at 1 kHz with the signal at -1.2 dBFS RMS. Linear measurement microphone about 1 cm away in an artificial head. Firmware 1.0.1.52. THD+N was 0.4 percent. Codec, ANC and EQ settings are not stated.

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

SoundGuys says voices sound slightly muffled and the background noise reduction is among the best it has heard, with wind handled better than most earbuds. RTINGS rates the microphone decent and says the voice is intelligible but not true-to-life.22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Written review and demos in ideal, office, street, wind and reverberant conditions.26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026Public verdict text. Test results are locked.

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.

ANothing Ear

ANC	Codec	Hours (h)
Not available	Not available	8.07
Not available	Not available	7.5
Yes	LDAC	3.43
Yes	Not available	4
Yes	LDAC	6

Source20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Around 4 hours with ANC on and volume at 100 percent.22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Battery test: 8 hours 4 minutes on one charge. The ANC setting, codec and volume are not stated.23Reviewdigit.in/reviews/audio-video/nothing-ear-2024-review-nearly-perfect.htmlRead 23 October 2026Lasted 3 hours 26 minutes with the LDAC codec and ANC active.25Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Comparison-test-All-of-the-latest-wireless-Nothing-headphones-reviewed.875347.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Spotify loop at 65 dB(A), ANC at the highest level, LDAC, firmware 1.0.1.52. The chart says 6 h and the text says just under six hours.26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026Public comparison text with the Ear (3) says the Ear has a continuous battery life of 7.5 hours. ANC state not stated.

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.

8.07h=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

Not available

Not available

Microphones and calls

5 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.

61Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Clear Voice Technology with 3 mics per bud.

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.

61Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Three per bud as stated. No other microphone is listed.

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

AI22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026Review says three mics and an AI noise reduction algorithm. The maker calls it Clear Voice Technology.

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.

Not available

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

12 of 18 differ

Chip

Not available

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 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 pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Connectivity table.20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Spec table lists Bluetooth 5.3.

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

Bluetooth codecs

SBC, AAC, LDAC, LHDC1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026LHDC is LHDC 5.0. LDAC and LHDC need a source with the codec enabled. iOS uses AAC.

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

Bluetooth profiles

RFCOMM, SPP, HFP, A2DP, AVDTP, AVCTP, AVRCP1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

Not available

LE Audio

No7Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726178476817-Does-Nothing-Ear-support-LE-AudioRead 23 October 2026Support page: Nothing Ear does not support LE Audio.

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.

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Dual Connection is listed in the other features.17Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726191204113-Does-Nothing-Ear-support-Dual-ConnectionRead 23 October 2026Support confirms Dual Connection.

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.

217Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726191204113-Does-Nothing-Ear-support-Dual-ConnectionRead 23 October 2026Support describes devices A and B connected at the same time.

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.

811Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726192795409-How-many-devices-can-Nothing-Ear-be-paired-withRead 23 October 2026Records for up to 8 devices.

Not available

Automatic switching between own devicesiThrough the maker's account

Not available

Not available

Fast pairing

Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

Not available

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

10m25Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Comparison-test-All-of-the-latest-wireless-Nothing-headphones-reviewed.875347.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Spec table lists a reach of 10 m. The maker's pages read do not state a range.

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

3 of 3 differ

Low latency mode

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Low Lag Mode in the other features and in Nothing X.

Not available

Claimed latency

ANothing Ear

Connection	Mode	Latency (ms)
Bluetooth	Game mode with a Nothing phone	120

Source1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimer 9: latency can be reduced to as low as 120 ms when paired with Nothing phones with game mode on.

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Not available

Lowest claimed latency

120ms=CalculatedFrom Claimed latency

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.

Android, iOS1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Android 5.1 and above, iOS 11 and above.18Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726223774865-Which-devices-are-compatible-with-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Support page says Android 5.1 and above and iOS 13 and above.

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.

ANothing Ear

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.

ANothing Ear

Feature	Needs
LDAC	Needs a source with LDAC and the codec enabled on the phone. Nothing X needs high-definition encoding switched on. Dual Connection should be off for the full stream. iOS supports AAC only.
LHDC 5.0	Needs a source with LHDC. On Nothing phones it is on by default. Other Android phones need LHDC enabled in the Bluetooth codec settings. Dual Connection should be off for the full stream.
Low latency	Latency as low as 120 ms when paired with Nothing phones with game mode on.
ChatGPT integration	Needs a supported Nothing phone, per SoundGuys.

Source1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimers 6, 7 and 9 on the product page.14Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726267987729-How-to-use-the-LDAC-featureRead 23 October 2026LDAC support page.15Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726267801361-How-do-I-use-the-LHDC-featureRead 23 October 2026LHDC support page.22Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-review-114404Read 23 October 2026ChatGPT integration row.

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

12 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.

46mAh1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Battery table, Earbud 46 mAh.4Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726145088401-What-is-the-battery-capacity-of-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Support: each earbud has a 46 mAh battery.

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.

ANothing Ear

Mode	Codec	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC off	AAC	No	8.5
ANC off	AAC	Yes	40.5
ANC on	AAC	No	5.2
ANC on	AAC	Yes	24
Call	Not available	No	5
Call	Not available	Yes	23

Source1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Playback and talk time tables. Test: earbuds and case fully charged, 50 percent volume, AAC, other settings default, Nothing lab at 25 C. The ANC on row also covers transparency mode. Call rows are ANC off. ANC on talk time is 4 h and 18 h with case.3Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726186502673-What-is-the-battery-life-of-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Same figures. ANC on or transparency mode: 5.2 h and 24 h. ANC off: 8.5 h and 40.5 h. Talk ANC off 5 h and 23 h, ANC on 4 h and 18 h.

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.

8.5h=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.

5.2h=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.

8.5h=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.

40.5h=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.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

Talk time (claimed)

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.

80min1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimer 11: without plugging in the case, the earbuds charge inside the case in 80 minutes. Nothing Power 45 W test charger, 25 C.

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.

Fast charging needs a 5 V / 1.5 A adapter or higher, per the maker's footnote. Quick charge: 10 minutes gives up to 10 hours of playback with the case, ANC off. The 45 W Nothing Power charger was used for the maker's charging tests.1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

Not available

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

10min5Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726144720785-Does-Nothing-Ear-support-fast-chargingRead 23 October 202610 minutes of charging.

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.

2.6h1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimer 13 gives 2 hours 36 minutes for a single 10 minute charge of the earbuds themselves.5Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726144720785-Does-Nothing-Ear-support-fast-chargingRead 23 October 2026Earbuds only, ANC off, up to 2.6 h after 10 minutes (10 h with the case). AAC, 50 percent volume, 25 C.

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

Charging case

3 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.

500mAh1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Battery table, Case 500 mAh.4Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726145088401-What-is-the-battery-capacity-of-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Support: the case has a 500 mAh battery.

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 pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Wired charging: USB Type-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.

90min1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Disclaimer 11: with the case connected by USB-C cable and the earbuds inside, Ear charges from 0 to 100 percent in 90 minutes. The time covers the buds and the case together.

Not available

Wireless charging

Yes6Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726199681297-How-do-I-charge-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Support: Nothing Ear also supports wireless charging of the case.

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.

Qi23Reviewdigit.in/reviews/audio-video/nothing-ear-2024-review-nearly-perfect.htmlRead 23 October 2026Review says the earphones support Qi wireless charging. The maker does not name the standard.

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.

2.5W20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Review names 2.5 W wireless charging. The maker does not publish a wattage in the pages read.24Reviewandroidcentral.com/accessories/audio/nothing-ear-reviewRead 23 October 2026Spec list gives 2.5-watt wireless charging.

Not available

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

Not available

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

3 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.

Pressure1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Other features list pinch controls.2Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdfRead 23 October 2026Quick guide labels a Force Sensor on the stem.

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.

Pressure10Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726251488401-How-do-I-adjust-the-volume-on-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Pinch and hold, assigned to volume in the Nothing X app.

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

Pinch: play or pause, answer or hang up a call, Double pinch: skip forward, reject a call, Triple pinch: skip back, Pinch and hold: switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode9Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726251176465-How-do-I-operate-the-control-functions-on-Nothing-EarRead 23 October 2026Default gestures. Nothing X can assign play or pause, skip, noise control, volume up, volume down and the voice assistant.

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

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Nothing X lists customisable controls.

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

Not available

Not available

Sensors and health

2 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026In-ear detection in the other features.2Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdfRead 23 October 2026Quick guide describes wearing detection.

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

Sensors

Force sensor2Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdfRead 23 October 2026Force Sensor on the stem for the pinch controls. The sensor behind in-ear detection is not named.

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.

Yes16Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726213261329-What-is-Personal-Sound-ProfileRead 23 October 2026Audio test in the Nothing X app. A consumer sound-personalisation test, not a clinical one.20Reviewm.gsmarena.com/nothing_ear_and_ear_a_review-amp-62893.phpRead 23 October 2026Review describes sound tests at different frequencies to gauge the user's profile.

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.

S, M, L1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026In the box: ear tips in size S, M, L.2Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdfRead 23 October 2026Quick guide: buds arrive with the medium size attached.

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

Silicone13Maker product pagesupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/articles/23726209226385-What-is-Nothing-Ear-made-ofRead 23 October 2026

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.

None26Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS says the buds lack extra stabilizers and ear hooks.

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Nothing X lists an ear tip fit test.

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IP541Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026IP54 for the earbuds, IEC 60529, excludes the case.

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

IP551Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

Not available

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

2 of 6 differ

Companion app

Nothing X1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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

Android, iOS1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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 pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Nothing X lists firmware updates.

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

Finding network

Not available

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

Not available

Not available

Live translation

Not available

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.

4.62g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Buds weight table. Tip size not stated.

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.

Width21.7Height29.4Depth24.1mm(0.9 × 1.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Buds dimensions table labels Height 29.4 mm, Width 21.7 mm and Depth 24.1 mm.

Not available

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

51.9g(1.8 oz)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Case weight table.

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.

Width55.5Height55.5Depth22mm(2.2 × 2.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Case dimensions table labels Height 55.5 mm, Width 55.5 mm and Depth 22 mm.

Not available

Certifications

2 of 3 differ

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

Hi-Res Audio Wireless1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026The product page names Hi-Res Wireless Audio and 24-bit Hi-Res Audio.

Not available

Communication certifications

Not available

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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

Pair of earbuds, Ear tips in size S, M, L, Charging case, Type-C cable, Safety information and warranty information, User guide1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026

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

ANothing Ear

Type	Count
USB Type-C cable	1

Source1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026Cable length is not stated.

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

us.nothing.tech/products/ear1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 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

us.nothing.tech/products/ear1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/earRead 23 October 2026The Specs tables of the US product page. The page data was read from the page source.

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

cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdf2Owner's manualcdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0586/3270/0077/files/ear_EN.pdfRead 23 October 2026One-page English quick guide from the maker's CDN. Text in the PDF is outlined, so it was read by OCR.

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

None of 1 known

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.

Not available

Not available

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