Earbuds / Compare

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE vs SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

A

Product A: Samsung

Galaxy Buds3 FE

87 of 166 known

Change Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Compare the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds with

Search earbuds

B

Product B: SteelSeries

Arctis GameBuds

78 of 166 known

Change SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Compare the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE with

Search earbuds

All 166 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

General

7 of 8 differ

Series

Galaxy Buds1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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.

SM-R420, SM-R420NZKAXAC, SM-R420NZKAXEF, SM-R420NZAAXEF, SM-R420NZAAEUA1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Canada business product header and URL explicitly identify SM-R420NZKAXAC.6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Cover identifies SM-R420.7Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Exact France product identifiers in Page 2 Logistics.9Maker product pagesamsung.com/uk/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-grey-sm-r420nzaaeuaRead 7 October 2026UK maker header explicitly identifies SM-R420NZAAEUA.

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

8806097620952, 88060976211647Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 Logistics. France Black SM-R420NZKAXEF EAN 8806097620952. Gray SM-R420NZAAXEF EAN 8806097621164. Each check digit verified.

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 August 20252Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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

Available8Maker product pagesamsung.com/fr/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxefRead 7 October 2026Exact France SM-R420NZKAXEF Product offer identifies availability inStock. Product CTA marks this SKU saleable true. Generic hidden out-of-stock template text is not treated as current product availability.

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.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE19Reviewgsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_buds3_fe_announced_with_spatial_audio_galaxy_ai_and_up_to_30_hours_of_battery_life-news-69092.phpRead 23 October 2026GSMArena says the Galaxy Buds3 FE is the successor to the original Galaxy Buds FE.20Reviewsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-vs-samsung-galaxy-buds-fe-145735Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys says the Galaxy Buds 3 FE succeed the Galaxy Buds FE.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

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

$149.992Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026

$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.

€1494Press releasenews.samsung.com/de/ikonisches-design-satter-klang-und-komfortable-nutzung-die-samsung-galaxy-buds3-fe-mit-galaxy-aiRead 7 October 2026German launch UVP 149 EUR. German availability September 5 is not substituted for earlier Polish retail.

€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.

CA, US, FR, DE, PL, GB1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Canada regional business store for exact SM-R420NZKAXAC.2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026Explicit regional retail availability in this maker launch publication. US September 4.3Press releasenews.samsung.com/pl/ruszyla-sprzedaz-samsung-galaxy-buds3-fe-inteligentny-dzwiek-i-odwazny-styl-w-atrakcyjnej-cenieRead 7 October 2026Explicit regional retail availability in this maker launch publication. Poland August 19 2025.4Press releasenews.samsung.com/de/ikonisches-design-satter-klang-und-komfortable-nutzung-die-samsung-galaxy-buds3-fe-mit-galaxy-aiRead 7 October 2026Explicit regional retail availability in this maker launch publication. Germany September 5.7Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Samsung France branded publication and exact XEF retail codes, corroborated by France Samsung store.8Maker product pagesamsung.com/fr/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxefRead 7 October 2026France store offers exact Black SM-R420NZKAXEF and Gris choice. Country confirmed by sale/store, not page language.9Maker product pagesamsung.com/uk/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-grey-sm-r420nzaaeuaRead 7 October 2026UK store exact Grey SM-R420NZAAEUA offered with local delivery/store information. Current stock status is not a global lifecycle claim.

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, Gray2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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

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.

In-ear2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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 releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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 bud5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026FAQ explicitly permits either earbud alone for calls or music while the other charges.

Not available

RGB lighting

No12Reviewwired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-buds3-feRead 7 October 2026Review explicitly says high-tech LED Blade Lights are gone. Status LED in case is not decorative RGB lighting.

Not available

Drivers and sound

5 of 17 differ

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

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Type	Diameter (mm)	Count per earbud
Dynamic	11	1

Source2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 20267Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 Music and Voice. One-way 11 mm Dynamic Driver. Diameter 11 mm is explicit. No diaphragm material or named acoustic role is inferred.

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.

Dynamic2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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

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.

Min20 HzMax20 kHz13Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Premium-mid-range-headphones-with-bargain-appeal-Samsung-Galaxy-Buds3-FE-review.1211124.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Specifications table Speaker row directly publishes 20 to 20000 Hz for the dynamic one-way speaker. Acoustic range claimed by reviewer, not graph-derived. Tolerance and level not stated. No codec bandwidth inference.

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

Not available

Not available

Personalised soundiA profile from a hearing test or ear scan

Not available

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.

95Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026App section and screenshots explicitly show nine-band custom EQ. No proof that EQ is stored on the earbuds, so onboard_eq is omitted.

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.

Bass boost, Treble boost, Smooth, Dynamic, Clear, Balanced5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026

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.

Samsung 360 Audio1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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.

No1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026360 Audio footnote explicitly says head tracking is not supported.

Not available

Noise cancelling

5 of 11 differ

Active noise cancelling

Yes1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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.

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.

32dB7Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 Everyday features. Maker claims active reduction up to 32 dB. Maximum claimed attenuation only. Frequency, fixture and method are unstated.

Not available

Transparency mode

Yes1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

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

Adjustable transparency

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Adjusting noise control intensity. Ambient sound volume and ANC strength can be adjusted.

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

No12Reviewwired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-buds3-feRead 7 October 2026Reviewer explicitly says these buds do not have a conversation awareness sensor. ANC levels are manually adjusted.

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

Default tuning closely follows the SoundGuys preference curve, with elevated bass and no pronounced emphasis from 4 to 9 kHz.5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Published default frequency-response discussion against SoundGuys house target. B&K 5128 fixture and SoundCheck per linked test method. Codec, firmware and exact ANC state for this curve are unstated.10Measurementsoundguys.com/how-we-testRead 7 October 2026Standard frequency-response procedure uses B&K 5128 artificial head and SoundCheck against the SoundGuys preference curve.

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.

5dB5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Published default tuning is 5 dB above SoundGuys house target in bass. No graph estimate. B&K 5128 and SoundCheck per method page. Exact frequency interval, codec, firmware and ANC state unstated.10Measurementsoundguys.com/how-we-testRead 7 October 2026Same published frequency-response method and house preference target. Product review supplies the 5 dB number.

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

0.1%15Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Premium-mid-range-headphones-with-bargain-appeal-Samsung-Galaxy-Buds3-FE-review.1211124.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Loudspeakers THD table explicitly Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE 0.1 percent at RMS -1.0 dBFS. Published method uses low-harmonic 1 kHz sine above 0 dB, linear microphone about 1 cm from driver in artificial head. Firmware R420XXU0AYH1. Codec and ANC state not stated. THD+N 0.31 percent remains separate and is not stored as THD. Public web text readable, raw curl 403. Review adaptive/head-tracking/IP-case claims rejected against maker or trusted conflicts.

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 recorded quiet, office, street, windy and reverberant samples. Office and street noise remained audible. Very strong wind reduced voice clarity.5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Published recorded microphone demos and commentary. Quiet, office, street, windy and reverberant conditions. No calibrated speech-to-noise value is inferred.

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.

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

ANC	Hours (h)
Yes	4.43

Source5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Battery section explicitly reports 4 h 26 min with ANC enabled. Earbuds only, not case-inclusive. Codec and firmware are not stated. ANC-off result is only just under six hours, so no exact number is stored. Linked standard method plays music peaking at 75 dB SPL. This is playback-level peak, not 75 dBA average. Codec, firmware and phone unstated.10Measurementsoundguys.com/how-we-testRead 7 October 2026Standard battery procedure plays music peaking at 75 dB SPL and tracks the recorded waveform until playback stops. Product review reports ANC on 4 h 26 min.

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.

4.43h=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

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.

61Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Specifications lists six physical microphones across the pair. Launch table lists three per earbud. ANC and voice-role counts are not inferred.

Not available

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

Not available

Not available

Mic noise reduction

AI2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026Crystal Clear Call uses a pretrained machine-learning model to isolate voice.

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

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Use Ambient sound during calls explicitly makes own voice audible to prevent raising voice.

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

Not available

Not available

Connections

Bluetooth2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 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

5.41Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

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

Bluetooth codecs

AAC, SBC, Samsung Seamless1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

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

Bluetooth profiles

A2DP, AVRCP, HFP1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

Not available

LE Audio

Not available

Not available

Auracast

No5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Connectivity section explicitly says Buds3 FE does not support Auracast.

Not available

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

No5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Connectivity section distinguishes absent multipoint from supported account-based Auto Switch.

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

Yes1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

Not available

Fast pairing

Not available

Not available

Audio sharingiShare one stream with a second pair

Not available

Not available

Wireless range (claimed)

10m6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Bluetooth precautions, page 16. Maximum Bluetooth connection range 10 m. Actual distance varies with environment.

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

1 of 3 differ

Low latency mode

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Labs, page 33. Gaming mode reduces audio delay. Only Samsung Android mobile devices are supported.

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.

Android, iOS2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026Bluetooth audio is supported regardless of operating system. Advanced features and settings require supported Galaxy or Android device.5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026App section says iPhone supports basic Bluetooth only.

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.

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Platform	Connection
Android	Bluetooth
iOS	Bluetooth

Source14Reviewwired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-buds3-feRead 7 October 2026Review explicitly says iPhone and non-Samsung Android phones pair and play through Bluetooth. Advanced Galaxy functions are not promised. Microphone flags omitted without separate platform-specific test proof.

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.

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Feature	Needs
Auto Switch	Supported Galaxy devices signed into the same Samsung Account. This is automatic switching, not simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint.
Galaxy Wearable settings	Android 11 or later with at least 1.5 GB RAM and Samsung Account.
360 Audio	Compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet with Android One UI 3.1 or later. Head tracking is not supported.
Live Translation and Interpreter	Compatible Samsung Galaxy device with Galaxy AI. Samsung Account and supported language packages. Processing is on the phone.
Google Gemini voice wake-up	Compatible phone with One UI 8.0 or later. Google Account and network can be required.
Gaming mode	Samsung mobile device running Android. Enable Gaming mode under Labs. Other Bluetooth devices do not establish this mode.

Source2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 20266Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Gaming mode is only available with a Samsung mobile device running Android. Settings options can vary by mobile device.

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

10 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.

53mAh1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Typical 53 mAh per earbud. US maker footnote gives rated 50 mAh separately. Typical capacity retained.

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.

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Mode	Includes case recharges	Hours (h)
ANC on	No	6
ANC off	No	8.5
ANC on	Yes	24
ANC off	Yes	30
Call	No	4
Call	Yes	18

Source2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026Specification table. Earbuds 6 h ANC on or 8.5 h off. Totals 24 or 30 h include earbuds and case. Call 4 h and total 18 h in either ANC state, so only one call condition is stored. Default settings on preproduction Galaxy phone, codec unspecified.

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.

6h=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.

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.

24h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Not available

Talk time (claimed)

4h=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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

515mAh1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Typical 515 mAh case cell. US maker footnote gives rated 500 mAh separately. Typical capacity retained.

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-C6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Device layout labels charging case USB Type-C port.

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

No5Measurementsoundguys.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-fe-review-144120Read 7 October 2026Battery section explicitly says not supported.

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.

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

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, Swipe, Voice commands6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Using earbuds and Listening to music. Pinch controls and volume swipe.

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.

Swipe6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026

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 pinch: play or pause, answer or end a call, Double pinch: next track, Triple pinch: previous track, Pinch and hold: selected action or decline a call, Swipe up or down: volume6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Understanding gestures, page 21. Single, double and triple pinch, pinch and hold, and vertical volume swipe. Call mute is not stated.

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

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026

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

Bixby, Google Gemini, Google Assistant2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 20267Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 stem controls lists Gemini, Bixby and Google Assistant. Assistants depend on paired compatible device and account/software conditions.

Not available

Sensors and health

1 of 9 differ

In-ear detection

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Wearing the earbuds. Touch-sensitive sensors detect insertion. This is not a claim of automatic playback pause on every removal.

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

Sensors

Hall sensor, Pressure sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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

4 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, L7Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 Box contents explicitly three pairs S/M/L. Includes fitted pair, not separately sold sizes.

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

Silicone11Reviewsoundguys.com/product/samsung-galaxy-buds-3-feRead 7 October 2026Design table lists plastic and silicone chassis materials. Exact Notebookcheck review separately identifies the supplied S/M/L tips as silicone. Passive isolation 66 dB database cell conflicts with original review 66 percent and is not used.13Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Premium-mid-range-headphones-with-bargain-appeal-Samsung-Galaxy-Buds3-FE-review.1211124.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Buds3 FE specifications Included in the box row explicitly names silicone ear tips in three S/M/L sets. Body and ergonomics paragraph independently calls the three tip sizes silicone.

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.

None12Reviewwired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-buds3-feRead 7 October 2026Review explicitly says no silicone stability fin. Maker device-layout drawings show tips and stems with no fins, bands, hooks or wings.

Not available

Ear tip fit test

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Sound quality and effects, page 30. Earbud fit test checks fit for sound and ANC.

Not available

Dust and water rating, buds

IP542Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026Water Resistance footnote applies to earbuds only. No case IP rating is inferred.

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

Not available

Not available

Water resistance depth

Not available

Not available

Software

4 of 6 differ

Companion app

Galaxy Wearable6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 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

Android6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 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

Yes6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 October 2026Earbuds software update section explicitly allows Download and install 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

Samsung Find1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Services and Applications explicitly names Samsung Find.

Not available

Precision findingiUWB in the case

Not available

Not available

Live translation

Yes2Press releasenews.samsung.com/us/samsung-introduces-galaxy-buds3-fe-iconic-design-enhanced-sound-galaxy-ai-integrationRead 7 October 2026

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.

5g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Physical specifications and launch table. One earbud with M ear tip.

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.

Width18Height21.1Depth33.8mm(0.7 × 0.8 × 1.3 in)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026Launch table labels width 18.0, height 21.1 and depth 33.8 mm, excluding ear tips. French sheet labels its 18 x 21.1 x 33.8 tuple Lxlxh, conflicting with the directly labelled Canada and US width/height/depth. Retained direct W/H/D labels. No tuple reordering by appearance.

Not available

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

41.8g(1.5 oz)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 October 2026

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.

Width58.9Height48.7Depth24.4mm(2.3 × 1.9 × 1 in)1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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

A3LSMR420L, A3LSMR420R16Owner's manualmanuals.plus/samsung/sm-r420-galaxy-buds3-fe-wireless-earbuds-manual.pdfRead 7 October 2026Republished Samsung US quick-start legal text page 4 identifies exact SM-R420 and A3LSMR420L left/A3LSMR420R right. Public indexed PDF opened. Right ID independently corroborated by FCC grant mirror. Applies to US SM-R420 radio hardware, not a claim of France FCC certification.17Regulatory filingfccid.io/A3LSMR420RRead 7 October 2026Samsung applicant FCC grant entry explicitly A3LSMR420R for SMR420R Bluetooth headset. US grant 2025-08-01. Left ID is separately stated in republished manufacturer quick-start legal text.

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

Galaxy Buds3 FE earbuds, Charging case, Three pairs of ear tips (S, M, L), User documentation7Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Page 2 France box contents: earbuds with case, three S/M/L tip pairs and user documentation. Applied only to the two France variants. No included cable or charger claimed.

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

ASamsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Not available

BSteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

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

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

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.samsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxac1Maker product pagesamsung.com/ca/business/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaxacRead 7 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

boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_07Maker spec sheet (PDF)boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/8806097620952_f_0Read 7 October 2026Two-page Samsung France product sheet. Page 1 identifies SM-R420 and Samsung France. Page 2 visually checked.

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

org.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspx6Owner's manualorg.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspxRead 7 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.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 1 differ

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

2years18Maker product pagesamsung.com/fr/support/warrantyRead 7 October 2026Samsung France commercial warranty lists Galaxy Buds at 24 months. This value is for the proved France SKUs SM-R420NZKAXEF and SM-R420NZAAXEF. It does not describe Canada or other markets. Statutory consumer rights are excluded.

Not available

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