These SteelSeries Earbuds Are Great for Gaming, and Are 35% Off Right Now

Looking for a a big discount on a unique gaming headset? I’ve been using the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (9/10, WIRED recommends) for months for gaming and everyday use, and they’re currently discounted on Amazon to just $128, in a black Xbox version and a white Playstation version.

Photography: Éric Ravenscraft

Steel Series

Arctis GameBuds

While most gamers opt for over-ear headphones, there are actually many benefits to using earphones. For starters, they’re much more portable, which is especially important if you’re gaming on your phone or a gaming handheld. My favorite Switch 2 carrying case has a convenient storage pocket inside that they slide right into, so I don’t have to search for them in the overhead compartment once I’m already strapped in for a long flight.

They also have great compatibility, with the discounted versions supporting Xbox or PlayStation, and both styles work well with Switch, PC, and smartphones without any additional software or drivers. The compact USB-C dongle slots directly into the case and features a horizontal layout that allows it to sit neatly on top of consoles or phones, offering 2.4GHz low-latency audio, as well as Bluetooth for simply listening to music. Battery life is on par with other wireless earbuds, managing around 10 hours with the earbuds alone and pushing 40 total with the charging case.

I also really like the SteelSeries mobile app. In addition to the normal settings you’d expect for active noise cancellation, there’s an extensive library of EQ settings for popular games. You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes, allowing you to switch between ideal configurations for different games without having to set up profiles or remember frequencies.

They are also very comfortable, so much so that they have become my favorite headphones for walking the dog or exercising. They have a great fit and sound isolation, and while it’s a personal preference, using actual buttons instead of a capacitive touch for controls makes pauses less likely.

If gaming headphones aren’t your speed, be sure to check out our list of other great gaming headsets. You might be surprised how well modern headphones can perform for both gaming and everyday life, so don’t be afraid to try them, especially at the discounted price.