Accessories

SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds review: For your gaming delight

This Gamebuds’ for you

Published

December 13, 2024

Steelseries is a popular option for competitively-priced gaming audio products. In many online groups, their headsets are often top recommendations. Now they’ve taken all they know about gaming audio and put it in a smaller package – the Steelseries Arctis Gamebuds.

On paper, it has all the bells and whistles of any TWS earbuds worth your time. Among them are 360 Spatial Audio, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a companion app, and more.

SteelSeries Sound

The SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds is my second listening-type audio device from the brand. With that, I think I have a better understanding now of what to expect from them in terms of sound.

For context, my preferred sound tuning tends to be full, rich, and round. I’m not exactly sure how to explain that last one, but sometimes I hear things and associate them to shapes. Anyway, I mostly get that type of sound from Sony’s WH series of headphones. For earbuds, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro that delivered this type of sound for me. To a lesser extent, there’s also the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 from a couple of years ago.

In contrast, the SteelSeries Sound feels sharper. Instead of full, rich, and round. It’s more spacy, airy, and sharp. I understand I’m describing them way too differently from each other. In practice, they do sound close, but I feel like it’s something you can only really tell if you’ve listened to both.

That’s not to say the SteelSeries Sound is bad. It’s just a different type of good. And this is true whether you’re listening to it straight out of the box or after tweaking the equalizer from the companion Arctis App.

Phenomenal for play

Connected via dongle on an ROG Ally. For visualization only. We mostly played while it’s connected to a PlayStation 5.

Where it shines the most is the tuning for each game. Much like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, the Arctis Gamebuds has access to a wide selection of pre-tuned equalizers for specific games.

The best part is you have recently released games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Black Myth Wukong, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and the list goes on and on.

The 360 Spatial Audio really comes into play with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. With the Arctis Gamebuds on, the feeling of immersion goes up a few notches. The sounds rattle off in and around your head feels as if you’re actually in the game environment.

It also elevates the experience for games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – a game that features a wide variety of tracks that shape the mood of each encounter, gameplay, and scene. The game is a treasure trove of tracks that will have you bopping or feeling somber. And having the Arctis Gamebuds on delivers these sounds flawlessly.

In NBA 2K25, I had fun with it by turning off the commentator audio. With these on and with in-arena, crowd, and on-court volume blaring, it almost feels like you’re watching a live NBA game. It’s a fun way to experience 2K.

If the specific game you’re playing isn’t available on the app. Simply select a similar genre or a title in the same franchise or series. Chances are, those are bound to perform just as well as if it was pre-tuned for your chosen game.

Skip the Music Presets

I found the existing Music presets to be a little lacking. Flat is a little too flat, Bright almost takes out the lows too much, and Deep Bass threads the line to sounding muffled. You get the picture.

For a while I stuck with the Punchy preset and I was okay with it for the most part. But what unlocked things quite a bit for me is when I stuck with the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth preset. It was a glass-break moment when I opted for it as my main equalizer.

The way the variety of music and sound that the game delivered translated nicely into music listening. I had a blast playing on repeat TWICE’s 14th Mini Album Strategy which you should totally check because it’s a banger.

I haven’t gone through the entire equalizer list — cause there’s literally so many of them. But I reckon you’d find a game preset that will match your music listening sensibilities.

Connectivity and control

Like the Arctis Nova 5, the Arctis Gamebuds can connect in a couple of ways – via direct Bluetooth 5.3 or through the included 2.4Ghz dongle. It’s also easy to switch between the two. That means you can have the dongle inserted to your gaming device of choice and then have the Bluetooth paired to your phone.

The dongle also having a slot on the charging case is a great touch. Too often, headphones and earbuds that have a similar dongle in the package don’t have a way to adequately carry the dongle making it easily misplaceable. I know I’ve lost more than my fair share.

Another really nice touch is that the area on the buds where you see the SteelSeries logo is actually pressable. They are real, tactile buttons. How they managed to include that mechanism in such a tiny body is a marvel.

It’s a nice change of pace from most other earbuds out in the market today who rely on different sensors for touch, tap, and pinch gestures that don’t always connect. This makes the controls on the Arctis Gamebuds extremely easy to manage.

The gestures include single press, double press, triple press, short hold, single press then press hold, 3-second-hold in case, and 3-second hold. That’s a wide gamut of actions and you can program a different one for each earbud. It gives you granular, customizable control.

The default settings also already make sense and feel intuitive. Previous and Next tracks are mapped as double presses on the left and right earbuds respectively. A single press on the right earbuds is for play/pause while the left one has ANC/Noise Control.

You can charge the Arctis Earbuds wirelessly

This is a great addition and something I hope more brands will try to emulate or apply in their own earbuds products.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

As great as it is, we can’t say the SteelSeries isn’t for everyone. It also comes at a price range that might turn some off. It’s available at SteelSeries.com and at select retailers in the Philippines starting at PhP 10,458.00. In the US, it’s priced at USD 169.99.

But let’s break it down.

Swipe Left if you’re not a gamer. The product is very clearly a gaming lifestyle device. It’s squarely aimed at gamers who are willing to spend a bit for quality audio. If you’re only after good audio quality for music/podcast listening, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Swipe Right if you’re a multi-platform gamer. PlayStation, PC, and mobile gamers will have a field day with the Arctis Gamebuds. Even if you only really game on a couple of devices, you’ll still get the most out of it. If it’s outside your budget, our advice is to hold and save up a little more. It’s worth it.

Super Swipe if money is no object or if it’s within your budget and you play on multiple platforms, then this is a no-brainer pick-up. Even if you prefer headphones, it’s always nice to have an in-ear option that you can easily and discreetly carry.

If you’re dead-set on getting one, just make sure you get the right version. If you play on Xbox, then make sure to get that version as it has drivers specifically made for Microsoft’s gaming console. But if you’re mostly on PlayStation, PC, Switch, or gaming handhelds, then you should be fine with the non-Xbox variant. The black & white color combo looks cooler too in our humble opinion.

The Arctis Gamebuds is a dream in-ear headphones for multi-platform gamers. It sounds phenomenal for play and more than adequate for other listening activities. The customization and control capabilities are cherries on top that make this deserving of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

Related Topics:ArctisGamebuds PlayStation Steelseries SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds

Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

Published

April 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

Accessories

Jabra launches PanaCast Room Kit for simpler hybrid meetings

The function room setup that doesn’t need an IT guy

Published

April 20, 2026

JP and GadgetMatch

Jabra is expanding its hybrid work ecosystem with the new PanaCast Room Kit.

It’s a video conferencing solution built for meeting rooms. But it skips the usual complexity. No tangled cables, no custom programming, and no need for IT on standby.

The kit is designed for teams of three to 15 people. Setup takes minutes: Connect the cameras, place the speakers and microphones, and link everything with a single cable.

That’s it. A standard room becomes a smart collaboration space without the usual friction.

Built for inclusive meetings

At the center of the experience is the PanaCast 55 VBS.

It uses a 180-degree multi-camera system powered by onboard AI. Jabra’s Virtual Director technology tracks speakers and reframes the view in real time.

Everyone stays visible. Even those seated at the far end of the table.

The goal is simple. Make remote participants feel like they’re in the room.

Audio keeps up with that promise. The PanaCast SpeakerMic extends coverage up to 11 meters. Every voice comes through clearly and at a consistent volume. No need to raise your voice just to be heard.

No-fuss by design

The system adds a Huddly L1 camera for a secondary angle. This gives meetings a more complete and inclusive view.

There’s also the Jabra Control IP touch controller. It handles meetings with simple, one-touch controls.

Everything works together with minimal input. No manual pan-tilt-zoom adjustments. No audio balancing. The AI handles it.

Enterprise-ready, plug-and-play simple

The PanaCast Room Kit is fully UC-certified. It works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

It also runs on the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), bringing enterprise-grade security and reliability.

The idea is straightforward. High-end meeting tech shouldn’t be hard to use.

From small huddle spaces to larger boardrooms, the kit scales without added complexity. It removes the usual barriers to hybrid collaboration.

Whether it’s a quick team sync or a full boardroom discussion, the PanaCast Room Kit aims to give everyone a front-row seat.

Accessories

Sony announces open-back INZONE H6 Air

Deeper and tighter bass, more immersive gaming soundscape

Published

April 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Gamers are set to get another immersive headphones from Sony with the launch of the INZONE H6 Air.

This latest offering features an open-back acoustic structure and custom drivers for deep and tight bass, thanks to back ducts integrated into the drivers.

The open-back structure also helps with a realistic immersive sound field, making gamers feel they are in the game space.

This design minimizes internal reflections by leaving the housing unobstructed. The result is accurate sound field reproduction exactly as game creators intended.

The Sony INZONE H6 Air also features precision-tuned driver units engineered with the same technology as Sony’s renowned MDR-MV1 open-back studio monitor headsets. It is specially adapted for this particular wearable.

Back ducts integrated into the driver unit help deliver deep and controlled bass reproduction, while maintaining clear separation of mids and lows. This detail is helpful especially for titles where rich sound detail matters.

Crafted with premium aluminum, the INZONE H6 Air is also one of Sony’s lightest gaming headsets at just 199 grams. The headset uses the same spring hinge headband design seen on the INZONE H9 II.

Furthermore, the headset features an “RPG/Adventure” equalizer profile as it is developed with sound engineers from PlayStation Studios.

This specific profile is optimized for RPG and adventure titles, recreating the acoustic experience of a sound studio and delivering an immersive listening experience.

An additional cardioid boom mic focuses on voice angled towards the user’s mouth, eliminating unnecessary side noise.

Fnatic Edition devices, INZONE Buds Glass Purple

In addition to the Sony INZONE H6 Air, Sony has launched the Fnatic Editions of the INZONE Mouse-A, INZONE Mat-F, and INZONE Mat-D.

This next step in the collaboration between Sony and Fnatic makes the professional esports club even more present in fans’ daily gaming experience.

Rounding out the new releases is the INZONE Buds in Glass Purple colorway. This joins the previous black and white options, giving owners plenty of choices to suit their styles.