For PC and PlayStation gaming, connect the Arctis GameBuds with the included 2.4 GHz dongle; for a phone or another Bluetooth host, pair through that device’s Bluetooth settings. The earbuds usually arrive paired to the dongle. To switch between the dongle and Bluetooth, triple-tap an earbud. The GameBuds cannot connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time.
Choose the right connection for your device
| Host | Recommended connection | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Included 2.4 GHz dongle for gaming; Bluetooth is also available. | SteelSeries lists plug-and-play dongle use on PC. The product page describes Bluetooth 5.3 for the US PlayStation GameBuds listing. SteelSeries product page |
| PlayStation | 2.4 GHz dongle | The product page lists PS5; SteelSeries’ support instructions also describe using the dongle with a PS4 or another host. SteelSeries dongle-pairing instructions |
| Mobile phone | Bluetooth | Start pairing mode on the earbuds, then complete pairing in the phone’s Bluetooth settings. SteelSeries Bluetooth instructions |
SteelSeries describes dongle support broadly, including PS5, Switch, PC, VR, tablets, and more. That wording does not establish compatibility with every console or every computer configuration. The product page also says a USB-C to USB-A converter is included, so check the box and your host’s port before buying an adapter.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds - White | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Arctis GameBuds for Xbox/PC/PS5/Switch/Mobile Quick-Switch 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.3 Active Noise... | $114.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds - Black | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
How do I put my Arctis GameBuds into bluetooth pairing mode?
- Place both earbuds in the charging case.
- Hold the button on either earbud for three seconds.
- Release the button when the LEDs blink blue. Blue blinking indicates Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, PC, or other Bluetooth host and follow its pairing steps to select the GameBuds.
The exact device name shown in the host’s Bluetooth list can vary; select the GameBuds entry displayed on your device.
How do I pair my Arctis GameBuds with the 2.4 GHz dongle?
Normal setup
The GameBuds normally arrive paired to their 2.4 GHz dongle, so you should not need to pair them manually. Plug the dongle into the host device and use the gaming connection. SteelSeries lists plug-and-play dongle use on PS5 and PC, among other devices.
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- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100 GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100 presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360 SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
Restore a missing dongle connection
Use this recovery procedure if the earbuds and dongle are no longer paired:
- Put both earbuds in the case and hold either earbud button for three seconds. The LEDs blink blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Press either earbud button once. The LEDs blink green to indicate 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
- Plug the dongle into the PS4 or another host device.
- Hold the button on the dongle for three seconds.
- Wait for the GameBuds to pair.
These steps are SteelSeries’ documented recovery instructions. The support article mentions a PS4 or “another device”; the product page separately lists PS5 and PC plug-and-play use.
Rank #2
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for Xbox and console gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your Xbox, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
How do I pair a second device to the Arctis GameBuds?
Pair the second host using its connection type: use Bluetooth pairing mode for a phone or other Bluetooth device, or use the 2.4 GHz dongle for a compatible gaming host. Triple-tap an earbud to Quick-Switch between the Bluetooth source and the dongle’s 2.4 GHz source. This changes the active wireless source; it is not simultaneous Bluetooth multipoint. SteelSeries says the GameBuds cannot connect to more than one device over Bluetooth at the same time. SteelSeries instructions for a second device
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the LEDs mean during pairing
- Blue blinking: Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Green blinking: 2.4 GHz pairing mode.
These indicators and the three-second and triple-tap actions are described in SteelSeries’ undated support articles, accessed October 4, 2026. Bluetooth 5.3 is the specification stated on the US PlayStation GameBuds product page, not an independent test result.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- QUICK-SWITCH DUAL WIRELESS — High-speed 2.4GHz wireless specifically for PS5 gaming, or switch to Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile
- ACTIVE NOICE CANCELLATION — 4-mic hybrid ANC provides true gaming immersion; ability to switch transparency mode for awareness
- 100+ GAME AUDIO PRESETS — Easy-to-use SteelSeries Arctis Companion App contains 100+ presets to boost critical sounds in game on your PS5, PC and more
- 360° SPATIAL AUDIO — Immersive sound puts you right in the action with directional awareness, enhanced by custom Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- LONG BATTERY — 10-hour battery satisfies marathon sessions, extendable with a Qi Charging Case using 3x extra charges for up to 40 hours of use
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
