By: Dipin Sehdev

Console gaming has evolved. No longer tethered to a single screen, gamers demand immersive experiences that can move with them. Cleer Audio answers this call with their new ARC II Gaming and ARC 3 Gaming earbuds. These aren't your average earbuds; they're engineered from the ground up for the discerning console gamer who also enjoys mobile play, boasting open-ear technology, ultra-low latency, and a suite of features designed to immerse you in the game while keeping you connected to the real world. Whether you're strategizing with your squad online or exploring vast virtual worlds, the ARC series delivers high-fidelity audio without sacrificing comfort or awareness.

Open-Ear Innovation: Immersion Without Isolation

Cleer Audio's innovative open-ear design sets these earbuds apart. Unlike traditional earbuds that seal your ear canal, the ARC II and ARC 3 rest comfortably and securely on your ears, allowing you to hear your game audio while remaining aware of your surroundings. This is a game-changer (pun intended) for several reasons:

• Situational Awareness: Whether you're gaming on the go or just want to stay connected to your environment, the open-ear design keeps you aware of what's happening around you. No more missed announcements or awkward run-ins because you were "in the zone."
• Comfort is King: Long gaming sessions can lead to ear fatigue and discomfort with traditional earbuds. The ARC series' open-ear design eliminates this issue, allowing for hours of comfortable gameplay without any pressure or stuffiness. Say goodbye to sweaty ears and hello to extended playtime.
• Social Gaming: Want to chat with friends or family while you play? The open-ear design makes it easy to interact with others without having to remove your earbuds.

Unleash the Sound: Premium Audio for Gamers

Don't let the open-ear design fool you. Cleer hasn't compromised on audio quality. Both the ARC II and ARC 3 pack a punch with powerful 16.2mm Graphene Drivers, delivering rich, detailed sound that brings your games to life. But the audio experience goes beyond just powerful drivers:

• Snapdragon Sound™: Both models feature Snapdragon Sound™ certification, ensuring high-resolution audio playback with exceptional clarity and detail. Hear every footstep, every explosion, every nuance of the game's soundtrack.
• Gaming EQ Presets: Cleer has included custom-tuned gaming EQ presets optimized for different game genres. Whether you're playing an FPS, an RPG, or a racing game, you can fine-tune the audio to perfectly match the experience.
• DBE 3.0 Dynamic Bass Enhancement: Feel the rumble with Cleer's DBE 3.0 Dynamic Bass Enhancement. This technology adds depth and power to the low frequencies, making explosions and other impactful sounds even more immersive.
• Lossless Audio Codecs: The ARC series supports a wide range of high-quality audio codecs, including aptX™ Lossless, aptX™ Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, and SBC, ensuring that you get the best possible wireless audio quality, no matter what device you're using.

Ultra-Low Latency: Lag is the Enemy

In the world of gaming, lag is a death sentence. Even the slightest delay between what you see on screen and what you hear can be the difference between victory and defeat. Cleer has addressed this with a dedicated USB-C dongle that delivers ultra-low latency audio:

• Sub-30ms Latency (ARC 3): The ARC 3, when connected via the dongle, achieves a latency of under 30 milliseconds. This near-instantaneous audio transmission ensures that you're always in sync with the action.
• Under 60ms Latency (ARC II): The ARC II also benefits from the dongle, delivering a latency of under 60 milliseconds, a significant improvement over standard Bluetooth connections.

This low-latency connection is crucial for gaming, but it also makes a huge difference when watching videos or any other content where audio-visual synchronization is essential.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Play on Anything

The beauty of the ARC series' USB-C dongle is its versatility. It allows you to connect to a wide range of devices, making these earbuds truly cross-platform compatible:

• PC Gaming: Connect the dongle to your PC for a lag-free gaming experience.
• Console Gaming: The ARC II and ARC 3 are compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, bringing high-quality audio to your console gaming sessions.
• Mobile Gaming: Of course, the dongle works seamlessly with Android smartphones and tablets, allowing you to experience console-level audio on your mobile devices. The ARC 3 also works with the Meta Quest VR headset, opening up a new dimension of immersive gaming.

Advanced Features: More Than Just Sound

The ARC II and ARC 3 are packed with features that go beyond just great sound:

• Dolby Atmos® with Head Tracking (ARC 3): The ARC 3 takes immersion to the next level with Dolby Atmos® spatial audio and head tracking. This technology creates a three-dimensional soundscape that moves with your head, making you feel like you're truly inside the game.
• Noise-Reduction Microphones: Both models feature noise-reduction microphones powered by Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture) technology. This ensures crystal-clear communication with your teammates or streaming audience, even in noisy environments.
• Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint Connectivity (ARC 3): The ARC 3 features Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two connected devices. Answer a call on your phone and then instantly jump back into your game without having to fumble with connections. The ARC II uses Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint.
• Smart Charging Case: The ARC 3's charging case is more than just a place to store your earbuds. It features a touch screen display with various controls and functions, including wireless charging, an interior mirror, and UV-C light for earbud sterilization.
• Long Battery Life: The ARC 3 offers up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 40 hours. The ARC II offers 8 hours of playtime plus 27 hours with the charging case. Both offer a quick charge feature for when you need a fast boost.
• Cleer+ App: Customize your listening experience with the Cleer+ app. Adjust the EQ, monitor battery life, and even track your steps with the built-in pedometer.

Specs: A Closer Look

Availability and Price

The Cleer ARC II Gaming and ARC 3 Gaming earbuds are available now at Amazon.com, CleerAudio.com, and authorized Cleer Audio dealers.

• ARC II Gaming: $189.99 (MSRP) (Available on Amazon)
• ARC 3 Gaming: $234.99 (MSRP)

The Verdict: A Game Changer for Mobile Gamers

The Cleer ARC II and ARC 3 Gaming earbuds are a compelling option for mobile gamers who demand high-quality audio, low latency, and comfort. The open-ear design, combined with powerful drivers and advanced features like Dolby Atmos® (ARC 3), sets these earbuds apart from the competition. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore competitor, the ARC series is sure to elevate your mobile gaming experience. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score. 

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