The gaming industry continues to have a profound and positive impact on the high-end audio category and it’s becoming increasingly clear that it may be the best (and only) opportunity to make serious inroads with the 18-35 age bracket when it comes to better sound quality.
Cleer Audio introduced its ARC 3 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds in October 2024, and we suspected based on some private conversations that a “gaming” version might show up at CES 2025.
The ARC 3 Gaming Edition is here and we had an opportunity to preview it in Las Vegas.
Shared Features?
The original ARC 3 and ARC 3 Gaming Edition look about the same minus color differences. They’re essentially identical, except the Gaming Edition includes a USB-C dongle for more reliable and lower latency connectivity.
They both have an open-ear hook design that fits passively without blocking the sounds around you. The ear hook and hinge design features an improved shape and greater flexibility to improve overall fit and comfort.
In addition both models support head tracking, Dolby Atmos, aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound Certification, and LDAC (Lossless Digital Audio Codec) along with DBE 3.0 Dynamic Bass Enhancement for deeper and more powerful bass.
Access to the Cleer+ App (Android, iOS) is provided which enables additional control such as Voice Control for hands-free calling, noise canceling and ambient sound levels, EQ settings, and firmware updates. The app also provides access to the user manual, battery charging status and available playtime.
In combination with the Cleer+ App, the ARC 3 and ARC 3 Gaming Edition both come with a smart case that incorporates an LED touchscreen and an interior mirror. The smart case also includes UV sterilization. Its UV-C light sanitizes the earbuds while not in use.
ARC 3 Gaming Edition Connectivity
Only the ARC 3 Gaming Edition comes packaged with a USB-C Wireless Dongle that connects to compatible mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops). This enables the ARC 3 Gaming Edition to easily pair while also bringing latency down to 30ms for better wireless game play.
Comparison
| ARC 3 | ARC 3 Gaming Edition | |
| Price | $219.99 | $234.99 |
| Headphone Type | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds |
| Driver | 2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver |
2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver |
| Frequency Response (Bluetooth) | 50Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Microphones | cVc 2-mic Beamforming | cVc 2-mic Beamforming |
| Inputs | Bluetooth | Bluetooth USB-C Ultra Low Latency Dongle |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Audio Format Support | AptX Adaptive AptX Lossless LDAC SBC AAC Dolby Atmos |
AptX Adaptive AptX Lossless LDAC SBC AAC Dolby Atmos |
| Snapdragon Sound | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 10hrs, In total 50 hrs with charging case |
Up to 10hrs, In total 50 hrs with charging case |
| Charge Method | USB-C or Wireless Charging charge case | USB-C or Wireless Charging charge case |
| Quick Charge | 10min charge provides 1hr | 10min charge provides 1hr |
| IPX Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Cleer+ App | Yes | Yes |
| Find My Earbuds Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Earbud Controls | Touch Control Hands-free 6 Axis Motion Sensor enabling head gesture controls |
Touch Control Hands-free 6 Axis Motion Sensor enabling head gesture controls |
| LED Touchscreen Display on Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Dongle for Gaming | – | Yes – Wireless 30-millisecond latency Connection |
| Colors | Black Pink Blue Green Light Gray |
Black White |
| Weight | 12g (per earbud) 130g (both earbuds and case) | 12g (per earbud) 130g (both earbuds and case) |
| What’s In The Box | ARC 3 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds USB-C + Wireless Charging Touch Smart Charge Case Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card Charging Cable USB-C to USB-A |
ARC 3 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds USB-C + Wireless Charging Touch Smart Charge Case Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card Charging Cable USB-C to USB-A USB-C Ultra Low Latency Dongle |
The Bottom line
The ARC 3 Gaming Edition is a variation of the recently released ARC 3, packing the capabilities (including Dolby Atmos audio) with a slightly higher but still reasonable price tag.
The open-ear ear hook design of both earbuds means that you can hear exterior sounds, but if you are a commuter on the subway, or like to walk and run you are provided with constant situational awareness, protecting you from possible unwelcome situations, such as an approaching car or other dangerous situation.
If you are a gamer, the ARC 3 Gaming Edition adds a plug-in USB-C dongle that connects to compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops for low-latency gaming with wireless audio transmission to the earbuds.
I had a chance to get a brief “ears-on” demo of the ARC 3 Gaming Edition at the 2025 CES. I found its sound reproduction to be clear, with good balance across its frequency range and the available EQ settings were easy to use and the head tracking was effective.
For gaming, the included dongle was connected to a tablet running a race car game. As I tilted the tablet to keep my “car” on the track, the game sound came through the ARC 3 Gaming earbuds perfectly synchronized with the tilting motions. The hard part was trying to keep my car on the road. Needless to say, I crashed a couple of times and the sonic feedback was immediate.
The only actual complaint is that the wireless USB-C dongle is so small, I think that a lot of users might lose it. But as long as the dongle stays plugged into the device you are gaming with if possible.
Pricing & Availability
The Cleer Audio ARC 3 Gaming Edition is available in black or white finishes at the online stores listed below.
If you prefer, the original ARC 3 is available in black, pink, blue, green, and light gray finishes at the online stores listed below:
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