Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX review best wireless gaming headset for Xbox and PS5

Description

Advantages of the Design and Build Quality

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX feels like it was built with durability and gamers’ comfort in mind. Right out of the box, I could tell this wasn’t just another flimsy headset. The metal-reinforced headband is solid yet lightweight, which is a sweet spot you rarely find. Even during long gaming sessions, the Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions kept things comfortable. I wear glasses, and I’ve had my fair share of headsets pressing against my temples, causing discomfort. Thankfully, the ProSpecs glasses-friendly system eliminates this issue, making it a great choice for glasses-wearers like me.

The over-ear design with rounded earpieces creates a snug fit, and the faux leather material feels premium. However, it’s worth noting that the headset is not water-resistant, so you’ll want to avoid any drinks or sweaty situations near it.

Key Benefits:

• Durable and lightweight metal-reinforced headband.
• Cooling gel-infused ear cushions for extended comfort.
• ProSpecs system ensures comfort for glasses users.

Audio Performance and Features

Sound quality is where this headset truly shines. The 50mm Nanoclear speakers deliver crystal-clear audio, immersing you in every game. I tested it with a variety of games, from FPS titles to atmospheric RPGs, and the sound imaging was consistently sharp. The headset supports Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X, which creates an incredible surround sound experience. Honestly, hearing enemy footsteps or distant gunfire in FPS games gave me a real competitive edge.

The Superhuman Hearing setting is another standout feature. It amplifies subtle in-game sounds like enemy reloads or movement, and I found it genuinely helpful once I got used to it. Plus, the audio presets like Bass Boost and Treble Boost are easy to toggle through, allowing customization depending on the game or media I was using.

Wireless Connectivity and Battery Life

Wireless headsets can be hit or miss, but the low-latency 2.4GHz lag-free wireless connection here is top-notch. I didn’t experience any audio lag, whether I was gaming on my Xbox Series X, PS5, or even the Nintendo Switch. The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity is also a huge plus, letting me take calls or listen to music without interrupting my game.

Battery life, though, is where I was genuinely impressed. The 40+ hour battery life is no joke. You can go days without needing to recharge, and even if you forget, the quick-charge feature gives you 8 hours of playtime in just 15 minutes. Honestly, this feature alone makes it stand out from competitors.

The Gen 2 Flip-to-Mute Mic

The mic on this headset is a definite upgrade from previous models. The Gen 2 flip-to-mute microphone is larger and offers much better clarity. My teammates noticed the difference immediately. I also appreciated the seamless integration of the mic into the headset when it’s flipped up. The mic monitoring feature is another thoughtful addition, as it prevents me from shouting during late-night sessions.

That said, the mic could pick up a bit too much background noise in a noisy environment, so keep that in mind if you game in shared spaces.

Positives

• Bluetooth connectivity allows for multitasking during gameplay.
• Superhuman Hearing setting genuinely improves gameplay focus.
• Long-lasting battery with quick-charge capability.
• High-quality surround sound with multiple audio format support.

Weaknesses

• The lack of water resistance makes it less resilient to spills or sweat.
• Background noise pickup on the mic could be better.
• The headset’s bulkiness might not suit everyone’s preferences.

Market Rivals

When compared to other gaming headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX holds its ground in several areas. The Arctis 7+ offers slightly better mic noise isolation, but it falls short in battery life compared to the staggering 40+ hours on this headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, while boasting a sleek design, doesn’t provide the same level of audio customization or comfort for glasses wearers.

Where this headset excels is its versatility across platforms, something competitors often limit. While the Arctis 7+ is compatible with similar systems, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX easily switches between Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch with just a transmitter flip. It’s also worth mentioning that the cooling gel ear cushions remain superior in comfort compared to its rivals.

Price to Quality Ratio

The price point might feel steep at first glance, but the features justify the investment. Between the exceptional battery life, multiplatform versatility, and premium comfort, you’re getting a lot of value packed into this headset. The durable build and high-quality audio output make it a smart purchase for gamers who want something reliable and feature-rich.

For anyone serious about gaming or even those who casually game but want better sound quality and comfort, this headset is worth considering. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall price to performance ratio is solid.

Additional information