The Best Turtle Beach Headsets in 2023

Turtle Beach has a long history of audio excellence relied on by gamers for decades. Find out what the company's best gaming headsets are today.

Turtle Beach has a storied history in the PC audio world, starting in the mid-1970s as a maker of software to edit musical recordings. The company would go on to become one of the most popular manufacturers of sound cards before concentrating on developing headsets in 2005. Today, Turtle Beach is a dominant force in the gaming headset arena, producing numerous wireless and wired options praised for their rich soundscapes, microphone quality, and ease of connectivity.

The Turtle Beach lineup of gaming headsets is reasonably concise without much redundancy in its budget, mid-range, and high-end offerings. Still, to decide on the best Turtle Beach headset for a particular gamer, focus on these qualities:

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With those parameters in mind, the following Turtle Beach headsets offer features that appeal to every gamer, regardless of priorities or budget.

When it comes to compatibility, few wireless gaming headsets can match the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max. The same model will provide outstanding sound on the Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices. Turtle Beach has developed its own 2.4 GHz wireless technology which keeps a strong and constant signal to any source it's connected to.50 mm Nanoclear speakers are not only extremely loud but provide a balanced soundscape. Gel-filled memory foam earcups keep gamers in comfort even after hours of use made possible by the headset's 40 hour battery life.

Like the Turtle Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max also makes some significant improvements on its predecessor. Battery life is now stellar at 40 hours and wireless connectivity to Xbox and PlayStation consoles is improved. Still, many buyers are undoubtedly wondering if the higher price is justified over the somewhat more affordable Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max.

From a visual standpoint, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is quite bulkier than the 600 Gen 2 Max, and as a result, it weighs a much more significant 381 grams. However, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is also better built, with some metal pieces reinforcing the adjustment points on the headband. Still, there is quite a bit of plastic used in the rest of the device compared to the most premium headsets like the Stealth Pro. The earcups sport a softer, more luxurious feeling pleather, which is also more effective at rejecting background noise.

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As impressive as the wireless connectivity of the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is, it lacks the Bluetooth capabilities of the 700 Gen 2 Max. Not only can the 700 Gen 2 Max connect without cords to the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, but listeners can monitor Bluetooth audio while enjoying the sound from the included wireless RF USB dongle. The USB adapter is versatile, allowing gamers to toggle between an Xbox wireless connection and PlayStation consoles or PCs with the flip of a switch. The other controls on the headset are numerous, offering wheels for volume and chat mixing, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a power switch. However, the buttons are quite close together, which presents a slight a learning curve to operating the headset.

50 mm Nanoclear drivers are responsible for the rich and balanced soundscape possible with the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max. The improved noise isolation makes surround sound more immersive, and Aerofit cooling gel in the earcups leads to a more comfortable listening experience. The flip-to-mute mic is convenient to adjust when engaged in single-player action and also offers the class-leading voice clarity that Turtle Beach headsets are famous for.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max requires a mobile app to make many software adjustments which may turn off some PC gamers. Even so, it allows for fine-tuning the sound of the headset to be more accessible for console and mobile gamers.

As the overall best Turtle Beach headset, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max has ample battery life, widespread wireless connectivity, and a high-quality microphone.

Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 is a lightweight gaming headset that has a design that can keep the gamer comfortable for hours of gaming. The headset comes with an adjustable, high-sensitivity microphone that records voice communications with crystal clarity. It can be also detached easily when used for non-gaming purposes. The listening experience is delivered by high-quality 40 mm speakers with crisp higher frequencies and booming bass. The in-line controls allow the user to easily change the master volume and mute the microphone on the fly.

The Turtle Beach Recon 50 is an extremely affordable wired gaming headset that's compatible with PCs or console controllers that include a headphone port. Among the top-budget headsets, the Recon 50 tries to differentiate itself with a mix of comfort, sound quality, and a surprisingly accurate microphone.

Clocking in at only 209 grams, the Recon 50 is one of the lightest gaming headsets on the market. As expected, its build quality is predominantly plastic, but there is an ample amount of adjustability with the headset's swiveling earcups. While the earcups can also slide up and down below the headband, larger heads may still struggle to find a comfortable fit. Synthetic leather lines the set of cans, and foam cushioning make the Recon 50 not a bad option for longer gaming sessions.

The 40 mm drivers of the Recon 50 produce a more powerful sound than a buyer might expect at this price point. Geared for gaming, the bass effects are particularly pronounced, but listeners may have trouble distinguishing more subtle mid and high tones. The microphone included with the Recon 50 allows for better quality recordings than the muddled speech gamers often encounter with cheap headsets. The mic is also removable, enabling the already lightweight Recon 50 to become even more portable.

Connectivity is straightforward with the Turtle Beach Recon 50, relying on a standard 3.5 mm analog audio cable. Although there is no software to adjust settings, Turtle Beach did include inline volume controls to adjust volume levels or mute the device. Unfortunately, these controls are found so far down the cord that they are difficult to access in a sitting position. There are several versions of the headset for the PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC, but in reality, the only differences between them are their color schemes.

If a buyer intends to use a headset more than their PC speakers, then it's worth saving up money for gear with better build quality and improved sound. Otherwise, the versatile and crisp microphone quality of the Recon, along with its widespread connectivity, make it an excellent target for gamers who have already invested too much money in their console or rig.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX is a feature-rich gaming headset. The headset is compatible with Xbox consoles, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and other platforms. It features a wireless, low-latency 2.4 GHz connection via a supplied adapter.The Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX headset has over 48 hours of battery life, a high-quality generation 2 microphone for clear voice communications, and amplified 50 mm speakers for powerful audio. It also supports the company's proprietary Superhuman Hearing feature.

If a gamer's budget is stuck between the Stealth Pro and more budget alternatives, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is a more than sensible solution. Evolving from the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2, the Max version addresses some of the shortcomings of the popular wireless headset. The trademarks of the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max are its exceptional battery life and hassle-free wireless connectivity to nearly every console.

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It's common for wireless headsets to only work with certain consoles or devices, forcing buyers to purchase different versions for their multiple systems. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max solves that dilemma with a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle that manages to pair with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles, as well as accommodating PC gamers. While the wireless headset is officially licensed for Xbox use, with a flip of a switch on the adapter, the peripheral becomes compatible with other platforms. Sadly, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max doesn't include an analog audio connection for wired use.

Disappointment with the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max's lack of wired connectivity is lessened since the headset boasts an above-average 48-hour battery life. Plus, gamers can recharge the headset in record time thanks to quick charging through a USB-C connection. Despite its beefy battery, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is still a fairly compact headset, weighing 297 grams. Unfortunately, many listeners find that the headset is on the snug side, particularly with earcups that hug earlobes a bit too tightly.

There is nothing that particularly stands out with the sound quality of the Stealth 600 Gen 2, but there is also very little to complain about. The 50 mm drivers pump out audio that's plenty powerful even if its support for Dolby Atmos and other spatial audio codecs results in a less dynamic than expected sound. However, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 is an excellent showcase for Turtle Beach's Superhuman Hearing which enhances subtle sound effects like footsteps to alert gamers of approaching danger.

Microphones are usually a strong point for Turtle Beach headsets, and the flip-to-mute mic on the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is no exception. Not only does the mic fold into the earcups to make the already compact headset even slimmer, but it also records audio more accurately than most mid-range gaming headsets.

Even with no wired option and a form factor that may be too small for some buyers, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max is the best Turtle Beach Headset in the mid-range sector. Battery life ranks well above what a modest amount of money would usually buy, and it's also able to wirelessly connect to virtually any gaming console or PC.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro matches the capabilities of the best wireless gaming headsets but improves upon them in every way imaginable. The Stealth Pro is powered by 50mm Nanoclear drivers that are hand-selected to reduce discrepancies between left and right audio channels. Active Noise Cancellation can reduce unwanted background noise by as much as 25 dB. For maximum listening time, the Stealth Pro allows for easy swapping of 12-hour batteries, with one battery continuously charged to avoid disappointing gamers. The Stealth Pro comes in two versions for compatibility with the PC/Xbox or PC/PS4/PS5 and is capable of simultaneous connections to Bluetooth sources.

Until the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro arrived, the manufacturer did not have a legitimate answer to the highest-end wireless gaming headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The Stealth Pro attempts to combine the best qualities of the most feature-packed headsets while setting some new high marks for performance. There are two versions of the headset for PlayStation and Xbox gamers, with PC users able to enjoy the capabilities of the Stealth Pro with either variety.

50 mm Nanoclear drivers power the Stealth Pro, but the focus is as much on achieving a balanced soundscape as it is on volume. Turtle Beach painstakingly selected left and right drivers that were perfectly matched in order for each main channel of the headset to sound exactly the same. The cavernous depression in the earcups allows for sounds to come at earbuds in many different directions which is vital for convincing surround sound. The Stealth Pro has extensive support for multichannel audio formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone: X, and Sony's own 3D audio engine.

Where the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro really shines is with its active noise cancellation abilities. ANC is typically found on only the most expensive headsets and nullifies distracting background noises by monitoring environments with small mics and producing finely tuned electronic pulses of sound. Turtle Beach's headset is able to reduce unwanted sounds by as much as 25 decibels, which eclipses the noise cancellation levels of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. Listeners are able to adjust how much background noise is able to penetrate the earcups of the Stealth Pro with sliders in the Turtle Beach Audio Hub. The S.M.A.R.T Noise-Cancelling TruSpeak external boom mic also does an excellent job filtering out everything except the voices of chatters during multiplayer action.

The Stealth Pro is one of the most expensive wireless gaming headsets, so there is a natural expectation of superior build quality. Fortunately, the 400-gram headset showcases a heavy dose of aluminum and steel, though some users find that the padded headband is stiffer than its competitors. There are no complaints with the earpads which are loaded with memory foam padding and form tight seals around a variety of ear sizes.

Battery life is not exceptional but adequate with the Stealth Pro at 24 hours with two included swappable batteries. The wireless headset ships with a hockey puck-style wireless transmitter that can continuously recharge one battery resting on its surface. This adapter connects using USB to PlayStation and Xbox consoles as well as PCs. Bluetooth is also an option, allowing the Stealth Pro to pair with the Nintendo Switch or mobile devices.

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As one of the most advanced peripherals the company has manufactured to date, the Stealth Pro is the obvious choice for the best Turtle Beach headset in the high-end category. Even if the headband could use more flexibility and its battery life trails the capabilities of other wireless contenders, the Stealth Pro outputs exceptional sound quality in even the most chaotic settings. Make sure to read Game Rant's comprehensive review of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.

The Turtle Beach Recon 70x is an officially licensed gaming headset for the Microsoft Xbox consoles. The budget-friendly Recon 70X has high-end features including noise-isolating ear cushions and compatibility with spacial audio formats. 40MM speakers pump out powerful balanced sound in a comfortable and compact design. Turtle Beach's industry-leading high-sensitivity flip-to-mute mic ensures that Xbox friends stay in constant contact during multiplayer battles. The Recon 70x is also compatible with other consoles and PCs with its 3.5mm analog audio jacks.

The Turtle Beach Recon 70X is the clear choice for the best Turtle Beach headset among wired options. Of course, the manufacturer doesn't produce many premium corded headsets, so there isn't much competition for the Recon 70x. Regardless, the headset is very popular especially among Xbox gamers because of its green and black color scheme. Turtle Beach also makes versions of the Recon 70 for other consoles, but they all connect via a 3.5 mm analog audio cable to controllers and PCs.

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Even though the Turtle Beach Recon 70X is a legitimate budget headset, it does offer a significant step up in comfort from the Recon 50. Gamers will find that the synthetic leather material on the earpads feels a bit more supple and also forms a tighter grip on earlobes for improved noise isolation. Bass tones are once again a highlight and overall the Recon 70X sounds more lifelike than other cheap competitors. For a small investment, the Recon 70X does an admirable job supporting surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as Sony's Tempest 3D Audio which enhances the sound of even the most basic stereo headsets.

Surprisingly, contrary to the Recon 50, the Turtle Beach Recon 70X does not feature a detachable microphone. Fortunately, the high-sensitivity mic still flips up to mute, and the recording quality is more than acceptable for novice streamers. The 4-foot cord attached to the Recon 70X will come up short for some gamers looking to use the headset with more than just console controllers. Also, when on full blast, the low mid, and high tones tend to become muddled, which makes the lack of any companion software to adjust settings disappointing.

With significant clamping force, the fit of the Turtle Beach Recon 70X is still somewhat confining on larger heads. Nevertheless, its improved earpads and noise isolation alone are reasons to consider spending a bit more funds on the Recon 70X over the slightly cheaper Recon 50X.

The Turtle Beach Battle Buds In-Ear Gaming Headset is a nifty but essential add-on for those that want to get a fully functional IEM headset without breaking the bank.

When mobile or away from home and a gaming headset is not available, the solution is often a cheap pair of wired earbuds. Unfortunately, most of these earbuds lack features to make them practical for gaming which is where the Turtle Beach Battle Buds come into focus. The Battle Buds have a distinctive triangular shield with the Turtle Beach logo on their surfaces. Connecting with a typical 3.5 mm analog audio cable, the Battle Buds are compatible with any gaming controller, mobile device, or PC with the appropriate audio jack.

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The Turtle Beach Battle Buds won't rattle eardrums with excessive bass as like most earbuds, they excel at sharper higher tones. The overall sound is outclassed by budget headsets, but portability is what attracts buyers to the Battle Buds. To address the problem of inexpensive earbuds having terrible built-in mics, Turtle Beach has designed an external boom mic that can snap into the side of one of the buds. Undoubtedly, gamers are better off with this portable boom mic than an internal mic, but it's so sensitive that it's likely to pick up on background noises in crowded environments.

Instead of touch controls, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds have a multi-function inline controller that allows for volume adjustments, muting the mic, as well as an additional button with various platform-specific functions. Gamers have enough flexibility to place the controller in easy reach, instead of fumbling for buttons near the ground or on their ears.

With a fairly unbalanced sound, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds are no match for far more expensive wireless earbuds like the Razer Hammerhead Pro Hyperspeed. Nevertheless, they are a reasonable solution for gamers on the go who don't want to risk losing or misplacing costly gaming gear.

With their decades of proven excellence in sound equipment and software, a gamer can hardly go wrong in deciding to buy a Turtle Beach gaming headset. Even so, the manufacturer's inventory appeals to gamers with very different expectations and budgets. To avoid disappointment, when purchasing a Turtle Beach headset, remember to consider build quality, comfort, platform compatibility, and whether a wired or wireless device is ideal.

Without a doubt, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is the company's most well-built gaming headset to date. At 400 grams, it's not the most lightweight gear available, but a healthy amount of aluminum used in its construction allows it to withstand the rigors of extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the affordable Recon 50 is extremely compact at just 209 grams but is unlikely to outlast more expensive options because of its uniformly plastic frame.

Much to the dismay of speakers, headsets have become the default choice of audio gear for many gamers. With ears pressed against earpads and headbands clamping on heads for long hours, a lack of comfort can spell doom for any headset. The Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max is one of the most luxurious feeling peripherals made by Turtle Beach, benefiting from Aerofit cooling gel in its ear cushions and extra padding in its headband compared to the original Stealth 700 Gen 2.

When it comes to finding a single headset that can connect to every gaming console and PC, a wired device like the Turtle Beach Recon 70X is an outstanding candidate. Even with a rather short 4-foot cord, the Recon 70X will work with PlayStation and Xbox consoles or any source with an analog audio jack.

Turtle Beach also manufactures wireless gaming headsets that are able to pair with nearly every gaming system thanks to a versatile USB dongle or Bluetooth. Once again, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max rises to the occasion with dual wireless connectivity allowing simultaneous audio from PCs, consoles, and mobile devices.

The budget-friendly Turtle Beach Recon 50 is one of the manufacturer's oldest headset designs and provides the stability of a wired connection. On the other hand, the low-latency wireless Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max does what few competitors can do at its mid-range price point. Gamers won't have to purchase several different versions of the headset since its USB dongle has a switch to maximize its compatibility. Also, the Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max's 48-hour battery life will never leave multiplayer gamers unable to communicate at critical gameplay moments.

Whichever Turtle Beach headset buyers end up purchasing, they will have the confidence of gaming with a peripheral from one of the most reliable manufacturers in the PC audio industry.

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Turtle Beach has experience in the PC audio industry that predates the explosion of gaming-specific gear. The company has implemented its vast knowledge of how to produce a balanced soundscape and accurately record audio with its numerous gaming headsets.

The budget for a gaming headset can vary wildly depending on multiple factors. Make, build, brand, RGB, and compatibility all can affect the price of a headset. The lower range can be anywhere from $20-$30, while high-end gaming gear headsets can cost anywhere up to $200-350.

Depending on the quality of the individual headset, one may be better than the other. However, most of the time, the difference between a wireless and wired headset is indistinguishable. While the answer may have been wired over wireless in the past, technology has improved in the last several years, making wireless and wired more comparable in the modern gaming scene.

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An avid gamer since childhood, Adam Corsetti became hooked on video games after using the original Nintendo console. During college, he created a site aggregating gaming review scores and wrote features about the industry. Adam has since witnessed the popularity of video games rise further and become part of mainstream culture. Adam's video game interests include simulation, strategy, and sports titles on PC and consoles, as well as peripherals and hardware. As a seasoned freelance writer, he recently joined the Game Rant team and is excited to share his experiences and insights with readers.