REVIEW: Turtle Beach Stealth Pro wireless gaming headset
Developed by: Turtle Beach
Available: April 23rd
Price: $329.99
Versions: PlayStation (compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch - via Bluetooth) and Xbox (compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch - via Bluetooth)
Target audience: PC, console players, content creators
BY WILLIE “M4DSKI11Z" JEFFERSON JR.
THE HOUSTON GAMER
GULFPORT, Miss. - I feel like I’m in “The M4triX” right now.
I got word via by Turtle Beach rep that I would be reviewing their newest offering, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro wireless gaming headset. When they arrived over three weeks early, I was hyped. After a few days later, I was truly thrilled. I asked myself, “What’s better than the PS version of the Stealth Pro gaming headset?”
A week later, the Xbox version arrived. My question was answered!
Developed and manufactured by the gaming audio giant, Turtle Beach, the new Stealth Pro wireless gaming headset is the latest headset in their gaming lineup.
There are TWO SKUs for gamers to choose from. The first headset I received was the PlayStation version. It works with the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC via a USB wireless transmitter (included). You can connect to the Nintendo Switch and smart devices via Bluetooth. The second version is the Stealth Pro for Xbox. The Xbox version is compatible with the Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC AND thePlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch.
Even with the PlayStation version flavored forTeam PlayStation, according to TurtleBeach, both versions are the same.
If you see both headsets side-by-side, you’d be hard-pressed to tell each headset by itself. However, the headset boxes, the USB transmitter LED colors (PlayStation version flashes bright blue, Xbox version flashes bright green) and the names both headsets display when connecting via Bluetooth.
That’s it. You can not connect a Stealth Pro Xbox headset to a Stealth Pro PlayStation USB transmitter, or Vice-versa. And, unless you buy the Stealth Pro Xbox version, you can’t connect between your Xbox / PlayStation consoles.
The headsets are a big upgrade over the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX. In addition to the numerous features from the 700 headset, the Stealth Pros also include an enhanced version of Turtle Beach Audio Hub, noise-cancellation and a magnetic boom microphone.
Audio business
The Stealth Pro headset takes the amazing sound of the Stealth 700 to lofty levels. The Stealth Pro offers great sound quality and reproduction that you’ll notice immediately.
In “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition,” I could hear low sounds, like the ship creaking and prolonged hiss of weapons discharging empty metal jackets.
Both of the previous Turtles Beach headsets I reviewed (Stealth 600 Gen 2 for Xbox, Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX for PlayStation) did great jobs with the same content, but wouldn’t ascend to the Stealth Pro’s immense audio spectrum.
And it doesn’t stop there. In the movie, “Top Gun Maverick,” listening to the bombing run up in the third act was an intense experience. It made you feel just like you’re in the cockpit with Phoenix.
The other key feature is active noise-cancellation. You can change how high the cancellation is by using the Audio Hub app on your smart devices or PC. While it is a good addition, it’s not as intense as Bose headsets. If you’re expecting to be completely immersed in audio utopia, think again. It’s more like an appetizer vs. a five-course meal. It works, but seems like an afterthought. I do believe more engaging noise-cancellation is an excellent feature, but add it would make the$329 price tag gain altitude.
The Stealth Pro has two built-in internal microphones in the front panels of the headset. Using the attachable boom microphone will produce better results vs. using the internal microphone.
Solid Copy
The two methods to connect your Steam Pro wireless gaming headset: the USB transmitter and Bluetooth. The Nintendo Switch, smart devices and PCs with Bluetooth can use the headset. However, the default way to connect is using the Xbox or PlayStation USB transmitter. After connecting the transmitter to compatible consoles via USB, follow the included instructions on how to connect your Stealth Pro. Since I used both the Stealth 600 & 700 previous, the Stealth Pro piggybacked off their drivers to connect. Also, if you are switching between consoles and PC, you’ll have to enable the mode via a button on the transmitter.
The sound, overall, is epic. At this price point, you expect premium audio and the Stealth Pro delivers.
If you pair the Stealth Pro via Bluetooth with your smart device, you can still use the headset simultaneously with your console.
You can also adjust volume with an integrated wheel or use your smart device. If using Bluetooth, you can still adjust volume with the click wheel on the right side of the Stealth Pro.
Made for Gamers
The sturdy construction, the leatherette ear cups and swappable batteries (Every Stealth Pro version comes with two batteries) to make sure gamers can stay in the fight. The ear cups can lay on your chest, if you need to take a break.
The ear cups are replaceable and can be adjusted for gamers who wear glasses, without sacrificing comfort. The headband feels like memory foam, wrapped in Alcantara.
The Stealth Pro fits very tight, so allowing the ear cups on your upper chest is a good place for them. In a second or two, you can throw the Stealth Pro back on your head.
The super human sound setting is decent and can help gamers hear feet, boots, paws and heels.
The Stealth Pro Xbox and PlayStation headsets are easy to connect with consoles, and can be used with PCs with a sliding switch.
The VERDICT: 9.5 (out of 10)
The Stealth Pro is one, if not the best, of the best gaming headsets available. The PlayStation version works as great as the Stealth Pro Xbox does. However, Team Xbox scores a W with more diversified options and more console compatibility than the PlayStation version. Active noise-cancellation feature is modest at best, but functions. The Stealth Pro offers premium features not normally associated with gaming headsets.
Want to buy/browse the Stealth Pro wireless gaming headset? Check them out @ Amazon!
