Turtle Beach Stealth 500 – Design and Comfort
The Stealth series of headsets from Turtle Beach has been a popular choice for gamers looking for quality audio solutions. The Stealth 500 headset fills the gap in the budget-to-mid-tier range, offering a great wireless gaming experience at an affordable price point.
One standout feature of the Stealth 500 is its flexible unibody headband. While it may look simple, this design allows the headset to be both lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions. The earcups are not adjustable, which may pose an issue for users who typically adjust their headsets to maximum extension.
Similar to other popular headsets, the Stealth 500 features a stretchable strap inside the headband for a secure and comfortable fit. The earcups have deep padding with a leather-like finish, offering good sound isolation. However, the leather-like material can cause some discomfort during longer gaming sessions due to heat build-up.
In terms of controls, the Stealth 500 offers both 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and Bluetooth options. However, the layout of the buttons on the left earcup may feel cramped and lack tactile feedback, which can be a minor inconvenience during use.
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 – Software, Utility, Battery Life
Before using the Stealth 500 headset, a firmware update may be required. Once updated, the headset can easily connect via Bluetooth to devices like phones and PCs using the 2.4GHz dongle. Users can customize settings using the Swarm II app, which is straightforward and user-friendly.
The Swarm II app allows users to monitor battery life, enable features like chat boost or Superhuman Hearing, switch between audio presets, and adjust microphone settings. The Superhuman Hearing feature may not be appealing to all users, as it focuses on amplifying specific sound effects at the expense of overall audio quality.
Battery life on the Stealth 500 is rated at 40 hours, providing reliable performance during long gaming sessions. The headset can be used for music and gaming for an extended period without needing frequent recharges.
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 – Sound Quality and Microphone
The Stealth 500 delivers bold and balanced sound with the Signature Sound preset in the Swarm II app. It offers clean bass, decent mids, and highs, providing an immersive audio experience for both music and games. However, at higher volumes, the highs can become harsh, affecting the overall audio quality.
During gaming sessions, the Stealth 500 performs well in handling various sound effects, providing an enjoyable experience for users. Positional audio is detailed enough for competitive gameplay, although it may not offer a significant advantage compared to higher-end headsets.
The built-in microphone on the Stealth 500 may not stand out in terms of quality, as it can sound muffled during recordings and calls. While it gets the job done for communication, users looking for high-quality microphone performance may need to consider higher-priced alternatives.