Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Review – Multiplatform Powerhouse

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Review

Headset upgrades are usually incremental. From one generation to the next, we tend to see a few changes, and while the product does improve, the enhancements are rarely significant. However, that’s not the case with the redesigned Stealth 700 Gen 3 wireless gaming headset. This headset surpasses its Gen 2 predecessor in nearly every way. The unique dual-USB transmitter setup is fantastic (more on that later), and it’s competitively priced at USD $199.99. The 60mm Eclipse dual drivers deliver impressive sound, the battery life far exceeds that of the Gen 2, and they look incredible (I have the cobalt blue version). The Stealth 700 Gen 3 is an outstanding headset, and I’m loving it.

The Stealth 700 Gen 3’s standout feature is its ability to switch across devices without constantly moving transmitters or re-pair Bluetooth connections. While it’s not the first headset to attempt one-button switching, the Stealth 700 takes a different approach. Instead of routing everything through an HDMI dock or some kind of transmitter, the Stealth 700 opts for a simpler, more intuitive solution, making it far less finicky. The dual USB transmitters allow you to quickly change from console gaming to PC without interrupting your setup. This is ideal for folks who play on multiple platforms. Not to mention I love listening to music while I play so this one-button audio system is perfect for me.

One Giant Step

In terms of performance, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 packs impressive hardware, especially considering it is the same price as the Gen 2 model (at the time of writing). Equipped with beefy 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, it delivers sound clarity and immersive audio, separating high and low frequencies for enhanced detail and deep bass. These drivers are a significant upgrade from the previous generation’s 50mm units, offering a more dynamic and impactful audio experience. It’s rare when I have to keep turning down my headset and I had to do that fairly frequently with this Gen 3 version. It’s impressively loud but in a good way.

I should also mention the headset supports spatial audio, providing a 360-degree sound experience, which is perfect for online shooters where sound positioning matters. Being a Turtle Beach headset, you have access to “Superhuman Hearing” via the Swarm app, which is a must for Call of Duty fans.

The simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is a nice plus too. This allows you to pair your phone (or any mobile device) alongside your gaming device. It enables you to chat on Discord or take calls without missing a beat. The independent volume controls for Bluetooth and wireless connections are another thoughtful touch, allowing you to mix and adjust audio from different sources without any hassle. Granted there is a learning curve as you learn what button or volume wheel does what. For the first few days, it was tricky fumbling around but once you get a handle on where everything is, you are cooking with cheese.

Comfort is another strong suit for the Stealth 700 Gen 3. With memory foam cushions wrapped in hybrid leatherette and athletic-weave fabric, these cans feel really good, albeit a tad snug on my head. My ears did get hot after a while but this complaint is minor as the headset doesn’t slide or flop off my head when I move around. The headset seems extremely durable too, and features ProSpecs glasses relief technology, ensuring folks who wear glasses can wear this headset without discomfort.

Double The Fun

Battery life is also impressive, with up to 80 hours on a single charge. This is double the Gen 2 headset and certainly a game-changer for many. It doesn’t have the swappable battery that the Stealth Pro headset does; however, I also recognize the Stealth 700 is significantly cheaper than the Pro. I appreciate that a quick 15-minute charge gets you an additional three hours of gameplay. For gamers who prioritize longevity between charges, this is an advantage over competitors.

On the microphone front, the Stealth 700 offers AI-powered noise cancellation with its trademark flip-to-mute mic. This AI-powered mic ensures clearer voice communication and reduces background noise. The mic quality does vary slightly depending on the platform, with the PC version offering higher fidelity compared to consoles. However, this difference is unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most gamers.

One area where the Stealth 700 does introduce some complexity is in platform compatibility. While the Xbox version is compatible with PlayStation and PC, the reverse is not true, which might frustrate some multi-console gamers. This is likely due to licensing restrictions between Microsoft and Sony, but it’s worth noting for those who want complete flexibility. Still, the Stealth 700 is far more adaptable than other headsets on the market.

Turtle Beach has also integrated its Swarm II companion app for in-depth audio customization, which is great. However, updating the headset’s firmware can be a bit of a hassle. You need to plug both USB dongles into two separate devices and sync your headset with the app. Only after all three devices are detected can you proceed with the firmware update via your phone, which was necessary before I could even start using the headset.

What Up With App?

Available on PC, iOS, and Android, the app allows users to tweak settings like mic sensitivity, noise gate, and even remap buttons for more personalized control. The ability to adjust the Superhuman Hearing feature with multiple presets is another bonus, giving you more control over how you experience game audio. The headset also includes onboard audio presets like Bass Boost, Signature Sound, Treble Boost, and Vocal Boost for quick adjustments on the fly. All great stuff and I love how easy the app is to use.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is a feature-rich headset that offers gamers an accessible, multiplatform solution. With its robust design, satisfying sound quality, versatile connectivity, and impressive battery life, it’s a strong contender in the wireless headset market. While there are some quirks regarding platform compatibility, particularly between Xbox and PlayStation models, the overall experience is streamlined and user-friendly. At $199.99 (USD), the Stealth 700 Gen 3 offers a lot of value for gamers looking for high-quality audio across multiple platforms without the usual headaches.

**The headset was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review**