Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Review: A Powerful Multi-Platform Device

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Review

Headset updates are usually gradual. From one generation to the next, we tend to see some changes, and while the product gets better, the improvements are rarely significant. However, that’s not the case with the redesigned Stealth 700 Gen 3 Wireless Gaming Headset. This headset outperforms its Gen 2 predecessor in almost every way. The unique dual USB transmitter setup is fantastic (more on that later), and it’s competitively priced at $199.99. The dual 60mm Eclipse drivers deliver impressive sound, the battery life far exceeds that of the Gen 2, and it looks incredible (I have the Cobalt Blue version). The Stealth 700 Gen 3 is an exceptional headset, and I love it.

The Stealth 700 Gen 3’s standout feature is its ability to switch between devices without having to constantly move transmitters or re-pair Bluetooth connections. While it’s not the first headset to try and switch devices with a single button, the Stealth 700 takes a different approach. Instead of sending everything through an HDMI dock or some sort of transmitter, the Stealth 700 opts for a simpler, more intuitive solution, making it a lot less complicated. Dual USB transmitters allow you to quickly switch from console to PC games without disrupting your setup. This is great for people who game on multiple platforms. Not to mention, I love listening to music while I game, so this single-button audio system is perfect for me.

A giant step

In terms of performance, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 pack some impressive hardware, especially considering they’re the same price as the Gen 2 model (at the time of writing). Equipped with powerful dual 60mm Eclipse drivers, they deliver 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, delivering a more dynamic and impactful audio experience. It’s rare that I have to keep turning down the volume on my headphones, and I had to do so quite often with this Gen 3 version. It’s impressively loud, but in a good way.

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

Simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is also a nice perk. This lets you pair your phone (or any mobile device) with your gaming device. It lets you chat on Discord or take calls without missing a beat. Separate volume controls for the Bluetooth and wireless connections are another thoughtful touch, letting you mix and adjust audio from different sources seamlessly. Admittedly, there is a learning curve as you learn what each button or volume wheel does. For the first few days, it was a pain to fumble around, but once you understand where everything is, you’re cooking yourself with cheese.

Comfort is another strong point of the Stealth 700 Gen 3. With memory foam ear cushions wrapped in a hybrid synthetic leather and sports fabric, these headphones feel great, if a little tight on my head. My ears did get warm after a while, but this complaint is minor as the headphones don’t slide or fall off my head when I move around. The headphones also seem extremely durable and feature ProSpecs’ eyeglass relief technology, ensuring that people who wear glasses can use these headphones without discomfort.

Double the fun

Battery life is also impressive, with up to 80 hours on a single charge. This is double what the Gen 2 headsets last, and certainly a game-changer for many. They don’t have the swappable battery that the Stealth Pro headsets have – however, I also recognise that the Stealth 700 are significantly cheaper than the Pro. I do appreciate that a quick 15-minute charge will get you an extra three hours of gameplay. For gamers who prioritise longevity between charges, this is an advantage over the competition.

As for the microphone, the Stealth 700 offers AI-powered noise cancellation with its signature swivel-to-mute microphone. This AI-powered microphone ensures clearer voice communication and reduces background noise. Microphone quality varies slightly by platform, with the PC version offering higher fidelity compared to consoles. However, this difference is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most gamers.

One area where the Stealth 700 introduces some complexity is platform support. While the Xbox version is compatible with both PlayStation and PC, the reverse is not the case, which could frustrate some gamers who use multiple consoles. This is likely due to licensing restrictions between Microsoft and Sony, but it’s worth mentioning 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. Updating the headset’s firmware can be a bit tricky, though. You need to plug both USB adapters into two separate devices and sync the 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 you could start using the headset.

What about the app?

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

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is a feature-packed headset that offers gamers an affordable, cross-platform solution. With its rugged 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 when it comes to platform compatibility, particularly between the Xbox and PlayStation models, the overall experience is streamlined and easy to use. At $199.99 (USD), the Stealth 700 Gen 3 offers great value for gamers looking for high-quality audio across multiple platforms without the usual headaches.

**The headphones were provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review**