Turtle Beach Stealth 500 – are these gaming headphones a worthy investment? We’ll examine their features and performance in this review.
As with my previous reviews, I’ll start with the packaging. The design presents a stylish and uncluttered aesthetic, making a positive first impression. However, the internal packaging falls short of expectations compared to other leading brands. While competitors often utilize custom-molded inserts to secure each component, the Stealth 500 employs a die-cut cardboard insert that doubles as a headphone stand. The headphones are contained within a paper bag, resulting in less-than-ideal positioning during shipping.
Aesthetically, the Stealth 500 headphones are quite appealing, sporting a stylish matte black finish that maintains a timeless look. The adjustable headband facilitates a comfortable and customizable fit. Given the inclusion of Bluetooth functionality, the controls have been thoughtfully integrated. Their compact size and the boom mic’s ability to fold discreetly into the earcup make these headphones suitable for use in public settings, such as commutes. This versatility, however, comes with a trade-off. The diminutive controls can be challenging to manipulate during gameplay when quick adjustments to volume or EQ are required. Even small adjustments can result in significant changes, which I found problematic. Fine-tuning the EQ to pinpoint enemy footsteps or lowering chat volume on the fly becomes cumbersome. Precise adjustments are difficult during intense gaming sessions, often necessitating a pause to make the necessary changes.
Initial setup involved connecting the included dongle and pairing the headphones with my Xbox. Out of the box, this configuration offered the most balanced sound profile, suggesting a default factory setting. Subsequently, I tested the headphones with the Turtle Beach Swarm 2 app. Upon attempting to connect, I was prompted to update the dongle’s firmware, an unexpected requirement for a newly released product (although the firmware version on the packaged unit may have been outdated). The update process consumed approximately 45 minutes, which proved frustrating. Post-update and after completing the app’s configuration, the overall volume decreased, and the sound quality noticeably degraded. It’s unclear whether this is an application bug, but I had to revert all sound settings to regain optimal performance. Significant troubleshooting was required before I could properly evaluate the headphones. However, setting aside the software issues and focusing on the sound experience after adjustments, the overall sound image is acceptable. The ergonomic design, which provides a secure and comfortable fit around the ears, contributes positively to the sound quality. The sound profile features a slightly emphasized bass response compared to the treble and midrange, a characteristic that may not appeal to all users, though I personally prefer a richer bass.
Initially, my gaming companions reported that the microphone created a noticeable echo and reverberation, making it sound as if I were speaking from a large room. However, after fine-tuning the in-game sound settings, the microphone clarity improved significantly. This is a crucial aspect for multiplayer gaming, as clear communication is essential, and a crackling or distorted microphone can be detrimental to the experience.
As previously noted, the Stealth 500 offers Bluetooth connectivity. A dedicated button facilitates seamless switching between wireless dongle mode and Bluetooth, enabling pairing with mobile devices or computers. Regardless of whether the wireless dongle or Bluetooth connection is used, the battery life is rated at up to 40 hours, a respectable figure.
In summary, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500, with its impressive battery life of up to 40 hours, lightweight design (approximately 233 grams), and comfortable memory foam ear cushions, earns a qualified recommendation. Given its price point of around a thousand kronor, the performance and features offered are reasonable and align with expectations.
Turtle Beach provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of review units does not influence our editorial independence. We maintain an unbiased approach, prioritizing the interests of our readers and consumers.
