Review: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 (2024) headset

I’ve been a fan of Turtle Beach for a very long time. While I adore the company’s array of controllers, they’re an audio company first and foremost.

For the past few years, Turtle Beach has been putting out updates to their Stealth series headsets. It’s finally time to check in on the newest iteration of the Stealth 700, known as the Gen 3.

What’s in the box?

Within the box for the Stealth 700, you’re going to get a pretty straightforward answer. You get the headset itself, two CrossPlay USB Warless Transmitters, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and the quick start guide. 

There’s nothing special to see here. You don’t even get one of their usual thrown-in Turtle Beach logo stickers in this package.

The Tech in the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (2024)

But, while the pack-in materials are pretty basic for the Stealth 700, you might remember I mentioned you get two of the USB transmitters. That’s where it gets interesting.

The point of the transmitters is that it’s meant to directly connect to your device in lieu of an often shaky Bluetooth connection, even though you get both as an option.

So, the version I got was the PC version of the headset, which works on multiple device types, such as PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. The two transmitters each are for two separate channels to connect. You plug each into a different platform. 

So, this allows you to use your headset on both your PC and your PlayStation (or whatever) without the need to go back and forth with an easily lost dongle. The devices can be swapped with an easy press of a button on the headset itself. 

This headset comes in a few flavors. In addition to the PC version, there are also Xbox and PlayStation editions that have different compatibility. I didn’t get those versions, but when Turtle Beach has specific console options, it likely means your tiny LED light for the headset power may also be blue (or PlayStation) or green (or Xbox).

I’m going to mention that we tried the Stealth 700 on both my wife’s desktop computer and my desktop computer. While the headset hasn’t had a single hiccup on my PC, my wife’s computer had some audio skipping here or there using the transmitter. This makes me wonder if it could be where the computer sits. So, I warn that you should give the transmitter to a stable, easily accessible USB slot if you’re going to go wireless.

The built-in microphone remains attached for the Stealth 700, locked away until needed. I like headsets like this, as they don’t require a mic in your face at all times. So, honestly, it’s a great option for those who don’t need a mic at all times but can’t be bothered to find the attachment to plug in every time they want to talk.

I also want to touch on the ease of use for both setup and the desktop app. I’ve been pretty loud in the past about how they make fantastic hardware but have always had subpar software to go with it. 

But, the new Turtle Beach Swarm II desktop app finally solves the software problem on a lot of their new Turtle Beach-specific products. Everything is in a single place, the settings work great, the firmware is mostly quick to download, and it’s all in a single place instead of scattered across several different programs and devices. It’s also worth mentioning that the headset has Turtle Beach’s classic Superhuman Hearing for the best shooter audio, which can be toggled in the app.

Additionally, setting up the headset worked like a charm on both computers that we connected it to. I, happily, have no notes (for once).

Is the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 headset cozy?

The real litmus test when it comes to a headset for me is comfort. Turtle Beach spoiled me with the Atlas Air headset earlier this year and it’s going to be hard to compare for not only a similar price range but a more expensive headset in the Stealth 700. 

In a vacuum, the Stealth 700 is actually pretty comfortable. One thing to mention is that the earcups are memory foam and are designed to work with glasses. As an avid GUNNAR wearer, that always appeals to me.

The noise canceling capabilities are absolutely top-notch, drowning out sound so much that I can hear my own heart beating in them when no sound is coming out. The audio itself is great and among the best that I’ve heard from this price range.

So, what’s the problem? I’m a sweater if something is too pressurized to my head for too long, and the Stealth 700, no matter what adjustments I make to the strap, hugs my head.

So, the headset itself is a tiny bit heavy compared to headsets like Turtle Beach’s own Atlas Air, which offers mesh netting and an incredibly light frame. This means that even if I’m not keeping the Stealth 700 in a tight setting, it sits tightly on the top of your head at all times. The materials used aren’t bad or anything, but they also hug your ears pretty well.

All in all, that means that while the audio and technology are both incredibly good, I have trouble keeping it on my head for long gaming sessions due to the head sweats.

Final Verdict

If you’re not the type to overheat like me, I do highly recommend the Turtle Beach Stealth 700. The audio quality and noise cancelation are both honestly great. The software and setup are a breeze. While it isn’t the perfect headset, there is a lot to love about the Stealth 700 line. 

I hope that whenever they do the next iteration, they consider weight a little more as that likely is what caused my main frustrations. For those who need something heavier on your head, you might actually really enjoy these. Due to that qualm, I’ll stick to my Turtle Beach Atlas Air for now and use these as my spare.

You can find the Stealth 700 Gen 3 (2024) headset in several stores, including Turtle Beach’s own website. It comes in black or white in all system options. But, if you want something a little more unique, the Xbox version also has a special Cobalt Blue color option as well. It’s pretty.

If headsets aren’t really your thing, but you need a good controller, you need to check out my review on Turtle Beach’s newly owned brand, PDP, and their amazing Victrix Pro BFG Controller. I highly recommend it.