Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Few gaming headsets work seamlessly with different platforms like Xbox and PlayStation. Even fewer still have active noise canceling to attenuate unwanted ambient sounds. Hence, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is one of the best options for gamers living in noisy environments who regularly switch between consoles. With other handy features like a USB base station, hot-swappable batteries, and excellent microphone quality, it is little wonder fans are excited about the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2.

However, without an official confirmation, fans are left clinging to the latest rumors and industry trends. While we wait for these to materialize, here are all the features and everything I want to see from the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 at launch.

Improved sound quality

Given their primary function, gaming headsets are not expected to provide audiophile-grade sound quality. Nevertheless, some boast excellent audio for listening to music. The Audeze Maxwell is a shining example with a frequency response that follows our target preference curve, provided you load the Audeze EQ from the headset’s companion app. The result is a sound with ample bass, pleasing fundamentals, and a small underemphasis above 5.8kHz. The Audeze HQ app enjoys a string of EQ presets when you want to enhance in-game audio cues like footsteps.

By comparison, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro has middling sound quality. The headset under-emphasizes sub-bass frequencies and over-accentuates the bass around 100Hz. This deprives gamers of extra oomph from explosive in-game effects and makes kick drums louder than we’d like. Given the midrange scoop between 300 and 800Hz, voices can also sound comparatively subdued, and the 6-9kHz boost can make cymbals grating. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 should feature a frequency response that follows our target preference curve more closely at launch.

A cheaper price tag

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to spend vast amounts for a decent gaming headset. Similarly, those willing to forgo all the bells and whistles of flagship brands can save a lot of cash. The Astro A10 (Gen 2) ($59.99 at Amazon) is a popular choice thanks to its no-frills wired-only feature set. It is also remarkably comfortable, has replaceable ear pads, and boasts surprisingly good sound quality. Sure, bass frequencies are a little overly accentuated, but the headset enjoys excellent immersion, positional audio, and voice chat clarity.

By comparison, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro offers many more desirable features and is one of the best do-it-all gaming headsets. However, with a $329 launch price, it is also one of the most expensive headsets on the market. Similarly capable rivals like the Audeze Maxwell and Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Headset cost $299 and $229, respectively. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 will pick up the lion’s share if it comes to market with a cheaper price tag.

More Bluetooth codecs

While most gaming headsets rely on a dedicated 2.4GHz USB dongle for low-latency wireless audio, Bluetooth is handy for listening on many devices. For example, mobile gamers and those wanting a wire-free experience on the Nintendo Switch can connect via Bluetooth. It’s also useful when you intend to listen to music on the move and are less concerned about audio-visual lag.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro connects via Bluetooth and wireless RF using the 2.4GHz USB base station. The latter features a switch for Xbox and PC connections, allowing you to toggle between Xbox Wireless and PC/ PS5 standards. Unfortunately, the headset runs Bluetooth 5.1 and only supports the SBC Bluetooth codec. The lack of AAC is particularly striking given that Apple products connect via AAC as standard. Ideally, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 will feature Bluetooth 5.4 and a list of Bluetooth codecs when it comes to fruition.

A lighter design

Headphones come in all manner of shapes, sizes, and materials. Those constructed of plastic are usually lighter at the expense of a more fragile frame. Conversely, headsets primarily made of metal tend to be more durable and robust, but are much weightier than their plastic counterparts. Detachable microphones can add a few extra grams, making those with an already-wide frame larger. Nevertheless, some headsets like the Drop + EPOS PC38X sport a microphone and weigh only 289g.

Turtle Beach’s Stealth Pro ditched the Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX’s all-plastic design for a frame comprised of metal and plastic. It’s comfortable and has a plush headband with plenty of gripping force to feel secure. The ear cups also use thick leatherette-covered memory foam pads that form a decent seal around the ear. However, given its 418g frame, the headset is quite heavy compared to the competition. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro could eliminate discomfort in the neck by weighing less than its predecessor.

A comprehensive EQ and game/chat mix

Headset companion apps are vital for getting the most out of your precious hardware. While not all are made equal, they often provide firmware updates, control customizations, and comprehensive microphone settings. The Razer Synapse app is infamous as one of the first peripheral gaming headset companion apps on the market. This provides comprehensive EQ profiles, surround sound, cloud-based profile storage, Chroma lighting effects, and more.

The Turtle Beach Audio Hub is available on macOS, Windows, and Android/iOS and has most of the customization functions you’d expect in a headset companion app. These include microphone monitoring, active noise canceling, hotkey customization, and microphone sensitivity. Unfortunately, the built-in EQ only has three adjustable treble, bass, and vocal parameters. Similarly, the company’s Game and Chat Mix feature is only available when connected to an Xbox console. Turtle Beach should update its Audio Hub app with the Stealth Pro 2 to bring a more comprehensive EQ and multi-platform game/chat mix.

Will there be a Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2?

Turtle Beach continued to update its gaming headset category throughout 2024, clearly showcasing its commitment to the Stealth series. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) is its latest installment and updates the popular Stealth 700 Gen 2 released in 2020. This latest sibling delivers CrossPlay functionality with dual USB transmitters, exceptional battery life, and decent sound quality for gaming. Given the success of the Turtle Beach Stealth brand, I fully expect the Stealth Pro 2 to materialize.

Unfortunately, Turtle Beach has not officially announced its next flagship Stealth-series headset, and rumors are virtually nonexistent at the time of writing. Nevertheless, we can gauge an approximate release window based on the company’s previous product launches.

• Turtle Beach Stealth Pro — April 20, 2023
• Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) —April 18, 2024
• Turtle Beach Stealth 500 — May 19, 2024
• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 (Gen 3) —August 19, 2024

For example, the original Turtle Beach Stealth Pro came to market on April 20, 2023. This was followed by the Stealth 600 (Gen 3) one year later on April 18, 2024. The company then released the Stealth 500 on May 19, 2024, and the updated Stealth 700 (Gen 3) on August 19, 2024. Given Turtle Beach favors autumn and summer releases, it would be reasonable to expect the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2 to launch soon. However, we must wait for an announcement from Turtle Beach for concrete details.

Should you wait for the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro 2?

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is one of the best gaming headsets for multi-platform gamers. Those interested can grab a pair from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. However, given its successor may be just around the corner, some may decide it is worth holding out a little while longer.

If you play games on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and more, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro ($329 at Amazon) may be for you. While the sound quality is so-so, the included base station allows you to hook the device to different gaming platforms. It also acts as a charging cradle for the hot-swappable batteries, each providing roughly 15 hours of continuous playtime. The Stealth Pro also features excellent noise canceling capabilities, attenuating 20-25dB between 40Hz and 600Hz. The thick leatherette-covered memory foam ear pads and tight headband help to achieve excellent isolation, and the fit is comfortable for long periods. The detachable boom microphone delivers pleasing sound quality, although sibilant sounds can appear over-emphasized. Overall, this is a compelling headset if you swap between consoles frequently or require premium microphone quality.

Those wanting similar features in a smaller package should consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($349.99 at Amazon). Like the Stealth Pro, this headset uses a base station that connects via USB-C, 3.5mm TRS, and Bluetooth 5.0. Unfortunately, it cannot play with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Nevertheless, fans receive two hot-swappable batteries, each with a charge that lasts over 22 hours. Those living in noisy environments can enjoy up to 43dB of noise canceling, making most ambient sounds half as loud. Sound quality is also pleasing, albeit with a slight boost to bass frequencies around 100Hz and a dip around 4kHz. The headset comprises sturdy metal and plastic and is comfortable enough for a few hours. Downloading the SteelSeries GG app unlocks a 10-band custom EQ, software updates, and the Moments and Sonar suites for recording gameplay.

Another great alternative to Turtle Beach’s offering is the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid ($203 at Amazon). Weighing 309g, the headset wears comfortable multiple-material ear cushions made of leatherette, suede, and mesh fabric. The clamping force is also pleasing and feels secure without being too tight. The H3Pro Hybrid supports USB-C charging and lasts over 19 hours when subjected to consistent music output peaking at 75dB(SPL). Noise canceling is also pretty decent, particularly at attenuating sounds below 500Hz. The headset enjoys excellent sound quality and follows our target preference curve. The detachable microphone is loud, accurate, and easy to position, and the EPOS Gaming Suite app features handy noise gate controls. Downloading the app yields virtual 7.1 surround sound, EQ presets, a nine-band custom EQ, sidetone controls, and more.

Finally, those needing the longest battery life on the market should consider the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless ($151 at Amazon). This headset boasts 327 hours of continuous playtime that far outpaces the competition. Even with such massive capacity, charging the headset only takes two hours. While noise canceling is absent, the Cloud Alpha Wireless enjoys decent isolation that dampens up to 43dB of sound. This is thanks to a decent clamping force and thick leatherette-covered memory foam ear pads. Connections are made using a USB-A wireless RF dongle, which means only PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles will work with the headset. However, controlling the Cloud Alpha is straightforward, and the sound quality is generally pleasing for most games. The HyperX NGenuity companion app provides firmware updates, mic monitoring, and the DTS:X spatial sound feature. There’s also a 10-band custom EQ for audio tinkerers.

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