What features make the best Turtle Beach gaming headsets? Whether you’re looking for a mobile headset to use with a Nintendo Switch or a premium headset for multiplayer PC gaming, the first thing to look for is excellent sound quality, and you’ll be able to find that with this brand. For competitive gaming, Turtle Beach generally offers a balanced sound profile with the clarity to highlight soft sounds and precise directional audio.
You won’t necessarily find Turtle Beach counted among the best gaming headsets on the market as a whole, but they offer decent quality and enough features to make them worthwhile. The inclusion of Bluetooth and ANC, for example, makes them a great choice for everyday use. Of course, you may find that their lower-tier models don’t feel very well-made, but that changes as you move up their product line.
Keep reading to learn more about Turtle Beach gaming headsets and how they compare to other brands, such as SteelSeries’ gaming headsets.
Top Turtle Beach Gaming Headsets
#1 Turtle Beach TBS-3555-02 Gaming Headset
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: These headphones feature excellent padding and deep ear cups for gamers looking for increased immersion and focus in their favorite titles. Users will love the easy setup and microphone that offers clear voice chat and flip-to-mute functionality.
- Impressive comfort
- Wide compatibility
- Good sound quality
- Not ideal for glasses wearers
The Turtle Beach TBS-3555-02 gaming headset is a great pick for gamers who want to take their competitive play to the next level. Thanks to the over-the-ear design and 40mm speakers, users will enjoy a crisp soundscape that highlights thunderous lows and detailed highs. Additionally, the 3.5mm audio jack connectivity makes this headset usable with all major gaming platforms, PCs, and smart devices with an audio input. While this headset might cause issues for glasses users, the thick padding and adjustable headband will offer most users a comfortable gaming experience.
In addition to great sound and decent comfort, the Turtle Beach TBS-3555-02 gives users an advantage on multiple fronts. For users looking for VR or immersive gameplay, this model supports 3D audio for increased spatial awareness in shooters or adventure games. Additionally, the high-quality microphone lets users communicate with their team, and the flip-to-mute function helps users enjoy solo gaming sessions.
#2 Turtle Beach TBS-2315-02 Gaming Headset
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model offers a rich soundstage and dynamic range for users that want to hear oncoming enemies or get lost in virtual adventures. Users will love this great pair of headphones with a wire-free design and a ton of gameplay on a single charge.
- Strong sound performance
- Great microphone
- Great for glasses
- Mic is extremely sensitive
The Turtle Beach TBS-2315-02 gaming headset provides users with an exceptional soundscape and fantastic comfort that extends to glasses. Thanks to the wireless functionality, users won’t get tangled up in wires or feel restricted while settling into a gaming night. This headset provides an excellent listening experience thanks to the 50mm speakers that support surround sound technologies like Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos. While the microphone is a little too sensitive for some users, the simple flip-to-mute functionality lets users quickly and easily silence their microphone.
In addition to great sound quality and wireless functionality, the Turtle Beach TBS-2315-02 gaming headset offers an expanded feature set compared to other models. The impressive battery will last up to 15 hours on a single charge, and Turtle Beach offers modern USB-C charging. Additionally, for users of the Xbox Series X/S, this headset will effortlessly pair with the console without a USB dongle. Lastly, users will enjoy the preset audio profiles that tailor to their play style and the experiences they enjoy playing.
#3 Turtle Beach TBS-6305-01 Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR MULTIPLATFORM GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Users will love these headphones thanks to impressive sound quality and the wired functionality that lets them use this model on most major platforms. With amplified audio and a fantastic microphone, gamers can enjoy increased immersion and clear communication in the game.
- Wide compatibility
- Amplified audio
- Good microphone
- No surround sound support
The Turtle Beach TBS-6305-01 gaming headset provides users with a battery-assisted audio experience that works across all major gaming platforms and even PCs or smartphones with 3.5mm audio inputs. Thanks to the internal battery that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge, this model offers amplified audio that brings even the smallest details to the forefront. While this model doesn’t offer 3D audio, it works with other spatial audio and surround sound technologies like Windows Sonic or Dolby Audio.
In addition to wide compatibility and a great soundstage, the Turtle Beach TBS-6305-01 gaming headset provides users with an impressive microphone. This incredibly sensitive microphone will clearly pick up your voice communication and offers variable mic monitoring to prevent unintended noises. Additionally, users can flip the microphone out of the way to mute their voice audio. Lastly, this headset provides soft ear cushions that are covered with athletic material to keep users comfortable and cool during heated gaming moments.
#4 Turtle Beach TBS-3303-02 Gaming Headset
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Award: BEST FOR CASUAL GAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: These headphones offer users a versatile, high-quality audio experience that works across most major platforms. Users will love the rich soundstage and decent microphone functionality that delivers great potential for casual party chat and teamwork.
- Impressive comfort
- Good noise isolation
- 3D audio support
- Not great for users with glasses
The Turtle Beach TBS-3303-02 gaming headset is a fantastic choice for users looking for a versatile and balanced unit that can elevate their favorite media or games. Thanks to the lightweight design and thick over-the-ear cushions, users can game for hours while staying cool and comfortable. Additionally, users can easily mute their microphone and control the headset’s volume with the inline controls. While this headset isn’t ideal for wearing glasses, the adjustable headband can help users find their ideal fit.
In addition to comfortable ear padding and a great microphone, the Turtle Beach TBS-3303-02 gaming headset is well-equipped for high-performance gameplay across all major platforms. Additionally, the deep ear cups offer good noise isolation and present users with a rich soundstage for 3D stereo support. Lastly, the responsive microphone will keep users in clear communication with their teammates, and it easily unplugs when users want to watch a movie or enjoy a single-player experience.
#5 Turtle Beach TBS-6220-01 Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR STREAMERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: These eye-catching headphones offer stunning design and a lightweight build so users can stay comfortable and focused while dominating their opponents. Users will love the dynamic audio range and responsive microphone for full immersion during multiplayer.
- Stunning design
- Multiplatform compatible
- Ideal for glasses
- No amplification feature
The Turtle Beach TBS-6220-01 gaming headset is a compelling choice for users looking to enhance their immersion in cutting-edge games or clearly communicate with teammates for a game-winning play. This stylish headset features a metal-reinforced headband and memory foam earpads for players who want a lightweight and comfortable device that can keep up with hours of gameplay. While this headset doesn’t support battery-powered amplification, users will be impressed by the 40mm speakers that paint a vivid soundscape across all major gaming platforms.
In addition to comfort and style, the Turtle Beach TBS-622-01 gaming headset delivers audio quality beyond the headphones. This model supports spatial audio technologies for users who want better positional awareness in multiplayer shooters or VR experiences. Additionally, users will love the 4-foot audio cable that won’t restrict or tangle them during high-intensity moments. The super-responsive microphone delivers clear voice communication and features a flip-to-mute feature to quickly quiet your voice.
#6 Turtle Beach TBS-2195-01 Gaming Headset
Award: BEST FOR PROS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This extremely durable model features a strong metal design with thick padding to keep users comfortable during hours of play. The wired design keeps audio lag to a minimum, and the esports audio profile will give users a major competitive edge.
- Dynamic audio
- Great durability
- Top-tier comfort
- Sub-par mic monitoring
The Turtle Beach TBS-2195-01 gaming headset is a stellar pick for users looking to take their gameplay to a professional level. Thanks to the large 50mm speakers and over-the-ear design, users will enjoy a rich soundstage that supports modern spatial audio technology to hear incoming enemies or fully immerse in modern games. While this model’s mic monitoring needs a bit of setup to get right, users will love the detachable design and clear communication.
In addition to great speakers and a decent microphone, the Turtle Beach TBS-2195-01 gaming headset provides users with next-level comfort that will keep them focused and comfortable during serious competition. The durable all-metal frame features a suspended headband and multiple vectors of adjustment for a balanced fit. The memory foam earpads are infused with cooling gel and covered with an athletic fabric to keep users cool over hours of gaming. Additionally, this unit offers glasses-specific features to keep the pressure off eyewear while playing.
Introduction to Turtle Beach Headsets
Turtle Beach is one of the largest American gaming accessory providers in San Diego, California. Founded in New York in 1975 as Turtle Beach Softworks, the company initially produced software for analog sampling keyboards. Founders Roy Smith and Robert Hoke developed some of the earliest digital audio recording systems and PC sound cards.
Turtle Beach entered the headset market in 2005 with the successful X51 wired headset and has since earned a reputation for quality, comfort-driven headsets that appeal to competitive gamers. In 2012, the company partnered with Major League Gaming before merging with San Diego-based audio company Parametric in 2013. The brand has since expanded to become a leader in console gaming headsets for Xbox Wireless and PlayStation.
Today, Turtle Beach maintains several pro eSports sponsorships and has released branded headsets for games, including Star Wars: Battlefront. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 and 700 wireless headsets are notable as the first to connect wirelessly to the Xbox. In addition to other headset models for Playstation and Nintendo Switch, the brand sells a line of PC gaming headsets that use Windows Sonic virtual surround sound. It also sells Stream Mic, a microphone for gamers to record streaming content. This is a great option, especially if you don’t have a gaming headset with mic replacement capabilities.
With a lineup ranging from premium gaming headset models designed for streamers to budget headsets, Turtle Beach has a reputation for good value and many features at a reasonable price. Some markets have ranked it as the best-selling console gaming audio brand.
A budget option, such as the Turtle Beach Recon 200 series, may not have all the premium surround sound features of the brand’s higher-end wireless gaming headsets, but they generally offer solid tech specs for their price range. Mid-level Turtle Beach Stealth 600 and 700 models feature softer ear cushions and more premium material quality.
How Turtle Beach Headsets Compare to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Easy Console Pairing: As the first headset manufacturer to offer dedicated models for the Xbox wireless, Turtle Beach specializes in console gaming headsets that quickly and seamlessly pair with your favorite gaming platform. The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 and Turtle Beach Stealth 700 work wirelessly with Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch consoles.
(Con 1) Some May Find Styling Too Flashy: A gamer-focused brand, they produce many headsets with a somewhat flashy “gamer” aesthetic, which can be off-putting to those used to the more sober styling typical of music headsets.
(Pro 2) Ergonomic Designs: Turtle Beach Stealth headsets typically have well-placed buttons for power and mute functions, along with intuitive game chat mix dials. These easy-to-use physical controls help maintain focus and can even provide a competitive advantage in action games.
(Con 2) Some Cost-Cutting Materials Used: While Turtle Beach Elite and Turtle Beach Stealth 600 models generally have a premium feel, some of the more affordable headset models in the Turtle Beach Recon line can seem a little flimsy.
(Pro 3) Virtual Surround Sound: Turtle Beach Stealth headsets and the eSports-focused Elite Pro models feature sophisticated virtual surround sound. On compatible platforms, this premium surround sound provides a more immersive gaming experience. It allows for more precise, localized game audio, a key advantage in games that use positional sound cues.
(Con 3) Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility: Turtle Beach Recon and Stealth headsets tend to come in platform-specific iterations, which is perfect for pairing quickly with your favorite game on a given video game console. However, it can be inconvenient for users of multiple platforms who may want to use a single headset for Xbox One, Playstation, and mobile games. For example, some Turtle Beach Stealth models only connect with the Nintendo Switch in docked mode.
(Pro 4) Available Unidirectional Microphones: The Turtle Beach Elite Pro wired headset and a few other models offer high-quality gaming headset microphones that deliver accurate sound for voice chat and block out noise from keyboards and other background noise sources.
(Con 4) Some Models Relatively Heavy: Some of the best-selling Turtle Beach gaming headsets may feel somewhat heavy compared to more basic listening headphones. They make up for the weight with an ergonomic approach to gaming headsets. They feature softer foam and breathable mesh fabric, allowing for hours of comfort during marathon gaming sessions. Still, their bulky quality may prove tiresome for a more casual level of gamer.
Why You Should Buy a New Turtle Beach Headset
If you’re looking for a competitive advantage in games that require a strong verbal link between teammates, competitive gamers may especially benefit from the top-level Turtle Beach Stealth and Turtle Beach Elite headsets that offer unidirectional analog microphones with variable mic monitoring through the headset.
You might also feel it’s time to upgrade your gaming audio setup if you’ve added a new game console or gaming PC to your setup. For example, Turtle Beach Stealth 700 and Turtle Beach Recon 70 headsets offer both wireless and wired options for connecting to your favorite game console. Many current models, such as the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas and Elite Pro, connect with a headphone jack or wireless USB dongle, but they also make wired USB gaming headsets.
Compared to older headsets with microphones for gamers, the latest Turtle Beach game console and PC gaming headsets offer cutting-edge technology for more immersive gaming. They combine leading surround sound technology with key features like programmable audio presets, a game chat balance dial, and a switchable bass boost function. Some models provide active noise cancellation, which helps block out external noises and gives a more immersive quality to your gaming experience.
New headsets also come with an improved wireless range and battery life. Top-level Turtle Beach Elite Pro Premium Wireless sets deliver around 30 hours on a single charge, up from the 20 hours of earlier headsets. Add in the updated compatibility, more detailed sound quality, and features like bass boost and immersive audio, and you have a compelling case for upgrading, especially if you’ve added a new console to your gaming space.
How Long Do Turtle Beach Headsets Last?
The lifespan of gaming headsets varies widely. How long a particular set of headphones or a headset with a microphone lasts depends on various factors, including the environment where they’re stored and used, the quality and construction of the model, and the type of headset.
A wired gaming headset will typically last longer than a wireless headset. Wireless models may be limited to the lifespan of their built-in rechargeable batteries and wireless transmitter units. Battery life varies among different battery cell types, but modern wireless headset batteries tend to last around 500-1500 charge cycles.
Wired headphones also tend to experience less movement and rough handling due to travel. Heat, dust, and humidity are among the key risk factors that can accelerate wear and tear on a gaming headset or pair of headphones. Experts suggest storing headsets someplace cool and free from excess dust or moisture. A well-designed desk hook or headset stand can also help increase longevity.
Turtle Beach Warranties
Most of the brand’s headsets in the US come with a 1-year limited warranty. Turtle Beach Elite models get a 2-year limited warranty, while refurbished units and replacement models get a 90-day warranty.
The warranty covers parts and manufacturing defects, and the usual exclusions apply. It excludes software, accidental damage, and consumable parts and items. These include cases, cables, earcup covers, and charging cables.
The company generally provides average to above-average warranty terms, with the Turtle Beach Elite headset getting a longer warranty period than most gaming headsets in the US. They don’t offer extended warranty options, though they offer extended returns during the holiday season most years. So, if you’re looking for a best gaming headset, you’ll want to look into Turtle Beach.
