Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II review

It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago that Turtle Beach was the go-to cheap wireless headset we’d all pick up from our local big box store as we were headed into a weekend of gaming for a new release. They were inexpensive and got the job done. We were still growing, though, and so was Turtle Beach. Over the years, they’ve continued to hone their craft and grow their arsenal. In recent years, it’s become clear they’re capable of handling premium high-end products, too. Their latest headset, the Stealth Pro II, is proof that they’re not just a contender; Turtle Beach may be the space’s apex predator.

Out of the box, the Stealth Pro II’s commitment to quality is evident. The headset comes packed in a nice, matte hard-shell case so you can safely take this beast anywhere. Opening the case, we can see the headset in all its glory, along with a charging cable, wireless transmitter, charging dock, batteries, and detachable microphone. Peeling away the foam pad on the lid of the hard-shell, we can see all the packed-in literature in a nice, neat envelope.

Everything about the construction of the Stealth Pro II screams “quality.” The headband is metal reinforced with a soft rubberized coating. In the place of a cushion on the top of the headband, the Stealth Pro II has mesh fabric that acts as a cushion, similar to modern high-end office chairs. The headset’s adjustable arms are made of sturdy anodized aluminum. The earcups themselves are coated with a tactile matte plastic. The cushions are made of memory foam surrounded by a sports jersey-like material for optimal comfort. The volume knobs are metal with knurling for grip and comfort. TLDR, Turtle Beach’s Stealth Pro II is chock full of premium parts for the most comfortable, luxurious experience possible. 

To set up the headset, I just had to plug in the USB cable from my PC to the wireless transmitter and make sure the transmitter was flipped to the PC setting. After that, I was able to pull out the headset, turn it on, and was immediately in business, listening to music on my computer. Plugging the included USB-C wireless transmitter into my PlayStation 5 enabled me to tap the swap button on the headset and completely transition which wireless device I was listening to.

Using Bluetooth, I was able to connect both my phone and Switch 2 to the headset as well. It was pretty cool to be able to enjoy Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred while I listened to a podcast, and with the volume controls for each device (one for Bluetooth, one for wireless), I could adjust the mix to my liking on the fly. The only situation I ran into is that it seems only a single Bluetooth device can be active at a time, so Switch 2 and a podcast on my phone simultaneously were a no-go. Should you prefer a traditional 3.5mm wired experience, you can purchase a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter (not included) to round out your options.

The Stealth Pro II’s audio quality is phenomenal. It’s received the Hi-Res Audio certification by the Japan Audio Society, and with their massive, powerful 60mm Eclipse audio drivers, that comes as no surprise. The Eclipse audio drives use both a dedicated woofer and tweeter, ensuring the sharpest, most detailed sound from both the low and high registers. When you combine that with Dolby Atmos spatial capability, you’re really set up for the most immersive, high-quality experience possible. 

With all that said, I’d be remiss to leave out the Stealth Pro II’s active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. Let me paint a picture for you. I was actively playing Call of Duty off-mic and listening to a podcast. As part of my test for this headset, I turned a hair dryer on 5 feet from my desk. The Stealth Pro II’s active noise cancellation was nothing short of incredible. I could barely hear the hair dryer, but every round and footstep was crystal clear, as was the podcast I was listening to. While yes, it will take more battery life, the Stealth Pro II’s noise cancellation helps drown out unwanted ambient noise and set you up for success.

One of my personal concerns was the Stealth Pro II’s microphone. I had no reservations that it would be sufficient for online play with my buddies, but as someone who records the occasional podcast or voiceover for videos, I didn’t expect it to hold up - audio quality is paramount for those pursuits. Out of the box, I felt justified. The baked-in microphone performance was serviceable, but it sounded a little canny with a mild echo. After downloading the Turtle Beach Swarm II software and playing around, my concerns were assuaged. Using Swarm II, I was able to update the drivers for the headset and start messing around with a few different settings. With concern for the microphone, I turned the sensitivity up a bit and activated the AI noise cancellation feature. With that, my voice sounded every bit as clear as the Elgato Wave 3 I’ve used for years, and it’s all without any unnecessary wires keeping me locked in. Whether it holds up to larger-scale testing remains to be seen, but I’m happy knowing I’ll sound great either way.

I want to take a moment to focus on the Swarm II software. I would consider this to be a must-have if you pick up the Stealth Pro II. You can download it for your PC or phone. As I mentioned, you can update the receiver and headset using it, but it allows you to do so much more, too. You can activate Active Noise Cancellation, enable Dolby surround, or turn on “Superhuman Hearing” mode, which highlights specific sounds (right now, they include footsteps and gunshots). You can adjust the noise gate, sensitivity, and other settings for your microphone. The hardcore audiophile can even go in and adjust their own equalizer presets for game and mic, letting you create your own presets. Should your heart desire, you can even set up custom hotkeys to control different headset functions. It’s impressive software that lets you drive your own experience.

There’s just one final point I want to note. At 393g with the mic (or 382g without), the Stealth Pro II does sit a little on the heavier side. Coming from a lighter headset (my AudioTechnica ATH-G1 are ~255g), it took me a little time to get used to the heavier hardware, but once I acclimated, the sound experience was well worth the transition. Still, if you suffer from head or neck pain, it may be worth considering.

If you were a fan of the original Stealth Pro, you’ll love the Stealth Pro II. It’s an upgrade in virtually every way: better parts, longer battery life (12 hours up to 40 per battery!), bigger, beefier audio drivers, and a sleeker, more streamlined form factor. The placement of the microphone from the side to the front of the unit even helps the original’s big brother stand out.

It’s clear that Turtle Beach has put in the work to make the Stealth Pro II the best gaming headset on the market. It has one of the richest, most engaging audio experiences I’ve ever had and ships with a rich feature set sure to satisfy even the stingiest audiophile. It’s well made, super comfy, and boasts a beefy 40-hour battery life (with a spare battery and charger ready to go). The Swarm II software ensures deep customization, and the microphone surprised me with its performance after a little tweaking. If you’re in the market for a high-end gaming headset and you have the dosh to spend, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is a worthy contender. Whether at home on your PC, PS5, or Xbox, or on the go with your phone or the Switch 2, your ears will always have a comfortable place to call home.