Turtle Beach – Stealth 500 Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5, PS4, PC & Mobile – Black
$79.99
The Turtle Beach® Stealth™ 500 wireless amplified gaming headset for PS5™ & PS4™, Windows PCs, & mobile devices redefines what an “entry-level” wireless headset is capable of. Equipped with low-latency, 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth® 5.2 connectivity, the Stealth™ 500 is designed for versatile gaming on console & mobile. Easily toggle back-and-forth between 2.4GHz wireless & Bluetooth® connections using the QuickSwitch button located conveniently on the headset. An ultra-lightweight design with a floating headband eliminates any pressure points for a perfect fit and leatherette-wrapped memory foam ear cushions provide non-stop comfort and enhanced noise isolation. A staggering battery life of up to 40 hours is best in its class, plus it features quick charge so you can get back in the game right away. Precision-tuned 40mm drivers are amplified to deliver renowned Turtle Beach® audio quality, optimized for spatial audio right out of the box. And to dial in your audio quality even further use the Swarm™ II desktop software for PC, or mobile app for iOS & Android devices to adjust EQ settings, activate Superhuman Hearing®, toggle EQ presets and more. Lead your team to victory with ultra-clear voice accuracy thanks to a flip-to-mute omni-directional microphone. Plus, you can activate and adjust variable mic monitoring using the Swarm™ II app so you can hear the level of your own voice to avoid shouting.
NAMO –
The Stealth 500 from Turtle Beach offers a good compromise for Price vs. Performance. No, they do not offer the best sonic reproduction that the more expensive models offer, but for the price, they offer good value for the money.
CONFIGURATION
The Stealth 500’s are configured by Turtle Beach’s Swarm software. The Swarm software has come a long way since it was originally introduced with the Roccat gaming devices (Turtle Beach owns Roccat). I’ve been using the Swarm software for several years now and it is a pleasant change compared to the competition. Unlike the extremely bloated software used by Turtle Beach’s competitors, the Swarm software is impressively lightweight and does not take up a ton of system resources.
The Swarm software is easy to understand and much less convoluted than the others. It works extremely well without a bunch of bells and whistles. Not only that, but the changes you want to make are easy to find and apply. The only issue I had during initial configuration was the firmware update process. Both the headphones and the dongle required a mandatory firmware update before use. While the firmware did eventually go through, there were a couple of hiccups. Granted, they were easy to overcome, but the firmware update is not as polished as the competition.
USE
The headphones are lightweight and very comfortable. There is not a great deal of tension on the cans, even with my big melon of a head. Using them for several hours was less fatiguing than many other headphones I currently use. But this lightweight design also comes with some negatives. The gaskets that seal to your head are not as thick and supple as others, so the seal is not as good as a more expensive set of headphones, thus letting in more ambient noise.
One neat trick that should be pointed out is Turtle Beach’s clever “Superhuman Hearing” EQ setting. At the click of a mouse, the audio volume is effectively dial back, while the frequencies that game developers use for footsteps, etc., are enhanced. Turtle Beach refers to this tech as: “A Cheat Code for Your Ears.” While that is a bit of an exaggeration, it does help minimize the barrage of other sounds bombarding you from all directions, allowing you to pick out the much-needed sounds, like footsteps. Neat set-up Turtle Beach!
Turtle Beach has gone out of their way to make the Stealth’s easy to use. I really appreciate it. Yes, there are a bunch of buttons and knobs, but they are easy to figure out once you use the headphones for just a little bit. One impressive feature is the quick switch button. I FINALLY have a set of headphones that I seamlessly switch between Bluetooth and High-Speed wireless connections without a bunch of button presses and fuss. A simple button press will bounce between connections. I love it. Excellent!!!
Same with the mic. This is my favorite approach to a microphone. Pull it down to turn it on, push it up to mute it. I wish other manufacturers would make their products so simple. The 500’s microphone is simple and reliable and very good at clearly picking up human voices.
Speaking of Bluetooth and High-Speed wireless connections, the Stealth 500’s sport up to 40 hours of playback time using Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.2). I got extremely good battery life whether I was using the 2.4GHz dongle or the Bluetooth connection. A predicted 40 hours of battery life does not seem like a pipe dream.
NEGATIVES
Negatives are few. First, is the lack of noise cancellation technology. Regardless of my listening environment, noise cancellation is a welcome addition to any set of ear buds or headphones.
Second, is the lack of bass and treble response. Granted you can get a little more bass out of Stealth’s using the included EQ, but the lowest frequencies cannot be reproduced. The included 40mm drivers do not offer the surface area or excursion to reproduce believable bass. Same goes with the upper end of the audio spectrum. Their ability to reproduce the highest frequencies rolls off considerably. But to be fair to Turtle Beach, they do a very admirable job in the sweet spot of most games.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500’s are a good set of headphones for the money. They offer decent performance at a decent price. While there are definitely better options out there, the Stealth’s strike a good balance. If you are in the market for a set of cans that won’t break the bank, it would be hard to pick a better set of headphones at their intended price point.
RECOMMENDED
Wishkid –
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a solid well built wireless gaming headset. These headsets performed extremely well, they sounded really good, they look good and they are very comfortable.The plastic construction feels solid, especially considering the price point. The earcups’ padding is soft and they are large enough to accommodate generously sized ears. You can wear them for hours without causing discomfort or overheating. This headset is not adjustable by expanding the earcups arms, instead you adjust an elastic band. Unlike some headsets that I may struggle with size adjustments, the Stealth 500 fits perfectly right out of the box, eliminating the need for extensive tweaking.
The first thing you want to do before using these gaming headsets is to update them to the latest firmware. You will have to download the Turtle Beach Swarn II software on your mobile phone. Pair the headset to your mobile via Bluetooth and then follow the instructions to update.
This Stealth 500 is made for PS5 but it is compatible with a range of platforms, including PC, tablets, and mobile phones, offering versatility for various gaming setups. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t support Xbox. I can confirm it works with the PC, Android, iPhones and Playstation. So in other words this is an all around gaming headset. Included with the headset is a USB wireless transmitter which you need to plug in to a PC or PS5. The transmitter also works with Android OS. The headset did not require any pairing when using the wireless transmitter. This headset also supports Bluetooth connection and it was simple to pair using a dedicated Bluetooth button pairing button.
Navigating the headset’s features is intuitive, with all controls conveniently located on the left earcup. From volume adjustments to toggling between sound modes and Bluetooth connectivity, everything is easily accessible. The microphone, featuring a flip-to-mute function and adjustable positioning, ensures clear communication during gameplay. Plus, the leather padding on the earcups not only feels incredibly soft but also helps maintain comfort over extended gaming sessions, while effectively dampening external noise.
In terms of audio performance, the Stealth 500 doesn’t disappoint, delivering well-balanced sound with rich mids, clear highs, and surprisingly robust bass. The bass was actually good for a gaming headset of this caliber. With a battery life rated at 40 hours, as claimed by the manufacturer, and personalization options available through the Steam software, these headsets offer both longevity and customization to suit individual preferences.
Overall, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 stands as an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers, combining comfort, durability, and versatility across various gaming platforms. With their appealing aesthetics, impressive sound quality, battery life longevity and customizations they offer outstanding value for money. In the box you get the headsets, USB wireless transmitter, USBC charging cable, and manuals.
AngelM –
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is a wireless headset that offers great performance at a good value.
The Stealth 500 is versatile when it comes to wireless connectivity, I can switch between low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 with just the touch of a button. I tested them as far as 25 feet away from the dongle and the quality of both the mic and sound was great each time.
There are a couple of options to consider, this option is compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch platforms, so it is convenient for gaming through different devices.
As for setup, on my PlayStation 5, it was easy, just plug in the USB dongle and the headset basically paired itself. For Bluetooth, all I had to do Is switch to that mode and pair just like any other device.
I was able to pair them to my cell, my laptop and my PC on top of the PS5.
The sound is better than I expected, either while playing and even when just playing my favorite music from my cell phone while out on a walk.
The microphone performance is also great, it provides clear communication while playing and while taking a phone call, the people I talked to did not know I was using the headset; it was always a clear call. And since the Mic can be put away easily, they look like regular headphones so I can take them anywhere at any time.
As for the Battery, the set has an impressive battery life. The Stealth 500 can last up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is just amazing. There is no need to pause or stop what I am doing, the battery lasts a long time and on the application I know what percentage is left to know when to charge them next.
The set feels super light and comfortable, the design looks great too. I wore the set for a few days for extended periods of time and they are comfortable. My ears fit comfortably inside making the outside noise reduced drastically, the memory cushions do help out a lot to do both, blocking noise and bringing comfort with long time use.
The application is helpful too, at first since I did not read the instructions I could not connect them to my cell, but once I was able to pair them I could see my Stealth 500 as well as my Stealth 600 and I can control the headset from the app as well as know how much battery life I have left. I can use the game sound presets, turn on the superhuman hearing, and control the mics sensitivity and volume.
The dongle turns green when it is connected and the mic is on, when the mic is flipped to the off position or if it is off, then the dongle turns red, this has been helpful so I have a visual when my mic is on or off.
Overall, the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 offer great features, awesome long battery life, and longtime comfort. They are customizable on the application for an enhanced experience and they have been just amazing to have.
Bren –
While this headset is by no means the best in class in every facet, I can see the attraction of this headset. It fuses many of the more desired features of a modern gaming headset, such as a nice comfortable suspension band style headband with excellent battery life that is sure to impress anyone. Better than average audio quality is also paired with the versatility to run this headset across multiple systems, including on PlayStation consoles, the Nintendo Switch, and on, what is perhaps the best feature of this bargain of a headset, on Bluetooth connected devices like android and Apple iOS smart phones! There is also another SKU of this Stealth 500 that is designated for Xbox’s and such. The majority of my headset usage time before this review occurred on my Windows 11 PC, iPhone SE 3, and plug-and-play use with my PlayStation 4 Pro Console.
My first impression of this headset out of the box is that the build quality is respectable at this price point. This headset is not an aesthetic beauty of an audio product, but it is also not a chunky piece of overseas plastic garbage that is going to leave you, or your intended recipient of this headset embarrassed to wear it. The lines and contours are clean, and the ear cups are not bulky. They are made of quite a comfortable pleather covered foam material that snugs securely to my medium-average adult male head. If you run with hotter ears and head like me, you may find yourself sweating it out in these a tad during a long gaming session. The earcups also perfectly accommodate my Gamer Advantage bluelight glasses I like to wear during gaming, so you are in luck as a glasses-wearer if you choose this headset!
As I mentioned earlier in the review, this headset actually has above-average audio quality! I am stinking impressed to be honest. The stock EQ setting this comes set to is “Turtle Beach Signature Sound”, and I have zero desire to change the audio signature! It is perfect for music and for video games. Doom Eternal sounds gnarly coming out of these earcups and the music I play from EDM to country is balanced and easy to listen to!
The Turtle Beach Swarm II software for this device is actually quite feature-packed and impressive. I am quite thrilled with the amount of control and customization that is available on this less than $80 dollar headset. For one, you actually get sidetone monitoring and noise gate control right on the front page of the controls of this headset of the software. This is amazing, as it allows you to hear yourself speak which is great for voice modulation and volume control during games and Discord calls, and the noise gate adjustments can help you cut out those pesky keyboard taps, mouse clicks, and other distracting background noises so your team mates don’t hate you, haha! The EQ controls built into the software are also quite impressive. As I mentioned above, the “Turtle Beach Signature Sound” EQ profile is perfect for my needs and expectations as a borderline audiophilic gamer.
The only place I am going to have to give this headset a slight knock that is not going to affect the star rating is the microphone voice quality. It is reasonable and according to my friends who have heard my voice via Discord doesn’t sound bad at all! For anyone in the tech world who is desiring a little more of an upscale voice quality experience, keep looking for something else. I am a Twitch Streamer (EagleEyeHunts) and I would not want to use this mic to communicate with my viewers and other streamers. But for regular Joes gaming and all around having a blast with non-streaming activities, I think this headset is perfect! I should also mention the microphone is nicely tucked away when folded back into the headset and has a very clever little adjustment setting for getting the mic close to your mouth once the device is unfolded.
Altogether, this headset is without a doubt and easy to suggest option in the “above bargain-priced” price category. Other higher-end headsets from Turtle Beach and other companies go on sale at times that could drive this headset out of the mind as a good deal, but at its retail price I would say I am quite impressed. If voice communication and microphone quality are not your number one priority, than go ahead and pick up this headset today and let me know what you think of it! I am always happy to come back to my reviews and read other users’ thoughts. Cheers and I hope you enjoy your purchase!
BHTurnow –
I am reviewing these headphones for application to the Sony PS5. The headphones came packaged well and arrived in perfect condition. Everything you need is included in the box. After unpacking, I fully charged the headphones which only took about an hour. The headphones themselves seem very well made and constructed of high quality materials. After charging, I setup the headphones to work on my PS-5. Installation and pairing them was straight forward. I was setup up and running within minutes. I put these headphones to the test with RPG games, sports games, First Person Shooters, and Realism games. After using these for many hours, I can attest the sound quality is excellent. Volume is more than adequate and sound is clear. Dialogue was excellent. Voices were clear and concise. I was able to detect a clear range of highs, mids, and lows. There was plenty of bass with all of the games I put it through. I’m a big bass person and there was plenty of low end. Explosions and booms sounded awesome. I detected no noticeable latency at all. After wearing the headphones for a few hours at a time, I found them to be generally comfortable. I cannot speak of any ear or head fatigue at all. Battery life was excellent as well. I always charge my devices after use, but even after a few days of gaming without charging, they were still going strong. These headphones should meet the demands of any gamer for the PS5. I would highly recommend these to anyone without hesitation. Overall, Turtle Beach has produced a real winner with the stealth 500s!
nkpstudios –
Remember the following details about the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless headset:
Turtle Beach has impressively refreshed the Stealth 500 wireless headset, making it a compelling choice for under $80. This third-generation update includes Bluetooth 5.2 and low-latency, reliable 2.4GHz wireless as standard features. It’s a great option for kids or beginners looking to go wireless while gaming. Turtle Beach also offers many options to look at should this be a good start as you progress.
The Stealth 500 features a quality microphone and powerful sound in an ultralightweight design. The microphone ensures clear communication, while the sound profile enhances the clarity of in-game audio such as footsteps and gunshots. Additionally, the headset can be further tuned using the Swarm II app. With its straightforward setup, the headset is ready to use out of the box with minimal configuration required. It’s important to use the app to update the firmware for optimal performance.
Design and Comfort:
The Stealth 500 boasts a sleek and modern ultralightweight design made of durable plastic. Despite being entirely plastic, it feels premium while also flexible. The fit is a standout feature, with a comfortable and aesthetic design that doesn’t scream “gamer”. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam wrapped in black leatherette. The headset is ideal for extended gaming sessions, offering a weightless fit with minimal clamping force and an adjustable elastic headband for a secure and comfortable experience.
Audio Quality:
Featuring 40mm Nanoclear speakers, the Stealth 500 provides impressive audio performance at an entry-level price point. While the out-of-the-box sound may have deficiencies in the mid and low ranges, these can be improved with the EQ settings. For even better performance, consider upgrading to the Stealth 600 for just $20 more and skip this all together. This headset delivers crisp, clear sound with a balanced audio profile, and its surround sound capabilities enhance spatial awareness, ideal for competitive gaming.
Wireless Performance:
The Stealth 500 offers reliable wireless connectivity with a lag-free experience. Whether using Bluetooth or the dedicated USB transmitter, the headset provides stable and interference-free connectivity. With up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, it’s suitable for most gaming sessions. It’s also suitable for mobile gamers, providing good sound quality for various devices and media consumption.
Microphone Quality:
Equipped with a flip-to-mute high-sensitivity microphone, the Stealth 500 ensures clear voice communication, essential for team-based games. The noise-canceling feature effectively filters out background noise for clear voice transmission. While the mic can be easily muted via the built-in controls on the headset, using the Swarm II app allows for further customization to improve noise cancellation and mic performance.
Features and Usability:
The Stealth 500 includes user-friendly features such as flip-to-mute and simple volume controls on the left ear cup. Additionally, it features the Superhuman Hearing technology, enhancing in-game sounds like enemy footsteps and gunshots. The headset’s versatility shines through the combination of USB dongle and Bluetooth 5.2 switching at the press of a button, offering seamless connectivity for various devices and audio sources.
The Verdict
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 wireless headset is a great choice for under $80. It offers Bluetooth 5.2 and low-latency, reliable 2.4GHz wireless. The headset provides clear communication and powerful sound with 40mm Nanoclear speakers and a flip-to-mute high-sensitivity microphone. It offers reliable wireless connectivity and up to 40 hours of battery life. The headset is versatile, suitable for PC, console, and mobile gaming. These were earthshattering features a few years ago, it is a shame it is now just “normal” to be this good for cheap. Check these our for SURE and you won’t be disappointed!
AllenV –
Works great. No issues with it. If you leave the usb thing plugged in to your console, even if your headphones are turned off, the sound of your tv will be mute. So if you want to use regular sound from tv speakers then remember to unplug the usb from your console
EngineerMom –
I prefer multipurpose headsets that perform well for both work and gaming while giving all day comfort. The Stealth 500 headset by Turtle Beach does just this, and makes a great all around headset that works with mobile, PC, and PlayStation.
In the box is the headset, USB dongle, charging cable and user guide. There is a companion app, Stealth II, available for both mobile or PC that allows for customization but not required. To connect use either Bluetooth or USB dongle and you’re up and running. A quick run down of the features include: floating headband for extended wear comfort, flip to mute mic, EQ and customization via the app, all combined with an extended battery life. The build feels sturdy, with plush foam ear cups, flexibility across the band, and near / far mic placement. The mic clicks into place, so no accidental movement, regardless of how crazy things may get.
The overall comfort factor is high with this headset. The band and ear foam combination is just the right level of pressure to stay in place without being painful for extended wear. The floating band is adjustable and is easy to move between the three different sizing options on each side of the headband. The only downside is the material can get a bit warm during long periods of use.
While the app isn’t required, it does allow for customization. In the app is volume control, “Superhuman hearing” mode, gaming presets . The next tab is microphone controls, sensitivity, noise gate, and mic monitoring volume. Other options include prompt volume control, auto shut off timer, dongle LED brightness, and firmware update / information, and battery life monitoring. There are also physical controls on the left ear cup. Volume rollers for audio and mic are on the back, wireless / Bluetooth mode toggle button and USB-C charging port on bottom, and pairing, mode, and power button on the side of the ear cup.
The sound quality and depth is fantastic for this build, and I’m impressed how well nuanced the sound is. For music and gaming the sound has good depth, quality, and clarity. There is a feature called “superhuman hearing” which I believe is supposed to elevate specific nuanced sounds (footsteps, gunshots, legacy), however I find that it flattens the sound and detracts from the game immersion. There may be games this is perfect for, but I don’t personally care for this setting. Otherwise I really like the mic adjustability that gives you freedom to control noise pickup based on background, I haven’t had this option before to control these specific settings (mic sensitivity, noise gate, and monitoring volume) so I find that I have two very different settings one for work in a quiet environment and a second one for gaming with or without background noise.
Overall I think this are a good gaming headset and a great all purpose headset, supported by the impressive battery life, I can put in 3 x 12 hour days before needing to recharge. The comfort factor and light weight build makes these wearable all day, the sound is crisp and clear for meetings, music, and gaming. Lastly, the customization and connection options make these easy to pair with whatever console, mobile device, or PC you are in front of in the moment.