Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II ANC gaming headset review: a comfort and connectivity champ

Turtle Beach’s latest wireless gaming headset takes aim at multi-platform gamers with discerning ears. The Stealth Pro II is mostly a triumph, addressing comfort shortcomings and boosting sound and microphone quality.

The gear also takes a step forward with 2 swappable batteries that endure a combined 80 hours. PC, console, and mobile users can test their longevity by connecting up to 4 devices. The only letdown is that analog signals can’t mix with the wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth sources.

Larger 60mm dual drivers accompany balanced, higher-resolution 24-bit sound. Meanwhile, spatial audio adds new dimensions to tense horror games or competitive shooters.

A high cost will deter buyers who don’t consider active noise cancelling essential. Regardless, the Stealth Pro II has made strides to solidify its place among the best gaming headsets.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II will be available on May 17th for $349.99/€349.99/£299.99. On Amazon and the manufacturer’s site, buyers can pre-order a version that supports the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. 

The alternative wireless gaming headset model connects to the PC, PS4, and PS5. Fans of white colorways may prefer the Xbox variation, since the PC option is only sold in black.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II challenges the top headsets with 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio. A wireless USB dongle and transmitter pair with multiple sources, easily switching between PCs and consoles. The headset has also seen noticeable improvements in battery life and comfort.

The Xbox version of the Turtle Beach headset ships in rectangular black packaging with a flip-open top. Inside the box is a hard carrying case with foam cutouts for the headset and bundled accessories.

Buyers receive a wireless transmitter/charging puck and a USB dongle for consoles or additional devices. A second rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable are also included.

Compared to its predecessor, the Stealth Pro II is slightly lighter, weighing 393 grams with the mic attached. Still, it has a solid feel, and even with the carrying case and modular microphone, it’s not the most portable option. Materials are again premium, combining anodized aluminum and hard plastic.

Some owners of the Stealth Pro complained about a secure but confining fit. Things have loosened up with its follow-up, starting with the fabric suspension headband. The change makes an immediate impact on comfort, with fewer aches and pains after long listening sessions.

In a dramatic redesign, the adjustable yokes have tubing that connects to the swiveling earcups. Despite offering active noise cancelling, the gaming headset has swapped leatherette ear cushion covers for a more breathable cloth fabric. The memory foam inside forms a tight enough seal to block out unwanted noises.

Controls on the Stealth Pro II are spread out over both sides of the accessory. The left side has a mode button that toggles ANC and is remappable in software. Below the game volume and game/chat mix sliders, and the USB-C port, is the power button. On the other end, the CrossPlay switch toggles between sources. A dedicated rocker for Bluetooth volume is a welcome addition.

The bendable mic slots in underneath the power button, but it can be a bit fiddly to fasten on during gameplay. Once secured, it’s not likely to come loose during multiplayer gaming or conference calls.

Both versions of the Turtle Beach headset can connect to PCs and PS4/PS5 consoles. However, only the Xbox variety is compatible with Microsoft’s gaming systems. In either case, the maximum number of wireless sources, including Bluetooth, is 4.

Along with the wireless transmitter and USB dongle, pre-orders shipped with an additional adapter. In common scenarios, gamers will keep the puck tethered to PCs and a dongle installed in a console. Bluetooth audio plays simultaneously, but the Stealth Pro II is again an all-digital solution. It may be disappointing not to find an analog port on the headset or base station.

Over 3+ weeks of testing, the CrossPlay 2.0 button reliably switched between a Windows PC and a PS5. Likewise, an Nvidia Shield media player never lost its Bluetooth pairing. Wireless range proved excellent, with no interference detected in an adjacent hallway.

Like the JBL Quantum 950 reviewed by Notebookcheck, more headsets are relying on wireless transmitters that double as battery chargers. The concept is not new to Turtle Beach, but the 2 bundled lithium-ion batteries now promise a combined 80 hours of runtime. With ANC enabled most of the time, it wasn’t necessary to open the left earcup for a straightforward swap until about 36 hours.

Testing the headset with the desktop version of Swarm II got off to a rocky start. Updating the firmware was problematic, similar to an experience with the Stealth 600 Gen 3. The mobile app, which mirrors much of the same functionality, installed the updates successfully.

These pre-release issues are not uncommon, and the company has since pushed out numerous patches. Fortunately, other than a few quirks, Swarm II then performed as expected.

Among other options, users can tweak the degree of active noise cancellation and adjust mic sensitivity and monitoring. If not satisfied with Turtle Beach’s Signature Sound or other presets, audiophiles will gravitate toward the 10-band equalizer.

To achieve a powerful and balanced soundscape, the Stealth Pro II transitions to 60mm dual drivers. An equal focus on bass, mid, and high-frequency tones benefits a wide range of music, movies, and games. The default preset still enhances explosions, but unlike lower-end gaming headsets, it doesn’t compromise midrange frequencies.

Spatial audio amplifies critical audio cues, like enemy footsteps. The accessory includes a Dolby Atmos license, but it may not be the ideal choice for all titles. Dialogue, weapon fire, and the movement of heroes are all well-defined in Overwatch. In Counter-Strike 2, players may be better off relying on its native audio engine.

Along with a richer sound comes support for hi-res certified 24-bit audio. For gamers, sources matching that quality are fairly uncommon. Nevertheless, audiophiles won’t feel limited by the headset’s capabilities. It’s worth noting that only the PC version supports LC3plus and LDAC Bluetooth codecs.

Ultimately, active noise cancelling is why buyers will consider the Stealth Pro II over cheaper alternatives. In some comparisons, the Stealth Pro’s ANC edged out premium rivals like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The newest contender isn’t more adept at noise-blocking, but its more breathable construction isn’t detrimental either.

The external microphone has undergone a visible transformation. On the detachable arm sits a floating unidirectional 9mm mic, allowing chatters to position it closer to their mouth. At the same time, it’s less prone to capturing typing or background distractions. While not rivaling standalone solutions, recordings didn’t exhibit the hiss sometimes encountered with the previous model.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II arrives as more than an incremental upgrade. Its exterior has been completely revamped to provide longer-lasting comfort. Although on the bulky side, the peripheral can withstand some abuse.

Sound quality is outstanding, with more flexibility to find the ideal mix. That said, with PC build prices soaring, some buyers will scoff at the pricey wireless gaming headset. Its higher-resolution audio may not present practical advantages for gamers.

The Stealth Pro II faces competition from ANC newcomers, including the revamped $399.99 Arctis Nova Pro Omni. Still, bolstered by improved battery life, its Turtle Beach rival looks up to the task.