Hardware Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 Headset Review

A few years back, we reviewed the 'Turtle Beach Stealth 600' Gen 2 headset here at GameParadise, and we were quite pleased with it. Its long-lasting battery and comfortable design made it a solid choice, despite some concerns about its build quality for the price. Now, Turtle Beach has introduced the Gen 3 Stealth 700, and we're happy to report that a significant improvement in construction makes this an even better headset.

While the 2022 Stealth Series models (both 600 and 700) were mostly plastic, the Gen 3 Stealth 700 immediately feels more high-end. Turtle Beach describes the headset's headband base as "metal-reinforced," but we think that's an understatement. It has a brushed aluminum feel, and combined with higher-quality plastics throughout, this represents a major upgrade from the Gen 2's build.

This improvement in feel and quality extends to the headset's earcups too. The new design features leatherette on the sides and "athletic fabric" on the parts that touch your head - a combination we really like. This writer usually avoids leatherette ear cushions due to sweatiness during long gaming sessions, but this setup solves that problem while still providing the sleek look and feel that leatherette is known for.


So, build quality has been greatly enhanced, but what else does the Gen 3 headset offer? Turtle Beach is also boasting about longer battery life with the updated model - they claim "up to 80 hours" for the Stealth 700. While we haven't timed it precisely, we've used this headset for weeks without needing to charge it beyond the initial out-of-the-box setup. It's safe to say you won't have to worry about battery life with this one - Turtle Beach has achieved some impressive numbers with its Gen 3 Stealth headsets.

The Gen 3 Stealth 700 introduces an impressive dual audio feature, enhancing its versatility. You can now connect to both your console and a Bluetooth device at the same time, allowing you to enjoy podcasts or music while gaming. Additionally, the headset comes with two USB adapters for seamless cross-platform chatting. Simply plug one adapter into your PC/PlayStation and another into your Xbox, then use the "crossplay switch" to toggle between chat systems. This eliminates the need to constantly move adapters, making the Stealth 700 Gen 3 ready for multi-platform use right out of the box.

As someone who typically favored Astro headsets, including after reviewing the Stealth 600 in 2022, I find myself seriously considering the Stealth 700 as a permanent choice. The improved build quality significantly enhances comfort, and with its impressive 80-hour wireless battery life, I haven't felt the need to switch back to Astro. The audio quality matches, if not surpasses, my existing Astro option, cementing the Stealth 700 Gen 3 as my current go-to Xbox headset.


It's worth noting, however, that the headset's overall weight is slightly higher due to its wireless functionality, robust battery, and quality materials. While Turtle Beach has done an excellent job mitigating this with super-comfortable ear cushions and an ergonomic design, those particularly sensitive to headset weight during gaming sessions might want to keep this in mind. For such users, lighter, wired headset options might be preferable.

In conclusion, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 stands out as an exceptional Xbox headset. While it's not the most budget-friendly option available, its feature set and significant build quality improvements in this third generation make it highly competitive in the market. For those considering a purchase, we can confidently recommend it, especially given its current status as our preferred choice. As with any tech product, long-term battery performance remains to be seen, but in its current state, this headset is a fantastic option for gamers - particularly those who frequently switch between Xbox and other gaming systems.

The Stealth 700 Gen 3's combination of comfort, sound quality, and multi-platform functionality makes it a strong contender in the gaming headset market. Its dual audio capabilities and easy cross-platform chat features cater to the needs of modern gamers who often juggle multiple devices. While the slight weight increase might be a consideration for some, the overall package - including the extended battery life and improved build quality - offers substantial value for its price point. As gaming setups become increasingly complex, versatile accessories like the Stealth 700 Gen 3 are becoming more crucial, and Turtle Beach has clearly aimed to meet these evolving needs with this latest offering.