When it comes to co-op gaming, audio quality can make or break the experience. Communicating effectively with your team, being immersed in the game's world, and hearing every subtle cue can drastically improve gameplay. I've been using Turtle Beach's headsets now for the past few years, with both the iterations of the Stealth 700 Gen 2 tested on this site. But is the Gen 3 enough of a difference? Let's dive in.
Build Quality and Comfort
At first glance, the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 looks and feels premium. The sleek design is a clear upgrade over the Gen 2, boasting a more robust headband and a better overall build. I actually preferred the softer texture of the Gen 2's earpads to the more leather like feel of the 3, but overall they still are extremely comfortable.
The microphone design is also notable. It flips up to mute and integrates seamlessly into the headset when not in use, which is a nice touch for those who prefer a clean look when playing solo or in non-chat situations. The only downside here is that the boom mic, while clear, is not detachable, limiting some flexibility.
Connectivity and Features
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity alongside wireless options for consoles and PC, making it a versatile headset that can be used for gaming, listening to music, or even taking calls. The Turtle Beach Audio Hub app allows for fine-tuning of sound profiles, with customizable EQ settings. This versatility is especially handy for co-op gamers who might need to switch between game audio, Discord chat, or a podcast.
The defining feature is the headset’s ability to pair with two devices simultaneously. It does this by giving you two transmitters in the box, so you can have one plugged into your PC and one into your console (Xbox, PlayStation 5, or Nintendo Switch) and with a press of a button the headset it'll switch inputs for you.
Battery life is also impressive. With up to 80 hours of playtime on a full charge, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 offers plenty of juice for even the longest gaming marathons, reducing the need for frequent recharges. I honestly haven't drained the battery yet to see if the claim is true - combined with built in battery management functions (like auto off) I don't think battery life is going to be an issue.
Audio Performance in Co-Op Games
Where the Stealth 700 Gen 3 truly shines is in its audio quality. With powerful 60mm Eclipse dual drivers, the sound is crisp and dynamic. I tested this headset across several recent co-op games, and the results were consistently impressive. The PC adapter and headset take advantage of higher rez 24-bit/96kHz audio which definitely shines through.
In a more atmospheric setting like Diablo IV, the Stealth 700 Gen 3 provided a deep, rumbling bass that complemented the game’s eerie dungeons that complimented the crispness of ability sounds—like the clash of steel or the crackling of elemental spells.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is a big game with Hollywood style presentation -the headset’s ability to balance deep bass and sharp mid-tones was particularly evident during larger clashes, where the roar of bolter fire, the whirr of chainswords, and the bone-crunching impacts of melee combat all combine with the yelling of "FOR THE EMPEROR" was impressive.
Voice chat through Discord worked well and I had no problems with the new microphone and its AI driven noise reduction.
Wrap-Up
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 is an excellent headset option for co-op gamers. It offers high-quality, immersive audio with impressive spatial awareness that enhances gameplay in a wide variety of titles. While its microphone, though effective, lacks the versatility of a detachable model, the overall build quality, comfort, and features more than make up for it.
Whether you're coordinating in zombie survival, killing heretics for the emperor, or surviving against the enemies of hell; the Stealth 700 Gen 3 delivers the sound quality and clarity needed to keep you engaged. With its combination of excellent audio, versatile connectivity, and long-lasting comfort, this headset is a solid choice for any serious co-op gamer looking to elevate their gaming experience.
Bear in mind, these are a premium set of headphones that will run you $199.99. There's models for just about every system combo and you'll be sure to get some extra mileage out of that money thanks to the dual transmitters.