Turtle Beach have recently released their latest range of PS4 headsets. The PS4 has really needed more headsets on the scene; so it’s time to throw out your mono headset and go wireless. The Ear Force Stealth 500p and Stealth 400p are available and both are seamlessly wireless headsets for the PlayStation 4. However, the 400p can only deliver in stereo and not surround. In this review I will be reviewing the 500p headset.
At first look, the headset doesn’t look too much different from previous headsets, except it’s a lot more comfortable to wear than my previous encounters. However, the leather ear cups did cause some discomfort due to sweat after longer gaming sessions, this probably will differentiate on the player. The headset is sturdy, not too heavy on the head and overall. The main feature is that it delivers perfect crisp DTS 7.1 surround sound. The headset is arguably the best headset on the market today in comparison to the official PlayStation headsets without a doubt, avoid the official, and go for the Beach. If you are after a headset that has long battery life, look no further as the 500p can last as long as 15+ hours
You’ll notice from the get go, no matter what game you boot up, you will hear sounds that were never possible through your TV. I noticed a lot of different sounds funnily enough whilst playing FIFA 15. You can hear chants that you can’t hear through normal speakers. There is a fair few things that stand out, not only the sound of the ball passing around the pitch, but when you score a goal and the net roars. It’s a fantastic experience. The headset has also been tested and worked well with DriveClub, Disney Infinity 2.0, Diablo 3: The Reaper of Souls and Middle-Earth Shadow of Mordor. Obviously, the headset was going to work with all games, but I wanted to give you an understanding of the different types of games that I played to get a variation in the different types of sounds I would hear. I wasn’t disappointed, and I highly recommend the headset because of this.
Out of the box, the headset is one of the easiest wireless headsets to set up. Just shove the USB Receiver in the front of the PS4 and connect the optical cable which is supplied into the back of the PS4. Boot up, switch the headset on and you’re ready to go. This will also work on the PS3 in the same fashion.
As I mentioned before the Ear Force Stealth 500P, features 7.1 DTS, with 50mm drivers that helps the sound be so amazing. The sound is the clearest, crisp, headset I’ve encountered. Whilst not forgetting the bass that complements the package and passed a number of sound standard tests we put it through. You will experience all of the highs and lows of the sounds that deliver a new experience and possibly the best way to play games. Hearing all those unheard sounds that you may of not have heard through your TV is an experience itself.
The last thing I wanted to mention about the Turtle Beach 500p Headset is it’s on board features. On the side of the ear cups there are controls that let you differentiate between Game sound and Chat. You can choose to have the game volume real low if you are in a party chat and prefer to listen to your friends than the game. It’s easy, quick and all done by a little dial. There is also a quick easy access button so you can mute your microphone if needed. Lastly, there is also EQ pre-sets that let you adjust the way you wish to experience the audio, bass or not, it’s all made so you can have the audio how you wish, delivering a perfect experience.
For those that wish to use the headset for an iPhone or another mobile device, the headset comes packed in with a 3.5mm headphone jack. This does mean you can listen to your music on your phone and answer calls if you wish, if you have the microphone plugged in, however this isn’t what the headset is obviously designed to do, but it’s a nice bonus. The headset is retailing at £99 in the UK and I believe this is arguably the best headset that you can purchase currently on the market for the PlayStation 4.
The only one minor thing I have to say, is that I didn’t like the flashing blue light on the side of the headset when in use. If it catches the corner of your eye, or your sitting in a dark room, it can be distracting, for me at least anyway. Overall – Without a doubt, this is arguably the best headset money can buy for £99. I have no faults at all with the headset other than some very minor personal experiences which honestly were not that traumatising to affect this review. This is a must buy for all PS4 and PS3 owners.