Japanese audio brand Final has introduced Porta, a pair of wireless on-ear headphones that rethink one of the most familiar elements of headphone design – the headband. Unlike most headphones with a conventional padded arch, the Porta uses a minimal, single-wire structure called AirWire, reducing the headphones’ weight to approximately 40 grams while aiming to make extended listening more comfortable.
The AirWire design minimises the area of contact between the headphones and the wearer’s head. According to Final, this approach reduces pressure on the top of the head, a common source of discomfort with traditional headphones. The lightweight construction also gives the Porta an unusually stripped-back appearance, with a thin metal-like frame connecting two compact earcups. The pair of cans is a minimalist accessory that goes well with your other no-nonsense gadgets.
Porta’s aesthetic draws on the visual language of older portable audio equipment. Its orange ear pads recall the bright accents associated with classic Sony Walkman headphones, while a black version offers a more understated alternative. Both variants share the same main body, with the ear-pad colour providing the visual distinction. Final also plans to sell replacement ear pads separately in 2027, giving owners the option to refresh the look without replacing the entire product.
Despite its lightweight construction and retro appearance, the pair of cans incorporates modern wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.4 enables connection to compatible devices, while support for the SBC and AAC audio codecs provides compatibility with a broad range of smartphones and other Bluetooth audio sources. The headphones have a stated frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
Final says the Porta has been tuned to deliver a lively presentation, with a sense of depth and substance in the midrange and lower frequencies. The company highlights vocal weight as a particular consideration in its sound design, addressing the challenge of maintaining a full listening experience in a lightweight headphone enclosure. These are manufacturer claims rather than independently verified performance results.
A 57mAh lithium-ion battery provides up to eight hours of music playback on a charge. Recharging takes approximately 90 minutes through USB-C, keeping the charging process straightforward. The headphones also carry an IPX4 rating, indicating resistance to water splashes, which offers some protection during everyday use and light exercise.
The design does involve trade-offs. The Porta does not offer active noise cancellation, a feature found in many contemporary wireless headphones. Its modest battery capacity and eight-hour rated playback time also place the emphasis on everyday convenience and low weight rather than extended listening between charges.
Final has priced the Porta at ¥12,800 (approximately $80), with availability in Japan scheduled for October 23, 2026. International availability has not been confirmed, although the brand sells products through its Amazon storefront.
Adjusting your headphones shouldn’t mean searching for a tiny button or guessing where to tap a touch-sensitive surface. TUNE X3 explores a more hands-on approach, using knurled dials and physical switches that let users feel their way through everyday audio adjustments. Designed by Pressec Design as part of a fictional product family, these concept headphones make tactile interaction a defining feature of their industrial design.
The headphones pair a brushed aluminium chassis with high-contrast orange textile padding across the ear cushions and headband. The raw metallic finish recalls mid-century studio equipment, while the saturated fabric creates a bold visual contrast. Exposed fasteners and a wide-profile headband reinforce the utilitarian character, giving TUNE X3 the appearance of precision equipment. This is a detour from the currently trending minimalist consumer gadgets. It’s like bringing in a muscle car in the era of Tesla EVs.
The physical controls are the core of the niche concept. Dedicated dials and tactile switches handle volume, treble, and active noise cancellation (ANC), giving users distinct controls for common listening toggles. Their knurled surfaces provide texture under the fingers, making the interface feel more deliberate than a smooth touch panel. The design suggests a listening experience in which users can reach for a control, recognize it by touch, and make adjustments without navigating an onscreen menu. While the concept does not establish how the controls perform in practice, it places physical interaction at the heart of the headphone experience.
TUNE X3 is part of the same fictional product family as the CINE X3. The designer developed both concepts around a consistent visual language, carrying shared characteristics across the collection without simply repeating the same shapes. Materials, proportions, finishes, and hardware details establish continuity while allowing each product to retain its own identity.
The project also explores how Vizcom can support product-family development by using previous designs as references. This approach helps designers preserve a recognizable character across multiple concepts while continuing to explore distinct forms and functions.
TUNE X3 remains a conceptual design, with no confirmed release date, price, or technical specifications. Its core idea is straightforward – physical controls can make headphone interaction feel more immediate and intentional, while giving the product a distinctive identity shaped by the way users handle it.
Pokémon turns 30 this year, which means those of you who remember playing Pokémon Red and Blue on a Game Boy are now old enough to have disposable income. Razer apparently understands the assignment.
Razer has announced three new Pokémon-themed gaming headsets featuring Charizard, Lucario, and Sylveon, expanding a collection that already proves Pokémon merchandise does not have to be confined to plushies, trading cards, and whatever extraordinarily expensive piece of cardboard you just lost an eBay auction for.
Technically, none of these headsets is new. Razer is giving existing models Pokémon makeovers rather than launching new hardware. Charizard and Lucario get versions of the Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, while Sylveon adorns the wired Razer Kraken V4 X. They're being released as part of Pokémon's ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations.
That's fine by me. Sometimes I don't need a revolutionary new driver architecture. Sometimes I just want Charizard on my head.
Charizard wins the headset battle, obviously
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition headset in black and orange, featuring flame graphics. (Image credit: Razer)
I've got the BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition here for photography, and Razer wisely resisted the temptation to simply make the entire thing bright orange.
Instead, there's a black exterior with fiery red Charizard artwork across the earcups and headband, contrasting against orange ear cushions and headband padding. The result looks unmistakably Pokémon without resembling something stolen from a ten-year-old's bedroom.
It also helps that Charizard remains one of the most immediately recognizable Pokémon ever created. The original Generation I Pokémon is officially Fire/Flying type, despite decades of childhood logic insisting that the giant fire-breathing dragon surely had to be Dragon type.
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Charizard Edition retail box. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Underneath that paint job is the regular Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed, which starts at $99.99 without the Pokémon treatment. It uses Razer's second-generation TriForce 50mm drivers and 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity also available. Razer lists the standard model at just 270g.
The Charizard tax, therefore, works out to $20, with this edition carrying a $119.99 MSRP in the United States. (And for some reason, it's at Target for $139.99, but you can pick it up today, at least!)
If you're still reading this, I'm sure you've paid more for considerably less sensible Pokémon-related things.
Daniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel RubinoDaniel Rubino
It's worth emphasizing that the V3 X isn't the flagship BlackShark. That distinction belongs to the BlackShark V3 Pro, which Windows Central's Zachary Boddy reviewed last year. He called the V3 Pro "the closest to perfection I've ever seen a gaming headset reach," praising Razer for addressing seemingly every complaint about the previous generation.
Basically, the "X" versions of Razer products are more budget-friendly, as the V3 Pro is $249.99.
If Pokémon isn't enough to dictate your purchasing decision, we've also extensively tested the competition in our best Xbox headsets guide.
Pokémon
Razer
BlackShark V3 X Hyper Speed (Charizard edition)
The Razer BlackShark V3 X Hyper Speed – Charizard Edition unleashes Charizard’s fiery determination into an officially licensed Pokémon wireless gaming headset, perfect for staying locked in and ready to roast the competition on PC, console, and mobile.
Team Lucario has entered the chat
Razer BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed Lucario Edition headset in blue and black, featuring aura designs on cyan earcups. (Image credit: Razer)
If Charizard is a little too "look at me, I'm on fire" for your tastes, Lucario gets exactly the same BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed treatment for $119.99.
Razer describes the design as inspired by Lucario's "calm intensity," and the blue finish certainly makes it the more restrained of the pair. The actual Pokémon is Fighting/Steel type, which makes attaching it to a competitive gaming headset feel appropriately on-brand.
Same headset, same 50mm Gen-2 drivers, same HyperSpeed wireless. Your decision essentially comes down to which monster you'd rather have watching over your K/D ratio.
Lucario gets a slight head start in the US, too. It's available exclusively from Target from October 7, while Charizard launches October 13 through Razer.com and Target. Both are also headed to broader retail in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
And then there's Sylveon
The new Pastel pink Razer Kraken V4 X Sylveon Edition wired headset. (Image credit: Razer)
Sylveon goes in an entirely different direction, and not just aesthetically.
The Razer Kraken V4 X Sylveon Edition is a wired headset with 40mm TriForce drivers, a retractable HyperClear cardioid microphone, and Chroma RGB lighting (sweet). It comes decked out in Sylveon's characteristic pink-and-blue color scheme.
It's wonderfully unapologetic.
Sylveon is a Fairy-type Pokémon and one of Eevee's evolutions, officially categorized as the "Intertwining Pokémon." Its ribbon-like feelers can apparently send out a soothing aura that erases hostility, which frankly sounds like technology every Call of Duty voice-chat lobby desperately needs.
The Sylveon Kraken V4 X costs $109.99 and launches October 13 exclusively through Target in the United States, with wider retail availability across Latin America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
I choose you, Charizard
There's obviously no technical reason to replace a perfectly good headset purely because Razer printed a Pokémon on it. This is merchandising. Razer knows it, Pokémon knows it, I know it, and your wallet is about to find out.
But that's also rather missing the point.
The BlackShark V3 X HyperSpeed is already a lightweight wireless headset offering 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. For an extra $20, Pokémon fans can get essentially the same hardware dressed as Charizard or Lucario. Sylveon fans have a slightly cheaper, wired alternative with RGB.
And having actually seen the Charizard edition outside Razer's immaculate press renders, I'll say this: it's pretty damn cool.
"Babe?... Babe!? Is everything alright?" If you're in my house on a relaxing weekend afternoon, you'll often hear me trying to get a hold of my wife. I have to ask a few times, not because she's ignoring me, but because she has a pair of noise cancelling headphones on.
For the last couple of years, my wife has donned a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. They're sleek, comfortable, and do a great job blocking out noise. And right now, they're on sale for $190 off.
These noise cancelling headphones are comfortable, sound great, and last all day. They charge through USB-C, so even if they do run out of battery they're easy to top up.View Deal
You may be surprised to hear that I rarely spend a lot of money on gadgets. I love covering tech, but I try to keep my spending down when it comes to laptops, phones, and accessories. That's why it was a major shift when I bought my wife a pair of Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. Back then, the headphones were newer and closer to full price.
But I wanted to splurge on a gift for my wife. She loves music, audiobooks, and podcasts, so I knew she needed a pair of headphones that she could wear all day. The headset from Bose delivered. They're comfortable, block out noise with active and passive noise cancellation, and last a long time.
They're mostly my wife's headphones, but I use them at least once a month and am frequently reminded of how much I like them. After years of heavy use they show some wear and tear (I just ordered new ear pads), but they still sound great.
The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are now a bit older, but they still deliver high-quality audio and are comfortable. They lack some of the bells and whistles you'll see in newer headsets, but they've aged well.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
How long does Amazon Prime Big Deal Days last?
Amazon has launched this year's Prime Big Deal Days event with 48 hours of more exclusive deals, which started on Tuesday, October 6, and runs until Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
A lot of people spend the entire eight hours of a working day just sitting in front of their screens. You probably have your speakers on or put on your headphones to listen to some background music or for online meetings. But for those of us who don’t want to spend one-third of the day like this, we go through different “phases,” which means that the audio that accompanies us throughout the day also changes. From commuting to work to sitting down at your workstation to going on a dinner date and finally relaxing at home, you don’t want the same setting all day.
That’s the more interesting way to look at the StillFrame Headphones. Rather than asking them to create one uninterrupted listening session, imagine taking them through a day full of stops and starts. They offer Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, a USB-C wired option, and dual microphones with noise control. Each feature has a place in that routine, even if no two days follow quite the same route.
The first part of the day for most of those who go to a regular office is the morning commute. You might be on a noisy train with a lot of people talking or walking along a busy street with a lot of city noise. StillFrame’s Noise Cancelling mode will help you focus on what you’re listening to and drown out some of the chaotic noise around you. It is always there as an option for times when you want to immerse yourself in your playlist or the next chapter of the book you’re listening to.
When you do need to let the world back in, you don’t have to turn off your podcast episode at a crucial moment. The headphones have a Transparency Mode option that’s there with a tap for moments when you need to order a coffee or you’re walking somewhere that requires your full attention. Just tap between the two modes for what you need at the moment without having to pause or stop what you’re listening to. It’s also a good reminder that the world isn’t always a distraction.
When you finally reach your office, you might have a scheduled meeting sometime during the day. StillFrame is useful even for work things, as it has dual microphones with noise control so you can shift from consuming audio to communicating with others using the headphones. That doesn’t mean every conversation will sound perfect in every environment. It does mean you can move from a podcast or playlist to a meeting without reaching for a separate pair of headphones just because your role in the audio has changed.
When you finally get home to your cozy bed, you sometimes still want to continue listening to that audiobook, start a new podcast episode, or let some soothing music lull you to sleep. You can choose to continue using your StillFrame headphones over Bluetooth 5.4 or use the USB-C wired option if you’d rather plug in. Either way, the wired option is an alternative to wireless listening and not a reason to assume the headphones will work after their battery runs out.
A few other details help round out the picture. StillFrame weighs 103 grams and has a stainless-steel headband, a minimalist frame, and 40mm drivers. Its ear cushions attach magnetically, making them easy to swap; the white model comes with extra pairs in light gray and turquoise. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours per charge, though actual use may vary. Those details aren’t the main story here, but they help explain what you’re carrying from one part of the day to the next.
No pair of headphones can make a commute quiet, a meeting short, or a busy day slow down. What StillFrame Headphones offer is a set of ways to respond as those moments change. You can focus, let the world in, take a call, or settle into an evening listen. The best setting isn’t one you choose in the morning and keep all day. It’s the one that fits where you are now.
Logitech just announced a pair of headphones that I'm sure will make my wife jealous. The new Zone Vibe Pro headphones promise all-day battery life, clear audio powered by AI voice isolation, and Adaptive Noise Cancellation. But what makes me wish I had a pair is the repairable nature of the headphones.
The Zone Vibe Pro headphones are far from the first headphones to have replaceable parts. But they caught my eye because the earpads of my wife's primary headphones just fell off the other day, and battery life is not what it used to be. Official earpads are available, but those are the only parts that can be replaced.
In contrast, Logitech will sell replacement earpads, head straps, and batteries for the Zone Vibe Pro through its Spare Parts Store.
While writing this article, I briefly mentioned to my wife how Logitech sells spare parts and she emphatically asked why we couldn't get parts the same way for our other accessories.
These headphones feature AI-powered voice isolation, adaptive noise canceling, and built-in microphones that don't require a drop-down boom. You'll be able to purchase replacement earpads, head straps, and batteries through Logitech's store.View Deal
The most expensive parts of electronic devices are rarely the first parts to wear out. Wires, woofers, and most of the vital components are encased in plastic, metal, or some fancy material depending on what gadget you're dealing with. Considering the current economy and the way prices are trending, I'd rather spend a few dollars on replacement parts than buy a new device altogether.
The Zone Vibe Pro costs $259.99. That price is in line with similar headphones, but it's still quite a bit of money to invest. Being able to replace a worn-out part for a fraction of the total price of the headphones will help future-proof them.
The Zone Vibe Pro headphones have a boomless design that differentiates them from the less premium Zone Vibe (non-pro). Logitech says the headphones get up to 30 hours of listening or 18 hours of call time when ANC is enabled.
When the battery does run out, you can charge the headphones for five minutes to get an additional hour of call time.
If you are a business user, you can get the Zone Vibe Pro for Business which are certified for meeting apps like Microsoft Teams and support IT fleet management through Logitech Sync.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Anyone who has priced out a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones this year has felt the sticker shock. Sony’s own flagship, the WH-1000XM6, launches at $449.99, and its wilder sibling, the 1000X The ColleXion, sits even higher. Bose isn’t cheaper. Sennheiser isn’t cheaper. The whole category has quietly drifted toward the idea that “premium” now means “$400 and up,” and a lot of people who just want good ANC for their commute or their next flight have been priced out of the conversation entirely.
That gap is exactly what the Sony WH-1000XM4C is built to fill. Rather than chase another spec bump nobody asked for, Sony reached backward and pulled the WH-1000XM4, arguably the most decorated headphones the company has ever made, back onto shelves. It’s a strange move on paper. It’s a smart one in practice.
The original XM4 launched in 2020 at $349.99 and spent the next few years collecting best-of lists like trophies. Then Sony did what companies do: it moved on. The XM5 arrived in 2022 with a slicker profile and a bigger price tag, and the XM4 quietly slid off the roster, even as secondhand units kept trading hands and forum threads kept insisting it was still the smarter buy. That’s a telling signal. Products don’t usually get nostalgic followings this fast unless they actually solved a problem well the first time.
So here comes the WH-1000XM4C, essentially that same beloved design, tuned up and priced down to $299.99, a full fifty dollars less than what the XM4 cost at launch six years ago. Sony isn’t calling it a sequel or a flagship. It’s calling it what it is: the old favorite, finally made available again, minus the frustration of paying more for less.
The changes are modest, and that’s sort of the point. The equalizer jumps from five bands to ten, plus a new gaming EQ, so listeners actually get more control over their sound instead of trusting Sony’s factory tuning blindly. There’s a new Lavender colorway alongside the familiar Black and Platinum Silver, a small but welcome nod to people who don’t want their headphones to look like they were designed for a boardroom. The foldable hinge and rotating ear cups are back too, which matters more than it sounds. The XM5 abandoned that folding design entirely, and the XM6 only brought it back last year. The XM4C proves that some engineering decisions age just fine.
There is one real trade-off. To meet updated battery regulations, the XM4C uses a different cell, and that shaves ANC battery life from 30 hours down to 27. Sony compensates with faster charging, three minutes on the cord for a full hour of playback, which is a fair swap for most people who top up during a commute anyway.
What I appreciate here isn’t the spec sheet. It’s the confidence behind the decision. Bringing back a six-year-old product without dressing it up as something revolutionary takes a certain honesty that most tech companies avoid. Sony isn’t pretending this is groundbreaking. It’s admitting that the formula already worked, and that not every product needs constant reinvention to stay relevant.
There’s a mild irony worth naming. Sony still sells discounted stock of the original XM4 at the same $300 price point, and by most accounts, that older pair edges out the XM4C slightly on raw sound and noise cancellation. So the company is technically competing with itself. But for shoppers, that’s not really a problem. It just means there are now two well-regarded paths into the same trusted design, instead of one shrinking window before flagship prices take over completely.
Headphones don’t usually get second chances like this. Most get replaced, discounted into clearance, and forgotten. The XM4C suggests a different approach is possible, one where a genuinely good product doesn’t have to disappear just because something newer showed up. That’s a quieter kind of innovation, but it might be the one more of the industry could stand to learn from.
Samsung may be preparing a return to full-size wireless headphones with a device reportedly known as Galaxy H1. App code offers the first clues, but key details remain unconfirmed.
I've been reviewing Turtle Beach headsets for a long time. The firm has a huge array of products for Xbox and PC gamers, hitting every price point and use case. Many of Turtle Beach's products have easily landed on our best Xbox and PC gaming headsets lists. Where I've personally found Turtle Beach to be most exciting is on the higher-end, where the firm has a tendency to really push the envelope with regards to functionality and value.
The Stealth Pro II absolutely encompasses that. Yes, it isn't cheap, but it comes in at a comparable price to lifestyle Bluetooth headsets that offer far less functionality and features, often with subpar durability and audio.
With the Stealth Pro II, I'm sitting here well and truly asking myself if this headset isn't just a competitor in the gaming space, but also the general everyday lifestyle space. With a subtle and stylish design, obscene amounts of functionality, and absolutely crystalline audio — the Stealth Pro II could be (should be) your next Xbox / PC gaming headset pick.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II — Specs and Price
Even the packaging is slick. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II headset is a monster on paper, boasting an impressive array of features, functions, and premium-end specs.
Here's an overview of what you can expect to get out of the box.
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Bluetooth mobile devices. Additional USB transmitters for PlayStation / Nintendo sold separately.
Included Accessories
Hard‑shell case, transmitter dock, USB wireless transmitter, USB‑C cable, two batteries
Price
£299.99 / $349.99 / €349.99
At $349.99, it's not exactly what I'd call cheap, but that seems to have become the standard for headsets that are really pushing the bar when it comes to premium audio and "do everything" specs.
You can swap between two 40-hour batteries, with one permanently charged and ready to go in the transmitter dock. It comes with an additional USB transmitter for PC, with the main charge dock functioning as the radio for Xbox. It also sports Bluetooth 5.3 audio with LDAC, with simultaneous mixing with a USB sound source. It grabs the Hi-Res certification that has become all the rage lately, and boasts a massive speaker upgrade over the previous gen, with dual 60mm drivers and a huge frequency spectrum from 10Hz to 40kHz.
What's it like to actually use, though?
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II — Design and Comfort
An absolute stunner, showing real restraint for a company previously known for neon green plastic and toy-like designs. This could be your every day headset. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
I think this is quite easily Turtle Beach's most attractive headset design. The Stealth Pro of yesteryear was fantastic, but it was still quite bulky in that typical "gamer" way, designed for isolation rather than fashion. Somehow, the 'Beach has managed to thread both needles with a single line here. Absolutely stunning engineering and design here.
The brushed metal speaker plates look great on the outside, and there remains a very subtle Turtle Beach imprint that stays out of the way and won't cramp anyone's style. The speakers are accented with the same metallic trims, and the headband connects with these bending connectors that look very futuristic.
The microphone is simultaneously flip-to-mute and detachable, allowing you to go fully wireless. It has internal microphones as well for taking calls on the go without using the full mic boom.
The attention to detail extends to the controls. Each sports a different "feel" on the fingers to help you differentiate between the controls. It's smart, ergonomic design. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
The tapered cans reduce the visible footprint of the headset, which I feel reduces its visible "bulk" over some of Turtle Beach's previous attempts at a headset like this. And this is without compromising on speaker size or features. The 60mm drivers are a noticeable upgrade over the previous model, with separated tweeters and woofers.
On comfort, this is the only part where I think more attention could've been paid. The headband is made of this odd nylon mesh which, while looking pretty, is actually quite tight and uncomfortable over longer sessions. I imagine it's something one could get used to, but it seems like an odd oversight given how painstaking the rest of the design work is. The mesh is also great at trapping dust and is a bit difficult to clean effectively. Additionally, it doesn't seem to be replaceable ... so if you rip it somehow, you're kind of screwed.
I'm also not a huge fan of the fabric material used on the cushions. While it is comfortable, Turtle Beach's previous materials felt a little smoother on the skin. I am someone who vastly prefers leatherette over fabric, though, so take that as you will.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II — Features and Audio
It's far better looking than me. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
Where this headset absolutely dominates is audio. This is by a country mile the best-sounding headset Turtle Beach has ever produced. As I write this, I'm listening to Tool at maximum volume and enjoying my very own personal concert in an absolutely vast virtual soundscape with impressive separation, thundering, warm bass, and enjoying distortion-free treble, mids, and highs.
The intros on songs I've been intimately acquainted with for decades come through with details I've not experienced prior. Regardless of what I threw at it, from thundering double bass-peddle metal tracks to haunting electronica, it has been a really really fun time testing this headset out. For music and cinematic delivery, this headset is goosebumps-inducingly good, truly ethereal, regardless of genre. For lifestyle and daily mobile use, it also rocks up with active noise canceling, which is very good too. I put it through its paces with noisy fans and my air filter on maximum settings, and felt myself fully isolated with my Spotify playlist.
But what about gaming?
The nifty transmitter dock ensures you always have a 40-hour battery fully charged and ready to go. It also future-proofs you against flats. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
You can indeed expect a similarly amazing experience in games, too. Rocking up with Overwatch and the review build of Halo Campaign Evolved was as immersive as you might expect. Halo's intro music somehow never fails to enchant, and it's only elevated with a good sound system like these.
Where things get even more impressive, particularly in competitive play, is with Turtle Beach's famed SuperHuman Hearing.
Using the bundled Swarm II app, you can set it to focus either on footsteps or gunshots; there's also a legacy setting for those who prefer the old-school profile. SuperHuman Hearing does negatively impact the "cinematic" feel of games, creating an unnatural soundscape — but that's entirely the point. It's supposed to look for and emphasize sound cues that will give you a tactical advantage. And it does work. Games that are already designed with tactical sound design have always worked well with Turtle Beach's SuperHuman Hearing system, but with this headset it hits another level. If Battlefield 6 or Overwatch were Olympic sports, this headset would probably get you banned for cheating.
Another part of this headset that's utterly impressive is the microphone. It's detachable and sports flip-to-mute capabilities as mentioned, but it also has a miniature shock protector, which I've simply never seen before in a gaming headset.
Above is an audio sample with the headset's AI-powered noise cancellation feature turned on. In the first half, you can hear my voice come through clearly despite having a fan blowing directly on the mic, which is impressive. It sounds a lot better without the fan on, of course, but the clarity is rock solid for gaming comms.
I think I'd even be comfortable dropping my XLR mic and using this headset for actual game streaming, which is not something I find myself saying often these days. Turtle Beach really nailed it across the board when it comes to audio here.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II — Should you buy it?
A pricy headset that absolutely will not disappoint you. (Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
I absolutely adore this headset. The sound is a true pleasure, and it's always a joy when a headset like this delivers so much. It makes the review process fun, as I have an excuse to listen to several albums and play several games as part of my "extensive" testing process ...
I was a bit disappointed with the headband and materials on the earcups. I'm also a bit disappointed that Turtle Beach still can't seem to nail dual-USB sound source mixing, although I admit the requirement for that is pretty niche, and not something 99% of people will actually use. Being able to mix Bluetooth in simultaneously with your Xbox or PC is a nice consolation, though.
✅ You should buy this if:
You want best-in-class audio on a multi-platform gaming headset.
You're willing to pay a premium for things like ANC and high-end specs.
You're a fan of Turtle Beach's SuperHuman Hearing feature.
Where this headset just shines above all is the sound delivery. The soundscape is incredibly immersive for its category, and the microphone is also a cut above what I'd typically expect from a gaming headset.
At this price point, there aren't really a ton of competitors out there worth considering in this range. I absolutely don't think you'll be disappointed with this if you're a dedicated Xbox and PC gamer who wants a bit of Bluetooth and music capabilities on the side. This is an immaculate "do everything" headset that definitely feels worth the price of admission for me.
Amazing
Turtle Beach
Stealth Pro II
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is an absolutely stunning headset that sports arguably some of the best audio reproduction I've experienced in such a fully-featured gaming headset.
Finally, after almost a decade, I've replaced my battered Astro A50 headset. The Arctis Nova Pro Omni ticks every single box for multiplatform gamers, in an option far more affordable than its Elite cousin.
The Razer Barracuda Pro is a special premium headset that elevates the sound of music and video games with great sound and the ability to connect to devices simultaneously, and it's now on offer for a 44% discount.
Sleek gaming headphones in green and purple hues sit on a dark desk, surrounded by a glowing RGB keyboard and a smartphone, creating a vibrant tech ambiance.
Stylish and functional headset for gaming and music
Turtle Beach has unveiled the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset along with details on its auditory capabilities, release date, and pre-order availability.
Promotional image for the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II wireless gaming headset
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II is ready to succeed one of the most popular Xbox gaming headsets.
Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 (Gen 3) gaming headset is back on sale for a 33% discount, so players can enjoy its immaculate soundscapes and comfortable ergonomics at a lower price.
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is an outstanding gaming headset for PC we'd recommend any time it's on sale, and that time is now, as it's currently 36% off for a limited time.
Image of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023).
<p>The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) in front of its retail box, along with the detachable mic and two included, braided cables.</p>
The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is an incredible gaming headset that took all criticisms of the BlackShark V2 Pro and ironed out all of them with richer sound and new useful features, and it's now on sale at Amazon.
Image of the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro wireless gaming headset.
All the content you'll get with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro wireless headset for Xbox and PC has received one of the biggest discounts it's had in months, courtesy of Best Buy's Tech Fest event.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro wireless headset for Xbox and PC has received one of the biggest discounts it's had in months.
The LucidSound LS15X is a great wireless gaming headset for Xbox and PC that offers crisp sound, an attractive design, and long battery life for a budget-friendly price, now even cheaper at Amazon.
Photograph of the LucidSound LS15X Wireless Gaming Headset
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