Turtle Beach launches its next-gen addition to the Recon line of their gaming headsets. Traditionally know to be more affordably priced but still maintain some of the technology their high-end models have which we will talk about later in this review. As a wired gaming headset you get the luxury of knowing that this product will work on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mobile Phones. The Recon 500 wired gaming headset features patent technology like the 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers, AccuTune composite-injection earcups, a TruSpeak noise-canceling microphone, and ProSpecs glasses-friendly memory foam ear cushions priced at $79.95.
You will notice many significant design upgrades when comparing them to the previous versions. But most noticeably a lighter-weight redesigned headband with an exposed wire featuring the same high-quality memory foam as the Stealth 700. I really like the ease and range of motion when you turn your head with one earphone off. I do however think someone forgot to pack an extension cord in the box? My PC is under my desk and 4 feet of cord is not going to cut it! Luckily, I had the cord from the ROCCAT Elo series gaming headset we previously reviewed (Owned by Turtle Beach mind you). That being said, what Turtle Beach has done with the mic booms on their next-gen models is such a breath of fresh air. While the Recon 500 does not have a fancy, retractable mic boom it does completely come off with ease whenever you want it out of your way. Why is this so important? I have a USB-C adapter for my cellphone, and I want to rock my Arctic Camo drip while I am grabbing the mail.
I think what makes this headphone so extremely comfortable is how light and non-bulky it feels on your head. I am not a huge fan of the Athletic Weave surface on the ear cushions. I think a smooth surface will sustain comfort for longer hours and stays cooler. I do understand when it comes to sweating, they are superior, but we always have the Air Conditioning on here in Las Vegas. No sweaty gamers here! However, the memory foam inside the ear cushion featuring the ProSpecs glasses-friendly technology is ultra-soft on your ears. I wore them all day with no issues. Max comfort for your buck!
You will have to make some sacrifices at this lower price point of course. If you are familiar with the Turtle Beach brand, then you most likely know what the Superhuman Hearing technology is all about. If not just imagine maximum immersion being able to pick up on subtle game-changing sounds like footstep and reloads with ease. While the Recon 500 does not feature this technology, it still delivers fantastic sound quality. Its 60mm Eclipse dual drivers feature dedicated woofers and tweeters all engineered by the AccuTune composite-injection technology delivering an amazing acoustic experience. The onboard Mic sounds great, it is definitely live stream quality, powered by the TruSpeak noise-canceling feature I believe separates it from most at any price range. Turtle Beach did an amazing job delivering maximum sound experience at such a great value. Whoever did the “give a little take a little” spreadsheet in the engineering department deserves a pat on the back.
If you deep dive into the market at the $80 price point, I think you will find the Recon 500 delivers incredible value. Cheers to Turtle Beach for doing an excellent job in balancing quality, performance, design, and price on this model. If you are not ready to pull the trigger on a $150 gaming headset just yet, this is the perfect product for you.
