There are so many options out there when it comes to headsets, and Turtle Beach offers a reasonable amount of choice as it phases older hardware out and brings newer tech in. The Recon 500 is a modest price considering there are many headsets double the cost of this one, albeit usually in a Bluetooth wireless format. This here bit of kit, of which Cubed3 got hands-on with the sleek arctic camo edition (black is also available), is strictly wired, but helps to bring that price down a notch and make things a bit more affordable.
Being a multiplatform headset that will work on any game system (tested here on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC), potential buyers can rest easy knowing that the Recon 500 will function on their platform of choice. Function very well it does, too.
Featuring 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers, the sound quality and range is extremely impressive, belting out awesome bass and handling high pitch smoothly. There is no question that where it matters most, Turtle Beach has pushed out a fantastic product in the audio department. With how comfortable this headset is to wear, as well, long play sessions won't be a bother, and it can be highly recommended to use for prolonged music listening for the same reason, too.
The over-ear design features a memory foam cushion that works well for glasses wearers, whilst the adjustable headband is equally softly padded for extra comfort. The headset can be neatly stored away in a drawer due to the rotating earcups, and the microphone being detachable helps with that convenience factor, especially when the plan is to only listen and not chat.
When it comes to the mic, there is noise-cancelling tech in there, but as with many headsets, this is an area the Recon 500 slips up. The quality is good enough when it comes to the voice that gets sent out to your friends on the other end, but it unfortunately doesn't produce the sort of clearness that comes through on, for example, Tozo earphones. An expected shortcoming, however.