Choosing between a wireless headset and a wired one is the classic crossroads in controllers gaming accessories. The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation and the Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset take opposite paths, and only about $7 separates their listed prices. One offers battery-powered wireless audio; the other stays simple with a 3.5mm jack. Here's how to decide which one fits the way you play.
Quick verdict
Pick the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 if you want wireless audio, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz switching, and a battery that can stretch through marathon sessions. Pick the Razer Kraken X if you want the lower price, a direct wired connection, and a headset with volume and mute controls built in-and you're comfortable with a used unit that doesn't include its original box.
At a glance
| Feature | Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless | Razer Kraken X Wired |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 24.99 | USD 18.00 |
| Connection | 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth | 3.5mm jack |
| Comfort | Floating headband with memory foam | Adjustable headband |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours | 3.5mm wired |
| Mic | Omni-directional flip-to-mute | Built-in mic with mute button |
| Extras | Swarm II app audio tuning, QuickSwitch | Volume control, extra bass |
| Condition | Open box | Used, no original box |
Where each product wins
- Turtle Beach Stealth 500 wins on wireless versatility, with a quick switch between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, plus the floating headband and memory foam padding for long gaming sessions.
- Razer Kraken X wins on price and simplicity. It's the more affordable option, uses a 3.5mm jack, and includes volume control, a microphone mute button, and extra bass.
Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation
The Stealth 500 is the headset to pick when you want to move around without being tethered. Its wireless design supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, and the QuickSwitch button lets you move between them in a single press. The listed battery life reaches up to 40 hours, so you won't be running to a charger mid-session. The floating headband and plush memory foam ear cushions make it a good companion for extended play, and the Swarm II app offers extra audio tuning to dial in your sound. The tradeoffs are the condition and what's included: it's listed as open box, and no charger comes with it, so plan on using your own charging cable.
Razer Kraken X Wired Over the Ear Gaming Headset
The Kraken X takes the opposite approach: wired, plug in, and play. It's listed as a used unit in great condition with little to no signs of wear, but it will not come in the original box. Audio is described as clear and the mic works, and you get a built-in microphone with a mute button plus volume control and extra bass. The adjustable headband and 1.3m cable give you a straightforward setup without needing to charge anything. At USD 18.00, it's the lower-priced way into a gaming headset, and because it uses a 3.5mm jack, it keeps things simple. The limitation is the condition and packaging: you should be comfortable buying used and receiving the headset without its original box.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 if you want wireless freedom, long battery life, and the option to switch between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth during a gaming session. Be ready for an open-box unit and no charger included.
- Choose the Razer Kraken X if you prefer a wired connection, want the lower price, and don't mind a used headset that arrives without its original packaging. It's the no-fuss pick for plug-and-play gaming audio.
