The gaming headset market is hot right now. Turtle Beach is one of the big players in this game. Their headsets are known for good sound and high prices. But are there cheaper options? In this comparison of the Turtle Beach Recon 200 and Recon 70 gaming headsets, let’s check out the key features.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 is a wired headset with cool features. It has a rechargeable battery and game effects for better audio. Plus, it boasts a whopping 30-hour battery life, so you won’t run out of juice. The design is big but not very breathable. It’s good at blocking background noise but may not be great for loud places.
Fit and positioning are decent, and it has a bass boost feature. Now, onto the Turtle Beach Recon 70. It has great audio and microphone quality with a balanced sound profile. Unfortunately, it’s not built as well and doesn’t have a customization app.
However, if you need a versatile wired gaming headset, this could be it. The design isn’t the best, and it’s not great for travel or workouts. Let’s dive into the review and see which one has more features and comes out on top.
Turtle Beach Recon 200 | Turtle Beach Recon 70 |
PROS | PROS |
The design of the unit is lightweight. It comes with a smooth fitting. The audio performance is outstanding. It is compatible with several consoles. It is priced under $50, making the product cheap. | The voice recording ability is top-notch. Its fitting is very comfortable. It comes with a robust sound profile. The microphone is superb. The unit is priced cheap at under $50. |
CONS | CONS |
We felt that the isolation performance was slightly worse. | There is no companion app for customization. |
CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Specifications | Recon 200 | Recon 70 |
---|---|---|
Product Name | Recon 200 Amplified Gaming Headset | Recon 70 Wired Stereo Gaming Headset |
Brand | Turtle Beach | Turtle Beach |
Sound Mode | Stereo | Stereo |
Connection Type | Wired | Wired |
Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
Adjustable Headband | No | |
Compatible Platforms | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, PS4, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | Android, Linux, Mac/Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS |
Warranty | 1 year | 1 Year |
DESIGN & COMFORT
Let’s start by talking about the design and comfort of the Turtle Beach Recon 200 and Recon 70 gaming headsets. Both are made of plastic and have a faux carbon fiber finish, giving them a flashy gaming look.
The Recon 200’s boom microphone isn’t detachable, but it’s not a big issue. It’s very comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions thanks to its lightweight design. The earcups are well-padded, but some users with large heads might find the plastic headband uncomfortable.
The controls, including the microphone and volume wheels, are easy to use. Muting the microphone is simple, and there’s even a preset audio slider, which is usually found on more expensive headsets. The headset is compatible with Xbox One and PS4 and offers good sound quality, but it doesn’t have great breathability, which can be a problem in hot climates.
The Recon 70 has a similar design to the Recon 200, with a large headband and adjustable yokes. It comes in different colors to match gaming consoles and works well with most consoles on the market. However, the leather coating and headband padding aren’t as comfortable as other Turtle Beach models. The weight distribution is good, though.
The volume wheel on the left side works fine, and the boom microphone is decent. Like the Recon 200, it’s not ideal for sports activities due to heat buildup. Overall, both headsets offer good comfort and design for gaming but might not be the best choice for prolonged use in hot environments.
BUILD QUALITY
Turtle Beach is known for its sturdy build quality, but do the Recon 200 and Recon 70 live up to this reputation? Let’s see.
The Recon 200 has a solid frame made of plastic, but it can feel a bit wobbly and might break if dropped from certain heights. The headband, reinforced with metal, adds some strength, but the non-detachable cable can be a weak point if not handled carefully.
The Recon 70 also has an average build quality with plastic and pleather construction. The padding on the headband is nice, and despite being thin, it’s flexible and stable on your head, even during movement. However, vigorous activities like running may cause them to slip off, and the non-detachable cable could snag on things if you’re not careful.
Overall, considering their price, the build quality is decent, though there’s room for improvement. But being part of the Turtle Beach Recon brand, they’re generally reliable. We’ll talk about pricing later on.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
The audio performance of both the Turtle Beach Recon 200 and the Recon 70 was surprisingly good. We were impressed by their sound quality, almost comparable to brands like Bose or Sennheiser.
The sound profile of the Recon 200 is excellent, with well-balanced bass and treble. The bass boost feature really enhances the experience, especially during action-packed games where you can feel the intensity. The mid-range is clear and detailed, allowing you to hear every sound accurately.
However, if you wear glasses, you might notice a slight difference in sound due to how the earcups fit. The low-mids and treble are also good, providing a satisfying overall experience.
Moving on to the Recon 70, it also delivers solid audio quality, though the low bass could be better for those who like a deeper rumble. Dialogue and in-game sounds are detailed, but there’s some inconsistency in frequency response, which was disappointing.
Wearers of glasses might notice a minor impact on sound, but it’s not a significant issue. The mid-range and high-range accuracy are impressive, with clear and crisp notes overall.
Both headsets offer a pleasant audio experience, though they may not provide the most immersive experience. Considering their price range, however, they deliver good value for money.
MICROPHONE PERFORMANCE
The microphone performance of the Recon 200 is impressive. The boom microphone records your voice loudly and clearly, although it can sound a bit thin, especially with sharp sounds like S and T. It handles noise decently, but in loud environments like cafes or offices, your speech might get muffled for the listener.
At home, though, it works really well, providing good bass and treble. However, it could do better with noise isolation outdoors. The mid-range noise quality is solid overall.
Similarly, the Turtle Beach Recon 70’s microphone is excellent, offering clear and crisp voice recording comparable to high-end models. It struggles a bit more in separating ambient noise in loud environments, but it’s still impressive.
For tasks like Zoom meetings or chatting, it’s one of the best gaming headsets out there. It also has minimal earcup leakage, allowing you to focus while speaking. Just be aware that others might hear what you’re listening to if you crank up the volume too high.
Compatibility
Compatibility is crucial when choosing a gaming headset, and Turtle Beach Recon doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. Both the Recon 200 and Recon 70 are compatible with a wide range of devices and gaming consoles available today.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 comes with a 1/8″ TRRS audio cable, allowing you to connect it to your laptop, PS4, and Xbox One. It offers full microphone and audio functionality. Additionally, you can charge it using the USB-A port, and it works seamlessly on your PC.
Similarly, the Turtle Beach Recon 70 also features a 1/8″ TRRS cable, providing compatibility with most gaming consoles on the market. Like its counterpart, it offers complete audio and microphone support, making it versatile for use with any device or console.
In terms of compatibility, both units excel, ensuring you can enjoy their top-notch performance across a variety of platforms.
Price
The price of the Turtle Beach Recon 200 versus the Recon 70 gaming headset is the final aspect we’ll compare. Can it make a difference? Let’s see. Turtle Beach is known for offering high-priced gaming gear.
It’s surprising that they’ve introduced two relatively cheaper versions of their products. Currently, both units are priced similarly, at under $50, making them affordable options.
Additionally, you might find them even cheaper during sales or discounts. Our testers found them to be worth the money considering the features they offer. Features like surround sound, typically found in headsets priced under $200, are included in these budget-friendly units.
Moreover, they’re versatile, suitable for various tasks like gaming, meetings, and entertainment. If you’re on a budget, both the Turtle Beach Recon 200 and Recon 70 gaming headsets are excellent choices.
Verdict
After careful consideration, we’ve reached a verdict in the comparison between the Turtle Beach Recon 200 and the Recon 70 gaming headsets.
The Recon 200 impressed us with its exceptional noise-canceling feature and sublime sound quality. However, its poor isolation and sound leakage might not make it suitable for travel or noisy environments. Despite this, it’s comfortable for long gaming sessions and boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life, all at a price point of under $50.
On the other hand, the Recon 70 delivers opulent audio quality with excellent noise cancellation. However, it falls short in terms of sound leakage, which could be problematic for outdoor activities. Like the Recon 200, it’s also priced under $50.
Considering all factors, we’ve decided that the Turtle Beach Recon 70 gaming headset emerges as the winner in this comparison. Its superior audio performance and noise cancellation make it the preferred choice. However, your preferences may differ, so choose the headset that best fits your needs.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.