By Taylor Bennett 
Turtle Beach Recon 50 Xbox Gaming Headset Review: Budget-Friendly Gaming Audio
In the world of gaming headsets, finding a balance between affordability and performance is key. Today, we’re diving deep into the Turtle Beach Recon 50 Xbox Gaming Headset, an officially licensed option designed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, while also offering compatibility with other platforms. Is this budget-friendly headset a worthy addition to your gaming setup? Let’s find out.
Detailed Review
The Turtle Beach Recon 50 Xbox Gaming Headset aims to provide a solid gaming audio experience without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design is immediately noticeable, offering a comfortable fit even during extended gaming sessions. While the construction primarily uses plastic, it doesn’t feel overly cheap and manages to stay comfortable due to the low weight.
The 40mm over-ear speakers deliver decent sound quality for the price. You’ll hear the important in-game sounds, from footsteps to explosions, although audiophiles might find the soundstage a bit lacking in depth and richness. The headset supports spatial sound technologies like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X, which enhance the immersion, especially on Xbox and PC platforms. Activating these features genuinely improves the sense of directionality and sound placement within the game.
The microphone is a standout feature for a headset in this price range. It’s a high-sensitivity mic that provides clear voice communication, ensuring your teammates can hear you without issue. What’s more, the microphone is removable, a welcome addition for those times when you’re not gaming and just want to listen to music or watch videos without an unnecessary appendage. The in-line controls are simple and effective, allowing you to quickly adjust the master volume and mute the microphone without fumbling through menus.
Compatibility is a major selling point. Officially licensed for Xbox, it works seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles (with controllers featuring a 3.5mm jack). It also connects easily to PS5, PS4, PC, and mobile devices via the standard 3.5mm connection. This versatility makes it an excellent option for gamers who play across multiple platforms.
The package includes the headset, the removable microphone, and a quick start guide. Setup is straightforward – simply plug it into your device’s 3.5mm jack, and you’re good to go.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and lightweight design | Primarily plastic construction |
| Decent sound quality for the price | Soundstage may lack depth for audiophiles |
| High-sensitivity and removable microphone | |
| Versatile multiplatform compatibility | |
| Supports spatial sound technologies | |
| Convenient in-line controls |
Excellent Alternatives
- HyperX Cloud Stinger Core: A solid budget option known for its comfort and reliable performance.
- Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset: A lightweight headset with good sound quality and a comfortable suspension headband.
- SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Gaming Headset: Offers great versatility and a comfortable fit, known for its clear sound.
Final Verdict
The Turtle Beach Recon 50 Xbox Gaming Headset is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for a comfortable, versatile, and functional headset. While it may not deliver the ultimate audiophile experience, it provides clear sound, a decent microphone, and excellent compatibility across multiple platforms. Its lightweight design and removable mic are definite pluses. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable headset for your gaming needs, the Recon 50 is well worth considering.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4/5