Razer Kraken
Score: 96/100
Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Score: 90/100Rankings
The 2019 Razer Kraken is a wired over-ear headset with 50 mm drivers, a retractable cardioid mic and software-enabled 7.1 surround. It offers a durable aluminum frame and broad platform compatibility via a 3.5 mm jack.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500 is an entry-level wireless headset offering 40 hour battery life, 40 mm drivers and a flip-to-mute mic, with dual 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity and extensive app-based audio customization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
50 mmbest | 40 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 Hzbest | 20 Hzbest |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
— | 40 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 321 g | 230 gbest |
— | 5.2best | |
24 monthsbest | 12 months |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 50 mm | 40 mm |
Microphone(1) | ||
Microphone Type | Retractable Cardioid | Omni-Directional Flip-to-Mute |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Wired 3.5mm | Wireless |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 12 months |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 321 g | 230 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Kraken's comfort, sturdy aluminum construction and immersive audio, especially when paired with THX Spatial Audio. However, they note that the headset's bass-heavy tuning can mask dialogue and that the higher-priced Kraken Ultimate offers minimal extra benefit beyond lighting and THX support.
Everyday users love the headset's comfort, durability and the punchy sound of the large drivers, often calling it the most comfortable they've owned. Recurring complaints focus on excessive bass, software hiccups with Razer Synapse, and the lack of a detachable cable.
“The hardware in the Krakens is excellent... My husband loves these phones (and I do, too!)”
“These phones should not be offered sans the THX Spatial Audio-it's kind of baffling that they are.”
“the most comfortable I've ever worn”
Professional reviewers rate the Stealth 500 highly for its sound quality, comfort and long battery life, calling it a budget-friendly wonder that brings premium features like a 10-band EQ and Superhuman Hearing to entry-level gamers.
Everyday users love the headset's comfort, battery endurance and easy mic mute, often highlighting its suitability for marathon gaming and quick phone call swaps. Recurring complaints focus on ear-cup heat, Bluetooth instability and the mic's limited clarity, especially for voice-chat platforms.
