The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 headsets still use rechargeable batteries to power bass boost modes for those platforms. The frame is nearly identical, with a steel band running through the headband. There’s also the same two-piece hinge system that allows the headphones to be rotated to lie flat, and allows for a small amount of tilt to accommodate different head shapes – but it’s not much, so people with large heads might find the headset a bit tight.
The Recon 200 Gen 2’s ear pads feature a new mesh covering that is comfortable and provides a good seal around the ear. The ear pads are grooved on the front to reduce pressure from wearing glasses, so this should be a relatively comfortable option even for gamers with glasses. The switch to mesh keeps heat buildup to a minimum, but it doesn’t do the isolation performance any favors, and likewise it struggles to contain sound even at moderate volumes, so people sitting near you will quickly figure out what you’re listening to.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 is a wired 3.5mm gaming headset that does not require a battery to function. Once the battery dies, the sound changes, but it doesn’t stop. Turtle Beach claims that the battery has enough juice to boost bass for 12 hours, but in our test we found that it exceeded that number.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 is a great headset that lasted 14 hours and 31 minutes on a single charge. It has an updated USB-C input for charging, which makes it easier to keep using when the battery dies.
