A ‘casual’ gamer will probably be quite content with the pops and bangs produced by the headset their console shipped with, because that’s all the noise they need. The ‘serious’ gamer will look at the Turtle Beach Ear Force XP510s and get itchy trigger fingers.
Good: Amazing sound options
Bad: Only hardcore gamers will make the most of them
Price: £249.99
The XP510s are a daunting set of headphones to become acquainted with, thanks to a forest of wires and a sturdy RF transmitter. We broke out in a nervous sweat as we reached for the instruction booklets, but we needn’t have feared. The RF transmitter can simply plug into your console (USB for power and digital optical cable for noises), or connect via Bluetooth – particularly handy if you want to connect to your mobile simultaneously. A quick fiddle with your console's audio settings and you're good to go.
The build quality of the XP510s is of a standard you’d expect from £249.99 headphones. Reassuringly sturdy, the padded cans and band remain comfortable for long gaming sessions. The detachable mic behaved impeccably during our entire test, and the battery lasted the better part of 15 hours.
But it’s the endless functionality that makes the XP510s ring. Loaded with preset chat and game modes, you can boost the volume of enemy footsteps, reduce the rumble of load explosions and transform your own voice in countless ways. Head to the Turtle Beach website and you can find even more community-made presets, or even create your own.
The options on offer are staggering, though only the hardiest of gamers will make the most of the XP510s. We’d hoped for a more impressive bass rumble given the price tag, but found the overall audio experience brilliantly crisp and clear.
You can by the Turtle Beach Ear Force XP510 here
