Turtle Beach Atlas One & Elite Atlas Reviews
A couple weeks ago I wrote a news article about the exciting release of Turtle Beach’s latest line of PC Gaming headsets which promised to bring PC gaming audio accessories to a new level. I recently got my hands on the Atlas One and Elite Atlas headsets to put them to the test. I broke down the headsets’ performance into numerous categories when analyzing them for review: Sound Quality, Microphone Quality, Comfort, Durability, Compatibility and Overall Value.
Atlas One:
Sound Quality: 3/5 While it doesn’t share the dynamic range of higher-end headsets, the Atlas One provides a solid sound performance that will keep you immersed in any gaming environment.
Microphone Quality: 4/5 For a fixed mic on a budget-level headset, the Atlas One performs exceptionally well. Again, compared to its big brother, the Elite Atlas, the microphone is slightly less crisp but certainly still usable.
Comfort: 3/5 While it is noticeable less comfortable than the Elite, Atlas One still features comfortable ear cups and a padded headband. The headband, however, has a limited adjustment range and was not quite big enough for my big head.
Durability: 4.5/5 The Atlas One is nothing if not a durable headset. It’s solid build feels very secure during use and while the headband is not made entirely of metal there is a solid metal band along its length.
Compatibility: 4.5/5 Like all the headsets in the Atlas line, The One comes with a 3.5mm jack and a splitter for PC use. This allows it to function seamlessly on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and any device with a 3.5mm jack. I have taken half a point away as the entire line is lacking any sort of wireless functionality.
Overall Value: 4/5 I must say that, overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance Turtle Beach packed into the base model of their Atlas line. With a price tag of $50USD (~$65CAD) the Atlas One will not disappoint anyone looking for a headset upgrade on a budget and could happily serve as a backup headset for gamers who travel or have a habit of breaking accessories.
Elite Atlas:
Sound Quality: 4/5 Crisp highs and deep lows with great surround sound combine with very low distortion to provide an enjoyable gaming/listening experience. Very comparable to other headsets in the $150-$200 range.
Microphone Quality: 4.5/5 For a headset mic, the Elite Atlas offers a crisp and clear audio experience. While I generally use standalone mics I would have no hesitation in using the Elite Atlas mic for any of my PC gaming needs.
Comfort: 4.5/5 Very comfortable ear cups that easily fit my (admittedly large) head. The ‘channel’ you can create for glasses did not improve comfort and in fact made the headphones sit a little loose, but that is an additional feature that some people may find useful.
Durability: 4.5/5 The metal band is strong and the joints which allow the ear cups to rotate are quite sturdy. Almost every part of the headset is replaceable: from the sound cable and microphone to the ear cups and headphone plates. This allows for a potentially faulty part to be replaced without requiring an entirely new headset, which is always a nice touch.
Compatibility: 4.5/5 The Elite Atlas comes with a 3.5mm jack and a splitter for PC use. This allows it to function seamlessly on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and any device with a 3.5mm jack. I have taken half a point away as the entire line is lacking any sort of wireless functionality.
Overall Value: 4.5/5 There is no doubt that the Elite Atlas is a strong competitor in the hardcore-gamer level of PC accessories. While the price tag of $100 USD (~$130CAD) may put it out of reach of the casual gamer, the Elite Atlas punches above its weight in most categories, making it well worth the investment for a serious gamer who is looking for a comfortable, durable headset with great sound quality.
For more information on the all-new Atlas line of Turtle Beach headsets, visit https://www.turtlebeach.com/pages/pc-gaming-headphones-atlas.