Switching headsets every time you move between your PC, phone, and console gets old fast. A multi-device headset connects to more than one device at a time, so you can game on your console while taking calls on your phone without touching a single setting.
Here is how multi-device pairing works and what to look for.
What Is Multi-Device Pairing in Headsets?
Multi-device pairing means your headset can maintain active connections with two or more devices simultaneously. Most multi-device headsets combine a 2.4GHz wireless connection (for gaming) with Bluetooth (for your phone or laptop).
How the Dual Connection Works
- The 2.4GHz connection handles your game audio with low latency through a USB dongle
- Bluetooth connects to your phone or another device at the same time
- Both audio streams can play together, so you hear game sound and incoming calls or music simultaneously
Most headsets can play audio from both a 2.4GHz wireless source and a Bluetooth source simultaneously, mixing the incoming streams. This dual setup keeps you connected everywhere without constant re-pairing.
Why Multi-Device Headsets Matter
Having one headset that handles everything simplifies your setup and saves money.
No More Headset Swapping
Instead of owning separate headsets for gaming, calls, and music, one multi-device headset covers everything. Fewer cables cluttering your desk, fewer things to charge, and no more hunting for the "right" headset.
Stay Reachable While Gaming
With dual-connectivity headsets, you can take phone calls mid-game without pausing or removing your headset, as the game audio dims automatically while calls come through. Perfect for those "quick" calls that always happen during ranked matches.
Work and Play Flexibility
Many gamers also use their headsets for work calls and music. A headset that pairs with your PC and phone simultaneously means one headset all day, from morning meetings to evening gaming.
How to Pair a Headset with Multiple Bluetooth Devices
Most multi-device headsets have a simple pairing process.
Step 1: Put the Headset in Pairing Mode
Hold the Bluetooth button until the headset enters pairing mode (usually indicated by a flashing LED).
Step 2: Connect Your First Device
Open Bluetooth settings on your phone or laptop and select the headset from the available devices list.
Step 3: Set Up Dual Transmitters (Advanced) For the Stealth 700 Gen 3
Connect both wireless transmitters - "XBOX" for Xbox and "USB" for PC/PlayStation. The CrossPlay button switches between active transmitters with LED indicators showing connection status.
Step 4: Use 2.4GHz for Gaming
Plug the USB dongle into your console or PC. The 2.4GHz connection activates automatically and runs alongside the Bluetooth connection.
What to Look for in a Multi-Device Headset
Not all multi-device headsets handle the dual connection equally well.
Simultaneous vs Sequential Pairing
- Simultaneous: Both devices play audio at the same time. Best for gaming while receiving calls.
- Sequential: Only one device connects at a time, and you manually switch between them. Less convenient.
Look for headsets that explicitly support simultaneous multi-device pairing.
Audio Mixing Controls
Premium headsets offer independent volume controls, letting you easily adjust and mix the levels of wireless and Bluetooth audio sources. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 features separate volume dials for transmitter audio and Bluetooth audio, while models like the Stealth 600 Gen 3 include a QuickSwitch button that toggles between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth modes based on preference. When in Bluetooth mode, you can make calls and listen to music, while 2.4GHz wireless mode provides optimal gaming performance. Being able to lower your music while keeping game audio loud (or vice versa) makes all the difference.
Battery Life
Running dual wireless connections drains more power than single connections. Top-tier headsets like the Stealth 700 Gen 3 achieve 80+ hours of battery life even with simultaneous connections, plus include gaming-specific features like Superhuman Hearing™ to help pinpoint enemy footsteps, and weapon reloads during competitive play.
Microphone Quality
Since you'll use the same headset for gaming voice chat and phone calls, microphone performance matters in both scenarios. Advanced models like the Stealth 700 Gen 3 feature AI noise reduction to ensure clear voice pickup, whether calling your squad or joining work meetings.
The Turtle Beach Advantage
The Stealth 700 Gen 3 exemplifies what multi-device gaming should be. Its CrossPlay wireless system includes two dedicated USB transmitters labeled "XBOX" and "USB" for seamless platform switching. The CrossPlay button on the right earcup lets you instantly switch between transmitters without unplugging anything - the LEDs indicate which transmitter is active (solid green for unmuted, solid red for muted, solid amber for standby). Plus, simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity lets you stay connected to a console or PC for game audio while receiving Discord calls through your smartphone.
The 60mm Eclipse dual drivers deliver immersive spatial audio, while the flip-to-mute microphone features AI noise reduction. The left earcup houses dual volume dials - the upper controls game volume from transmitters, while the lower adjusts Game/Chat Mix to prioritize either game audio or chat audio. A dedicated Bluetooth volume dial on the right earcup controls mobile device audio separately. The EQ Mode button cycles through four built-in presets: Signature Sound (1 beep), Bass Boost (2 beeps), Bass & Treble Boost (3 beeps), and Vocal Boost (4 beeps). Plus, 80-hour battery life with quick-charge capability means you're never caught with dead headsets.
For gamers wanting seamless device switching, the Stealth Ultra Controller complements multi-device headsets with consistent control schemes across platforms. And if you need targeted advice for wireless headset decisions, check out our guide on wireless vs wired gaming headphones.
Conclusion
A multi-device wireless headset simplifies your audio setup by connecting to your PC, phone, and console all at once. No more swapping headsets or re-pairing between devices. The Stealth 700 Gen 3 delivers everything you need: dual USB transmitters with CrossPlay switching, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections, and 80-hour battery life.
FAQs
Can a headset connect to multiple devices at once?
Yes, multi-device headsets maintain active connections with two or more devices at once. They typically combine 2.4GHz wireless for gaming with Bluetooth for mobile devices, letting both audio streams play together.
What are the best multi-device gaming headsets?
2.4GHz wireless provides near-zero latency for game audio while Bluetooth handles calls and music. This dual setup gives you competitive gaming performance with mobile convenience.
How to pair a headset with multiple Bluetooth devices?
Put the headset in pairing mode, connect from your first device's Bluetooth settings, then repeat for additional devices. Most headsets remember paired devices for automatic reconnection.
Do wireless headsets support PC and phone simultaneously?
Headsets with dual-mode wireless (2.4GHz + Bluetooth) can connect to a PC via a dongle and a phone via Bluetooth at the same time.
What is multi-device pairing in headsets?
The ability for a headset to connect to and receive audio from two or more devices simultaneously, typically combining 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections.
Does using two connections at once drain the battery faster?
Yes, running dual wireless connections uses more power. Choose a headset with strong battery life to compensate.
