Corsair HS55 Wireless Headset Review: Comfort vs Sound
Lightweight comfort meets mixed audio performance — that’s the community verdict on the CORSAIR HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset, landing it at a 7.4/10 from aggregated user feedback. While praised for its dual wireless convenience and wearability, the sound signature and firmware quirks mean it isn’t a universal crowd-pleaser.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — strong choice for budget wireless users prioritizing comfort over premium sound
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions | Bass-heavy, lacks treble clarity |
| Dual wireless (2.4 GHz & Bluetooth) convenience | No wired mode or 3.5mm aux port |
| Solid battery life with fast charging | Sidetone monitoring too quiet |
| Good stereo imaging for gaming cues | Mic quality only average, nasal tone |
| Stable USB wireless range up to 50 ft | Firmware update issues reported |
| Intuitive flip-to-mute microphone | Heat build-up in earcups during warm weather |
| Affordable pricing when on sale | Bluetooth limitations when dual connected |
Claims vs Reality
Corsair markets the HS55 Wireless as “essential all-day wireless comfort and great sound” with dual-mode connectivity and Dolby Audio 7.1 on PC/Mac. However, diving into real-world reports shows some disconnects.
One bold claim is the immersive sound via custom-tuned 50mm drivers with Dolby Audio. While some Best Buy buyers praised “great lows and crisp highs”, professional reviewers on Tom’s Hardware noted “blooming, bloated bass that overwhelms frequencies around it” and a lack of treble clarity. Dolby Audio access also requires the iCUE software, limiting its reach to PC/Mac users.
Battery longevity is pitched at “up to 24 hours”, with Reddit threads confirming near this figure under moderate use. But multiple Best Buy customers saw shorter lifespans, one reporting “after using for 5 hours one day, a day later they’re at 10% battery”, raising questions about standby drain.
Lastly, the sidetone (mic monitoring) feature Corsair describes as “control within easy reach” turned into a deal-breaker for some. A Corsair Community poster complained, “I literally have to shove the mic into my mouth to hear myself”, with no solution from the brand after a year.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot data, comfort emerged as the headset’s most consistent win. Its 266g weight and plush memory foam made it a go-to for marathon gaming. A Best Buy parent wrote, “My daughter… loved the size, weight and feel of the ear cups and raves about the sound quality”, highlighting suitability for younger gamers. Glasses wearers were often surprised by the snug but non-painful fit, as Tom’s Guide reviewers described easy wear during “a normal 8-hour workday.”
Dual wireless — 2.4 GHz for low-latency gaming and Bluetooth for casual use — drew unanimous appreciation from those switching between PlayStation and mobile apps. Best Buy reviewers liked using “both the included dongle as well as Bluetooth” without device conflict, with one noting stable range “over 30 ft with a few drywall walls in-between.”
USB wireless range stability was commended even by critical voices. Tom’s Guide called it “excellent over USB, with no drops even a few rooms away,” benefiting console setups in living rooms where users might wander off mid-session.
Common Complaints
Audio tuning divided opinion. While casual listeners found balance acceptable, critical ears flagged the bass dominance. Tom’s Hardware singled out the “Bass Boost” EQ mode as sounding underwater, with competitive gamers preferring the “FPS mode” to bring highs forward. Music listeners felt the lack of aptX or LDAC codecs diminished Bluetooth performance.
The absence of wired connectivity frustrated many. One Trustpilot report emphasized the “lack of any kind of wired mode” as limiting flexibility, a pain point for users wanting compatibility with devices like the Nintendo Switch dock.
Microphone quality sat firmly in the “serviceable” camp. Discord certification didn’t stop user complaints about nasal tones and low gain, nor did it resolve mechanical issues — a Best Buy buyer said, “the mic itself wouldn’t mute properly… would recommend if it did.” Sidetone’s poor volume added resentment, echoed in forum posts threatening returns.
Divisive Features
Battery performance impressed some — especially the fast-charge delivering 6 hours from a 15-minute boost — yet others observed inconsistencies, suspecting the headset “always on” even when powered down.
The aesthetic restraint, with minimal branding and no RGB, split the crowd. Lifestyle-focused users appreciated the subtlety; others saw it as lacking gamer flair, feeling the HS55 looked “plain” compared to competitors.
Trust & Reliability
Durability reports suggest decent build quality for an all-plastic design. Tom’s Hardware noted “no worrying creaks” in stress tests, but long-term wear could expose the usual plastic yoke vulnerabilities. No widespread breakdown patterns have emerged yet.
Trustpilot mirrors Reddit buyer sentiments — satisfaction when it works, frustration when firmware updates fail. Several users described fighting with iCUE to update the USB dongle firmware, leading to returns. Corsair’s support response, while apologetic, did not resolve those publicly.
Alternatives
User comparisons often brought up the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for true simultaneous audio from dual sources — a feature the HS55 lacks. Corsair’s own HS70 Bluetooth was mentioned in Tom’s Hardware as offering better sound quality with wired compatibility at the same price.
For buyers focused on spatial audio, the Creative SXFI Air came up as an equally priced USB headset with enhanced positional sound, appealing to those less concerned about weight.
Price & Value
At MSRP of $99.99, the HS55 sits in the crowded mid-tier gaming headset bracket. Community-driven deals slash it to $50–$79, drastically improving the value. Best Buy and eBay resales show holding at half-price or less, often in open-box or refurbished states for under $30 in the Revival Series.
Users suggest targeting sales, with one Best Buy fan saying, “Honestly such a great headset if you can snatch it on a sale”, and warn against paying full price unless dual wireless is your must-have.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the HS55 Wireless while charging?
A: Yes, it can operate in both USB wireless and Bluetooth modes while charging. However, the USB-C port is only for charging, not for wired audio.
Q: Does Dolby Audio work on consoles?
A: No, Dolby Audio 7.1 is only available via Corsair’s iCUE software on PC and Mac. Consoles use default stereo output.
Q: Is the microphone detachable?
A: No, the boom mic is fixed but can flip up to mute. Some users find its stiffness leaves it visible or touching their forehead.
Q: How does Bluetooth work with gaming audio?
A: Dual connection allows Bluetooth and USB wireless simultaneously, but Bluetooth is limited to phone calls when both are active — you can’t mix game and media audio.
Q: Is the sidetone adjustable?
A: It’s present but very quiet; multiple reports indicate it’s insufficient even at maximum settings, with no known firmware fix.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious gamer prioritizing comfort, stable wireless range, and device-switching ease. Avoid if you need wired backup, high-fidelity audio, or dependable sidetone. Pro tip from Best Buy buyers: wait for deals under $70 to maximize value, as sound tuning at full price struggles to match competitors.
