Corsair HS55 Wireless Headset Review: Comfort vs Audio
Lightweight, dual wireless connectivity, and 24‑hour battery life sound like the perfect trifecta for a gaming headset, yet the CORSAIR HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset earns a measured 7.6/10 from user consensus. While praised for comfort, versatility, and solid range, recurring gripes about microphone performance, sidetone issues, and bass tuning reveal that this contender trades sonic polish for feature breadth.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Best for multi‑platform users who prioritize comfort and stable wireless, but not ideal for audiophiles or pro streamers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight (266g) and comfortable for long sessions | Bass can be boomy and lacks clarity (Tom’s Hardware) |
| Dual wireless (2.4 GHz USB + Bluetooth 5.2) | Sidetone volume too low, unresolved in updates (Corsair forum) |
| Stable USB wireless range, even through walls (Tom’s Guide) | No wired mode or 3.5 mm jack |
| Fast charging (15 min → ~6 hrs play) | Mic can sound compressed/nasal, occasional static |
| Easy cross‑platform switching | Bluetooth limited when both modes active |
| Solid build despite mostly plastic construction | Tight fit for some glasses wearers |
| Good stereo imaging for competitive gaming | iCUE software offers minimal EQ tweakability |
Claims vs Reality
Corsair markets the HS55 as delivering “high‑quality, custom‑tuned 50 mm drivers…excellent sound”. In reality, feedback skews toward "good enough" rather than premium. Tom’s Hardware noted “blooming, bloated bass… treble roll-off”, with the FPS EQ mode being the only one that sharpened highs. A verified Best Buy buyer echoed, “decent sound quality…surround effect was impressive,” but admitted Bluetooth was “finicky.”
The company’s claimed “up to 24 hours of battery life” over 2.4 GHz wireless also meets mixed reports. While some found it accurate at moderate volume—Tom’s Guide measured 16–20 hours—others saw faster drain. One Best Buy owner said, “after 5 hours one day, forgot to charge, next day they were at 10% battery… I’m definitely turning them off so I dunno what’s up with that.”
Another bold claim is “crystal‑clear communication” via an omnidirectional mic. Multiple reviews dispute this. Tom’s Hardware described it as fine for Discord but “compressed and nasally.” A Best Buy reviewer bluntly stated: “Mic is very bad. Randomly causes static…common issue.” On Corsair’s own forum, one user returned their HS55 due to unusable sidetone: “I literally have to shove the mic into my mouth to hear myself.”
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort emerges as the most consistent win. Weighing just 266g with plush memory foam ear pads, it’s a relief for marathon sessions. Tom’s Guide confirmed it stayed comfortable “even while wearing glasses” over an 8‑hour workday. A Best Buy buyer celebrated: “Amazing sound! Super comfortable even when wearing for long periods.” Parents gifting the headset to family also highlighted its lightweight appeal—one noted, “fit for my son…nice long battery life too.”
Its dual wireless capability was highlighted for flexibility. Tom’s Hardware appreciated being able to “walk up to 15 meters away” without losing signal on USB wireless. Users enjoyed toggling between console play and mobile music; one buyer exclaimed, “Versatility is amazing…use it for PS5, laptop gaming, and weekly work meetings.”
Wireless USB range was called “fantastic” by a Best Buy reviewer: “I can hear perfectly from a couple rooms away with no detectable latency.” This stability makes it a fit for household multitaskers who roam during calls or matches.
Common Complaints
Microphone quality and sidetone issues sit at the top. The forum feedback on quiet mic monitoring was damning: “issues over a year old with no resolution from Corsair.” Coupled with scattered reports of static or low input volume, online teammates may struggle to hear you clearly.
Sound tuning drew fire for bass heaviness; Tom’s Hardware’s Christopher Coke warned it “overwhelms the frequencies around it.” This limits its music appeal—several noted Beats or Bose models as offering more refined profiles.
Connectivity quirks frustrated some. The lack of wired fallback is felt keenly; without a 3.5 mm port or USB audio mode, you’re stranded if wireless glitches. Bluetooth is restricted when both modes are active, only allowing phone call audio alongside USB wireless—not media streaming.
Divisive Features
Battery life perceptions split users. Casual players hitting 3–4 hours daily see multiple days between charges. Power users cranking volume above 50% experienced faster drop-offs. Fast charging mitigates this—Tom’s Hardware confirmed 15 minutes yields ~6 hours—but it doesn’t rescue everyone from mid‑match depletion.
Surround sound, available only via iCUE on PC/Mac, impressed some movie watchers with its spatial feel. Yet others found the bass boost mode unusable and noted minimal difference across presets.
Trust & Reliability
Long‑term trust wavered over software and firmware support. Several Best Buy and Trustpilot reviews mention failed firmware updates causing returns. Corsair’s support was described as “behind by a week” in one complaint, forcing a new headset purchase mid‑project.
Durability isn’t heavily criticized; the plastic frame feels “sturdy without creaks” per Tom’s Hardware, but the memory foam’s heat‑trapping potential and slightly stiff pads raise comfort concerns in warm climates. No pervasive reports of physical breakage emerged, suggesting it maintains integrity, albeit without a premium finish.
Alternatives
Tom’s Hardware suggested the Corsair HS70 Bluetooth as a richer‑sounding option with simultaneous audio and wired capability for the same $100 price. For those seeking spatial audio, the Creative SXFI Air delivers over USB plus enhanced soundstage.
Compared to premium mix‑audio headsets like SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the HS55’s lack of simultaneous dual‑source listening and limited codec support make it less versatile for multitaskers requiring music during gaming.
Price & Value
Amazon lists it at $99.99, matching MSRP, but eBay offers steep discounts—refurbished or open box units as low as ~$41, saving 59%. Sellers tout 12‑month warranties even on display models, making secondary market buys appealing. Resale holds moderately; trending used prices around $26–30 suggest respectable liquidity.
Community buying tips focus on catching sales—multiple Best Buy reviews reference snagging units “for $50” as excellent value, highlighting a sweet spot around half MSRP when performance quirks are easier to forgive.
FAQ
Q: Does the HS55 support wired audio?
A: No. It has no 3.5 mm jack or USB audio mode; the USB‑C port is for charging only. Users must rely solely on wireless modes.
Q: Can I use Bluetooth and USB wireless simultaneously?
A: Yes, but Bluetooth is limited to phone calls when both connections are active. Media audio from Bluetooth won’t mix with game audio.
Q: How accurate is the 24‑hour battery claim?
A: At moderate (~50%) volume, users reach close to 24 hours. Louder volumes and certain usage patterns reduce this to ~16–20 hours.
Q: Is the sidetone adjustable in iCUE?
A: Not effectively. Forum users report it’s too quiet even after software tweaks, with no fix from Corsair.
Q: Is surround sound available on consoles?
A: No. Dolby Audio 7.1 works only on PC/Mac via iCUE software; consoles get stereo output.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a multi‑platform gamer who values lightweight comfort, stable wireless range, and quick device switching without cables. Avoid if pristine microphone quality, wired backup, or nuanced audio tuning are non‑negotiable. Pro tip from the community: wait for sales—at $50, even its flaws feel like quirks rather than deal‑breakers.
