Corsair HS55 Wireless Review: Budget Comfort, Mixed Audio
The most telling detail about the CORSAIR HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset doesn’t come from its spec sheet—it comes from the phrase repeated in multiple editorial reviews: “adequate.” Tom’s Guide described it as “a good workhorse option” but one that “doesn’t separate itself from the many similar options.” After combing through user stories, that verdict holds. Comfort, range, and connectivity score well, but sound tuning and mic performance leave a noticeable gap. Overall score: 7.3/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for budget-conscious gamers prioritizing dual wireless, but not ideal for audiophiles or mic-critical users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very comfortable, even for glasses wearers | Sound tuning lacks clarity, bass can be muddy |
| Strong wireless range over USB dongle | Bluetooth limited to phone calls when using USB |
| Dual-mode 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth connectivity | No simultaneous audio mixing |
| Lightweight build for long sessions | No wired option at all |
| Fast charging (15 min = ~6 hrs) | Sidetone (mic monitoring) extremely quiet |
| Solid stereo imaging for competitive cues | Battery life often under advertised 24 hrs |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing positions the HS55 Wireless as an “all-day” headset with “great sound” and “crystal-clear communication.” On paper, it’s a lightweight 266g unit with dual wireless, 50mm drivers, and fast-charge capability. However, digging into user reports revealed a few cracks in that promise.
The “great sound” claim is undercut by repeated mentions of bass dominance. Tom’s Hardware found it “boomy and bloated,” while a Best Buy customer praised the “great lows” but noted that the mic felt awkward. Users who value soundstage and treble clarity—such as FPS players—appreciated competitive cues but lamented missing detail. As one Best Buy reviewer put it: “Surround effect was impressive,” yet higher-pitched sounds felt recessed.
As for “crystal-clear communication,” Discord-certification may ensure audibility, but sidetone performance disappoints. A Corsair forum user explained: “I literally have to shove the mic into my mouth in order to hear myself… really sucks because I like the sound quality and build but without the advertised function… what’s the point.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort tops the praise list. Multiple reviewers, including Tom’s Guide and Best Buy buyers, reported no ear fatigue during 6–8 hour sessions. A Best Buy customer highlighted, “The foam is nice and doesn’t make you sweat after a 6–8 hour gaming session.” For glasses wearers, Tom’s Hardware found grip force “on point” without pressing frames uncomfortably.
Wireless range, especially over the USB dongle, drew consistent approval. Tom’s Guide noted “excellent range and connection stability… even a few rooms over.” A Best Buy user tested walking “over 30 ft away with a few drywall walls” and maintained audio without drops—ideal for streamers or multitaskers moving around their setup.
Dual connectivity was another standout for those juggling devices. A parent on Best Buy said their daughter “loved… the added benefit of connecting to her phone to listen to music” while gaming. This flexibility benefits casual gamers, remote workers, and multitasking students alike.
Common Complaints
Sound tuning divides opinion. Tom’s Hardware repeatedly flagged bloated bass and treble roll-off; FPS enthusiasts preferred the “FPS competition mode” EQ, but bass boost was widely panned—likened to sounding “underwater.” Those wanting music clarity will find it lacking compared to lifestyle headphones.
Mic performance also drew criticism. Best Buy customers reported “issues where my friends over Discord couldn’t hear me” unless rejoining calls. The inability to fully fold the boom out of view (Tom’s Guide) and the near-unusable sidetone function are sticking points for podcasters or collaborative streamers.
A universal frustration was the lack of any wired option—no 3.5mm, no USB audio. Tom’s Guide spells it plainly: “Corsair didn’t just remove the fixed audio cable, they didn’t leave a 3.5mm jack in its place.” This limits the headset’s flexibility for users who want reliability during battery drain.
Divisive Features
Battery life claims were met with skepticism. While Corsair advertises 24 hours, Tom’s Guide found real-world use closer to 16–20 hrs, and one Best Buy reviewer noticed it “always be on… then a day later they’re at 10% battery.” Yet others, especially casual gamers, praised longevity: “Battery lasts a couple days.”
The plain, plastic-heavy design split opinion. Tom’s Hardware called it “unassuming… lifestyle rather than gamer,” which some appreciated for understated style, while others felt it wasn’t durable enough for years of wear.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability concerns center on its all-plastic construction. While no widespread breakage is reported yet, Tom’s Hardware cautioned about potential cracks over extended use due to repeated stress. Still, users stress the absence of creaks or rattles out of the box.
Customer trust in Corsair support sees mixed feedback. On Best Buy, one user returned the headset after “fighting with iCUE for a few days” when firmware updates failed, despite liking overall build and sound. That experience, paired with the lack of sidetone fixes for over a year reported on Corsair’s forum, raises questions about ongoing software support commitment.
Alternatives
Two direct comparisons from the feedback:
- Corsair HS70 Bluetooth — offers simultaneous phone + PC audio and better sound tuning for the same price, but at the cost of slightly heavier weight.
- Creative SXFI Air — supports USB audio with spatial processing, giving more presence and clarity, also around $100.
Tom’s Hardware concluded that if wireless connectivity alone isn’t the priority, users “may find better options available” in competing headsets at this price point.
Price & Value
At launch, the HS55 Wireless retailed at ~$99.99, but steep discounts are common. Best Buy buyers snagged units for $50–$79.99. Refurbished “Revival Series” models dropped to $29.99, and eBay listings hover between $42–$50 used.
At sub-$70 pricing, the headset delivers comfortable wireless gaming with solid range, making it appealing for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize comfort and connectivity over peak audio fidelity. As one Best Buy reviewer put it: “Great headset for the price… battery life, supports Bluetooth alongside the included wireless dongle.”
FAQ
Q: Can you use the HS55 Wireless while charging?
A: Yes. Multiple sources, including Tom’s Guide, confirm it operates normally over wireless while charging via USB-C. The port is for power only—no wired audio.
Q: Does Bluetooth stream game audio alongside USB wireless?
A: No. Bluetooth is limited to phone calls when a USB connection is active. Simultaneous audio mixing is not supported.
Q: Is it good for competitive FPS games?
A: Conditionally. Stereo imaging is strong for positional cues, but bloated bass may obscure some details. FPS competition EQ mode helps recover treble clarity.
Q: How accurate is the battery life claim?
A: While Corsair claims 24 hours, real-world use often measures between 16–20 hours depending on volume and connection type.
Q: Does it fit well with glasses?
A: Yes. Tom’s Hardware and Best Buy customers found the grip gentle enough to avoid pressing frames into the head.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a budget-conscious gamer or remote worker seeking dual 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth in a lightweight, comfortable form for long sessions. Avoid if you require wired fallback, strong mic monitoring, or audiophile-grade clarity. Community pro tip: hunt for sales—users report dramatically better value at $50 or below, where its limitations become far easier to forgive.
