CORSAIR HS55 Wireless Review: Budget-Friendly Comfort
A Best Buy customer summed it up perfectly: “Great headset for the price but support is lacking.” The CORSAIR HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset sits at a comfortable 7.5/10 — an accessible, well-connected wireless headset that wins on versatility but stumbles on certain audio and mic refinements.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who value dual connectivity, but audiophiles and mic-critical streamers may want to look elsewhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfortable for extended sessions | Bass-heavy sound can muddy clarity |
| Dual connectivity via 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth | Sidetone and mic quality issues reported |
| Long battery life with fast charging | No wired mode; limited Bluetooth features |
| Good range and stable 2.4 GHz performance | Lack of battery level indicator |
| Onboard EQ profiles via easy controls | Occasional dongle connectivity dropouts |
| Affordable price point | Heat build-up in ear cups over time |
Claims vs Reality
Corsair markets the HS55 Wireless as delivering “low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless audio” with up to 50 feet of range and pristine “crystal-clear communication.” While some users validate these points, others have challenged their accuracy in daily use.
The headset’s dual-mode wireless connectivity is indeed a standout. A Best Buy buyer praised: “The dual connectivity function is pretty nice and it swaps flawlessly between them.” However, as Tom’s Hardware clarified, while it connects to both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz at once, “you can only listen to one source at a time.” For multitaskers hoping to mix game audio with music streaming, that’s a limitation.
Corsair’s “crystal-clear communication” claim meets mixed reality. Several buyers report mic success after tweaking settings: “Once I adjusted my Discord and system microphone settings, it was basically flawless,” shared one Best Buy customer. But a Corsair community user found sidetone so weak they “literally have to shove the mic into my mouth to hear myself,” prompting a product return.
Battery marketing promises 24 hours (37 with Bluetooth), backed by fast charging — 15 minutes for up to 6 hours. Many confirm decent longevity; Tom’s Guide tested closer to 16–20 hours under regular use. Yet one Best Buy buyer noted: “Battery life not seeming to match what is advertised… they seem to always be on… then a day later they’re at 10%.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort surfaces again and again as a high point. Lightweight design (266g) with plush memory foam ear cups makes it viable for marathon sessions. Tom’s Guide described it as “very comfortable, even for long periods… while wearing glasses.” A Best Buy customer emphasized, “Super comfortable even when wearing for long periods,” making it appealing for both gamers and remote workers.
Dual connectivity wins applause for convenience. One buyer on Best Buy uses it “for gaming on my laptop, playing on my PS5, and my weekly work meetings.” For multi-device households, being able to swap between PC, console, and mobile adds clear value.
Battery performance, while not infallible, is generally appreciated. Several mention going “a couple days” between charges, with Tom’s Hardware noting it supports fast charging without interrupting play.
Common Complaints
Sound signature divides opinion — rich for casual listening but problematic for clarity-critical gaming. Tom’s Hardware found “blooming, bloated bass that overwhelms the frequencies around it,” and multiple Best Buy reviews wished for stronger treble or less muddiness. This affects competitive players trying to pinpoint subtle in-game cues beyond footsteps.
Microphone reliability raises eyebrows. Reports range from low positioning (“mic is a little awkward”) to discord static issues. Tom’s Hardware judged it “fine… but nothing to write home about,” functional for calls but subpar for streaming.
Connectivity inconsistencies especially with the dongle appear in reviews: “The dongle connection continuously cuts in and out… Bluetooth mode… disconnecting far less frequently,” complained a Best Buy buyer. This undermines the headset’s touted stability when 2.4 GHz is expected to lead.
Divisive Features
Onboard EQ profiles are a mixed blessing. FPS mode’s treble lift is appreciated by Tom’s Hardware testers, while Bass Boost mode “muddies the sound so much it sounds underwater.” The easy-to-click volume wheel, intended to cycle modes, frustrates some when accidental presses change EQ mid-play.
Build quality also sees mixed notes. Some admire the lightweight plastic shell as sturdy enough without creaks, while others question long-term durability, citing heat build-up in ear cups and potential wear.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns appear in verified reviews, but after-sales support feedback is lukewarm. One buyer had “support behind by a week” when the mic failed, forcing an alternative purchase. The Corsair forum sidetone thread cites “issues over a year old with no resolution,” which diminishes confidence for feature troubleshooting.
Longevity impressions are cautious. Though many praise comfort, the all-plastic frame and faux leather pads may wear faster, especially under heavy, warm-climate use where heat retention is an issue.
Alternatives
Tom’s Hardware suggests the HS70 Bluetooth as an option at the same price for simultaneous phone connection and better sound. For those wanting advanced audio mixing, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers the dual-listening HS55 lacks, albeit at a higher price. Creative’s SXFI Air provides USB spatial audio at similar cost.
These alternatives shift the trade-off: HS70 for balanced sound and wired fallback, SteelSeries for premium mixing, Creative SXFI for spatial immersion.
Price & Value
Market prices vary widely. Best Buy lists $79.99–$99.99, while eBay refurbished units dip to $29–$33 with warranty, showing strong resale presence. Buyers hunting sales find amplified satisfaction: “Great buy for $50,” said one Best Buy customer. This makes patience a key strategy — wait for discounts or refurbished deals to maximize value without sacrificing performance.
FAQ
Q: Can the HS55 Wireless connect to Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz simultaneously?
A: Yes, but you can only listen to one source at a time. Switching is fast, but mixing audio isn’t supported.
Q: How accurate is the 24-hour battery claim?
A: Under moderate volume, it’s close. Reviews suggest 16–20 hours is more realistic, dropping with louder use.
Q: Is the microphone good enough for streaming?
A: Functional for calls and casual use, but compression and occasional static make it a weaker option for professional streaming.
Q: Does it work wired over USB?
A: No. The USB-C port is for charging only. There’s no wired audio mode.
Q: How does comfort hold up over long sessions?
A: Generally praised, even with glasses, though some feel ear heat builds after extended play in warm conditions.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a multi-platform gamer or remote worker seeking affordable wireless comfort with quick device switching. Avoid if you demand reference-level audio clarity or premium microphone performance.
Pro tip from the community: Download Corsair iCUE to tweak EQ profiles early on — FPS mode often yields the cleanest soundscape for competitive play.
