CORSAIR HS55 Wireless Review: Comfort Meets Compromise
A Reddit gamer summed it up bluntly: "It’s fine, but nothing special." That phrase seems to encapsulate the CORSAIR HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset, a sub-$100 dual-mode wireless device offering both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Score: 6.8/10 – a capable, comfortable all-rounder hindered by middling sound and mic quality.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – worth buying for lightweight comfort and dual connectivity, but expect compromises in audio clarity and microphone performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, comfortable even for long sessions | Bass often called “boomy” or “bloated” |
| Dual 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth | Mic quality inconsistent; static reported |
| Good battery life, fast charging | No simultaneous audio from both connections |
| Solid build for plastic frame | Sidetone too quiet; heat build-up in earcups |
| Impressive wireless range | No wired audio option |
| Simple, intuitive controls | Firmware/software frustrations |
Claims vs Reality
Corsair promotes “low-latency wireless connectivity” with a “range of up to 50 ft” and “crystal-clear communication.” While many users praise the range, the microphone and comfort fall short for some.
The company lists up to 24 hours battery life; multiple Best Buy buyers noted solid performance here, one sharing: “Great battery life, supports Bluetooth alongside the included wireless dongle. Decent range, I can walk over 30 ft away with a few drywall walls in-between.” However, Tom’s Hardware found this claim “fairly accurate” only at 50% volume, with faster drain at higher levels.
Marketing emphasizes “crystal-clear” mic pickup, but Reddit community member feedback and Best Buy reviews reveal mic inconsistency. One returned their set after Discord issues: “My friends couldn’t hear me… all I had to do was leave and enter that call and it would work.” The Corsair Community sidetone thread was harsher: “I literally have to shove the mic into my mouth to hear myself.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort and weight dominate positive feedback. A Best Buy user said: “Very lightweight as promoted, and comfortable for hours.” Tom’s Guide echoed that they’re “very comfortable, even for long periods of time, and while wearing glasses.” For competitive gamers, that extended wear matters – it allows focus without constant headset adjustments.
Dual connectivity receives regular applause. Best Buy buyers highlight versatility: “I can use both the included dongle as well as Bluetooth… connects to my phone to listen to music.” Tom’s Hardware framed it as unusual in affordable headsets: “One of the only headsets… that does offer dual Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.” Streamers, remote workers, and console/PC hybrid gamers gain clear benefits here.
The wireless range earns trust from varied users. A Best Buy review shared: “I can hear perfectly from a couple rooms away with no detectable latency.” This means not missing party chat when stepping away from the desk – a small luxury for RPG and MMO players during long sessions.
Common Complaints
Audio quality under scrutiny: feedback from Tom’s Hardware labeled bass “boomy and bloated” with “treble roll-off” that dulls clarity. Music listeners notice these imbalances, especially on tracks with complex lows and highs. Gamers reported they “wish the mic was detachable” and criticized the lack of ambient noise isolation due to the lightweight build.
Microphone issues crop up repeatedly. Posts range from low volume, static interference, to “mic wouldn’t mute properly.” For work meetings or in-game voice commands, this can be frustrating. Corsair’s Discord certification reassures some, but as one Best Buy reviewer said: “Mic is very bad… randomly causes static.”
Software frustrations appear in Reddit and Corsair forums. Firmware update failures led to returns: “Failed to update… had to return my headset.” Several note minimal iCUE benefits aside from firmware and basic EQ tweaking, leaving power users wanting more.
Divisive Features
Surround sound divides opinions. Some on Best Buy applaud the “amazing” immersion for movies, while others find it underwhelming: “Didn’t really deliver… sounds decent enough although lacks in bass.” PC users with iCUE gain Dolby Audio 7.1, but console listeners miss out, sparking mixed experiences.
Battery performance sees minor disagreement: while many praise long life and fast charging (15 minutes for ~6 hours), others found real-world life notably shorter: “They seem to always be on… then a day later they’re at 10%.” Heavy daily users may need more frequent charging than Corsair’s claims suggest.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data wasn’t available, but long-term usage threads on Reddit hint at durability mixed with connectivity quirks. Tom’s Hardware noted the “almost entirely plastic” build feels sturdy without creaks, but concerns over headband stress remain for multi-year use.
The sidetone issue, present for “over a year with no resolution” per Corsair forum comments, raises questions about firmware support commitment. Users reliant on mic monitoring for streaming or competitive play may find this lack of fix a dealbreaker.
Alternatives
Within Corsair’s own lineup, the HS70 Bluetooth emerges as a competitor recommended by Tom’s Hardware: “Delivers better sound quality for the same price… connect to your phone at the same time.” Spatial audio fans may consider Creative SXFI Air for USB-connected versatility.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless receives mention as a premium alternative with true simultaneous audio mixing – a feature lacking in the HS55.
Price & Value
MSRP sits at $99.99, but Best Buy and eBay resale data show steep discounts – new units as low as $41. eBay trends suggest weak resale value, with refurbished sets selling around $48, indicating depreciation. Savvy buyers recommend waiting for sales; one Best Buy reviewer enthused: “Honestly such a great headset if you can snatch it on a sale.” For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing comfort and connectivity, sale pricing greatly boosts value proposition.
FAQ
Q: Can the HS55 WIRELESS mix audio from Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time?
A: No, it can connect to both but only plays one source at a time. Calls will interrupt game audio, then resume afterwards.
Q: Does it work well with glasses?
A: Yes, multiple users including Tom’s Guide note comfort with glasses, though a few Best Buy reviewers found it too tight depending on frame size.
Q: Is sidetone adjustable in iCUE?
A: Technically yes, but many forum users report it remains too quiet despite adjustments, leading some to return the headset.
Q: Can I use it wired via USB or 3.5mm?
A: No, the USB-C port is charging-only and there’s no 3.5mm jack. Wireless modes are the only option.
Q: Does battery life match the 24-hour claim?
A: Light users at moderate volume report near that figure; heavy, high-volume users find it closer to 16–20 hours.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a multi-platform gamer or remote worker who values comfort, long range, and the ability to hop between console and phone seamlessly. Avoid if you need pristine audio fidelity or depend on flawless microphone performance in professional settings. Pro tip from community: wait for deep discounts – at $50 or less, the HS55’s shortcomings become much easier to forgive.
