TechRadar Verdict
The Corsair HS55 Wireless improves on its predecessor, making it better sounding, more user-friendly, and ever so slightly plushier while keeping the price just as affordable. For some reason, however, Corsair also tones down the bass, which might turn off bass-worshipping gamers.
Improved sound quality over predecessor
Now with surround sound
iCue support with 10-band EQ
Lightweight and comfortable
Price hasn’t changed from OG
Lacking bass
Mids slightly recessed
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Corsair HS55 Wireless: One-minute review
Corsair took one of its 2022 gaming headsets and raised it the Corsair HS55 Wireless, which is almost every bit superior to its predecessor. I guess Corsair saw the potential of the good-but-otherwise-flawedCorsair HS55 Wireless Coreand went back to the drawing board.
Not that the HS55 Wireless Core was terrible, mind you. On the contrary, it was a beauty and a thing of comfort. Unfortunately, its sound quality just wasn’t up to par, which is essentially a kiss of death these days when so manygaming headsets– especiallywireless gaming headsets– are competing for the best-sounding, most versatile crown.
In fact, the Corsair HS55 Wireless’ arrival may just have saved the line (theCorsair HS55 Stereois on hand if you’re looking for a wired version), bringing improved sound quality, Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound, and a 10-band EQ via the iCue software. That’s all without changing the price of entry, giving you a better value.
The only problem is, it also holds back on bass. Bizarrely enough, it has less low end than its predecessor. Knowing that a lot of gamers are such bassheads, this might turn off some folks. Overall though, it’s an attractive proposition, especially for those who are, understandably, economizing right now.
Corsair HS55 Wireless: Price and availability
Interface:2.4Ghz wireless, BluetoothPlatforms:PlayStation 5, PC/MacMic:Omnidirectional boom micSurround sound:Dolby Audio 7.1Weight:266g
One of the best things about the original Corsair HS65 is its affordability. However, Corsair has upped that price on the Corsair HS65 Wireless due to the wireless tax, which most wireless gaming headsets have. The good news though is that Corsair keeps that price affordable, asking $119.99 / £119.99 / $229 from US, UK, and Australian customers respectively.
That might put the Corsair HS65 Wireless out of the budget range, but considering the competition, it’s not actually that bad. Granted they are more versatile and can moonlight as regular headphones, but both theAstro A30and theSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7are pricier. Even theAsus ROG Delta S Wireless, which does come with the benefit of having a USB-C transmitter as opposed to a USB one, has a steeper asking price.
Factor in the HS65 Wireless’ Dolby Audio 7.1 digital surround sound and lightweight design (it’s the lightest of the four) to start, and you’re really getting more bounce to your ounce.
Corsair HS55 Wireless: Design and features
The Corsair HS55 Wireless inherits its predecessor’s looks and design, so much so that it’s probably a safe bet that Corsair used the original cans and built them up with better innards.
You’re getting the same controls and placements, as well as the same flip-to-mute mic, which means you’re getting that similar easy-to-use and intuitive user experience. It’s also just as lightweight and sports the same connectivity, wireless range, and platform compatibility.
Really, the biggest design change I’ve noticed here is the ever-so-slightly (as in a couple of millimeters) thicker ear pads, which does make the HS55 Wireless a little plushier than the already-comfortable HS55 Wireless Core. You’ll also notice that there’s now a voice prompt that announces when your mic is on (when you lower the boom) or off (when you flip it out of the way).
The Corsair HS55 Wireless also has a bit more to offer in terms of features. It now has app support, for example, which lets it utilize the iCue software for things like EQ presents, mic settings, and a 10-band EQ that’s super handy and something you’d be hard-pressed to find one budget wireless gaming headsets such as this.
Corsair HS55 Wireless: Performance
The biggest upgrade on the Corsair HS55 Wireless is in its sonic performance. While it does share a lot of similarities with the HS55 Wireless Core – they both tend to compress a little once the volume is over 50, it also corrects some of its predecessor’s flaws.
To start, the high end is more detailed and present, giving you brighter and crisper audio. In the game,Kena: Bridge of Spirits, chimes and powers tend to have a lot of brilliant-sounding elements. And, when that high end is dulled at all, you miss out on the immersion. Since the older model isn’t quite as bright, it’s missing some of that brilliance. Thankfully, the newer version brings it back.
The mid-range is the same on both models as it’s slightly recessed for a clean if somewhat thin sound. However, it’s not so recessed that it sounds hollowed out or like something is missing.
Unfortunately, the newer HS55 Wireless isn’t quite as solid when it comes to the low end. In games likeControlandCyberpunk 2077, I’ve noticed that explosions and other sounds that require that rumble for maximum effect just don’t have it – unlike the older HS55 Wireless Core, which delivers enough of it to give you just a bit of that body-shaking immersion.
While the low end on the newer HS55 Wireless is a bit disappointing, the inclusion of Dolby Audio 7.1 virtual surround sound more than makes up for it. When engaged, the soundstage is wider and more three-dimensional, making you feel like you’re right in the action. Turning on surround sound does soften the headset’s brightness a little bit, but that wider soundstage is worth it. And, even with it on, the sound imaging is still precise.
As for the omnidirectional mic, your voice will come out loud and clear, albeit compressed and a tiny bit distorted. It’s more than adequate for most gamers’ needs, but it won’t blow you away, which is fine since this is a cheap wireless gaming headset. In fairness, it does a good job of rejecting background noise – like typing on amechanical keyboard- when you’re talking.
Should I buy the Corsair HS55 Wireless?
Buy it if…
You need a 7.1 surround sound experience for lessThis overhaul of the HS55 Wireless now comes with Dolby Audio 7.1, elevating your gaming and listening experience to a more immersive plane.
You want a budget wireless gaming headsetWireless gaming headsets tend to be very expensive, but not the HS55 Wireless. It’s inexpensive enough to mistake it for a wired model, in fact.
You liked the HS55 Wireless Core but not its soundThis new version delivers a more detailed audio and more immersion thanks to its digital surround sound. It’s what the original should have been.
Don’t buy it if…
You have a bit more money to spare……then it’s a better idea to get a higher-end model with a more balanced sound and a bit more versatility.
You’re a bassheadSorry, but the HS55 Wireless holds back on bass for some reason. There’s not a lot of sub bass here - although the 10-band EQ might help you out a little.
Also consider
If our Corsair HS55 Wireless review has you considering other options, here are two more to consider…
Corsair HS65 Wireless CoreThe Corsair HS65 Wireless boasts an incredibly immersive soundstage, long-range connectivity, and a 10-band EQ to fix its colored sound quality. Plus, it’s not too shabby for the price.
Read our fullCorsair HS65 Wireless Core review
HyperX Cloud AlphaThe HyperX Cloud Alpha has the style and comfort to match its impressive feature set while offering impressive audio and mic quality.
Read our fullHyperX Cloud Alpha review
Corsair HS55 Wireless: Report card
How I tested the Corsair HS55 Wireless
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it’s on our radar.
Read more about how we test
Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She’s a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She’s an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives.
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