Corsair Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless

The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless is the original wireless HS80, a premium-tier gaming headset that connects by Slipstream 2.4 GHz wireless or by a USB cable. Corsair's page shows it at 119.99 US dollars, down from 159.99, in Carbon or White, and sells it as a headset with spatial audio, a flip-up microphone and RGB lighting. The page also links a guide explaining that the HS80 line now has three members: the HS80 RGB Wireless, the HS80 Max and an HS80 USB model. This guide is built from that page, its specification table and accessory list. We have not worn the headset ourselves, so we say what Corsair states and point out where the page leaves gaps.

Where it sits in the HS80 line

If you are shopping in the HS80 family, knowing which one you are looking at matters. The page we read is the RGB Wireless version, listed under SKU CA-9011235-NA in Carbon. Corsair's own guide title, HS80? HS80 MAX? HS80 USB?, tells us there are three headsets in the lineup, and the Max is one we already cover in our catalogue on the HS80 Max Wireless page. The page we read does not compare the three in numbers, so if you are deciding between the RGB Wireless and the Max, read both pages and match battery, connectivity and price for your needs.

Sound

The drivers are custom-tuned 50 mm high-density neodymium units, with a stated frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz. Corsair gives two audio-quality figures: 24-bit, 96 kHz audio over the USB wired connection and 24-bit, 48 kHz audio over the wireless connection. Sensitivity is listed as 116 dB (plus or minus 3 dB). The impedance is listed as 32k ohms at 1 kHz, which looks like a typographical slip on the page, since the headset is a powered wireless unit and a value like that would be unusual for any headphone, so we do not rely on it and suggest you not compare it with other headsets' impedance figures. For a plain explanation of what drivers, frequency response and soundstage actually change, our piece on headset drivers and soundstage is a good reference.

Spatial audio is Dolby Atmos, and the page states that Dolby Atmos is available on PC only. The headset also lists surround sound as supported. On a console, expect stereo or the console's own processing rather than Atmos from the headset itself, so if you play mainly on PlayStation, do not buy it for Atmos.

Wireless: range, battery and devices

Corsair describes Slipstream Wireless as extremely low-latency and high-quality. The headline numbers are up to 20 hours of battery life and up to 60 feet of wireless range. Twenty hours is a manufacturer figure for a single charge; the page does not compare it with the Max, so check the Max page too if endurance is your first concern. One nice feature is what Corsair calls 3-in-1 device support: you can connect up to three Slipstream wireless devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse and this headset, through a single USB receiver, which frees USB ports on a small desk. The PlayStation 5 and 4 connect with the included wireless USB receiver, and the page lists the platforms as PC, Mac and PlayStation 4 and 5. The spec table lists no Xbox support, and the page lists no Bluetooth for the headset. If you need Bluetooth or Xbox, this is not the one. The connection guide in our headset buying guide can help you weigh wired against wireless for your platform.

The microphone

The mic is described as broadcast-grade and omni-directional. It flips up to mute and has a built-in LED that shows when it is muted. The listed specifications are a sensitivity of minus 40 dB (plus or minus 3 dB), an impedance of 2.2k ohms and a frequency response of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The table also says the microphone is not detachable, which affects how you will use the headset if you sometimes want headphones alone for music: you can flip the mic up but you cannot remove it. Best in class is Corsair's own description, not ours.

Comfort and controls

Corsair describes plush memory foam ear pads covered in breathable cloth fabric and a floating headband that adjusts without stress on the head. The page does not give the headset's weight, so it is hard to say how heavy it will feel over a long session. The ear pads are a wear item, and Corsair sells replacement pads for 19.99 dollars, a wireless USB dongle for 24.99 dollars, a USB charging cable for 9.99 dollars and a replacement headband strap for 14.99 dollars, which is good news for a headset you plan to keep for years. On the ear cup you have volume and mute controls, so you can adjust audio without alt-tabbing out of a game.

Software and lighting

The HS80 RGB Wireless works with Corsair iCUE. In iCUE you get pre-tuned audio profiles, a custom equalizer, sidetone control and custom RGB lighting, including an audio visualizer effect. Sidetone is a subtle but helpful feature for voice chat because it lets you hear your own voice in the headset and avoids shouting. The lighting is dynamic RGB, and as usual it is a taste matter and a battery draw. Corsair's page does not say how much the lighting shortens the 20-hour figure.

What is in the box

The box contains the headset, the USB wireless transmitter, a 1.8 m USB charging cable and a warranty card. Warranty length is not stated in the text we read.

Who it suits

• You play on PC or PlayStation and want a wireless headset with Dolby Atmos on the PC side.
• You want a comfortable, cushioned headset with a flip-up mute mic.
• You already use other Slipstream Corsair devices and would enjoy one receiver for up to three of them.
• You value easy access to replacement parts.

It suits you less if you want Bluetooth for phone calls, an Xbox connection, or long battery life above all. In that case, look at the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT or the HS65 Wireless, both in our catalogue, and compare on the headsets page. In short, the HS80 RGB Wireless is a comfortable, well-supported wireless headset with a good mic and sensible parts availability; check the odd impedance figure, the 20-hour battery and the lack of Bluetooth against your own needs before you buy.