Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT was introduced by Corsair in May 2021 as a new model in its flagship Virtuoso family, and it has stayed on sale because its central idea still makes sense: one headset that connects to almost anything. It links to a PC through a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, to a phone or tablet over Bluetooth, and to consoles and other devices through a cable, and it can hold the wireless dongle and Bluetooth connection at the same time, so game audio and a phone call can share your ears. This page goes through what each connection actually does, what the specifications say, and where the headset fits if you play, work and take calls from the same desk.

Four ways to connect

Corsair sells the headset on its four connection options. Slipstream Wireless is Corsair's low-latency 2.4GHz link, with a range of up to 60 feet (about 18 metres). USB wired mode delivers 24-bit/96kHz audio, which Corsair positions as the high-fidelity route for compatible recordings. A 3.5mm cable with an inline controller for volume and mute connects the headset to a wide range of devices, such as DACs, audio players and mobile devices. Bluetooth uses the Qualcomm aptX HD codec for low delay and high resolution audio, if your phone or tablet supports it. Corsair's product page also mentions that multi-point technology lets up to three Slipstream wireless devices connect to a single receiver, which is a claim worth checking against the manual before you buy for a multi-device household.

Simultaneous dual wireless

The XT's signature feature, and the difference that gives it its name, is simultaneous dual-wireless connections. You can combine Slipstream Wireless for game audio with Bluetooth for voice chat apps, music, phone calls and other sources. In practice this means you can play on your PC while your phone is paired for calls, without swapping cables or re-pairing. If you spend your day in meetings and your evenings gaming, this is the most useful thing the headset does. Read our headset buying guide for how wired, wireless and dual-wireless setups compare.

Sound: drivers and frequency range

The headset uses a hand-matched pair of high-density 50mm neodymium drivers, tuned to within plus or minus 1dB of tolerance according to Corsair's launch announcement. The listed frequency response is 20Hz to 40kHz. Corsair points out that this is double the range of typical gaming headsets, which usually list 20Hz to 20kHz. As a practical matter, most people cannot hear much above 20kHz, so the wider figure is not a night-and-day difference, but it does indicate that the drivers have headroom. The specification lists 32 ohms impedance and a sensitivity of 109dB with a 3dB tolerance. On PC, Dolby Atmos spatial audio is available, designed to place sounds around you in three dimensions. If you want to know how driver size, tuning and soundstage relate, our article on headset drivers and soundstage covers the basics.

Connection quality: two numbers

There is one subtle point about audio resolution. Corsair's launch announcement says Slipstream Wireless uses 24-bit/48kHz audio, while USB wired mode delivers 24-bit/96kHz, and the product page emphasises the 24-bit/96kHz figure under the USB wired heading. These do not conflict: they refer to different connections. If you want the highest resolution, use the USB cable; if you want freedom of movement, the wireless link is at 48kHz, which is still standard high-quality audio for games and music.

The microphone

The detachable microphone is a 9.5mm omnidirectional model that Corsair calls broadcast-grade. It has a frequency response of 100Hz to 10kHz, a sensitivity of minus 42dB with a 2dB tolerance and an impedance of 2.0k ohms. Because it is omnidirectional and detachable, you can remove it when you only want to listen. An omnidirectional capsule picks up sound from all directions, so it will also pick up room noise, and it is worth positioning the boom near the corner of your mouth rather than in front of it to reduce breath sounds.

Comfort, build and lighting

The headset has premium memory foam earpads and a pillow-soft headband, and a machined aluminium frame that Corsair says provides durability and comfort. The launch announcement mentions additional padding on the earpads compared with earlier Virtuoso models. Micro-perforated aluminium on each ear cup lets RGB lighting shine through, and you can configure the effects in the Corsair iCUE software when the headset is connected by USB or Slipstream. A storage pouch with a magnetic clasp is included. If the pads wear out, Corsair sells replacement ear pads, a mic boom and a wireless USB dongle as accessories.

Battery: the honest limit

The battery is rated for up to 15 hours per charge, powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery with an accelerometer-based smart-wake function that saves power when you put the headset down. Fifteen hours is enough for a full day of use, but it is shorter than many recent wireless headsets, several of which advertise 50 hours or more. If you dislike charging, or if you use the headset all day and evening, you will be charging it every day or two. The headset can also be used with a cable while it charges, thanks to the wired USB mode.

Compatibility

Corsair's specification lists compatibility with PC, Mac, PlayStation and mobile devices. The launch announcement is more detailed: PC, Mac, PS5 and PS4 (wired or wireless), Xbox Series X and S (wired connection only), Nintendo Switch, mobile and more. iCUE customisation is available for USB and Slipstream connections and runs on Windows.

Price and alternatives

On the Corsair US page we read, the headset was listed at 199.99 USD with a strike-through original price of 279.99 USD, so treat the discount as a moment-in-time price and check again before you buy. Warranty is two years. For a newer Corsair option with a different feature mix, see the Corsair HS80 MAX Wireless. For an esports-oriented wireless headset with a longer battery life, see the Logitech PRO X 2 Lightspeed. If your budget allows and you want a base station with hot-swappable batteries, compare the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. The full range is listed in the headsets category.

Who it suits

The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT suits someone who wants a single premium headset for a PC, a phone and a cable connection, and who values simultaneous connections over long battery life. It is less compelling if you need a headset that lasts multiple days between charges, or if you want a compact folding design for travel. Otherwise it is a well-specified, comfortable all-rounder with a strong microphone and flexible connections.