Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Gaming Headset Review Dolby Atmos Performance and Comfort Tested

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless Gaming Headset immediately caught my attention with its sleek and modern design. Its lightweight aluminum frame, paired with a soft fabric ear cup cushioning, offers both durability and comfort. I appreciate how the floating headband design adjusts seamlessly to fit different head shapes—no awkward pressure points here! While it has a sturdy premium feel, I did notice that the matte black finish tends to collect fingerprints, which is a minor annoyance if you’re as detail-obsessed as I am. Still, the RGB lighting on the earcups adds that extra flair, especially if you’re someone who likes your gear to stand out during late-night gaming sessions.

Audio Performance

With custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers, the audio quality on this headset is phenomenal. The extended frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz allowed me to pick up on subtle in-game details—like distant footsteps or environmental sounds—that I’d often miss with other headsets. Testing it with a few FPS games, the immersive Dolby Atmos technology genuinely made me feel like I was in the center of the action. The spatial awareness it provides is top-notch, and it felt like I was able to react faster during intense matches. However, on consoles like the PS5, you won’t get Dolby Atmos, which can feel like a missed opportunity if you’re a multi-platform gamer.

The bass is rich without being overpowering, and the mids and highs come through with fantastic clarity. Whether it’s explosions or dialogue-heavy scenes, the audio remains balanced. For music, the headset performs decently well, but it’s clear that its tuning is optimized for gaming.

Wireless Connectivity and Battery Life

The Slipstream Wireless technology used in this headset offers exceptionally low latency. In all the hours of testing, I didn’t experience a single audio dropout or delay. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where even the smallest lag can make a difference. The connection remains stable even when I wandered into the next room, which is a practical bonus for those quick snack breaks.

Battery life is another impressive feature, with up to 20 hours on a single charge. I found this to be accurate during my use, though using the RGB lighting or increasing the volume to max can shorten the runtime. Charging is done via USB-C, and I loved how quickly it charges—just a short plug-in, and you’re ready to go again.

Broadcast-Grade Microphone

The omni-directional microphone on this headset is one of the best I’ve used. My teammates reported that my voice sounded clear and natural, even during chaotic moments in-game. The flip-to-mute feature is convenient, and the LED mute indicator on the mic ensures there’s no guessing about whether or not you’re muted. However, the mic does tend to pick up some background noise, which might be an issue if you’re in a noisy household.

Positives

Here are some key benefits I noticed while using the headset:

• Comfortable and adjustable design suitable for long gaming sessions.
• Exceptional audio clarity and immersive Dolby Atmos support for PC gamers.
• Reliable wireless connectivity with no noticeable latency or dropouts.
• Long battery life that supports extended use without interruptions.
• Thoughtful build quality, including a lightweight aluminum frame and fabric ear cups.

Areas for Improvement

While the headset excels in many aspects, there are a few caveats worth mentioning:

• Dolby Atmos is limited to PC, leaving console users with a less immersive experience.
• Microphone sensitivity to background noise could be a drawback in noisier environments.
• Matte finish collects fingerprints, making it harder to keep looking pristine.

Product Comparisons

When comparing this headset to others like the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ or the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, it’s clear that the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless has some standout features. For instance, the Dolby Atmos technology sets it apart from the SteelSeries, which lacks a similarly immersive surround sound experience. On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud Alpha boasts a longer battery life, which might be a better choice for gamers who prioritize extended use without frequent charging.

The build quality of the Corsair feels more premium than some of its competitors, but it’s slightly heavier than both the Arctis and Cloud Alpha, which could be a factor for those who prefer ultra-light headsets. In terms of mic performance, the Corsair holds its own, though the noise-canceling capabilities of competitors like the Arctis 7P+ might be better if you’re gaming in a bustling household.

Quality for Price

From a price-to-quality ratio, the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless delivers solid value. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the combination of high-quality audio, wireless reliability, and comfortable design makes it worth considering. If you’re someone who values immersive gaming experiences on PC and appreciates premium touches like RGB lighting, this headset is a fantastic investment. However, if you’re primarily gaming on consoles or need absolute silence in your mic pickup, you might want to explore other options.

Additional information