A Budget King Reborn : Corsair HS55 Wireless Gaming Headphone Review

INTRODUCTION

The Corsair HS55 Wireless is a gaming headset that Corsair improved upon from the 2022 model. It is nearly indistinguishable from its predecessor or should I say it's near identical twin the HS55 Wireless Core. Corsair designed the insides of the HS55 Wireless from ground up making sure it becomes as popular as its predecessor with a much better sound signature. The Corsair HS55 Wireless offers a substantially better sound quality powered by the Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound and a 10-band EQ via the iCue software. You get a better bargain at the same price which is $99.99. 

DESIGN & OVERVIEW

Both earcups have an engraved Corsair logo on a concentric side badge, and the bulk of them are composed of high-quality ABS plastic that feels smooth to the touch. The same high quality ABS plastic makes up the headband and earcup linkages. The controls for the headphones are located on the side of the earcups in an easy to reach position. Both the unified Bluetooth and Wireless cycle button and the power on button are located on the right earcup. Similar to the HS65 Wireless, the left earcup features a Microphone Mute button, Volume Scroller and the USB Type C charging and data connector.

The Corsair HS55 Wireless Surround has a striking resemblance to its wired counterpart in terms of appearance and design. In fact, it's likely that Corsair used the same outer shell and upgraded the inside components. You get a comparable simple and straight forward user experience since you receive the similar controls and positions along with the same flip-to-mute microphone. Corsair added the extra wireless functionality while keeping the comfort and sound quality same. The Additionally, you'll see that a voice prompt that indicates when your microphone is on is now present. In terms of functionality, the Corsair HS55 Wireless is also a little bit more advanced. It now has app compatibility, meaning it can use the iCue apps for things like EQ, mic settings, Dolby 7.1 Surround which is quite useful and difficult to find in a cheap wireless gaming headset.

With Dolby Surround technology, the headset's inbuilt 50mm Drivers provide accurate, high-fidelity audio. Wide dynamic range, excellent clarity, and a flip-to-mute feature are features of the HS55 Wireless microphone. The HS55 Wireless is supposed to last for roughly 24 hours, I have only had to charge it once in the last seven.  I like that Corsair designed the HS55 according to a well-considered formula, and I'm impressed that the wireless version weighs about the same as the connected one which is roughly around 275 grams.

SOUND & SOFTWARE

The Corsair HS55 Wireless performs really well in terms of sound quality. The HS55 Wireless features an excellent default sound profile that skilfully combines bass and treble to provide a sound output that has everything you need, exactly like its wired stereo cousin. Although I won't advise it, you can even use it with default settings without the iCUE program. 

To further optimize your Corsair HS55 headset, you can also download the iCUE 5 software on your Mac or PC. Most of the standard options you would expect to adjust are here, including EQ settings, firmware updates, battery life, and more. Moreover, Nvidia Broadcast may be enabled from inside iCUE to provide the microphone with the best possible background noise suppression. One thing missing from the Corsair HS55 Wireless is the SoundID integration in iCUE which allows you to accurately set the headphones various parameters to your liking.

Note: On first connection to the PC and iCUE software you may need to update the firmware of the USB Wireless Adapter and the Headphone (Via Wired mode). This is necessary for perfect functioning of the headphone. 

TESTING & IN-GAME EXPERIENCE

The Corsair HS55 Wireless proved to be a good fit for both console gaming (Fortnite or Racing games like Forza Horizon) and PC games like Apex Legends and CS2. I am confident in saying that the audio quality is more than excellent after several sessions. I was able to precisely find the locations of my enemies/opponents in Apex and CS2 thanks to the surround sound produced by the Dolby Surround 7.1 on the HS55 Wireless. I also much enjoyed Forza Horizon's amazing environment and car engine noises which were boosted to another level with the Dolby surround on. The headphones are incredibly comfortable; the earcups kiss your ears to prevent soreness during extended gaming sessions and to block out outside noise.

CONCLUSION

The Corsair HS55 Wireless is a fantastic gaming headset that supports surround Audio on the PS5 and provides a dependable surround sound experience on PC and Mac platforms. The stock sound signature is excellent and along with the help of its many capabilities, users may enjoy their games Wirelessly or via Bluetooth. Furthermore, users may play and listen to music or movies all day long because the headset runs on a battery that lasts for 24 Hours on a full charge. The headset's lightweight and comfortable design is one of its standout characteristics. After considering all of these factors, I will give the headphones a strong 9/10, earning it a TechReprise Gold badge. 

ABOUT CORSAIR

CORSAIR (NASDAQ:CRSR) is a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. From award-winning PC components and peripherals, to premium streaming equipment, smart ambient lighting, and esports coaching services, CORSAIR delivers a full ecosystem of products that work together to enable everyone, from casual gamers to committed professionals, to perform at their very best.