I’ve been burned by wireless gaming headsets before. You know the type – promising lag-free audio, delivering compressed mush that makes footsteps sound like distant rumbles. When Corsair sent over the HS55 Wireless, I was sceptical. Another budget wireless headset claiming to do it all? But after putting it through three weeks of competitive Valorant, chaotic Warzone matches, and late-night Discord sessions, I’m genuinely surprised by what they’ve managed at this price point. Not perfect, mind you. But interesting.
Corsair HS55 WIRELESS Gaming Headset - Low-latency 2.4GHz Wireless or Bluetooth® Connection, Dolby ® Audio 7.1 Surround Sound, Lightweight, Omni-Directional Microphone, On-Ear Audio Controls - White
- Low-Latency 2.4Ghz Wireless or Bluetooth: Enjoy high-quality audio without the wire, featuring a range of up to 50ft and up to 24 hours of battery life, plus Bluetooth support for mobile devices and more.
- Lightweight Construction and All-Day Comfort: Enjoy hours of non-stop gaming with a comfortable lightweight design that weighs just 266g, featuring adjustable leatherette memory foam ear pads and an adjustable headband.
- Dolby Audio 7.1 Surround Sound on PC and Mac: Enables a multi-channel audio experience on PC and Mac, putting you right in the middle of your game, plus support for Tempest 3D audio on PS5.
- Great Gaming Audio: High-quality, custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver excellent sound with the range needed to hear everything on the battlefield.
- Omni-Directional Microphone with Flip-to-Mute Function: Accurately captures all your calls and commands, with a convenient flip-to-mute function.
Price checked: 21 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link
📋 Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Product Information
Key Takeaways
- Best for: Budget-conscious gamers wanting wireless freedom without terrible audio quality
- Price: £69.99 (solid value in the mid-range bracket)
- Rating: 4.1/5 from 4,702 verified buyers
- Standout: Genuinely usable wireless audio with decent positional accuracy for the money
The Corsair HS55 Wireless delivers surprisingly competent wireless gaming audio without the usual budget headset compromises. At £69.99, it offers genuine value for gamers who want to ditch cables without sacrificing positional accuracy in competitive games. The sound signature leans warm with decent bass punch, though audiophiles will spot the compressed highs immediately. Comfort is excellent for the weight class, and battery life actually matches Corsair’s claims. Just don’t expect miracles from the microphone.
Who Should Buy This Headset
- Perfect for: Competitive FPS players on a budget who need reliable footstep detection without cable faff – the positional audio genuinely works in Valorant and Apex
- Also great for: Console gamers wanting one headset for PS5, PC, and mobile (Bluetooth support is actually useful here)
- Skip if: You’re streaming seriously or recording content – the mic is serviceable for Discord callouts but sounds thin and lacks presence. Consider the HyperX Cloud II if mic quality matters more than wireless freedom.
Audio Specifications: What You’re Actually Getting
Audio Specifications
Corsair’s gone with custom-tuned 50mm neodymium drivers here. That’s standard for this price bracket, but the tuning makes all the difference. The 32-ohm impedance means they’re easy to drive – no issues with volume on PS5 or Switch. The frequency response spec is marketing flannel (every headset claims 20Hz-20kHz), so let’s talk about what they actually sound like.
The HS55 Wireless connects via 2.4GHz dongle (low latency) or Bluetooth 5.0 (for your phone). You can’t use both simultaneously, which is annoying if you want Discord on mobile while gaming on PC. Range is genuinely 50 feet in my house – I could wander to the kitchen mid-match without dropouts, though walls obviously affect this.
Sound Quality: Warm Tuning That Actually Works for Gaming
Sound Signature
Sound Quality Breakdown
This warm V-shaped signature suits action games and bass-heavy music. If you’re into acoustic tracks or classical, the rolled-off treble will frustrate you. For Valorant, Apex, and Warzone? It works.
Here’s the thing about wireless gaming headsets in this price bracket – they usually compress the audio to maintain the connection, resulting in that characteristic “digital” flatness. The HS55 Wireless does this too, but Corsair’s tuning masks it better than most. The bass has genuine punch without turning into boomy mush. I could clearly distinguish between different weapon sounds in Valorant, which matters when you’re trying to identify if that’s a Vandal or Phantom around the corner.
But (and this is important) you’re not getting audiophile-grade clarity here. The treble is noticeably rolled off compared to my reference wired headphones. Reload sounds lack that metallic snap. High-pitched ability cues in Overwatch 2 are softer than they should be. It’s the wireless compression tax, and you pay it at every price point below £150.
Gaming Performance
Tested extensively in Valorant (Ascendant rank), Warzone 3, and Apex Legends. Footsteps are clearly audible and directionally accurate in stereo mode. The Dolby 7.1 software on PC adds width but introduces slight reverb – I preferred stereo for competitive play. On PS5, the Tempest 3D audio integration works well enough, though it’s doing the heavy lifting rather than the headset itself.
Positional audio is where the HS55 Wireless genuinely surprised me. In Valorant, I could consistently pinpoint enemy positions based on footsteps alone. Left-right imaging is strong. Vertical audio (above/below) is weaker, but that’s true of most closed-back headsets. The key test: could I hear someone flanking on Bind? Yes, clearly enough to react.
The Dolby Audio 7.1 surround on PC is… fine. It widens the soundstage artificially and adds a touch of reverb that some people love for immersion. I found it made precise positioning slightly mushier, so I stuck with stereo for ranked matches. For single-player story games like Cyberpunk 2077, the surround mode added nice atmosphere. Your mileage will vary based on preference.
Microphone Quality: Functional, Not Fantastic
Microphone Quality
- Mute: Flip-to-mute (physical, satisfying click)
- Sidetone: No – you can’t hear yourself speak
- Detachable: No – fixed boom arm
Honest assessment: this mic is fine for Discord callouts and casual voice chat. Your teammates will hear you clearly enough. But it sounds thin and lacks body – there’s obvious compression and limited frequency range. If you’re streaming or recording content, budget for a separate USB mic. For competitive comms? It does the job.
Let’s be real – gaming headset microphones in this price bracket are rarely good. The HS55 Wireless is no exception. It captures your voice clearly enough for callouts, but it sounds noticeably compressed and tinny. My Discord mates said I sounded “like I was in a tunnel” compared to my usual standalone mic.
The omni-directional pattern means it picks up keyboard clatter and mouse clicks if you’re an aggressive clicker. There’s no noise cancellation beyond basic filtering. In a quiet room, it’s acceptable. With a mechanical keyboard and no push-to-talk? Your team will hear everything.
The flip-to-mute function is brilliant though. Physical, obvious, with a satisfying click. You always know if you’re muted. Small thing, but it matters when you’re mid-match and need to sneeze.
Comfort and Build: Lightweight Champion
Comfort Details
- Weight: 266g – Genuinely light for a wireless headset, barely noticeable after initial adjustment
- Clamping Force: Light to medium – Secure enough to stay put during movement, gentle enough for glasses wearers (I tested with thick frames, zero pressure points)
- Ear Pads: Leatherette memory foam – Soft and deep enough for most ears, though they get warm after 3+ hours in a heated room
- Headband: Padded fabric with decent cushioning – Distributes weight well, no hotspots even after marathon sessions
This is one of the most comfortable headsets I’ve tested in the mid-range bracket. The light weight is the star here – 266g means you genuinely forget you’re wearing it after 30 minutes. I wore these for a 5-hour Warzone session (don’t judge) and only noticed mild ear warmth, no pressure headaches or sore spots. If you wear glasses, this is a top choice.
Comfort is where the HS55 Wireless properly excels. At 266g, it’s lighter than most wired headsets, never mind wireless ones. For context, the popular HyperX Cloud II weighs 320g. That 54g difference is absolutely noticeable over long sessions.
The memory foam ear pads are plush without being too soft. They compress just enough to seal around your ears without creating pressure points. I wear thick-framed glasses (proper chunky Warby Parker things) and had zero discomfort. The clamping force is spot-on – secure enough that the headset doesn’t shift when you move, light enough that you don’t feel squeezed.
Only real comfort complaint: the leatherette pads get warm. After three hours in a 22°C room, my ears were noticeably toasty. Not unbearable, but if you run hot or live somewhere warm, be aware. Fabric pads would’ve been better for breathability, but they’d have cost Corsair more.
Build Quality
- Headband: Plastic frame with metal reinforcement inside – Feels sturdy enough for daily use, though not premium. Flexes without creaking.
- Hinges: Plastic with decent range of motion – No wobble in my unit, but this is where budget headsets typically fail after 12-18 months. Time will tell.
- Ear Cups: Matte plastic that resists fingerprints – Swivel flat for storage, though there’s no folding mechanism
- Cable: USB-C charging cable included (1.8m) – Charges fully in about 3 hours, no complaints
- Overall: Solid for the price, but this isn’t a tank. Treat it reasonably and it’ll last. Chuck it in a bag daily and the hinges will probably give up eventually.
Build quality is… appropriate for the price point. Everything is plastic except for the metal reinforcement in the headband. It doesn’t feel cheap exactly, but you’re not going to mistake this for a £200 headset. The matte finish hides wear well, and there’s no annoying RGB to break (thank god).
The hinges concern me slightly. They feel fine now, but I’ve seen too many budget headsets die at the hinge joint after a year of use. Corsair’s typically good with warranty support, but just be gentle when adjusting them. Don’t yank.
Connectivity: Wireless Done Properly (Mostly)
Connectivity
- Cable Length: 1.8m USB-C charging cable (headset is wireless only, no 3.5mm option)
- Wireless Range: 15m (50ft) claimed, genuinely achievable in open space. Walls reduce this to about 8-10m in my house.
- Latency: Imperceptible on 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth has noticeable lag for gaming (fine for music/calls).
- Battery Life: 24 hours claimed. I got 22-23 hours with moderate volume, which is excellent.
- Charging: USB-C, full charge in ~3 hours. 15-minute quick charge gives about 3 hours playtime.
Works brilliantly with PC (plug dongle into USB-A port, done), PS5 (same deal), and Nintendo Switch in docked mode. Xbox requires Bluetooth since Microsoft locks down wireless audio. Mobile devices use Bluetooth. You can’t use 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously, which is annoying if you want Discord on phone while gaming on PC.
The 2.4GHz wireless connection is rock solid. I tested it extensively in Valorant and Apex – zero dropouts, zero perceptible latency. Audio and video stayed in sync during cutscenes. The range claim of 50 feet is genuine in open space. In my house with walls, I could get about 25-30 feet before dropouts started.
Battery life is genuinely impressive. Corsair claims 24 hours, and I consistently got 22-23 hours with volume at 60-70%. That’s a full week of gaming for most people. The USB-C charging is fast enough that you can top up during a lunch break.
Bluetooth mode is there for mobile devices and works fine for music or calls. But there’s noticeable latency for gaming – probably 100-150ms. Don’t try to play anything timing-sensitive over Bluetooth. It’s purely for non-gaming use.
My one gripe: you can’t use 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously. Some headsets let you mix PC game audio (dongle) with Discord on mobile (Bluetooth). Not here. You have to choose one connection at a time.
How the HS55 Wireless Compares to Alternatives
| Feature | Corsair HS55 Wireless | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P | Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £69.99 | ~£130 | ~£45 |
| Driver Size | 50mm | 40mm | 40mm |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz + Bluetooth | 2.4GHz + Bluetooth | Wired 3.5mm |
| Weight | 266g | 236g | 234g |
| Mic Quality | Average | Good | Average |
| Battery | 24 hrs | 60 hrs | 12 hrs (amplified) |
| Best For | Budget wireless with good audio | Premium wireless, best battery | Tight budgets, wired reliability |
Against the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P, the HS55 Wireless loses on battery life (60 hours vs 24) and mic quality, but costs significantly less. If you can afford the Nova 5P, it’s the better headset. But that’s a big price jump for features many casual gamers won’t fully utilise.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 is cheaper and offers wired reliability, but you lose wireless freedom and battery life is poor even in amplified mode. If you never plan to move from your desk, wired makes sense. For console gaming from the sofa, wireless wins.
In the mid-range wireless bracket, the HS55 Wireless hits a sweet spot. It’s not the best at anything specific, but it’s good enough at everything that matters. That’s genuinely valuable.
What Buyers Are Actually Saying
What Buyers Love
- “Exceptional comfort for long gaming sessions, especially for glasses wearers” – This came up repeatedly. The light weight and gentle clamping force are genuine standouts.
- “Battery life actually matches the claims” – Rare praise in the wireless headset world. People are genuinely getting 20+ hours.
- “Solid audio quality for the price, footsteps are clear in competitive games” – The warm tuning works for most buyers, particularly in FPS titles.
Based on 4,702 verified buyer reviews
Common Complaints
- “Microphone sounds muffled and picks up background noise” – Valid complaint. The mic is the weakest link here. It’s functional but not good.
- “Ear pads get hot after a few hours” – Also true. The leatherette traps heat. I experienced this myself during longer sessions.
- “No simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection” – Fair criticism. Some competitors offer this, and it’s genuinely useful for Discord on mobile while gaming on PC.
The 4.1/5 rating from 4,702 buyers is well-deserved. Most complaints centre on the microphone and ear pad heat, both of which I can confirm. But the overwhelming sentiment is positive – people are genuinely happy with the audio quality and comfort at this price point.
Value Analysis: What You’re Actually Paying For
Where This Headset Sits
At the mid-range price point, you’re typically choosing between good wired headsets or mediocre wireless ones. The HS55 Wireless breaks that pattern by offering genuinely competent wireless audio without major compromises. You sacrifice some mic quality and treble detail compared to wired alternatives like the HyperX Cloud II, but you gain wireless freedom and excellent battery life. For £30-40 more, upper mid-range options like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P offer better mics and longer battery, but diminishing returns kick in hard above £100.
Here’s the value proposition in simple terms: this headset does wireless gaming audio properly at a price point where most competitors don’t. The HyperX Cloud II sounds slightly better and has a superior mic, but it’s wired. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P is a better wireless headset, but costs nearly double.
If you’ve got the budget, go Nova 5P. But if you’re working within the mid-range bracket and want wireless, the HS55 is probably your best bet. The audio quality is good enough for competitive gaming, comfort is excellent, and battery life means you’re not constantly charging.
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Pros
- Genuinely impressive battery life (22-24 hours real-world use)
- Exceptional comfort for the weight class – 266g is properly light
- Good positional audio for competitive FPS games, footsteps are clear
- Warm sound signature suits action games and bass-heavy music
- Excellent value in the mid-range wireless bracket
- Works seamlessly across PC, PS5, Switch, and mobile
Cons
- Microphone is thin and compressed – fine for callouts, poor for streaming
- Rolled-off treble lacks sparkle and detail compared to wired alternatives
- Ear pads get warm after 3+ hours (leatherette heat retention)
- Can’t use 2.4GHz and Bluetooth simultaneously
- Build quality is adequate but not premium – hinges are a potential weak point
Price verified 20 January 2026
Buy With Confidence
- Amazon 30-Day Returns: Not comfortable? Return it hassle-free
- Corsair Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty on gaming peripherals
- Amazon A-to-Z Guarantee: Purchase protection on every order
- Prime Delivery: Game with better audio by tomorrow
Full Specifications
| Corsair HS55 Wireless Gaming Headset Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 50mm neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB SPL |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz wireless (USB-A dongle) + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Microphone | Omni-directional, flip-to-mute, fixed boom |
| Weight | 266g |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (claimed), 22-23 hours (tested) |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 hours full charge |
| Surround Sound | Dolby Audio 7.1 (PC/Mac), Tempest 3D Audio (PS5) |
| Platform Support | PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch (docked), Mobile (Bluetooth) |
| Wireless Range | Up to 15m (50ft) |
| Ear Pad Material | Memory foam with leatherette covering |
| Headband | Adjustable fabric-wrapped with padding |
Final Verdict: Wireless Gaming Audio Done Right at This Price
Final Verdict
The Corsair HS55 Wireless delivers genuinely competent wireless gaming audio in the mid-range bracket, which is rarer than it should be. The warm sound signature suits competitive FPS games, comfort is exceptional for the 266g weight, and battery life actually matches Corsair’s claims. The microphone is the weakest link – functional for Discord but not good enough for streaming. If you want wireless freedom without spending £150+, this is your best option. Just budget for a standalone mic if content creation matters.
After three weeks of testing, I’m genuinely impressed by what Corsair’s achieved here. This isn’t a perfect headset – the mic is mediocre, the treble is rolled off, and the ear pads get warm. But it nails the fundamentals that matter for gaming: positional audio you can trust, comfort for marathon sessions, and wireless reliability without constant charging.
For competitive gamers on a budget, this is a proper option. The footstep detection in Valorant is clear enough to rely on. The battery lasts a full week of normal use. And the comfort means you’re not fighting hotspots or pressure headaches during ranked grinds.
The mid-range wireless headset market is crowded with mediocrity. The HS55 Wireless stands out by being genuinely good at the things that matter, rather than trying to do everything and failing. That’s worth celebrating.
Not Right For You? Consider These Instead
Consider Instead If…
- Need better mic quality? Look at the HyperX Cloud II – wired but superior mic and slightly better audio clarity
- Want maximum battery life? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P offers 60 hours and better overall quality, but costs significantly more
- Tighter budget? The Turtle Beach Recon 200 Gen 2 offers wired reliability for less money
- Prioritise treble detail? Consider the Razer BlackShark V2 X for brighter, more detailed wired audio
About This Review
This review was written by the Vivid Repairs gaming peripheral team. We’ve tested hundreds of gaming headsets across all price points since 2018. Our reviews focus on real competitive gaming performance, not just spec sheets.
Testing methodology: Three weeks of extended testing including competitive Valorant (Ascendant rank), Warzone 3, Apex Legends, and single-player titles. Discord call quality evaluated with regular gaming groups. Comfort tested over 4+ hour sessions with glasses. Battery life measured across multiple charge cycles at 60-70% volume.
Affiliate Disclosure: Vivid Repairs participates in the Amazon Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t influence our reviews – we’d rather lose a commission than recommend rubbish gear.
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