Corsair HS65 Wireless review: No wires, same great gaming headset

Putting the proverbial pen to paper for our Corsair HS65 Wireless Review It’s like a deja vu gaming headset, as the new cans on the block look like a familiar friend. The company’s version of the headset effectively sheds the cord from the HS65 Surround, a move that frees one of our favorite wired headphones from tethers. While this ultimately makes for a fantastic wireless solution, it seems my complaints with the original were largely ignored.

At US$119.99, the Corsair HS65 Wireless isn’t exactly cheap, sitting firmly in the premium segment alongside 2023’s top gaming headset contenders. That said, its price isn’t outrageous and won’t let you down. be disappointed with what the setup offers compared to more expensive alternatives. It’s worth considering if you really need a wireless solution, as the wired HS65 Surround offers similar levels of quality for a little less.

Don’t get me wrong, Corsair’s new HS65 has a lot going for it, cutting the cord while avoiding traditional cordless caveats. Again, my issues with this build apply to the hardwired original as well, but I prefer to call them minor issues rather than proper issues. Both stand apart from their competition in style and substance, and the HS65 Wireless brings headsets to a new wave of gamers who need to ditch the cords.

Features

The Corsair HS65 Wireless offers 7.1 surround sound capabilities, just like its predecessor, but ditches the wires for low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s also armed with the same 50mm neodymium drivers that have already proven themselves in the audio battlefield of gaming PCs, along with that omnidirectional flip-to-mute mic that we raved about (and swooned for its design).

In the box, you will get a 2.4 GHz adapter and a USB-C cable, the latter of which only serves as a means of charging. Maybe that’s to be expected given the headphones’ wireless title, but I think it’s one of the reasons Corsair misses a trick in terms of versatility – one of those “little duds” that I’ll explain in a moment.

Design

Corsair clearly understands the task when it comes to headphone aesthetics, as the HS65 Wireless embodies the same subtle approach to style as the Surround model. I’m a big fan of the mesh grid design on the mugs, and the white variant helps combat my inner gothic gaming PC dweller. The black model also looks quite classy, ​​but I personally think the white and gray feel good.

The swivel cups once again give the HS65 a mobile vibe, as I am currently wearing the helmet as if it were an accessory. Getting rid of the wires means I can step away from my desk this time, and a strong combination of aluminum and high-grade plastics provide reassurance that the headphones will survive bumpy trips, whether around my neck. or in a backpack.

Unfortunately, I think the same commendable vibe on the go is limited, as the headset’s collapsible microphone still can’t be removed. Personally, I’m not too keen on walking outside like I can join a Microsoft Teams call anytime when I really want to use the cans to listen to Midwestern emo playlists on the train. Being able to remove the microphone boom is a small thing that would make all the difference in terms of versatility, as it could appeal to both desktop users and anyone looking for a stylish pair of headphones.

Despite this, Corsair has made small changes to some parts of its headset, including the volume wheel on the left. The dial now features click steps, instead of the smooth feel adopted by the HS65 Surround. It’s a small tweak, but it helps add definition to the headphone volume controls and facilitates a more premium vibe.

Now that the HS65 is free of built-in cables, the power and Bluetooth buttons join the aforementioned volume wheel and are easy to reach during use. Additionally, there’s now a dedicated mute button on the left cup, which feels a bit redundant given the swinging nature of the mic boom. During use, you’ll remember smart microphone tips or click an on-screen mute button, instead of using the extra button.

While I don’t find myself using the mute button, I’m not a big fan of the flip mechanism either. In theory, it should feel slippery, but just like with the wired version, it bumps into my forehead when it bends into my mouth. As such, I usually keep the mic down when I’m at my desk, or take it down and put it back up. It’s true that neurodivergent traits mean I’m a bit more sensitive to that sort of thing, and your personal experience may vary.

As you’d expect, giving the HS65 a wireless interior changes its weight, but retains the lightweight comfort levels of the wired version. You won’t want to take your headset off after a long gaming session, and you won’t mind like some of the options available. Although my ears are quite small, some of you may find the narrow cups a bit tight.

The HS65 commits a cardinal sin in terms of connectivity, foregoing wired functionality entirely. The lack of a spare 3.5mm jack connection, or even USB audio playback, is a definite plus for me, as it means I’m at the mercy of a charged battery. I say charged, but I regularly forget to do so, and backup cables can’t save the day this time.

Quality

The Corsair HS65 Wireless shines in the gaming headset quality department, delivering balanced sound across the board. Windows spatial audio superpowers deliver pinpoint accuracy in FPS games like Overwatch 2, letting me outpace tricky gamers by hearing footsteps.

It also provided a sinister extra layer of immersion during my recent Dead Space Remake review, with 7.1 surround sound providing an extra slab of dread as you explore USG Ishimura. I stupidly started playing the game using a Razer V3 Hypersense, but the Corsair cans helped provide a wireless break from the wondrous horrors of haptic feedback.

Naturally, the HS65 caters to gaming wants and needs, but it really does hold its own as a daily Spotify driver. As I’ve said in many other headphone reviews, while you should never expect audiophile levels of fidelity, playing the new Fall Out Boy singles through Corsair cans is pure bass bliss , well-balanced mids and highs.

Using the headphones’ 2.4GHz with a Windows PC means you’ll be able to use Corsair’s iCue software, which offers EQ settings and “SoundID customization”. This last feature is meant to create a tight profile using feedback, but as with the HS65 Surround, I can’t seem to get it to please my ears. I tend to stick with the regular EQ presets, but that doesn’t mean the tool isn’t to your liking.

Of course, the quality of the microphone is just as important, although a headset will never compete with the best gaming microphone. I’m willing to eat my words on that last statement, but the HS65 Wireless certainly isn’t going to put your fancy streaming setup to shame. I’m not disappointed with Corsair’s mic this time around, and it delivers perfectly usable capture quality for chats and team calls. However, it is a bit short compared to the HS65 Surround, as it is a bit slim compared to its wired counterpart.

I tend to use the original HS65 when playing Steam Deck, so I swapped it out for a week to test out the Bluetooth capabilities of the wireless version. Fortunately, it provided a similar experience, so I didn’t have to compromise on quality when browsing my Steam library on the go. You’ll miss the low latency that 2.4GHz provides, but I’d say it’s not entirely necessary when gaming on a laptop or other devices like your phone.

Battery life

Using the HS65 Wireless Headset on the Steam Deck gave me the opportunity to put Corsair’s battery life claims to the test, as the device maker says it will last a full 24 hours of game. I managed to jump in and out of Dead Space 2 on the Steam Deck in several bursts over the course of a weekend and still have juice to spare, so the company facts seem to align.

Battery life when using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle is also maintained, and I still don’t feel cheated by the daily longevity of the headphones. As someone who regularly forgets to plug in devices, I’m also happy with how much power the headphones get from a 15-minute charge time, as it gives me a chance to regret my forgetfulness.

I can honestly say that while the Corsair HS65 Wireless isn’t perfect, it deserves a place on the table of best wireless gaming headsets. Not only does it encompass everything great with its fancy wired sibling, it offers excellent gaming audio quality and respectable battery life.

I feel like Corsair could take headphones to new heights by implementing small changes like a detachable microphone, as the HS65 Wireless pretty much has what it takes to challenge fashion alternatives. However, the new version is still an absolute slap in the face, and it’s a winner for anyone who can’t stand cables.

Corsair HS65 Wireless Review

The HS65 Wireless eliminates the wires of one of our favorite gaming headsets, and we only have a few minor gripes with Corsair’s newcomer.