HS35 vs HS55 vs HS65: What are the differences?

When it comes to gaming headsets, CORSAIR covers the entire spectrum of price, features, and platforms. However, we'll admit the naming of the headsets can get confusing. So, given that we’ve just released the new HS35 v2 and HS35 SURROUND v2, we thought we’d quickly explain the differences between the new HS35 v2, and the similar sounding HS55 and HS65.

You should note here that “HS35”, “HS55”, and “HS65” are not terms that refer to specific headsets. They instead refer to a sort of bracket, within which there can be multiple products.

The HS35 series of headsets are our most budget-oriented gaming headsets. They are wired, and do not always feature surround sound. Those that feature surround sound have the term “SURROUND” somewhere in the name.

These headsets (including the new HS35 v2 and HS35 SURROUND v2) are always priced low. Typically ~$60 or less. This makes them ideal for the budget conscious, beginners, or parents shopping for children who might not treat their possessions with much care. Kids will be kids.

Given the price and intended audience, these gaming headsets are tight on features and creature comforts, like flip-to-mute mics and additional things in iCUE like SoundID. These sorts of things are usually only found in our higher range of headsets, like the HS80 and HS80 MAX. Now, let’s travel one level up and talk about the HS55.

The HS55 headsets occupy a higher price bracket and have more features than the HS35. As with the HS35 headsets, the HS55 products do not always come with surround sound and will feature “Stereo” in the name if not, and “Surround” if they do.

Additionally, some HS55 are wireless, via a 2.4GHz USB dongle. Some even feature Bluetooth as well as 2.4GHz, like the HS55 WIRELESS CORE.

Both the HS35 and HS55 ranges of gaming headsets generally feature more plastic in their constructions and might not feel as “premium” as our more high-end headsets. That being said, this usually means that they are significantly lighter, which contributes a lot to comfort. Headsets with the “HS55” moniker are priced a bit more widely than the HS35s, ranging from around $60 for the wired ones, and nearer to $100 for the wireless versions. Time to kick it up a notch to HS65.

The HS65 range of headsets are very similar to the HS55s, but amped up a bit. In terms of the components and the construction, the differences are few. However, they offer more in terms of features, be it software or otherwise.

For example, things like SoundID, better battery life, extra software features, and more expensive materials are more common at this level. Because HS65 headsets are more expensive to make due to those aspects, they of course come at a higher price for the consumer. You do indeed get what you pay for in this life, ladies and gentlemen, and that includes gaming headsets too.

So, now you know the sort of differences that you can expect from headsets designated HS35, HS55, or HS65. If any of these interest you, or you’re curious about any of the other gaming headsets we make, head over to our main website.