CORSAIR HS80 MAX vs VIRTUOSO PRO

The CORSAIR HS80 MAX released in August of 2023, then the VIRTUOSO PRO shortly afterward in September. Two top tier gaming headsets, two very different products. If you’re in the market for a new premium gaming headset, you’ve probably narrowed it down to these two. So, CORSAIR HS80 MAX vs VIRTUOSO PRO, what’s the difference? Let’s take a look.

If you’re already knowledgeable about this sort of thing or have some experience here, then the specs will make most of the decision for you. However, if you’re still unsure, we’ve detailed the most notable differences for you below.

The biggest difference between these two headsets is that the HS80 MAX is a closed back headset, while the VIRTUOSO PRO is open back. This results in two very different sounding headsets.

Essentially, the earcups of the HS80 MAX are sealed, preventing any sound from escaping, whereas the earcups of the VIRTUOSO PRO are open on the side facing out from your head, this allows sound to escape.

While escaping sound might sound counter-intuitive, it actually results in a more natural-sounding audio signature. However, this isn’t always what you want. It’s better for music and movies, but it can be counter-productive where competitive gaming is concerned. Multiplayer gaming is where closed back headsets, like the HS80 MAX rule the roost. This is because you can get more positionally precise audio from a closed back headset. We’ve actually written an entire open back vs closed back article, so you can read that for a more detailed breakdown.

So, if you spend more time in multiplayer games, then the HS80 MAX is the correct answer here, however, those who like watch movies or stick to single-player games for the most part might find the VIRTUOSO PRO more suitable.

Actually, we lied, the biggest difference between these two headsets is that the VIRTUOSO PRO is wired and the HS80 MAX is wireless. For the people unconcerned about audio, this will be the decider between these two options.

Given that the VIRTUOSO PRO can’t be wireless but the HS80 MAX can operate while charging, those with a focus on convenience should opt for the HS80 MAX. It can last up to 65 hours on 2.4Ghz mode and up to 120 hours on Bluetooth mode, the latter making it ideal for the CORSAIR VOYAGER enjoyers out there, or any other laptop for that matter.

This is one of those things that’s super tricky to describe as it’s so subjective, but it’s worth mentioning, nonetheless. Basically, the headband and ear cushions are designed differently. The HS80 MAX uses a floating headband design that distributes the weight of the headset more evenly. The VIRTUOSO PRRO, by comparison, has a traditional headband. Ultimately, you need to try both of them out to make your decision.

We make premium products here at CORSAIR, meaning that the price reflects this, so both the HS80 MAX and the VIRTUOSO PRO are significant investments. Additionally, regional pricing varies a lot, so depending on where you are, the prices might be quite different.

That being said, these headsets are quite similarly in price, with the HS80 MAX just $20 less than the VIRTUOSO PRO. This makers sense given the VIRTUOSO’s streaming pedigree versus the HS80 MAX’s more gaming-first design. Overall, perhaps the HS80 MAX boasts a slightly better value for money proposition, but it’s impossible for us to make this decision for you.

To conclude, these headsets are specifically designed for different applications, with the VIRTUOSO PRO being designed as a more professional streaming/gaming hybrid, and the HS80 MAX purely a premium gaming accessory. If nothing else, keep this in mind when making you’re choice.

So, if either of these headsets has tickled your fancy, head over to our main website to check them out. You’ll find plenty of other cool products over there, too.