CORSAIR HS80 Series Gaming Headsets: Everything You Need to Know

Out of the many gaming headsets that we make here at CORSAIR, the HS80 Series is of particular note. The HS80s cover a range of price points and are the perfect headsets for gaming of any type.

With the arrival of the HS80 MAX last year, there are now three headsets in the HS80 range. So, this article will cover all the similarities and differences between them.

Regardless of whether you go with the HS80 RGB WIRELESS, HS80 MAX, or HS80 RGB USB there are some features common across all three. So, we’ll talk about the best features shared between all of them first, then highlight the specific differences.

Those who have been gaming for a long time will know some sessions can often go on for longer than intended. Be it grinding ranked mode in pursuit of virtual glory or being too immersed in a single-player campaign that you forget that you had to be somewhere 3 hours ago, it keeps happening, and will continue to happen if you’re honest with yourself.

Basically any headset will be comfortable enough for short periods, but for extended gaming sessions, something special is required. Most gaming headsets use a traditional headband, but this can result in the weight of the headsets being concentrated onto a small area of the top of your head. This can be annoying at best and sometimes genuinely painful at worst.

The floating headband design of the HS80 range alleviates this pain point. The elastic stretches over a wider area of your head to distribute the pressure more evenly. Additionally, that elastic quality allows the headset to adjust in infinite increments so it will fit better than a traditional style of headband with limited steps.

All three of the HS80 headsets are equipped with large 50mm drivers and can provide full surround sound on PC via iCUE, using your choice of Windows Spatial Audio or DOLBY. PS5 users can take advantage of this too, as the HS80 gaming headsets are fully compatible with the PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio. (Just as long as the dongle is set to PlayStation mode if you’re using an HS80 specifically.)

By now, basically everyone, gamer or not, has said something unfortunate thinking that they were muted. A choice curse word that you didn’t want your boss to hear, or an embarrassing conversation between you and the roommate/mom. It’s happened to everybody at one point or another.

The flip-to-mute design we use for the HS80 series significantly reduces the possibility of such embarrassment. With a tactile bump when you hit the point where the mic is muted you can be sure you will not be heard.

Additionally, this functionality is not dependent on software. It’s a physical hardware feature that literally cuts the contact from the mic. Closeted luddites will rejoice at a feature that doesn’t rely on software.

Now the common features are covered, let’s get into each specific gaming headset in the HS80 range.

As the MAX suffix implies, the HS80 MAX is the top dog of the HS80 series, retailing at $179.99 (at time of writing.) Visually-speaking, the differences are subtle. It’s available in White and Black colorways as with the other HS80s, but the differences here lie internally.

First up is a much-improved battery life compared to the original HS80, allowing the HS80 MAX to last up to 65 hours between charges. Easily long enough for even gaming sessions of a most unhealthy duration.

Here we also find Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. This is vital for those who enjoy mobile gaming, and even Nintendo Switch enjoyers. Additionally, people who make regular use of gaming laptops will be pleased, as even the most premium of laptops have very limited I/O, so using a Bluetooth headset allows you to save precious USB ports.

The last feature that’s exclusive to the HS80 MAX is Sonarworks SoundID. We’ve written an entire article that explains what Sonarworks SoundID is, so you can read that for more detailed information. The short version is that you can complete a test scenario comprising of various A/B tests via iCUE which will build a bespoke EQ curve specifically for you. It even takes discrepancies between your left and right ear into account. You can find our guide on how to set up SoundID in iCUE right here on EXPLORER. Now, let’s move onto the OG icon, the HS80.

The originator of the HS80 lineup. This gaming headset kicked off a new headset design for CORSAIR, in addition to being the first to make use of the floating headband design. Despite having less connectivity and a shorter battery life than the HS80 MAX, the HS80 is still a strong option, and if you have no need of the additional feature of the MAX, you can save some cash as the HS80 WIRELESS retails for $149.99 compared to the HS80 MAX which is priced at $179.99.

You still get fully surround sound capabilities, and all the rest of the common features. Basically the HS80 WIRELESS retains all the most vital features from the HS80 MAX, but doesn’t have the more optional ones. Particularly discerning buyers might find this one more appealing than the top-spec MAX.

This relates to one of the main purposes of the HS80 series. We’ve positioned each one across the series to vary in terms of features, connectivity, and price. So, if you love the comfortable design and competitive sound quality, you can find one to suit your budget and priorities. One size does not fit all, so extending the range is the correct way to approach this. Speaking of which, let’s move onto the HS80 RGB USB, the most affordable of the bunch.

With another indicative name, the HS80 RGB USB is the wired variant of the OG HS80. Those who don’t move around a lot and stay close to their console or PC will find no trouble here.

The 1.8m/5’9” cable is long enough for basically any set up, and though old-school, a wired gaming peripheral does present some inescapable advantages over it’s wired brethren. Any question or worry about battery life is completely assuaged here.

Additionally, even with the best wireless technology, there can still be interference problems, particularly if your PC is sequestered away or surrounded by many other bits of tech, all competing for bandwidth.

A wired connection eliminates the possibility of such problems. If you’re the type of person who just needs things to work, you’ll have found the last few paragraphs very appealing. We’ll appeal a bit more with the price, too. The $99.99 price at the time of writing makes the HS80 RGB USB fall into far more people’s budgets. Almost half the price of the HS80 MAX. Truly a gaming headset with everything you need, nothing you don’t.

This brings us to the end of the HS80-athon. Now you know what the differences are, and which one is the best fit for you. Find all three over at our main website or stick around here and read up on anything and everything PC gaming related on EXPLORER.