Almost exactly two years ago, Corsair launched the HS80 RGB Wireless, a convincing wireless gaming headset that was convincing in all aspects. The manufacturer has now introduced an indirect successor, which not only improves connectivity, but also the sound. Is it the perfect wireless gaming headset? Our Corsair HS80 Max review clarifies these and other questions.
Technical data
| Design | Over-ear |
| Driver | 50 mm neodymium |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20 – 40,000 Hz (cable); 20 – 20,000 Hz (wireless) |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm @ 1kHz |
| Sensitivity (headphones) | 119 dB (± 3 dB) |
| Microphone type | Omnidirectional, with noise reduction |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100Hz – 10kHz |
| Impedance (microphone) | 2.2k ohms |
| Sensitivity (microphone) | -38 dB (± 3 dB) |
| Connectors | USB Type C |
| Range (Wireless) | Circa 15 m |
| Battery life | Up to 65 hours (Wireless); BIs up to 130 hours (Bluetooth) |
| Weight | 358 g |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Price | UVP: 189,99 Euro |
Corsair HS80 Max review: design and build
- Smart, high-quality design
- Excellent workmanship
- Modern USB-C port
The HS80 already relied on a classy design along with a high-quality build quality. Visually, the headset was well received about two years ago, which is why the manufacturer sticks to the design language with the Corsair HS80 Max.
Visually, the new edition differs only slightly from the predecessor and is a very classy gaming headset that reminds us of the company’s VOID series with its curved shape.
Corsair once again relies on a dark gray, anodized aluminum finish – however, the Max is also available in white upon request. The manufacturer’s logo on the outside of the ear cups shines in RGB lighting, while the dark gray ear pads with memory foam and soft fabric cover promise a high level of wearing comfort.
While the dimensions of 200 mm x 97 mm x 183 mm have generally remained about the same, the Corsair HS80 Max has slimmed down quite a bit. With a weight of 358 grams, it turns out to be over 50 grams lighter than its predecessor, which of course also has a positive impact on the carrying comfort.
The battery is once again charged via the modern USB Type-C standard, and the port is located on the underside of the left ear cup. However, the HS80 Max does not offer any other ports. The sturdy and high-quality build quality leaves nothing to be desired – it doesn’t get any better than that.
Corsair HS80 Max in the test: the wearing comfort
- Soft, comfortable ear cushions
- Good space for the ears
When it comes to wearing comfort, the Corsair HS80 Max takes a somewhat idiosyncratic approach in the test, but it is also inherited from its predecessor. Compared to most other headsets and headphones, it is not the headband that is adjusted in terms of size, but the ski goggle headband.
This features leather padding and is attached to the headband with a fixed Velcro strap. This allows the headset to flexibly adapt to the shape of the user’s head. A bit unusual, but it works perfectly in practice and ensures a secure fit of the headset.
The soft and breathable ear pads rest comfortably on the ears without pressure. With a thickness of around 25 mm, they offer a convincing level of comfort, and thanks to internal dimensions of around 65 mm x 45 mm, they provide a coherent amount of space.
When you first put the headset on your head, it may feel a bit unfamiliar, especially if you’re used to the faux leather pads of most competitors. However, once you get used to it, the wearing comfort is completely convincing. Also thanks to the decreased weight.
Operation and practical test
- Practical, pleasantly grippy controls
- Microphone with flip-to-mute function
- Bluetooth 5.2
In terms of operation, the Corsair HS80 Max presents itself in a very classic way. On the back of the left ear cup sit power button and pleasantly grooved volume wheel. Both have additional functions, so the power button can be used to switch between the different wireless modes, while the volume wheel allows switching between equalizer settings.
New, however, is the Bluetooth or multifunctional button on the back of the right earpiece. That’s right, because the new Max now also masters wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and can thus also be used with smartphones and tablets.
At the same time, the multifunction button can be used, for example, to answer or end calls or pause/resume music playback (press once), as well as switch to the next (twice) or previous song (three times). A comparatively simple and well thought-out operating concept that works flawlessly in practice and can also be customized in the companion software if desired.
The microphone boom features a handy flip-to-mute function, as it did on its predecessor. This means that the microphone is automatically muted when the arm is flipped up. This is signaled by a red LED on the headset, as well as the acoustic message “Mic off”.
In practice, the headset is quickly connected to all platforms. PC, Mac or PlayStation are connected via the USB-A dongle, smartphones and tablets establish the connection via Bluetooth.
Pairing is fast and flawless. It is also possible to use the headset for playback on the PC and for phone calls via Bluetooth on the smartphone at the same time. However, media playback is then not possible, for which you have to switch between the sources by pressing the power button.
Range and battery life
- Convincing battery life
- Excellent range
- RGB illumination drastically reduces runtime
One of the areas where the Max has made significant gains over the HS80 is in battery life. Instead of 20 hours, the new model now gets a whopping 65 hours of runtime with the RGB lighting disabled and in wireless mode. Via Bluetooth, even up to 130 hours are possible.
With active RGB lighting, however, the runtime is reduced significantly to 24 hours. By default, an automatic shutdown is set in the software when not in use. Thus, the HS80 Max turns itself off after 10 minutes, but those who like can also deactivate this. The wireless range is also impeccable, 15 meters and more are no problem indoors even with thick walls.
Playback and recording quality
- High-resolution sound, finally wireless
- Personalizable sound
- Excellent sound in all frequencies
The Corsair HS80 Max also noticeably steps up its game in terms of sound. The manufacturer relies on 50 mm, specially developed neodymium drivers that cover a frequency band from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. So far, so familiar.
What is new this time, however, is that a resolution of 24 bits at 96 kHz is now also possible in wireless mode (the HS80 was limited to 24 bits/48 kHz here). In addition, the software offers the possibility to adjust the sound to the user’s hearing using the Sonarworks SoundID sound test.
However, even in the factory configuration, the headset plays up strong and impresses with a spatial, detailed sound image that has no notable weaknesses in the low-frequency segment as well as in the high-frequency and mid-range segments.
The sound pleases both when gaming and when streaming or listening to music. Mids and voices are clearly reproduced, explosions turn out powerful and detailed without coming to the fore, and highs, which provide important acoustic cues especially in shooters, are also finely resolved. The Corsair HS80 Max is without a doubt one of the best-sounding gaming headsets I’ve had on my head so far.
If you want to take the spatiality to another level, you can add Dolby Atmos surround sound on your PC or Mac.
Microphone quality of the Corsair HS80 Max
- Good microphone quality (for a wireless headset)
- Relatively quiet, requires a lot of gain
The microphone also shows some detail improvements, especially in terms of sensitivity, but also noise reduction. In this area, the predecessor weakened a bit, the Max does its job a bit better, but can’t quite keep up with the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023) (our review) despite broadcasting quality.
Please don’t misunderstand: The microphone quality is, for a wireless headset, undoubtedly very good and we can be understood clearly at all times. In contrast to the quality of the playback, however, we do not play quite up front here.
The recording is also quite quiet by default, so you should make use of the software’s amplification. There are hardly any problems with sharp S sounds, but softly spoken syllables are sometimes partially swallowed.
Software connectivity: Corsair iCUE
- Tidy, uncluttered software
- Many settings
As always, Corsair iCUE is used as the companion software, which comes with a tidy and clearly understandable interface. Here you can customize the function of the MFT button, adjust the RGB lighting in various effects or activate the SoundID sound personalization.
Sound adjustments can also be made using a 10-band equalizer if you don’t like the five presets provided. In the device settings, you are informed about the battery status, adjust the brightness of the illumination or switch on a microphone amplification.
Corsair HS80 Max review: conclusion
The compelling HS80 was one of my all-time favorites among gaming headsets about two years ago, but the new Corsair HS80 Max steps up its game in all areas in the test, and some of them significantly. This makes it one of the best wireless headsets on the market.
Especially from a sound perspective and in terms of wearing comfort, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. The sound is impressive across all frequencies and can be personalized or made even more spacious with Dolby Atmos. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, the possibilities and fields of application are expanded even further.
The battery life is also much improved, which of course has a clear impact in practice. The fact that the microphone quality cannot quite keep up in wireless mode is a shame, but not really tragic.
Especially if you then also have the price in mind, after all, Corsair remains below the 200 euro mark with the wireless headset, which means we can give it a clear recommendation.
Corsair HS80 Max
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
95/100
Noble design, impeccable workmanship, excellent sound and a strong battery life make the Corsair HS80 Max an absolute all-rounder at a fair price. Only the microphone could be better.
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