Gaming headsets have become an essential component of the modern gamer’s arsenal. They provide immersive audio, clear communication, and comfort for extended gaming sessions. Two popular choices among gamers are the Corsair HS65 and Corsair HS55 surround headsets. Here’s our comparison of the two to help you determine which one is right for you. By the end of this article, you should be able to confidently choose the headset that best suits your gaming needs.
Corsair HS65 vs HS55 Comparison Chart
Design
The Corsair HS65 is made of slightly higher quality materials than the Corsair HS55.
The Corsair HS65 and HS55 Surround gaming headsets have minimalist designs that appeal to gamers who prefer a low-key design. While both are made of high-quality plastic, you can feel that the Corsair HS65 headset has a much better build quality due to its heft. It weighs 282 grams as opposed to the 272 grams of the Corsair HS55.
The headbands are made of durable, flexible materials that provide a secure fit without causing discomfort. Both have plastic frames that are lightweight and flexible, and they have thin metal frames for support. The two headsets feature earcups with memory foam and leatherette that feel comfortable against the skin.
The microphones on both headsets are flip-up style and non-removable. The cables are also fixed, so that’s unfortunate as detachable cables are always preferred when it comes to wired headsets. They come with 3.5mm to USB-A adapters for Dolby Audio on PC and Mac. Since they are wired headsets, they will work on any gaming platform with a 3.5mm jack, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, tablets and mobile phones.
Features
The Corsair HS65 and HS55 have similar features, but the former has SoundID, which is a feature that allows you to personalize the sound.
The iCUE software, which both headsets support, allows users to customize the headset settings, including enabling surround and fiddling with EQ. This software is only available on Mac and Windows, and it’s not a requirement to use either headsets. However, it’s recommended that you download it if you want to enable Dolby Audio and play with the headsets’ EQ settings.
One feature that’s exclusive to the Corsair HS65 is its personalized SoundID. It is an audio profile that is unique to each user and is designed to enhance the audio experience based on individual preferences. Both headsets have EQ presets 10-band equalizers, though, so you can easily tweak the sound on either of them.
As for surround sound, they support Dolby Audio 7.1 on PC and Mac only since you need to download the iCUE software to enable it. But as mentioned earlier, you can use these headsets with any gaming platform that has a 3.5mm jack.
Performance
The Corsair HS65 has a more bass-heavy sound than the HS55.
The Corsair HS65 Surround has a sound profile that is bass-heavy. The bass is boosted, providing a powerful and impactful sound that adds to the immersion of the game. The highs are also elevated, allowing for clear and detailed sound that enhances the overall audio experience. Because the lows & highs are boosted, the midrange is not as prominent, which can be a drawback for those who prefer a more balanced sound.
The Corsair HS55 Surround, on the other hand, has a slightly more balanced sound profile relative to the HS65. The bass is not as prominent, but it still provides a decent amount of impact. The highs are also not as elevated as the Corsair HS65. Because of this, midrange is more prominent, providing a balanced sound that is suitable for music and other genres outside of gaming. Overall, the sound profile of the HS55 Surround is more versatile and can cater to a wider range of preferences, while the HS65 Surround is more geared towards those that prefer a v-shaped sound (boosted bass and treble).
The Corsair HS65 Surround and HS55 Surround both have 7.1 surround sound that creates a more immersive audio environment. That said, it’s not very accurate, so it’s recommended that you only use it for single player or casual games. The default stereo mode is better when it comes to competitive multiplayer games.
Verdict
Get the Corsair HS65 if you want a bass-heavy sound signature. The Corsair HS55 is better for those that want a slightly more balanced sound.
Corsair HS65
Corsair HS55
There’s not much difference between the Corsair HS65 and HS55 features-wise. The only real difference there is that the former has personalized SoundID-a feature that most people can live without. In terms of design, the Corsair HS65 is slightly better built, but the difference is almost negligible.
The most notable difference between the two headsets is how they sound. While they both have a v-shaped sound, the Corsair HS65’s bass and treble are boosted to another level. Its sound profile can provide a more immersive gaming, but it can also be more fatiguing. The Corsair HS55 also has boosted bass and treble, but not to the degree of the HS65. As a result, it’s more versatile in that it can provide a more pleasant sound when gaming, watching movies and listening to music.
FAQs
It can block out noise passively since it’s a closed-back headset, but it doesn’t have any noise cancelling features.
It weighs 282 grams or 9.9 oz.
If you like a v-shaped sound (boosted bass and treble), then the Corsair HS55 can be good for music. However, if you like a neutral sound profile, then the Corsair HS55 will disappoint.
Yes, the Corsair HS65 is compatible with the PS5 and it also supports Sony’s 3D audio.