Corsair HS80 Max vs HS80 Wireless headsets. We will discuss the key differences between these two models and highlight the new features and improvements of the HS80 Max. With a focus on comfort, usability, design, and sound quality, this blog aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a gamer or a music enthusiast, finding the perfect headset is crucial for an immersive audio experience. So, let’s dive in and explore the differences between the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless.
The Corsair HS80 Max Wireless and HS80 RGB Wireless headsets are priced nearly identically, both available for $149.99.
Table of Contents
Design and Comfort
When comparing the design aesthetics of the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless headsets, it’s important to note that they look nearly identical. Both models feature a sleek and modern design that is visually appealing. Whether you prefer the classic black or the fresh white, both options are available for both headsets.
When it comes to comfort and usability, the Corsair HS80 series excels. The ear cups of both headsets are incredibly comfortable, thanks to their soft cushioning. The removable ear cups allow for easy cleaning and customization, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended gaming or listening sessions.
One notable design feature of the HS80 series is the floating headband design. This design allows the headset to sit nicely on your head and provides a comfortable fit for various head sizes. However, it’s worth noting that the headset is best suited for smaller heads, as the headband isn’t particularly extendable.
In terms of usability, both headsets come with a volume wheel and a power button on the left ear cup. The volume wheel is multi-function, allowing for customization through Corsair’s IQ software. The HS80 Max has an additional Bluetooth button on the right ear cup, providing the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.
With the addition of Bluetooth, the HS80 Max allows for easy pairing with other devices. However, it’s important to note that you cannot have both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity simultaneously for audio from two different sources.
Features and Connectivity
When it comes to features and connectivity, the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless headsets offer a range of options to enhance your audio experience.
Included Accessories and Charging Capabilities
Both headsets come with a USB-C charging cable and a 2.4 GHz Slipstream wireless dongle. However, the HS80 Max has an advantage in terms of charging capabilities. It now supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly charge the headset and get more playtime in a shorter period of time.
Microphone Features and Sound Quality
Both headsets feature a flip-to-mute microphone, which is a convenient feature for muting your microphone during gaming or calls. However, there is a slight difference in sound quality between the two models. The original HS80 has a fantastic sounding microphone with broadcast quality. On the other hand, the HS80 Max microphone doesn’t sound as good, but this could potentially be improved with a firmware update.
Volume Wheel, Power Button, and Customization Options
Both headsets have a volume wheel and a power button located on the left ear cup. The volume wheel is multi-function and can be customized through Corsair’s IQ software. You can adjust various settings, including EQ profiles, through the software or directly on the headset. The HS80 Max also features an additional Bluetooth button on the right ear cup, allowing for easy pairing and switching between wireless and Bluetooth modes.
Bluetooth Capability in HS80 Max
One of the key upgrades in the HS80 Max is the addition of Bluetooth capability. With the HS80 Max, you can now easily connect and pair the headset with other Bluetooth devices. This feature provides added convenience and versatility, allowing you to use the headset with a wider range of devices.
It’s worth noting that you cannot have both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity simultaneously for audio from two different sources. However, you can use Bluetooth and wireless simultaneously for different purposes, such as taking incoming calls or easily switching between two sources by pressing the buttons on the headset.
Audio Performance
When it comes to audio performance, the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless headsets offer an exceptional experience with customizable features and high-quality sound.
Sound Quality and Customizable EQ Presets
Both headsets provide excellent sound quality, delivering immersive audio for gaming or music. With customizable EQ presets, you can adjust the sound profile to suit your preferences. Corsair’s IQ software allows you to fine-tune the audio settings, including bass, treble, and other frequencies, giving you full control over your listening experience.
24-Bit 96k Studio Quality Sound over Wireless
The HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless headsets offer studio-quality sound with a 24-bit 96k sample rate over wireless connectivity. This means you can enjoy high-resolution audio without the need for a wired connection. With this upgrade, you can experience crisp and detailed sound reproduction, enhancing your overall audio experience.
Sound ID System for Personalized Sound Experience
The HS80 Max introduces the Sound ID system, which allows for a personalized sound experience. By conducting tests to analyze your hearing and sound preferences, the headset can provide a customized sound profile tailored to your unique hearing abilities and audio preferences. With the Sound ID system, you can enjoy audio that is optimized specifically for you.
Inclusion of Dolby Atmos License
Both the HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless come with a license for Dolby Atmos, a premium audio technology that provides immersive soundscapes and virtual surround sound. With Dolby Atmos, you can enjoy a more realistic and immersive audio experience, whether you’re gaming or listening to music.
Battery Life and Charging
When comparing the battery life of the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless, there are some differences to consider. The HS80 Max offers up to 65 hours of battery life when used with the 2.4 GHz Slipstream wireless dongle. However, it’s important to note that if you have the RGB lighting on the ear cups enabled, the battery life will be reduced to 24 hours. To maximize battery life, it’s recommended to turn off the RGB lighting when not needed.
On the other hand, the original HS80 Wireless offers up to 30 hours of battery life with the RGB lighting enabled. So, if battery life is a top priority for you, the HS80 Max would be the better choice.
Another notable feature of the HS80 Max is its fast charging capabilities. With the ability to plug in the headset for fast charging, you can quickly charge the headset and get more playtime in a shorter period of time. This is a convenient feature for those who are always on the go or don’t have much time to wait for their headset to fully charge.
Microphone Quality
When it comes to microphone quality, there are some differences between the Corsair HS80 Max and HS80 Wireless headsets.
Comparison of Microphone Quality
The original HS80 Wireless headset had a fantastic sounding microphone with broadcast quality. However, the microphone on the HS80 Max doesn’t sound as good. It’s important to note that this could potentially be improved with a firmware update in the future.
Potential Issues and Firmware Updates
If you’re concerned about the microphone quality on the HS80 Max, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any firmware updates from Corsair. Firmware updates can address issues and improve performance, including microphone quality. Corsair is known for providing regular updates to enhance their products, so it’s possible that any microphone issues will be addressed in the future.
Integration of NVIDIA’s Broadcast Technology
One of the notable features of the HS80 Max is the integration of NVIDIA’s broadcast technology. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you can take advantage of this technology to eliminate background noise during your audio recordings or live streams. It’s a useful feature that can greatly improve the overall audio quality of your recordings.
In conclusion, while the microphone quality may not be as good on the HS80 Max compared to the original HS80 Wireless, there is potential for improvement through firmware updates. Additionally, the integration of NVIDIA’s broadcast technology can help enhance the overall audio quality during recordings and live streams.
Conclusion
The Corsair HS80 Max vs HS80 Wireless headsets have been compared and reviewed, highlighting the key differences and improvements of the HS80 Max. Here are the key points discussed:
- The design and comfort of both headsets are nearly identical, featuring a sleek and modern design and comfortable ear cups.
- The HS80 Max offers the addition of Bluetooth capability, allowing for easy pairing with other devices.
- Both headsets come with a volume wheel and power button on the left ear cup, with the HS80 Max having an additional Bluetooth button on the right ear cup.
- The HS80 Max supports fast charging, providing the convenience of quick charging and extended playtime.
- Both headsets offer excellent sound quality and customizable EQ presets, with the HS80 Max providing 24-bit 96k studio-quality sound over wireless connectivity.
- The HS80 Max introduces the Sound ID system, offering a personalized sound experience tailored to individual hearing abilities and audio preferences.
- Both headsets come with a license for Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio experience.
- The battery life of the HS80 Max is up to 65 hours with the 2.4 GHz Slipstream wireless dongle, with fast charging capabilities.
- The microphone quality of the HS80 Max is not as good as the original HS80, but firmware updates may improve this in the future.
- The HS80 Max integrates NVIDIA’s broadcast technology, eliminating background noise during recordings or live streams.
Overall, the Corsair HS80 Max offers upgrades and improvements over the HS80 Wireless, including Bluetooth capability, fast charging, personalized sound experience, and integration of NVIDIA’s broadcast technology. Despite the slightly lower microphone quality, the HS80 Max provides a stylish design, exceptional comfort, and a tailored and immersive audio experience. Whether for gaming or music, the HS80 Max is recommended for those seeking a high-quality and versatile headset.
