The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth is a wired headset for gaming. On the surface that doesn’t make much sense, what with Bluetooth being part of its name and all. The tricky bit is that the wireless part isn’t intended for gaming. While that might be a negative for some, it turns out to be incredibly useful if you’re looking for a gaming headset that can be used for more than just pinpointing a sniper’s location.
The HS70’s Bluetooth is mainly for connecting to a phone or tablet to use for voice chat, or for phone calls, listening to music or whatever else you use Bluetooth headphones for — but not gaming. Well, not gaming where zero lag or sound quality is important. For that, the HS70 has both USB and 3.5mm connections.
The HS70’s design doesn’t stand out as a “gaming” headset.
Josh Goldman/CNET
The best sound you’ll get from the HS70 is using the USB-C-to-USB-A cable to your computer. It supports Windows Sonic for Headphones, which gives you excellent spatial audio while you’re gaming. You can also use the company’s iCue app for Windows or MacOS to access EQ presets or adjust mic and sidetone levels. For console gaming, there’s a 3.5mm input and an included directional cable that can be used with Xbox or PlayStation controllers or plugged directly into a Nintendo Switch.
When you’re using one of the wired connections, you can simultaneously connect wirelessly to your phone. For Switch users this is important, since most multiplayer games with chat support require you to do it through Nintendo’s app. For me, it’s great, because it’s an easy setup so I don’t miss any important phone calls, texts and notifications while I’m playing full-screen on my PC: Just plug in the USB cable, turn on the headset and I’m fully connected.
The HS70’s controls are easy to find without taking the headset off.
Josh Goldman/CNET
What’s also nice is that it doesn’t necessarily look like a gaming headset. Like many people, I’ve spent a chunk of the past year on video chats while working from home. Aside from the removable mic, the HS70 looks like a fairly normal pair of over-ear headphones. It’s actually kind of disappointing there is no built-in mic, too, so you didn’t have to use the removable mic.
The headset is comfortable enough for all-day use (although it can get warm after a while). The mute button lets me quickly block any background noise. And again, I can keep tabs on my phone wirelessly while I work wired. Plus, I can easily get up and walk away from my desk without having to disconnect from music streaming on my phone.
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth sells for $80 (£100, AU$199), which is a fair price for what you’re getting. Which, again, is not a wireless gaming headset, but a wired gaming headset with Bluetooth. On the other hand, if you want a wireless gaming headset, here are some of the best options for PS5 and Xbox.
