CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO vs CORSAIR HS80 MAX – Which One You Should Buy

Corsair is a very reputed name in the gaming industry. So many gamers use Corsair products like headsets, PC components, and many other things. We are not going to discuss the brand, but we will talk about two of its latest gaming headsets, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro and the Corsair HS80 Max. In the post, we will be comparing both these headsets to understand which one is better. This detailed comparison between the Corsair Virtuoso Pro and the Corsair HS80 Max will help you to understand which one you should choose. We will look at every aspect of these headsets like design, build quality, comfort, audio quality, microphone, and some additional features.

CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO	CORSAIR HS80 MAX
PROS	PROS
Premium open-back design for a natural soundscape. High-quality detachable microphone with good capture quality. Swappable speaker tags for potential customization. Multiple connection options (3.5mm) for versatile compatibility. Lightweight and comfortable for extended use. Good sound quality, especially for gaming and multimedia.	Comfortable design with customizable Wicked Cushions. Excellent microphone quality for clear communication. Solid build quality with metal hinges and brackets. Long-lasting battery life with RGB off (up to 65 hours). Sound customization options with EQ and Sound ID.
CONS	CONS
No mic monitoring through the microphone. Scratchy ear cups and smaller ear cup size.	Bluetooth functionality isn’t simultaneous. Price difference from the original HS80 not justify added features.
CHECK ON AMAZON	CHECK ON AMAZON

CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro stands as the flagship device in Corsair’s headset lineup, featuring an open-back design and a premium build that commands its higher price tag. Unboxing reveals a well-designed carry case with a solid construction. The open-back design contributes to a more natural soundscape, though it sacrifices some passive noise cancellation. The swappable speaker tag system allows for potential customization, although current offerings are not clear. The headset offers multiple connection options, including 3.5mm cables with a high-quality microphone. The microphone’s quality, a consistent strength in Corsair headsets, is highlighted, but there’s a slight issue with mouth wind noise. Comfort-wise, it’s relatively lightweight, but the round ear cup design and scratchy material might affect some users. Despite minor downsides, it excels in delivering a delightful gaming experience with powerful audio, making it a solid option for those who appreciate its features.

CORSAIR VIRTUOSO PRO FEATURES

• Open-Back Design: Allows for a more natural soundscape and reduces passive noise cancellation.
• Premium Build: Solid and lightweight design with a fiber material finish for open-back comfort.
• Swappable Speaker Tags: User-replaceable speaker tags for potential customization options.
• Graphene Drivers: Delivers a good soundscape with deep bass and natural sound.
• Microphone Quality: High-quality microphone with Virtuoso-level performance and good capture quality.
• Multiple Connection Options: 3.5mm cables for versatile device compatibility (PC, Switch, laptops, phones).
• Cable Noise: The material of the cables can be noisy when rubbing against clothing.
• Comfort: Lightweight and comfortable for extended use, despite some ear cup design concerns.
• Mic Wind Problems: Windshield included to address wind noise, but mouth wind issues present.
• Loud Volume: The headset can be very loud, featuring a volume range that may require adjustment.
• Price: Relatively expensive, with potential for more exciting options in the market.

CORSAIR HS80 MAX

The Corsair HS80 Max is an updated version of the original HS80, providing comfort and improvements. Comfort is a standout feature, with large, plush ear cups and a floating headband design. The build quality is impressive, featuring a combination of plastic and metal elements for durability. Notably, Wicked Cushions offers replacement pads, enhancing both comfort and sound isolation. The weight is slightly heavier with these pads, but it doesn’t compromise comfort significantly. The headset comes with various buttons, including a customizable button on the HS80 Max for added functionality. The battery life is commendable, and the microphone delivers excellent performance, maintaining the high standards set by the original HS80. The sound quality, though initially underwhelming out of the box, can be significantly improved with the right EQ adjustments. The addition of Sound ID software and support for Dolby Atmos enhances the overall audio experience, making the HS80 Max a solid choice for gamers who prioritize comfort and versatile sound customization.

CORSAIR HS80 MAX FEATURES

• Comfort: Very comfortable with stock ear cushions and the option to use third-party pads.
• Wicked Cushions: Third-party pads are available for enhanced comfort and sound isolation.
• Build Quality: Solid build with metal hinges, durable design with premium feel.
• Bluetooth Capability: This can be paired with Bluetooth devices, offering additional connectivity.
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours with RGB on, 65 hours with RGB off, and 120 hours with Bluetooth only.
• Sound Customization: Allows for sound customization through EQ adjustments and Sound ID.
• Software Features: Improved software features compared to the original hs80, customizable buttons.
• Microphone Quality: Excellent microphone quality, considered one of the best in the market.
• Sound Quality: Out-of-the-box sound might be underwhelming but can be significantly improved with EQ adjustments and Sound ID.
• Pleather Pads: The addition of pleather pads for enhanced sound isolation and comfort.
• Price: MSRP at $180, the Bluetooth feature might not justify the price difference for everyone.

Design and Comfort

The Virtuoso Pro boasts an open-back design, a distinctive choice that promises a more immersive sound experience. While this design contributes to an expansive sound stage, it comes with concerns, especially for glasses wearers who might find the clamping force slightly high. However, Corsair’s commitment to comfort is evident through features like velcro interior straps and adjustable height settings.

On the other side of the ring, the HS80 Max builds on the success of its predecessors with Corsair’s signature comfort elements. Velcro interior straps, air cushion materials, and customizable height adjustments ensure a tailored fit. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity enhances the headset’s versatility, catering to users who appreciate both style and wearability.

Verdict: The choice here boils down to personal preferences. If you prioritize an immersive sound stage and can tolerate potential clamping force, the Virtuoso Pro might be your pick. However, the HS80 Max offers a blend of comfort and style, especially with the added convenience of Bluetooth.

Audio Quality

Equipped with graphene drivers, the Virtuoso Pro promises a true-to-life audio experience. The open-back design contributes to a balanced sound profile, steering away from the bass-heavy trends in gaming headsets. The result is a clean, studio-like sound that audiophiles may appreciate.

The HS80 Max positions itself as a neutral, competitive, gaming-oriented headset. Its audio profile leans towards neutrality, offering an advantage in competitive scenarios. The slightly open sound stage enhances positional awareness, a crucial factor in gaming environments.

Verdict: If you seek a balanced, studio-like experience, the Virtuoso Pro takes the lead. However, for gamers prioritizing competitive advantages with a neutral audio profile, the HS80 Max is a strong contender.

Microphone Performance

The Virtuoso Pro’s detachable microphone provides flexibility, but concerns have been raised about potential cable noise interference. The quality is generally commendable, offering clear communication during gaming sessions.

The HS80 Max’s microphone has faced criticism for sounding distant, with built-in noise cancellation potentially impacting clarity. While adjustments can be made through Corsair’s IQ software, the overall performance may leave some users wanting more.

Verdict: The Virtuoso Pro gains an edge with its detachable microphone, offering flexibility. However, potential cable noise interference raises concerns. The HS80 Max’s microphone, while functional, may leave audiophiles wanting more.

Additional Features

While the Virtuoso Pro focuses on delivering a clean audio experience, it lacks some of the additional features found in the HS80 Max. The absence of Bluetooth connectivity and customizable scroll clicks might limit its appeal to users seeking versatility.

The HS80 Max introduces several features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Sound ID technology, and customizable scroll clicks. These additions enhance the headset’s adaptability, making it a versatile option for users who appreciate additional features.

Verdict: The HS80 Max steals the spotlight with its added features. Bluetooth connectivity, Sound ID technology, and customizable scroll click contribute to its versatility, potentially appealing to a broader audience.

Wired vs. Wireless

The Virtuoso Pro offers a straightforward wired or wireless connection, providing users with the flexibility to choose based on their preferences. This flexibility ensures that users can enjoy their gaming sessions without being tethered to their devices.

While the HS80 Max introduces Bluetooth connectivity, a notable absence is the inability to use the headset in wired mode. This limitation may deter users who prefer a wired connection for specific scenarios.

Verdict: The Virtuoso Pro wins in the connectivity department, offering users the freedom to choose between wired and wireless modes. The absence of wired mode on the HS80 Max might be a deal-breaker for some users.

User Experience

Ultimately, the choice between the Corsair Virtuoso Pro and the Corsair HS80 Max boils down to individual preferences. The Virtuoso Pro caters to users seeking a clean, studio-like sound profile with a focus on comfort and simplicity. On the other hand, the HS80 Max targets a broader audience with its added features, aiming to strike a balance between versatility and gaming prowess.

Conclusion

Corsair’s commitment to delivering diverse audio solutions is evident in the Virtuoso Pro and HS80 Max. The Virtuoso Pro caters to audiophiles and comfort enthusiasts, offering a balanced sound profile and flexibility in usage. Meanwhile, the HS80 Max positions itself as a versatile gaming headset, embracing additional features but sacrificing the wired mode.

As gamers navigate the complex world of audio preferences, Corsair stands as a reliable guide, providing options that cater to different tastes. Whether you find solace in the clean, studio-like clarity of the Virtuoso Pro or embrace the feature-rich versatility of the HS80 Max, Corsair continues to define the audio landscape for gamers worldwide.