The HS70 is a wired gaming chapter with Bluetooth.
Josh Goldman / CNET
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth is a wired headphone for gaming. At first glance, it does not make much sense, what about Bluetooth that is part of its name and all? The tricky thing is that the wireless part is not meant for games. While this can be negative for some, it can be incredibly helpful if you are looking for a headphone that can determine more than just a sharpshooter’s location.
The HS70’s Bluetooth is primarily for connecting to a phone or tablet to use for voice chat, or for calls, listening to music or whatever you use Bluetooth headphones for – but not for playing. Well, not games where zero delay or sound quality are important. For that, the HS70 has both USB and 3.5mm connections.
The design of the HS70 does not stand as a ‘gaming’ headset.
Josh Goldman / CNET
The best sound you will get from the HS70 is to use the USB-C-to-USB-A cable on your computer. It supports Windows Sonic for Headphones, giving you excellent spatial sound while playing. You can also use the company’s iCue app for Windows or MacOS to access EQ presets or customize the mic and sidetone levels. For console games, there is a 3.5mm input and an included directional cable that can be used with Xbox or PlayStation controllers or directly in a Nintendo Switch.
If you use one of the wired connections, you can connect to your phone wirelessly at the same time. This is important for Switch users, as most multiplayer games with chat support requires you to do this through the Nintendo app. For me it’s great because it’s an easy setup so I do not miss important calls, text messages and notifications while playing on my computer in full screen: just plug in the USB cable, turn on the headset and I I am fully committed.
The controls of the HS70 are easy to find without removing the headset.
Josh Goldman / CNET
What’s also nice is that it does not necessarily look like a gambling chapter. Like many people, I have spent a bit of the past year on video chats work from home. Aside from the removable microphone, the HS70 looks like a fairly normal over-the-ear headphone. This is actually disappointing, there is also no built-in microphone, so you do not have to use the removable microphone.
The headset is comfortable enough for the whole day (although it can get hot after a while). With the mute button I can quickly block any background noise. And again, these would mean that you have to spend for these processes. Plus, I can easily get up and walk away from my desk without streaming my music.
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth sells for $ 80 (£ 100, AU $ 199), which is a fair price for what you get. Which again is not a wireless headphone but a wired game headset with Bluetooth. On the other hand, if you want a wireless headphone, here are some of the best options for PS5 and Xbox.