The Corsair HS50 is a solid gaming headset offering very good sound quality. Its design closely mirrors that of the Corsair HS60, featuring the same sturdy, premium look. The headband and ear cups are comfortably padded, allowing for extended wear. The detachable microphone performs well, making the headset suitable for both gaming and outdoor use. However, the isolation performance is lacking. Unlike the HS60, the HS50 does not include a USB adapter and is not compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software. On the plus side, it provides latency-free gaming across all platforms.
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Specifications
| Driver | 50mm Neodymium |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms @ 1kHz |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB (± 3 dB) |
| Mic Type | Unidirectional noise-cancelling |
| Mic Impedance | 2.0k Ohms |
| Mic Frequency Response | 100Hz – 10kHz |
| Mic Sensitivity | -40 dB (± 3 dB) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 160 x 100 x 205 mm |
| Weight | 319g |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Design and Build
The Corsair HS50 defies its budget label with impressive polish and build quality, standing out among its peers. Its large, comfortable ear cups feature faux leather memory foam that gently conforms to your head. The cans, resembling speaker grates, come in black, green, or blue to match your Xbox One or PlayStation 4. The sturdy metal arches connecting the cups to the headband ensure a good fit for all head sizes. The headband itself boasts sleek faux leather with accent stitching and the Corsair logo.
The HS50 uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with game consoles, smartphones, PCs, and Macs. Controls, including a volume dial and a mute button, are conveniently located on the left cup. The detachable microphone enhances its versatility for on-the-go use. Overall, the HS50 combines style, comfort, and durability, making it a standout option in its price range.
Performance
Sound Quality
The HS50 performs reasonably well in identifying sound locations, particularly quieter in-game sounds like footsteps, though it struggles with louder noises like gunfire or vehicles. Voice quality is average, not heavily distorted but noticeably different from natural conversation. Music quality is slightly better, with decent bass and treble, though mid-range tones can be overshadowed by game soundtracks.
The HS50 falls short in ambient noise reduction and benchmarking tests. It exhibited significant parasitic buzz in bass quality tests and inconsistent driver performance at higher frequencies. In binaural recordings, while positional audio was accurate, sounds like door knocks lacked realism. Overall, the HS50 offers a decent but imperfect audio experience.
Microphone Quality
The HS50 struggles with voice clarity, making it sound flat and distant with a lack of bass and some fuzziness. The microphone is slightly sibilant with “S” sounds but handles “T” sounds reasonably well. While it does a decent job of blocking out background noise like typing, it picks up more noticeable sounds like eating or a running fan. It performs poorly with side conversations, easily capturing voices within a 25-foot radius, making them audible to others.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong stereo sound
- Comfortable design
- Excellent value
Cons
- No surround sound
- Easily misplaced microphone
Comparison
| Feature | Corsair HS50 | Corsair HS35 | HyperX Cloud Stinger | Logitech G432 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39 | $49.99 | $69 | $79 |
| Technology | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | 7.1 Surround Sound (DTS Headphone:X 2.0) |
| Audio Drivers | 50mm neodymium | 50mm neodymium | 50mm directional | 50mm audio drivers |
| Microphone | Detachable unidirectional | Detachable unidirectional | Swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation | Flip-to-mute |
| Connection | 3.5mm audio jack | 3.5mm audio jack | 3.5mm audio jack | 3.5mm audio jack and USB DAC |
| Compatibility | PC, consoles, mobile | PC, consoles, mobile | PC, consoles, mobile | PC, consoles, mobile |
Conclusion
Corsair’s entry-level price point for the HS50 headset is undeniably competitive. However, the headset’s exaggerated bathtub curve and tight fit can lead to discomfort. While the HS50 earns an approving nod from our editors, it falls short of our highest accolades.
For gamers with a head circumference under 62cm who prioritize loudness over natural sound, the Corsair HS50 is an excellent choice. Conversely, audio enthusiasts who value linear sound reproduction or have larger heads might prefer the Sound BlasterX H5, which offers a better fit and a comparable price.
