The HS70 is a wired and Bluetooth gaming headset.
Josh Goldman / CNET
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth is a wired gaming headset. On the surface, it doesn’t make much sense, with Bluetooth being part of its name and everything. The problem is that the wireless part is not designed for games. While this can be negative for some, it is incredibly useful if you are looking for a gaming headset that can be used for more than just pinpointing a sniper’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 anything else you use Bluetooth headsets – but not for games. Well, not games where zero delay or sound quality is important. For this, the HS70 has USB and 3.5 mm connections.
The HS70’s design doesn’t stand out as a “gaming” headset.
Josh Goldman / CNET
The best sound you will get from the HS70 is using the USB-C-to-USB-A cable on your computer. It supports Windows Sonic for headphones, which provides excellent spatial audio while you play. You can also use the company’s iCue application for Windows or MacOS to access equalization presets or adjust microphone and side tone levels. For console games, there is a 3.5 mm jack and an included directional cable that can be used with Xbox or PlayStation controllers or connected directly to a Nintendo Switch.
When using one of the wired connections, you can simultaneously connect wirelessly to the phone. For Switch users, this is important, 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 to not miss important calls, text messages and notifications while I’m playing full screen on my PC: just plug in the USB cable, plug in the headset and I’m fully connected.
The HS70’s controls are easy to find without removing the headset.
Josh Goldman / CNET
What’s also good is that it doesn’t necessarily look like a gaming headset. Like many people, I spent much of last year in video chats while homework. In addition to the removable microphone, the HS70 looks like a normal pair of headphones. In fact, it’s kind of disappointing that there is no built-in microphone too, so you didn’t have to use the removable microphone.
The headset is comfortable enough to use all day long (although it can get hot after a while). The mute button allows me to quickly block out any background noise. And again, I can keep track of my cordless phone while working with cord. In addition, I can easily get up and leave my desk without having to turn off streaming music 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 Bluetooth gaming headset. On the other hand, if you want a wireless gaming headset, here are some of the best options for PS5 and Xbox.