Corsair HS35 V3 Review: Wired and Wireless Budget Gaming Headsets Compared

Introduction

The gaming peripheral market has been quiet lately, but budget-friendly releases are starting to make a comeback. Corsair’s HS35 V3 lineup is a good example of what value-focused gaming gear can offer. Two versions are available: a wired model and a wireless model. Both share the same core design, 50 mm drivers, and plush cloth ear pads, but they differ in connectivity, controls, and price. This review breaks down comfort, build quality, features, microphone performance, and sound so you can decide which version fits your setup.

Comfort and Build Quality

Comfort is the first thing that stands out with the HS35 V3 headsets. The wired version weighs around 229 g with the attached microphone and cable. The wireless version comes in at about 242 g when the detachable microphone is attached. Both are remarkably light, and the floating headband design distributes weight so well that you barely notice the headset is on.

The ear pads are plush and breathable. The cloth material looks like it might feel scratchy at first, but it is actually soft and comfortable. A small pleather section helps hold in some sound, while the breathable fabric prevents heat buildup during long sessions. The pads are generously sized, both wide and deep enough that ears never touch the inside of the driver. They are also replaceable if needed.

Adjustability is handled through a floating headband with three click positions. There is no sliding arm mechanism, which removes an extra stress point. The clamping force sits right between light and medium, and even with glasses, there are no pressure points. Both versions feel identical in comfort, making them easy to wear for hours without needing a break.

The build is fully plastic, but it feels solid for a budget headset. The ear cups swivel flat and tilt slightly forward, and the swivel and rotation have a nice tension that holds position. Some concern exists about whether that tension will loosen over time with constant use, but out of the box it feels reassuringly sturdy.

Features and Controls

The wired version keeps things simple. It has a free-flowing volume wheel that holds its tension without tactile steps, a spring-style microphone mute, and a permanently attached microphone and cable. The cable connects via 3.5 mm and is noticeably thick, which can be a bit annoying when it tangles, but it also feels durable.

The wireless version adds more functionality. It includes a power button, a multi-function button for play, skip, and track control, and a double press switches to Bluetooth. Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz are not simultaneous; you use one or the other. The USB-C charging port provides up to 30 hours of battery life.

The wireless dongle is a clever design. It is USB-A, but the side with the Corsair logo pries open to reveal a USB-C adapter. This means you can use it with a PlayStation or other USB-C devices. However, the adapter is not a separate usable dongle, so you cannot keep one in your console and one in your PC at the same time. It works, but it feels like a missed opportunity.

One control that may take some getting used to is the volume wheel on the wireless version. It uses a spring-forward mechanism that requires repeated pushes to adjust volume. It is not a traditional wheel or slider, and it can be accidentally pressed forward when trying to mute the microphone. It is functional, but not the most intuitive design.

Microphone Performance

Microphone quality is often a weak point on budget headsets, but the HS35 V3 mics perform better than expected. In testing, both versions picked up prominent P, T, and S sounds, but a simple pop filter made a noticeable difference in smoothing out those explosive consonants.

The wired version picks up significantly more audio than the wireless version. During testing, the input volume had to be lowered to around 30% to match the wireless version at 50%. The wired mic also delivered a slight bass punch on plosive sounds. Neither mic is perfect out of the box, but both are serviceable for gaming chat, and adding a cheap pop filter improves clarity considerably.

Sound Quality

Both versions use the same 50 mm drivers, so the core sound profile is identical. The tuning leans warm and immersive rather than competitive. Bass is present but not overwhelming, and there is enough body to make action scenes in games like Borderlands feel engaging. Footsteps in shooters are audible but not highlighted, so this is not a headset tuned for competitive advantage.

The cloth ear pads let some sound escape, which actually helps prevent the muddy, rumbling feedback that all-leather pads can create. The trade-off is that some bass and body are lost. Detail is decent, though highs could use a bit more presence for hearing subtle environmental sounds like waves or rain during dialogue-heavy games.

The wireless version supports Dolby Atmos, which noticeably brings the sound to life on PC. On PlayStation, the wireless version felt a bit quiet even with volume maxed out, a common issue with wireless headsets. The wired version, by contrast, was loud and punchy on console, so much so that the volume had to be turned down. For console players who want maximum volume, the wired version is the better choice.

Buying Advice

The Corsair HS35 V3 wireless comes in at $79.99. For that price, you get 2.4 GHz connectivity with a USB-A and USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, 30 hours of battery life, and 50 mm drivers. It is a strong value for wireless gaming.

The wired version is priced at $49.99 and is the more practical pick for most players. It delivers the same core sound and comfort, but with louder output on consoles and a simpler, more reliable control layout. The only downside is the permanently attached microphone and thick cable.

Both headsets are excellent budget options that prove you do not need to spend $300 to get a comfortable, good-sounding gaming headset.

Conclusion

The Corsair HS35 V3 wired and wireless headsets are welcome additions to the budget gaming market. They offer lightweight comfort, solid build quality, and an immersive sound profile at prices that are hard to argue with. The wired version is the better value for console players who want loud, reliable audio, while the wireless version adds convenience and battery life for a modest price increase. If you are looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly headset that handles both story games and casual shooters well, either version is worth considering.