The Corsair HS35 V3 is a simple, fantastic-sounding wireless headset that’s a must-have for PC gamers on a budget.

While I usually don’t like to date my reviews too much, the current gaming market makes it hard to ignore how prices are climbing across the board. Consoles are getting pricier, SSDs and storage solutions are harder to find at reasonable costs, so gamers looking for a top‑tier headset naturally want to avoid breaking the bank. If that sounds familiar, the Corsair HS35 V3 offers a solid, budget‑friendly alternative.

Key specifications

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe) This is the third iteration of the HS35, indicated by the ‘V3’ in its name, and Corsair built it upon the foundation of the previous model. I appreciate the pill‑shaped silhouette, which feels more natural than the earlier version. The ear cups feature a recessed circular pad with the Corsair logo; while the texture isn’t meant for grip, it adds a subtle visual touch. I’m aware of how the brand’s aesthetic evolves – the space‑age metallic finish of the Virtuoso Max remains a favorite of mine. The white model I received contrasts nicely with soft gray fabric ear cushions and a floating headband, and the headset is also sold in charcoal black. A wired version, priced lower, is offered in the same colour options, though it lacks RGB lighting.

The pill‑shaped silhouette feels more comfortable than earlier versions, and the lightweight 250 g construction makes it easy to put on and take off.

Characteristics

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe) Feature‑wise the HS35 V3 keeps things simple. It houses 50 mm neodymium drivers that can be tuned via Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio using the Dolby Atmos app for PC. There is no iCue integration, which is a relief for users who prefer to avoid Corsair’s proprietary software. The headset also includes a detachable omnidirectional microphone, up to 30 hours of battery life, and tri‑mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless). A USB‑C cable provides charging and wired operation, while a compact two‑part dongle – a USB‑A adapter with a USB‑C port – plugs neatly into the side for a tidy wireless transmitter.

Performance

Before testing, I disabled Windows 11’s audio enhancements, which can otherwise render the Dolby Atmos app ineffective. If you own the HS35 V3 or any Dolby‑Atmos‑dependent headphones, double‑check those settings to avoid muffled sound. The app itself is plug‑and‑play and proved useful when discussing the headset with the GamesRadar+ hardware team; it’s likely to appear in many future Google meetings as well.

In gaming, the HS35 V3 isn’t as loud as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni, but it delivers a balanced mix across low, mid and high frequencies. The Counter‑Strike 2 title screen jingle sounded crisp, though I missed a bit more punch. Activating the “Warm” gaming preset in Dolby Atmos adds extra bass and makes gunshots feel more impactful.

Spatial audio helped me flank enemies quickly in titles like Marvel Rivals, and the “Warm” setting also improved the hero shooter’s soundscape, matching NetEase’s audio design. On PS5, however, the experience felt less rounded; the background music and Invisible Woman’s attack effects didn’t blend as cohesively as they do with more premium headsets.

Overall, the default audio is competent but not extraordinary. Because Dolby Atmos is only available on PC, I recommend the headset primarily to PC gamers. Its 250 g weight and easy setup make it ideal for casual listening – I often play alt‑rock or pop‑rock while working or relaxing. The Dolby Atmos app again shines when customizing music playback.

Turning on the “Warm” preset under the Music section boosts bass, turning the headset into a dream for most of my favorite Spotify tracks. Unfortunately I couldn’t test it on the go without the app, but I’m seriously considering swapping my SteelSeries Game Buds for these when I take weekend train rides – just remember to leave the detachable mic at home.

The microphone is louder than expected, so tweaking your audio levels before jumping into a session of Big Walk or Marvel Rivals is wise. As noted in the Void Wireless V2 review, Corsair’s mic quality remains impressive.

Should you buy the Corsair HS35 V3 wireless gaming headset?

The HS35 V3 isn’t a groundbreaking release, but for under $100 it offers superb comfort, a pleasant aesthetic, and solid audio performance. If you’re hunting a sub‑$100 headset, it’s a strong contender, especially for PC users who don’t need extensive EQ tweaking.

While it isn’t my top pick – the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless often drops below $100 during sales – the HS35 V3 holds its own. The Nova 3 Wireless offers similar compatibility and a richer app ecosystem, but the HS35 V3 remains a valid alternative for those who prefer Corsair’s design and the built‑in “headset connected” voice, which I consider among the best I’ve heard.

How I tested the Corsair HS35 V3 wireless gaming headset

I spent just over two weeks using the headset in a variety of real‑world scenarios. Whether chatting with coworkers, catching up with friends on Discord, or gaming on PC, PS5, and the Nintendo Switch 2, the HS35 V3 was constantly in use. On PC I tried it in Counter‑Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, and a few other titles, while on the PS5 I compared it with Marvel Rivals, Doom Eternal, and Lego Batman Legacy of The Dark Knight. The Switch 2 testing included Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Splatoon Raiders, and Final Fantasy 14, plus a few other indie titles. Outside of gaming, I streamed music from Spotify, listened to podcasts, and even watched Netflix documentaries such as A Toxic Love Story. For a deeper look at our testing methodology, see the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy, and check out our guides for the best PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch headsets to see how the HS35 V3 stacks up against the competition.