Customer Ratings & Reviews

This latest model from Corsair, the Virtuoso Max, represents a significant upgrade over the previous Virtuoso XT flagship headphones. The sound quality is noticeably improved, offering deeper bass and a more immersive audio experience. The construction has been enhanced with more durable materials, including updated padding. However, some users may find the new padding slightly less comfortable. One standout feature is the volume dial, seamlessly integrated into the outer rim of the headphones, which allows for smooth and effortless volume adjustments. Overall, the Virtuoso Max is a premium headset built to deliver exceptional performance and longevity.

Let me start by saying—I tried to stray. I really did. My original pair of Corsair Virtuoso Max headphones had been with me for several solid months before the headband cracked. No worries, I thought. Time for something new. That decision lasted all of 48 hours. I replaced them with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, and I instantly regretted it. Setup was a nightmare. Despite being “wireless,” I was wrangling 3.5mm audio cables and trying to decipher why the mic refused to work. Two full days of tinkering later, and I still couldn’t get it functional. Back to Best Buy’s site I went, ordering the Virtuoso Max again—this time with expedited shipping. And as soon as I unboxed them, it felt like coming home. Here’s why these are the gold standard for me: • Truly Wireless & Plug-and-Play: I plugged in the USB dongle, switched the audio device in Discord, and I was fully connected in under 2 minutes. Zero hassle. • Incredible Range: I can roam around the house and still stay connected without a single drop in quality. • Excellent Sound & Mic Quality: Whether I’m gaming, on calls, or listening to music, the audio is crisp and the mic picks me up clearly—no robotic distortion or annoying crackles. • Active Noise Cancelling: The ANC does a great job blocking out background noise without feeling overly isolated. Great for focusing during intense gaming sessions or Zoom calls. • Media Controls That Actually Work: I can adjust volume, skip tracks, and even connect to my Nintendo Switch while staying connected to my PC—dual audio support is a game changer. • Clean, Intuitive Software: No bloat, no confusing menus—just simple control over my headset settings. Bottom line: I tried to cheat on Corsair and got burned. Lesson learned. The Virtuoso Max are staying with me for the long haul.

----- SUMMARY ----- Verdict: The Corsair Virtuoso MAX delivers a premium gaming headset experience with stylish design, exceptional comfort, versatile connectivity, and a top-notch microphone. While the default sound profile may require some tweaking out of the box, the audio quality is excellent with customizable EQ settings and Dolby Atmos support. The active noise cancellation and transparency mode are well-implemented, adding to the headset's versatility. Overall, the Virtuoso MAX is a worthy contender for those seeking a high-quality headset for both gaming and work. Pros: - Stylish design with premium build quality - Comfortable even during long gaming sessions - Good active noise cancellation and transparency mode - Excellent microphone quality with background noise rejection - Versatile connectivity with 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth - Sonarworks SoundID integration for personalized audio Cons: - Default sound profile leans too heavily on the bass - EQ settings might require some tweaking out of the box - Controls might be confusing at first ----- DETAILS ----- Design & Comfort: The Corsair Virtuoso MAX is truly a standout headset. Whether you're an avid gamer or simply need a stylish headset for work calls, it excels in both aesthetics and functionality. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek design and premium build quality. The brushed aluminum earcups and plush memory foam earpads are comfortable, and the faux leather on the headband is of high quality. I chose the "Carbon" color, which is a sophisticated dark gray with subtle shiny details. When I showed the headset to my wife, who isn’t a gamer, she remarked, "Those are really cool!" This was unexpected praise coming from someone who usually rolls her eyes at my gaming gear. No surprise, the Corsair Virtuoso MAX offers RGB lighting. There’s a ring on the outside of each earcup that illuminates with a subtle yet captivating glow, perfect for late-night gaming sessions. The ring has three zones that you can customize using the Corsair iCUE software. I like that I can easily turn off the RGB for virtual work meetings. I'd rather not draw attention and be a distraction because of my flashy lighting. Initially, I was concerned about the headset's weight. It has a reassuringly solid feel, but I worried it might become uncomfortable during long gaming sessions. However, the excellent weight distribution and plush padding make it surprisingly comfortable, even after hours of use. There’s a good amount of clamping force that makes them stay put, but not so much that I feel like I need to take them off to give my head and ears a rest. Overall, the Corsair Virtuoso MAX delivers exceptional comfort and style, making it a pleasure to wear whether I'm immersed in a game or taking a work call. Sound Quality & ANC: Corsair boldly claims the Virtuoso MAX offers "sound worth obsessing over," and with dynamic 50mm graphene drivers and Dolby Atmos support, it certainly has the pedigree. While the audio quality is undeniably good, it didn't initially live up to that lofty claim for me. The bass response is undeniably powerful. Explosions, rumbling sound effects, and bass-heavy music all sound fantastic. However, I found that the default sound profile leaned a bit too heavily on the low end, overpowering the mid-range frequencies. This proved problematic in competitive FPS games where a detailed soundscape is crucial for pinpointing enemy locations. Thankfully, the EQ settings in Corsair's iCUE software allowed me to tame the bass and boost the mids, resulting in a much more balanced and nuanced sound. While I'm happy with the audio now, it did take a fair bit of tweaking to get there. This echoes the experience of some other reviewers, and it would be great if Corsair could refine the default EQ in a future firmware update to deliver a more balanced sound out of the box. Despite this initial hurdle, I have no doubt that the Virtuoso MAX has the hardware capabilities to truly deliver "sound worth obsessing over." The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Virtuoso MAX is a welcome addition. Enabling ANC effectively silences background noise, creating a quiet and immersive experience whether I'm gaming or just trying to block out distractions while working from home. The low hum of my computer, the air conditioning, and even the distant sounds of traffic were all significantly reduced. While dedicated ANC headphones might offer a more complete noise cancellation experience, the Virtuoso MAX strikes a good balance between noise reduction and breathability, ensuring comfort during long gaming sessions. On the flip side, the transparency mode works well too. It amplifies surrounding sounds, allowing me to be more aware of my environment without removing the headset. This feature is invaluable when I want to pay attention to my wife or daughter while simultaneously relishing the immersive audio experience offered by the Virtuoso MAX. Ultimately, while ANC might not be the primary selling point for a gaming headset, the Virtuoso MAX's implementation is well-executed and adds another layer of versatility to an already impressive package. Microphone: Corsair hyped up the microphone on the Virtuoso MAX, and I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype. This omnidirectional microphone delivers impressive quality, capturing my voice with clarity and naturalness. Both my gaming friends and work colleagues have commented on how crisp and clear I sound. Background noise rejection is also excellent. While those with clicky mechanical keyboards might find some of that sound bleeding through, the microphone does a great job of filtering out other ambient noises. No one on the other end of the call has complained about hearing my HVAC system, fan, or other common household sounds. Of course, louder noises like nearby conversations, construction, or lawnmowers might still be audible, but that's to be expected with any microphone. For those with compatible NVIDIA graphics cards, the Virtuoso MAX also supports NVIDIA Broadcast technology, which further reduces background noise and echo. This is a fantastic feature that elevates the microphone's performance even further. While it won't replace a dedicated studio microphone, the Virtuoso MAX boasts one of the best microphones I've encountered on a gaming headset. It's more than capable of providing crystal-clear communication for both gaming and work calls, and those on the receiving end will undoubtedly appreciate the difference. Other Features & Controls: The Corsair Virtuoso MAX is packed with features, going above and beyond what I expect from a gaming headset. Connectivity is excellent, offering both 2.4GHz wireless (via the included dongle) and Bluetooth. You can even connect to multiple devices simultaneously, like your PC and phone, making it easy to switch between gaming, music, and calls seamlessly. I experienced no latency issues regardless of the connection method. One standout feature is Sonarworks SoundID integration, accessed through the iCUE software. This was a new concept for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. SoundID guides you through a quick and engaging audio survey to create a personalized sound profile tailored to your unique hearing abilities. It's a fantastic alternative to manually tweaking EQ settings, though that option is still available within iCUE for those who prefer it. While most of the controls on the Virtuoso MAX are intuitive, it did take me a little while to decipher some of them. I'll admit, I'm the type who avoids manuals at all costs. The headset has several buttons and dials, and I eventually had to consult the manual (accessed via a handy QR code on the packaging) to understand their full functionality. The USB-C charging port, removable microphone, and power button (which also activates Bluetooth pairing) were all straightforward. I also appreciated the media rocker button, which allows you to answer/end calls, play/pause music, and skip tracks with a simple press or rock of the switch. However, the rotating rings on each earcup initially stumped me. The manual revealed that the left ring controls the 2.4GHz wireless volume, while the right adjusts Bluetooth volume, a handy feature once I understood it. The button that cycles through EQ modes and toggles ANC/transparency mode was another initially cryptic control. A short press cycles through EQ presets, while a long press toggles between ANC on/off and transparency mode. While it took a moment to figure out, I appreciate Corsair's decision to keep this button unlabeled, as it can be remapped within iCUE to suit individual preferences. Overall, the Corsair Virtuoso MAX offers a comprehensive and impressive feature set. While some controls might require a quick glance at the manual, the learning curve is minimal, and the versatility and functionality this headset provides are truly remarkable. Battery Life: The battery life of the Corsair Virtuoso MAX has been a pleasant surprise. With RGB lighting disabled and using the 2.4GHz wireless connection, I consistently get around 60 hours of use on a single charge. This is on par with other high-end wireless headsets and more than enough to satisfy my needs. What's even more impressive is the fast charging capability. Just 15 minutes of charging provides around 6 hours of listening time, which is perfect for those times when I forget to charge overnight or need a quick boost before a gaming session. I also appreciate that the headset can be used while charging, though it's worth noting that the charging cable itself doesn't transmit audio. You still need to be connected wirelessly via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. Overall, the Corsair Virtuoso MAX delivers exceptional battery life and convenient charging options, ensuring that I can enjoy uninterrupted audio for extended periods, whether I'm gaming, working, or listening to music.

I honestly love the functions of the headphones they allow you to connect to your computer and phone at the same time , personally never experienced that this is amazing

Seriously bets headset I’ve owned music is amazing, the game play is crisp and clean, the mic has me sounding like Morgan freeman, is a little tight in the old noggin but I’ve got a head like a Silverback, all in it’s a pricy piece of hardware but it pays dividends

The first thing I look for in a good gaming headset is comfort. Gaming headsets have to be comfortable because you keep them on for extended periods of time and also, they must sound good. Well, Corsair did just that with their Virtuoso Max Wireless Gaming Headset. The Virtuoso headset was designed with comfort in mind. The memory foam ear cushions provide great support, contouring the shape of your ears reducing pressure, heat and discomfort from extended wear, along with the headband which is also made with memory foam for added comfort. The ear cups also form a good seal around the ears to aid with the active noise cancellation. The audio quality on this is truly phenomenal. I have been using this headset on my PC and PS5 on the new Black Ops 6 and the audio on both platforms has been on point. Every footstep, every explosion, every gunshot just pulls you in with the 50m graphene audio drivers combined with the Dolby Atmos audio producing clear and accurate sound. The detachable microphone allows for clear communication with your fellow teammates. The audio along with the active noise cancellation lets you concentrate on what matters the most at that time, which is getting the win, but if you have kids like myself there is also a transparency mode which allows you to listen to what is going on around you and in the game, not a fan of the transparency mode. Now, let’s talk about the controls on the Virtuoso Max headset. The buttons are well placed for easy access while playing your game but what I really like are the volume control wheels, which are also customizable, one side controls the game volume while the other can be used to control the volume of your second connected device, in my case which was my phone. The headset can simultaneously connect to multiple devices via the 2.4 GHZ dongle for lag free audio and Bluetooth. The headset can also be used via the provided USB cable if you prefer the wired route. The headset provides up to 60 hours of use on full charge, I used them for about 15 hours combined after a full charge and I was down to roughly 75 percent, which honestly is not bad at all. Overall, the Corsair VirtuosoMax Wireless Gaming Headset is a fantastic blend of performance, comfort, style and build quality. This headset will keep you comfortably in the game for quite some time.

I have owned these headphones before and they are absolutely amazing. ANC is great. The custom ICUE software that controls audio is excellent also, it customizes to your ears.

I’ve been using the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless Gaming Headset for a week now, and I’m really happy with it. In the box you’ll find the headset, data cable, rf dongle and microphone packed neatly in the included headset case. You’ll also find a warranty booklet, safety and compliance booklet and a QR code on the inside of the lid which you can scan to visit, read the manual and quick start guide. As soon as you unbox this, it’s clear that Corsair put a lot of thought into the look and design of the headset. It really feels like it’s constructed with premium materials, with a solid aluminum build that looks amazing and should last a very long time. The memory foam ear cushions are comfortable, although I wouldn’t say they are the best or most comfortable I’ve used. They do sit perfectly over my big ears without pressing down too hard but they feel just a little on the large size and a bit heavier than I was expecting. With that being said, after long sessions, there’s little noticeable discomfort for me. Although it is a heavier headset, it feels well balanced so that you don’t really notice the weight very much, once it’s on your head. I’m happy with the quality of the sound and it is good for gaming, talking on the phone or chatting in spaces, listening to music and watching TV or movies. You can really hear the high fidelity and Dolby sound from the Virtuoso Max, which lifts it to the next level of headsets in my opinion. I’m impressed by how rich and balanced everything sounds, from the deep bass thumps to the rich mids and crystal clear highs. The Corsair iCUE software lets you tweak the EQ and use SoundID for a custom audio profile, which I highly recommend if you want to personalize the sound to match your exact preferences. It’s actually a fun process that is similar to a hearing test. The process only takes about 5 minutes and truly makes a difference in the sound you hear. It’s a remarkable way to customize your headset and the sound it produces. Another feature I really like is the noise cancellation. It’s effective at blocking out enough background noise to keep me focused on the music or whatever media I’m listening to. It doesn’t cancel all the sound around me, which is good for if I’m wearing these in a public place or traveling, but it cancels just enough to lift your listening experience to the next level. I wouldn’t say it’s the best ANC I’ve used, but it does the job well enough to drown out small noises around you like typing on a keyboard, TV playing in another room, or the occasional noise from a car passing by outside. The battery on this headset lasts a really long time. Long enough for any binge gaming session or for a day of traveling. I’ve been able to use it for a full week without needing a charge, so Corsair’s claim of 60 hours seems pretty accurate to me. Plus, the quick charge feature works really well. It just takes 15 minutes of charging and gives me around six hours of use, which is honestly pretty amazing, in my opinion. Connectivity is another great feature! With both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth options, it's great for switching between gaming on my PC and listening to music on my phone or taking a call when it comes in. The independent volume controls for each source make it easy to adjust as I go, which is a nice touch. Speaking of volume controls, I absolutely love the dials on both sides, or the rings, as they call it, which you twist to control the volume. The left is rf and the right is Bluetooth, and you can also customize the multifunction ring on the right. I love that this has a detachable microphone and that the microphone has a led on the tip, that lets you know at a glance if it’s muted or not. With a red light for muted and a white light to indicate that it's on. The button to mute or activate the mic is conveniently located at the base of the mic and is super easy to use. It’s one of the best mics I’ve used on a gaming headset. I tested it on a couple phone calls, while gaming and even used it for a space on X, and everyone I spoke with said that my voice came through clear and easy to hear. One final thing I really want to mention is the carry case that comes with this headset. It’s well constructed, fits the headset perfectly and is great to have for storage and when traveling. I’m so happy that Corsair included this case. Overall, the Corsair Virtuoso Max is a premium headset that has impressed me. Yes, it’s a little heavier than I was expecting but it’s still comfortable. The sound quality, and functionality are exactly what I look for, and it’s built to last. It is on the pricier side of headsets, but if you’re shopping for one that’s as versatile as it is powerful, I’d say it’s worth every penny. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice headset that is versatile and will last for many years.

I bought these for my husband for his birthday. He loves the sound quality and noise cancellation, but really disappointed with build quality as only after a couple months of use the headband material is ripping and coming off.

Corsair Virtuoso Max is an all around great wireless headset, perfected by the ICue software. TLDR: If you are a casual or avid gamer, casual or avid audiophile, you will really really like this headset. it looks good, feels very good (a bit heavy like any other high end set but comfortable). the price is right. Bonus love points if you have big ears (those cups are huge for immersive experience). Package: decent packaging, comes with a carrying bag, a USB dongle, USB A to USB charging and data cable, warranty and safety guides. Build Quality: AMAZING and STURDY yet COMFORTABLE. the body is made of Aluminum and the arc is covered with like leather material on top while the bottom were it touches your head if a thick memory gel foam material that is wide enough to spread the weight of the headset on your head. the cups are big and my ears fit completely in including my earlobes. providing a true immersive and comfortable experience in my opinion. setup: just make sure you connect it to your computer and download the ICUE software, then download the latest firmware and install it. Trust me, its worth it sound quality and speed wise. i dont care much for the visuals and murals available for the lighting the headset cups but its a nice to have if you're into that. I realized that using the USB Dongle provide far better experience and higher quality sound rather than just connecting the headset directly through Bluetooth. Sound Quality: I have nothing more to wish for, Dolby Atmos experience when available, Windows Spatial sound controls and really really low bass and high trebble and very decent mid range. Mic: detachable, decent and minimum lag and good voice clarity (after installing the firmware update). Gaming sound quality: I am an average gamer and this headset was very good, no lag, clear sound when talking to others while gaming. no points deducted here. ANC: wonderful active noise cancelling and a very good transparency mode. I can activate it easily using the dashboard of ICUE. headset controls: you can adjust the wheels on the cups to adjust volume or customise them for something else, you can also turn the headset from Bluetooth to wifi connection, change the lighting on the cups and turn the headset on or off, pause or skip songs forward or backwards. Battery life: I have yet to deplete the charge the headset came with and I am 15 hours deep in usage. so this passes my test. Portability: Not my thing but I can see people using it outdoors. Connectivity: connects to anything that takes Bluetooth connection from smart TVs to Switch, PS and other consoles. I am using it mostly for my PC and XBox gaming and listening to music while working. great headset all around and for the price you get all the features and build quality that's equal to double the price from other more audio famous brands.

I’m going to start by saying that flat out these are the most comfortable and best sounding headset I’ve ever used. I’m not exactly a headset expert, but I’ve used various ones for gaming such as those made by Turtle Beach, the official PS4 wireless headset, and even others by Corsair (which was always my favorite of everything I’ve used). The Virtuoso MAX is undoubtedly the luxury car of the headset world. Upon opening the box, you’ll find a nice hard shell travel case with all the equipment stored inside of it. Not only is the inclusion of the case nice, but it’s also nice seeing where everything belongs inside the case (there’s not that much for error, of course). The items include the headset itself, the detachable mic, the wireless receiver, and a braided USB-A to C cable. It’s here I go full old man and complain about lack of any physical manual or quick start guide. There is a QR code printed on the box that leads to a start up guide I thought could have been more thorough, but gets the job done. Setup, on PC, isn’t difficult but it does take time. You start by downloading the iCUE app and then connecting the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Yes, you can use Bluetooth, but if you have the option to, you want to use the wireless dongle, which is the only way to take full advantage of some of the headset’s features. My Windows 11 PC identified the headset right away and it was fully functional even without the iCUE software. Opening the iCUE software, which again is the only way to fully take advantage of features, it also identified and installed the headset and dongle right away. There were several updates, both for the iCUE software and firmware updates for the receiver dongle and the headset itself. This did require several software and operating system reboots. Overall, it was about 20-30 minutes until everything was fully installed and fully updated and I could start playing with the settings. As for the iCUE software, if you use Corsair products you gotta use this whether you like it or not. I do not find it to be very intuitive, although if you take the time everything is straightforward – despite lack of instruction on what to go look for. Luckily, it’s not a software you really need to be in continually. Once you’ve set up things to your liking you can just leave it alone, sitting there idling in the background. Here in the app is where you can control the lighting, equalizers, other sound features, and even adjust some of the button mappings on the headset itself. I enjoyed the processes of setting up the “SoundID” personalized audio. This is basically a series of hearing tests that adjust specifically to you. This does alter the traditional equalizer settings, but that’s all-personal preference. Let’s talk about the actual hardware itself. The headset itself is essentially two pieces as the microphone arm is detachable. If you detach it, you have no microphone, rendering the headset as headphones. I’m unsure if I’m a fan of this design or not. I’ve enjoyed headsets that had mic arms that you can just lift up to not only get out of your way, but also instantly mute yourself. Here, the microphone arm does have a much-welcome mute button (which also changes the color of the mic to red so you can see whether you’re live or muted), but I don’t necessarily like that if I don’t want the actual arm in front of me I can only fully disconnect it. Is it a big deal? No, but I’m just going to leave the arm attached versus potentially losing it and then fumbling with it if I’m trying to take an expected meeting with these. Everything about the headset is premium. On the left cup towards the back you have a toggle switch for power off, power on, and Bluetooth toggle. Below that is the input connection for the microphone arm. On the right cup you have a custom button – you can use the software to decide what this does. Below that is the multifunction “Action Switch.” It’s a button you can toggle up or down and then press in. By default for music playback, it works how you’d think it would: Press backward to go back, forward to go forward, and in to play/pause. In Bluetooth mode, this always answers and hangs up phone calls. Frankly, I found it hard to press it for play/pause without accidentally going forward or backward a track. I mapped the custom button to play/pause, but personally I’ve already got more accessible keyboard controls for media so it’s not a big deal. Lastly is the USB-C input for charging. Both cups feature a metal ring on the outside that you can turn. By default, the left cup is volume for your computer and the right is for Bluetooth (although this can be changed in the software). Adjusting the volume with these etched metal rings just feels fantastic. I found these to be incredibly comfortable to have on for an extended period. What took me some time, however, was getting used to the weight. They’re not super heavy, but they’re the weightiest I’ve ever used at 0.95lbs. My last Corsair headset was around half a pound, so it was a noticeable difference to me. However, even being the same brand, the weight difference felt like a direct result of quality increase. My other headset feels cheap compared to this. I used this not only for gaming, but also for work meetings, and listening to music. In all applications, the sound quality and the microphone quality (as judged by others) were excellent. I cannot overstate how impressed I was with the audio quality from friends in Discord, to work Zoom meetings, to various genres of music and several different immersive games. This is a headset I can easily wear all day long from work to play. My ears did get a bit sweaty after several hours, but I feel that’s to be expected from any long term over the ear headwear. There’s a lot to like here, but aside from what I’ve already mentioned, I think there could be more done here to really seal the premium deal. First, I wish it still also had a physical 3.55mm connection. Yes, I know most folks, including myself, like having things wireless, but sometimes I just appreciate the added option. You never know when the situation will arise. I also wish it allowed more than 2 simultaneous connections. Being able to have dongle/pc connection and Bluetooth at the same time is great, but I would have liked more connections, along with more than just two saved Bluetooth devices, too. The active noise cancellation is okay, but not as good as my earbuds. It’s perfectly serviceable for a home environment so you don’t get startled by someone walking up next to you. Lastly, the USB wireless receiver is USB-A, which is fine and very compatible, but I wish it maybe also included an A-C adapter as using it, say, with my ROG ALLY, I only have C inputs unless I use an adapter or hub. My last complaint is that I wish there was more of a tutorial for iCUE and the features of this headset that can be adjusted in there. Everything is there if you go looking. I wish it was more first timer newbie friendly instead of just it being installed and assuming you know everything. As I mentioned earlier, these are a premium headset and as such, come at a premium price. Is it worth that premium price? That’s always going to be subjective but as far as I’m concerned, keeping in mind I absolutely love these, I don’t think so. At $330 they may be a build quality that’s worth the price, but I never questioned the quality of my older, lesser Corsair headsets until I upgraded to these. If you want the best of the best, I think these may be that. Do you need the best of the best though? I’m not convinced, even with how great these are, that you do.

[PROS] Encompassing Ear Cups: From a design perspective, the Virtuoso Max grips gently, but firmly to my head causing a comfortable and secure fit. My ears are on the larger side so I was impressed that they were swallowed up. The nice fit paired with a lightweight headband gave me hours of enjoyment. Excellent Sound Clueing: This headset does a great job in keeping me aware of environmental noise. Things like footsteps, in-game dialogue, and foreign objects can be heard with great detail. The default sound profile did need some tweaking, but I was able to adjust it well enough to find myself immersed in multiplayer games just as much as single player games. Major Battery Performance: I haven't used the headset for 60 hours, but I'm satisfied with my general observations. After a dozen hours of usage, I'm still left with over 75% battery life. Impressive Microphone: Out of the many headsets that I've owned, this has had the best mic. With others, my voice would sound rough. While gaming, my friends heard me on the chat with absolute clarity. Other hits: ANC is excellent. I can effectively block out or mitigate most noises without issue. The RGB is a nice added touch. Apparently the mini light show has become a hit with my wife. Construction is durable, and the carrying cause is sturdy. [CONS] Game Chat Mix Missing: This is a feature that should be present. Because it's lacking, the headset is partly devalued. Quite simply, I need to be able to tweak game and chat audio. Buggy: Early adoption comes with risks: I noticed some issues regarding volume levels being inconsistent. Also, there were a few times where the charging indicator wasn't instantaneously. No wired connection: I loathe any headset that takes away options. I'm just in camp of wireless headsets needing cable connections for versality and failure of any wireless functionality. [CONCLUSION] I enjoy my Corsair Virtuoso Max Headset. Could it be better? Definitely. Is it still pleasing? For me, yes. Despite some shortcomings, I do find it fun to use as a gaming headset in most scenarios.

This headset definitely tested my patience initially because it was an absolute nightmare to get working right out of the box. I installed iCue and updated the firmware of both the transmitter and headset. However, getting it to work with my devices afterward was still challenging. I eventually got it to work on both PC and console. A bundled instruction manual or at the very least a quick start guide would be helpful and prevent a lot of headaches. Instead, we get yet another QR code to scan ourselves that links to a PDF manual. Hope nobody throws their box away before realizing this, because trying to search manually online for the guide without a direct link is no fun. The headset ships with a USB-A transmitter, rigid carrying case , detachable boom mic, and USB C to A charging/interface cable. The design is large form factor with foam cups and headband. Comfort is okay, but it’s not the best for lengthy gaming sessions. The cups feel thin and somewhat scratchy. After a while, I can feel heat along with squeezing pressure and weight from the headset. The wheel mounted controls on each cup are a little difficult to use due to stiffness and the frame blocking the tops of the wheels. Hopefully, they’ll ease up over time. The other cup-mounted controls are more accessible, user friendly, and the detachable mic has a convenient built-in hardware mute button. The headset can work via bluetooth, USB transmitter, or wired with the USB cable. Battery life is decent and I can go a week or two between charges depending on how frequent and lengthy my gaming sessions are. Performance wise, these sound pretty good. I’ve used them for gaming and music listening and both sound good. Gaming has good primary and ambient environmental sounds while music has good clarity and warmth. The bass response is just good enough to sound tight and impactful rather than loose or sloppy. The mic is the one weak spot as far as sound quality. Background noise and mediocre voice quality are the main two issues. I’ve been advised there is a noticeable hiss to my voice and that my voice sometimes even sounds like a robot. The mic is thankfully detachable, allowing me to use a much better USB stand alone mic on PC. I don’t have a workaround for console, but I mostly game on PC, so I’m not too concerned. Extras like RGB lighting are minimal. The cups have low-key RGB lighting around the driver perimeter and on the mic tip. The lighting is much more useful as status indicators than decorative ornamental lighting, which I actually appreciate. Overall, it’s not a bad headset. It currently has some trade-offs like the mic, but hopefully nothing that can’t be resolved through future patches and updates. This isn’t the most plug and play friendly headset, but it’s not impossible to get up and running. Just make sure to scan the QR code for the manual and apply firmware updates before use as suggested.

I’ve been rocking Corsair’s Virtuoso Max wireless headphones for about two weeks now (a little longer than I expected, honestly), and the verdict? These things sound fantastic. They’re not just for gaming, either—they hold up well across the board. Packaging: First thing that grabbed me was the packaging. Corsair made a nice choice here with a leather-like carrying case. It’s got this handy loop so you can hook it onto a bag or hang it off your desk—simple but thoughtful. They didn’t pack it full of paper either. Just the warranty guide, safety info, and the essentials: headphones, a USB wireless receiver, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and yeah, even some mothballs. These cans support just about everything: PC, mobile, PlayStation, Switch, and Mac (though I can’t speak for the last two). Corsair iCUE App: Now, if you’re on a PC, let’s talk about the app. Don’t go looking for it in the Microsoft Store—you’ll just end up annoyed. Instead, hit the QR code in the box for a direct download link. Once you’re in, you can update the firmware, tweak LED patterns, and remap buttons. It’s a solid app once you’ve got it up and running. Design and Comfort: These headphones are built like a tank—heavy but durable. If you’re used to lighter headsets or earbuds, you’re going to notice the weight after half an hour or so. I’d say it’s the trade-off for those 50mm drivers giving you that high-quality sound. But yeah, after a while, I started feeling that weight settling on top of my head, and nobody wants the “Camelhead” look after a 2 hour gaming session. The controls are intuitive, though. You can adjust Bluetooth audio and Wi-Fi audio separately with the rings on each side. The right side’s got play/pause, and the left has the power, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth buttons. Plus, the indicator lights make syncing a breeze. Mic Quality: The boom mic? Small and non intrusive, but solid. I got a warm, clear sound with just a little bit of fuzz—great for gaming and Zoom calls, just maybe not quite podcast-ready. Still, it’s more than good enough for what it’s meant to do. Sound Quality: Games: Tested these on Gears 5 on PC and Spider-Man 2 on PS5, two games with big, atmospheric soundscapes. With Dolby Atmos set to “Dynamic,” high and mid-register sounds came through sharp and distinct, and bass felt appropriate without shaking. No rattling, no distortion—just clean, immersive sound. 3D Audio on PS5 was solid, too, though PC felt more spacious. Not in a concert hall or reverb way, just natural and wide. Music: The song I tested was Brandy ft. Kanye West “Talk About Our Love”, streaming 24-bit lossless from Apple Music. Honestly, I was surprised as I heard details I never even noticed on my AirPods Pro. The vocals were smooth and warm, with enough clarity that I didn’t need to switch headsets for music. Big props to Corsair on this. Noise-Canceling: The noise-canceling here has three modes—Off, On, and Active—but no Adaptive option. Setting it to “Off” gives you a good balance between blocking out noise and still being aware of your surroundings. It’s not going to block out the world, but for the hum of my old air system? Gone. Sirens or alarms? You’ll still catch those, which is a good thing. Conclusion The Corsair Virtuoso Max headphones are impressive. Yeah, they’re a bit on the heavy side, and I’d have liked a physical manual, but that’s me nitpicking. With Dolby Atmos and those big 50mm drivers, these things are a powerhouse. Whether it’s games, music, or calls, they’re crisp, warm, and versatile. The carrying case is a classy touch, too—feels like they thought of everything. Perfect gift for gamers who don’t want to be tied down to one system. Just remember, take some breaks—you don’t want anyone calling you “Camelhead” after an all-nighter. Rating: 4.75/5

8 days ago, corsair launched this beauty of a headset, successor to their VIRTUOSO XT variant. I was given the opportunity to buy this headset and experience them firsthand, and I must say that the first impressions of the headset are absolutely amazing. I messed around with several of the settings, including the brand new Active Noice Cancellation and Transparency features, the SoundID customization, and the seamless technology of switching between devices through the onboard switch to change between 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth to my phone. Disclaimer: I did NOT test the microphone on this headset, as I do not use a headset microphone because I have a boom mic. Please also take this review very lightly as the headset JUST released, and the firmware and software updates are yet to come from CORSAIR, which means not everyone's experience will be the same, and there may be some bugs until they're patched out. I myself experienced this issue with the iCUE 5 software saying the firmware update for the headset failed, since there isn't even a release of the firmware out yet, only the one that's pre-loaded onto the headset/USB. SOUND QUALITY: Comparing these to my HS80 MAX's, which I had before this headset, the VIRTUOSO MAX blows it out of the water, with amazing sound quality with bass that kicks harder than an NFL kicker sending a field goal. The iCUE 5 software has 4 pre-set equalizers, Pure Direct, Bass Booster, Movie Theater, and FPS Competition. I played around with these equalizers, and all of them sound amazing for their purposes. The sound quality on the headset in the windows setting displays as 8 channels, which truly shows the capability of the Dolby Atmos should you want to use it. Just a note is that if you choose to use the Atmos surround sound, you are unable to configure the equalizers through the iCUE software, and you must download the Dolby Access app to configure and change how the headset sounds. The same will go with the SoundID software, it will disable usage of the equalizers through iCUE. Overall, a very high-quality sounding headset, and I experienced no issues with first usage. WIRELESS CONNECTION: The headset has two different modes of connection, and both of them can be used at the same time, should you desire. In the box, the headset will come with a 2.4GHz WIFI Transmitter, which is as simple as plug and play, and the headset will connect easily. To take advantage of the full capabilities of the headset though, you must download the iCUE Software, available off of CORSAIR's website. The headset is also compatible with Bluetooth connections and is very easy and seamless to use. Furthermore, you can also have multiple devices connected at once, one with the transmitter, and one on Bluetooth, meaning you can swap between the two devices easily, a flick of a switch basically. By default, the turn wheel on the left earcup is set to control the volume of the device connected via the USB Transmitter, and the right ear cup is configured to control the volume of the device connected via Bluetooth. There is also a button on the right side of the headset that can be configured for a number of different usages through the iCUE app. Disclaimer on this: I have spoken with CORSAIR tech support before, and the following things can cause issues with the connection to the headset, keep this in mind if you purchase it and occur issues with the transmitter disconnecting or the headset not showing in iCUE: -BIOS version outdated -Conflicting apps such as Armory Crate, or other hardware-controlling apps -iCUE Being outdated BUILD QUALITY / WHAT'S IN THE BOX: In terms of the build quality of the VIRTUOSO MAX, it's absolutely amazing. The turn dials on the earcups are very smooth, the power switch is very easy to use, and the memory foam on the earpieces is a bit hard to the feel at first, but they adjust over time. Yes. there are a few complaints of the headset is a bit heavy, but I found this to not be a big issue, especially if you're only doing short gaming sessions. It is a little bit heavy like some consumers say, but it didn't bother me personally. As for what comes in the box, unboxing was very easy, as everything is already packed into the carrying case inside the box for you. It'll come with a USB-A -> C cable for charging and updating the headset firmware, the USB Transmitter, the microphone piece is disconnected and connects to the left earcup through USB-C, and then the headset itself. Summary: Overall, this is a very good headset, especially around this price where the competition of best headset is fierce with the other big names having excellent headsets. Well worth the $330, but obviously even better if there's a sale going on.

Feel and Comfort The Corsair Virtuoso Max headphones are impressively comfortable, even over extended wear. The build feels solid and premium, with ample padding in the headband and earcups. The mesh earcups can occasionally feel slightly scratchy, but this isn’t particularly noticeable or bothersome, making it easy to wear the headphones for hours without fatigue or discomfort. Noise Modes The noise cancellation on the Virtuoso Max is decent—good enough to block out low to moderate background noise but not groundbreaking. Transparency mode, on the other hand, leaves room for improvement. It doesn’t seem fully optimized, as the left and right ear seem unbalanced in the review unit tested, with the right ear feeling noticeably stronger. This issue may be unique to some units, but it's worth noting if you rely on transparency mode frequently. Sound Quality The Virtuoso Max delivers impressive sound quality, making it suitable for audiophiles and gamers alike. Out of the box, the sound profile is solid but shines when customized. It has deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, with a fairly wide and open soundstage. This spaciousness can be further adjusted through an equalizer, and using Dolby Atmos, if available, adds an immersive dimension. To fully appreciate these headphones, tuning with an equalizer or using the Dolby Atmos app is highly recommended. App Feature The iCUE app is a major asset with these headphones. It’s intuitive, allowing users to customize the sound profile, adjust features, and explore all that the Virtuoso Max has to offer. The app makes dialing in the sound easy and significantly enhances the listening experience by unlocking more control and optimization options. Microphone Quality The microphone on the Virtuoso Max is remarkably clear, perfect for gaming and calls. However, as detailed in the issues section, the microphone can have some frustrating limitations. Issues For such a premium product, the Virtuoso Max isn’t free of flaws. The detachable boom mic has a disappointing design flaw: once the physical mute button is used, it seems to be permanently stuck in that state. After muting the mic once using the button, I found myself unable to unmute directly from the button. The workaround involved unmuting via the iCUE app, but unfortunately, the mute button stopped functioning after that, making it necessary to rely on the app for muting. This limitation can be highly inconvenient, especially if using the headphones with a system or a full-screen PC game where quickly toggling the mic is crucial. Given the $400 price point, this flaw in the mute function is unexpected and frustrating. Conclusion The Corsair Virtuoso Max headphones offer a premium experience in many respects, from comfort to sound quality. With deep bass, clear mids and highs, and good spatial audio, they deliver an immersive listening experience—especially with the help of the iCUE app or Dolby Atmos tuning. However, the issues with the microphone mute function and the subpar transparency mode hinder what could have been an exceptional product. At this price, such issues should have been caught in quality assurance, as they detract from the overall experience. For those willing to work around these issues, the Virtuoso Max remains a solid choice with a lot to offer. But for a seamless experience, there might be other headphones in this price range worth considering. If you are not too worried about subpar noise modes I would save a few extra bucks and get the Corsair Virtuoso VT.

Great fit .. good bass... nice noise cancelation..love the rgb colors ..i can qear for hours comfortably....10/10.. has 2.4 ghz connection/ Bluetooth connection.. best gaming headphones hands down... i chose these over the top model steel series because it offers wire connection also..

Excellent audio quality, good mic quality, excellent connectivity, ANC is seriously top notch, loaded with intuitive features. I’d recommend this headset over every other headset I’ve tried.

Great improvement from the last gen. Comfort is so much better and they do not feel as heavy on the head. Sound quality is much better too. Mic sounds great as well.

The audio was good and the the cofert was alraght the top was not that pad and the wieght was two heavy