The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are wireless gaming headphones with Bluetooth and customizable RGB lighting. Just like the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE, they have a decently comfortable fit and well-built design. Out of the box, they have a warm but uneven sound profile that lacks low-bass and has a recessed treble. Luckily, they're compatible with iCUE software, so you can tweak their sound using the graphic EQ and presets. Their boom mic also has an excellent recording quality, and they last over 18 hours continuously.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are okay for neutral sound. Out of the box, they have a warm but uneven sound profile that lacks thump and rumble while the treble range is recessed. They're also prone to inconsistencies in their audio delivery, so you may need to adjust them on your head each time you wear them to get a more consistent sound. Luckily, their companion software offers a graphic EQ and presets so you can adjust their sound to your liking.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are acceptable for commute and travel. They're decently comfortable, last over 18 hours on a single charge, and support Bluetooth, meaning you can listen to your favorite audio wirelessly. However, they don't block out any of the low rumbles of bus or plane engines, and their bulky design can make it harder for you to take them with you on the go.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are fair for sports and fitness. While they're well-built, they're not designed for physical activity. They lack an IP rating for water resistance, which we don't currently test for, and can fall off your head with moderate movement. They can also trap in some heat, which could make you sweat more than normal.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are alright for office use. They support Bluetooth, have a decently comfortable fit, and have over 18 hours of continuous playback time, so you don't need to worry about recharging them during long shifts. However, they struggle to block out office chatter. You'll also perceive their passive soundstage as somewhat closed off.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are decent for wireless gaming. These decently comfortable headphones have low non-Bluetooth latency. Their boom mic also does an excellent job of recording your voice, and it can separate it from moderate ambient noise, so your voice is heard clearly. They last over 18 hours continuously, which is great if you game for hours on end. Their companion software offers customization features like a graphic EQ and presets.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are okay for wired gaming. You can use them with either their 1/8" TRRRS or USB-A to USB-C audio cable with full audio and mic compatibility on PCs and PlayStation consoles. Their analog cable also offers full compatibility on Xbox consoles. They have a decently comfortable fit, and you can customize their sound profile using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets. Their boom mic also has an excellent recording quality and can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are decent for phone calls. The boom mic has an excellent recording quality, so your voice sounds clear, even in moderately noisy environments. However, the headphones struggle to block out ambient noise around you, so you may have some trouble understanding whoever's on the other end of the line.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are a variant of the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE and support Bluetooth, unlike their counterpart. They also come in one color variant: Black. You can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are a variant of the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE. Like their counterpart, they have a comfortable and well-built design with customizable RGB lighting and compatibility with Corsair iCUE software. They now have Bluetooth support, though, so you can connect them to your phone while you're gaming or use them more casually, thanks to their low iOS and Android latency. While their warm uneven sound profile may not be ideal for some users, their companion software offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound.
If you're looking for more gaming headphones, check out our recommendations for the best wireless gaming headsets, the best PS4 headsets, and the best gaming headsets.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT and the Corsair HS80 RGB WIRELESS have different strengths, and you may prefer either. The VIRTUOSO's boom mic is detachable and has a somewhat better overall performance. They also offer a longer continuous battery life, Bluetooth compatibility, and work with Xbox via analog connection, unlike the HS80. However, the HS80 are less prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery and have a much more comfortable design.
The Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are somewhat better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The Logitech are more comfortable, their companion software offers more features, and their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer. However, the Corsair are better built, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth and have lower non-Bluetooth wireless.
The Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset are better wired gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The Logitech are more comfortable and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the Corsair are more versatile as you can use them wired or wirelessly. Their boom mic has a better recording quality, and they support Bluetooth. They're also better built.
The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The Astro come with a dock that also acts as a charging station. They're more comfortable, their boom mic offers better overall performance, and their base station ensures lower wireless latency. However, the Corsair have a better battery performance and support Bluetooth.
The Corsair HS70 Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The HS70 are more comfortable, have a lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency, and their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer. However, the VIRTUOSO have a better overall boom mic performance and a longer continuous battery life. They also support Bluetooth and can be used with an analog connection.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are more versatile gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless. You can use the Corsair wired or wirelessly. They have better battery and Bluetooth connectivity performances, and their boom mic delivers a better recording quality. However, the SteelSeries are more comfortable, and their boom mic does a better job of noise handling.
The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE and the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are similarly performing headphones. While both headphones have a comfortable, well-built design and a similarly warm default sound profile, the XT support Bluetooth so you can listen to audio on your phone while gaming. They also have a better overall performing boom mic and a longer continuous battery life.
The Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The Logitech are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a longer continuous battery life. Their companion software also offers more features, and their wireless latency via dongle is lower. However, the Corsair's boom mic delivers better overall performance, and they support Bluetooth, which is nice if you like to listen to audio from your phone while gaming.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT offer a more versatile audio experience than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020. The Corsair are significantly better-built, support Bluetooth, come with a wired USB cable. Their boom mic also has a better recording quality. However, the Razer are more comfortable and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT and the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless have different strengths. The Corsair has a better overall mic performance, and you can customize their sound profile using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They also support Bluetooth, so you can listen to audio from your phone while gaming. However, the HyperX are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer. They also have a longer-lasting continuous battery life. Their non-Bluetooth wireless latency is also significantly lower, although the Corsair still falls within good limits.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a wider passive soundstage that feels like it's coming from out of your head. Their microphone also does a better job of separating your voice from ambient noise around you, and their companion software offers more features. However, the Corsair have better Bluetooth compatibility, and their microphone has a slightly better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have better overall battery performance. They also have lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency. However, the Corsair have a better overall boom mic performance and support Bluetooth.
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT if you're an Xbox gamer. The SteelSeries support Xbox Wireless, which is great if Xbox is your preferred console of choice. They're also more comfortable, have a longer continuous battery life, and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the Corsair can be used wirelessly with PlayStation consoles and their boom mic has a better recording quality.
The Audeze Penrose Wireless and the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The Audeze are planar magnetic gaming headphones that are more comfortable and have lower non-Bluetooth latency. However, the Corsair feel better-built, can be used passively, and their boom mic offers significantly better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a better battery performance, and their default sound profile is more neutral. However, the Corsair have a better boom mic performance, support Bluetooth, and have lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT are better for gaming while the Beats Solo Pro Wireless are better for casual use. The Corsair are more comfortable, have a virtual soundstage feature, and their boom mic offers a significantly better overall performance. They also have companion software that offers a graphic EQ and presets to adjust their sound to your liking. However, the Beats have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have active noise cancelling and are able to block out a great amount of ambient noise around you.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have a very similar look to the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE with a black and silver color scheme. However, they have the manufacturer's pirate ship logo at the center of the ear cup, and it has RGB lighting that you can customize via the companion software. It can be hard to see if you're looking at it from an angle, though.
These headphones are decently comfortable. The headband is similar to other Corsair products, like the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE. However, while their padding is good, the headphones are a bit heavy, and they clamp a bit on the top of your ear. You can also swap the padding, but they don't come with any additional pairs in the box.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have decent controls. There's an infinite volume wheel and a mute microphone button at the bottom, near the ear cup. There's a switch to select either a wired USB or wireless connection. Unlike the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE, they have dedicated call and music buttons for when you're connected to devices via Bluetooth. There are separate volume up and volume down buttons as well as a multi-function button. This allows you to play or pause audio with one press. Two presses skips your track forward while three presses skip the track backward, and a long press activates pairing mode. You can also press once to answer or end a call.
Both volume controls have an audio prompt to let you know when you've reached max volume on Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth wireless. There are beeps every time you change the volume in Bluetooth mode, but some users may find it annoying.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have sub-par portability. While the ear cups can swivel to lay flat, and you can detach their microphone, they can't fold into a more compact form. You can see a picture of the headphones in their default position here.
The carrying pouch is sub-par. It's made from cloth materials and has argyle stitching to give it a quilted look. It also has a magnet to keep the flap closed. While it may keep dust or small splashes of water off your headphones, it won't protect them from more significant damage.
These headphones have a great build quality. They're mostly good quality plastic with a metal frame within the headband and faux leather padding. The ear cups also have a brushed aluminum finish, which makes them look sleek and high-end. They should be able to withstand a few accidental drops or bumps without taking too much damage. While we don't currently test for it, they lack an IP rating for water resistance, which is to be expected from gaming headphones.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have a warm but uneven sound profile. They lack a lot of low-bass, so sound effects lack thump and rumble. Dialogue and lead instruments also sound a bit veiled while sibilants like S and T sounds are dulled. Luckily, if you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have disappointing frequency response consistency. They're prone to inconsistencies in their bass and treble delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or glasses. You may need to adjust their fit and position on your head each time you use the headphones to ensure more consistent audio delivery.
These headphones have fair bass accuracy. Their low to mid-bass is underemphasized, so gameplay lacks thump, rumble, and punch. However, a bump in the high-bass adds a touch of extra boom, which can help emphasize sound effects.
They're prone to inconsistencies in their bass delivery, and you may experience a drop in bass if you have thick hair or glasses. The response here represents the average bass response, and your experience may vary.
The mid accuracy is good. There's a dip in the low to mid-mid, which thins out vocals and lead instruments and nudges them to the back of the mix. The high-mid is very neutral, though, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear and present.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have acceptable treble accuracy. It's underemphasized across the range, so your mixes sound dark. Vocals and lead instruments are veiled, while sibilants like cymbals are dull.
These headphones are prone to inconsistencies in their treble delivery due to their fit and positioning. The response here represents the average treble response, and your experience may vary.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have okay peaks and dips performance. There's a large bump in the high-bass, which results in extra boom. A dip in the low-mid thins out vocals and lead instruments, while a peak across the high-mid makes them honky and harsh. The uneven mid-treble turns sibilants like cymbals alternatingly dull or piercing.
Update 02/17/2022: Due to user feedback regarding the accuracy of the phase response mismatch value, imaging was retested. We noticed that there was an issue with one of our passes during the original test. When we retested imaging, we were able to match our original results without coming across this issue again. The peak across the phase response's bass range isn't audible with real-life content, and we don't expect it to be an issue for most users. We have updated our results, and the scoring of this box has changed.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO's imaging performance is decent. Although there are a couple of small peaks in the bass range of the weighted group delay, they're very minor. The rest of the group delay falls under the audibility threshold, resulting in fairly tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. However, the L/R drivers have a slight mismatch in frequency and amplitude response, affecting the placement of objects like voices or footsteps in the stereo image. While there's also a large mismatch in the phase response's bass range, it's also hard to hear with real-life content. That said, imaging can vary between units and can indicate a manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO's passive soundstage performance is sub-par. While the soundstage is perceived as wide, open, and as if coming from speakers placed around you rather than inside your head, it also sounds unnatural.
These headphones are compatible with Dolby Atmos. However, you need to download the Corsair iCUE and Dolby Access app, which automatically activates the license for this feature. You also have to go into the sound settings of your computer and switch from Spatial Sound to Dolby Atmos for it to work. Note that we don't currently test the performance of this feature.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO has a satisfactory weighted harmonic distortion performance. There are a few peaks: a couple in the low-bass range and one in the mid-treble range at normal listening volumes. However, this can be hard to hear with real-life content. Most frequencies otherwise fall within good limits, resulting in fairly clean and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using these settings.
The noise isolation performance is poor. They don't block out any of the low rumbles from bus or plane engines and barely cut down office chatter. They can reduce the high-pitched hums of an AC unit.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have a good leakage performance. The leakage is mostly concentrated in the mid-range, which sounds full. However, it falls below the noise level of an average office. If you're listening to audio at high volumes and in a moderately noisy environment, you're unlikely to bother others around you.
These headphones come with an omnidirectional microphone that's detachable and flexible.
The microphone has an excellent recording quality. Your voice sounds clear and full-bodied.
The microphone has very good noise handling. It can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you, so you're heard clearly, even if you're talking from a busy street. That said, you can purchase a uni-directional microphone from the manufacturer directly if you're looking to reduce more ambient noise.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have an excellent battery performance. Although they're advertised to last 15 hours continuously, we measured over 18 hours. However, battery life depends on usage, and you may experience different results. That said, they're equipped with a sleep mode that you can set in their companion app. You can also use them passively or while they're charging, which is handy in a pinch.
Update 02/17/2022: It was originally reported that the Corsair iCUE software isn't compatible with macOS. Ηowever, this has been retested, and the software does work with macOS and Windows. The results have been updated with the correct information.
These headphones are compatible with Corsair iCUE software. This software offers a graphic EQ and presets, meaning you can customize their sound to your liking, and it has mic volume and sidetone controls. You can adjust their sleep timer, update the headphones, and change the RGB light settings.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have great Bluetooth connectivity. You can use them via Bluetooth while still being connected to your console, which is nice if you like to stream music from your phone while you game. They also support aptX and aptX HD for better audio quality, although they have high latency with all codecs via PC. That said, their latency on iOS and Android is much lower. That said, some apps compensate for latency, so your real-world experience may vary.
02/12/2021: After receiving user feedback, we've retested the headphones' non-Βluetooth latency. Ηowever, using a desktop PC, we measured higher latency (182 ms) than the original results (75 ms). When we repeated the test using a laptop, we measured lower latency (49 ms). We've updated our results and the score using this value, because it's closer to our original results.
These headphones have very good non-Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Their latency falls within good limits, so you can game without experiencing too much audio delay. However, their line of sight range isn't very long, although you shouldn't have an issue if you're sitting across from your TV or console.
12/02/2021: After user feedback, we retested their USΒ latency. We repeated the test and measured lower latency (175 ms) compared to our original result (227 ms). The results and scoring of this test have been updated.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT come with a 1/8" TRRRS to TRRS cable. They also come with a USB-A to USB-C cable that you can use to charge the headphones or use with full audio and mic compatibility.
These headphones are fully compatible with PCs, whether you're using their USB dongle, 1/8" TRRRS to TRRS, or USB-A to USB-C cable.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO are audio and microphone compatible with PS4 or PS5 consoles when using their 1/8" TRRRS to TRRS cable. You can also use their wireless USB dongle with full compatibility.
The Corsair VIRTUOSO have full audio and mic compatibility with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S via an analog connection.