HyperX Cloud II – Gaming Headset PC/PS4/PS5, Red

Product Information

HyperX makes sturdy headphones durable enough to withstand constant and repeated use. Even their lower-end models feel like they'll survive getting dropped a couple of times. Most HyperX headsets have either in-line or on-ear volume controls for the headphones themselves. In some cases, controls for microphone levels may also be included. Durability This translates well to general music listening compared to other pure HyperX gaming headsets; loads of presence, clarity, and plenty of low end punch. Bluetooth connectivity works well, as does the in-built microphone. Battery life from a single USB cable charge delivers 20 hours of active listening. On-ear cup controls let you tinker with volume, answer or finish calls, control media, and activate virtual assistants if you so wish.

HyperX headsets are durable, but a carrying case can go a long way in keeping your headphones safe. HyperX headsets are typically wired, but they do have a few wireless options. While HyperX makes officially licensed PS4 and Xbox One headsets, their wired headsets work with any console. In addition, their PC-specific headsets use USB connections and provide excellent sound quality. While HyperX is known for their wired headsets, they do offer some wireless models and headsets that can be used wired or via Bluetooth. Some models may have 7.1 virtual surround sound for a more immersive gaming experience. All HyperX headsets are over-ear for maximum comfort, and some may include extra ear cushions.

HyperX headset prices

For flexibility and that untethered feel, we’d recommend wireless, although you’ll need to factor in battery life and charging. Most wireless HyperX headsets can push upwards of 15 hours and up to 30 hours of active listening for specific models on a single full charge. Though HyperX headsets don’t usually come with a lot of bells and whistles, they still vary in their features and design. Following are some of the features you can look for. Sound controls The build, while predominantly plastic, feels sturdy. The headset is genuinely a pleasure to wear, thanks mainly to plush memory foam cushions with a synthetic leather finish on the earcups. The fit is snug, and the HyperX has baked in an adjustable steel headband slider and 90-degree rotating cups that adapt to most head sizes. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a high-quality, supremely comfortable, fundamentally superb gaming headset, and for those reasons, it sits proudly atop our recommended list of HyperX headsets. While not the most expensive or most sophisticated HyperX cans, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is, in our opinion, the most well-rounded with a palatable price tag. HyperX uses a 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle designed to keep latency to a minimum and has a range of between 12 and 20 meters (varies on the model), generally enough to pop to the fridge for a drink without interrupting audio. Depending on the headset, charging is through a provided USB cable or QI wireless charging via HyperX’s ChargePlay Base (sold separately). Drivers

Another feature that stands out is the on-ear cup audio and mic controls. There’s a volume dial, mic mute button, and power button that doubles as an LED mode switcher. You’ll also find a 3.5mm audio input and a mic input for the detachable noise-canceling microphone should you want to take the HyperX CloudX Flight out and about without broadcasting your gaming credentials too loudly to the world. The driver is the element inside the headset that converts an electrical signal into sound. In general, larger drivers equal better range and better overall sound. Most HyperX headsets have drivers ranging from 40mm to 53mm. Audio type Their bass-heavy sound profile lends extra rumble, punch, and boom to your audio. They may sound a little muddy, but elements like voices are still clear and present. Like most ΗyperX headsets we've tested, their sound is dependent on the headphones' fit and positioning on your head, so you need to adjust them to get the same sound every time you wear them. They don't work with an app or have sound customization features, so you can't tweak their sound to your preferences. If you're looking for headphones that provide a more customizable listening experience, the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are slightly more expensive and support virtual surround sound. However, their mic has more trouble separating your voice from ambient sound. If you’re on a budget but still want in on the well-deserved HyperX hype, then the HyperX Cloud Stinger is a top affordable choice. Lightweight and uncharacteristically comfortable for this price point, the HyperX Cloud Stinger feels and sounds much better than the price tag suggests. Some models allow you to detach the headset from the microphone boom, which may be stiff plastic or bendable metal. This can be a useful feature if you plan to use your headphones for more than gaming.

FAQ

A pair of dual-chamber 50 mm drivers headline the HyperX Cloud Alpha feature set. They are a clever solution that divides the bass and the mid/highs into two separate optimally-tuned chambers to reduce distortion and promote a more distinct frequency spread.

As always, take these as recommendations rather than a definitive ruling. As above, HyperX proposes quite a few headsets for every budget. If we omitted your cans of choice, then no slight intended. The HyperX Cloud Flight follows closely behind, grabbing the spot as the best wireless HyperX headset with a stellar listening experience and a hefty 30-hours of uninterrupted listening on a single charge. For versatility, you can’t go wrong with the HyperX Cloud MIX with both wired and Bluetooth connectivity alongside top comfort and fantastic audio. We focused on headsets that deliver a careful balance of audio quality, comfort, design, features, connectivity, and price. In the end, we opted to limit our selection to four HyperX headsets. Below, you’ll find a section dedicated to each with a brief review showcasing what they offer and where they fall short. HyperX headphones are noise-cancelling, with a polar pattern that captures only your voice. Though as the speaker rather than the listener you won’t be able to appreciate it, the microphone quality of HyperX headsets is clear and consistent. In practice, this works well. Despite the punchier low end synonymous with gaming-focused cans, the sound is beautifully balanced with no particular frequency encroaching on the other. There’s a detailed quality to the listening experience with a subtle balance of impactful oomph, colorful richness, and crisp brightness. Games come alive with the HyperX Cloud Alpha. The low end can veer slightly into muddy territory for other media such as movies and music, making this a decidedly ‘gaming’ headset.Detachable microphones are also worth considering for wireless headsets, as they allow the cans to double as everyday use music-listening headphones. Not that there’s anything wrong with popping to the store with a mic jutting out of a headset, but not everyone wants to flaunt their gaming credentials out in the open. Whether you are gaming, watching a movie, or listening to music, sound quality is crucial. Though HyperX headsets are known for their high sound quality, that can vary from model to model. Driver size As a HyperX product, the HyperX Cloud MIX’s listening experience is unsurprisingly excellent, powered by a set of dual-chamber 40mm drivers with the same bass and mid/high separation as the Cloud Alpha. The headset leans a little to the bassy side, as expected from gaming-focused cans. Still, the rest of the frequency spectrum is well balanced, to the point that in-game sounds aren’t competing for space whether you’re firing up a frenetic FPS or trudging through an open-world action-adventure laden with environmental, sonic color.