- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Headphones
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've tested 12 pairs of HyperX headphones. They make mostly mid-range gaming headsets with a couple of higher-end models. They’re known for their great microphones and good overall audio reproduction, but they’re generally somewhat lacking in active features and customization options.
Updates
- 02/10/2021 HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 reviewed
- 01/15/2021 HyperX Cloud II Wireless reviewed
- 09/25/2020 HyperX Cloud Stinger S reviewed
- 06/30/2020 HyperX Cloud Alpha updated
- 06/05/2020 HyperX Cloud Alpha S reviewed
Best HyperX Headphones
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Best Wireless HyperX Headset
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless YesNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless is the best HyperX headset with a wireless connection that we've tested. These comfortable and well-built headphones use a wireless USB dongle, which ensures very low audio latency. They have over 30 hours of continuous playback time, which should last through long gaming sessions, and their auto-off timer helps conserve battery life when they're not in use. Their slightly bass-heavy sound profile helps emphasize sound effects while their balanced mid-range keeps vocals and lead instruments present and detailed. They have a 7.1 surround sound feature that can be accessed using their companion software too, and their detachable boom mic can capture your voice clearly, even in noisy environments.
Unfortunately, they lack an EQ to help tweak their sound to your liking. They don't support passive playback either and can't be used on Xbox consoles at all, which some users may find a little limiting. Their control scheme is limited as well, and their bass and treble delivery can vary depending on fit, positioning, and seal. That said, if you're looking for a pair of wireless headphones, they deliver a great battery performance with low latency.
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Best Wired HyperX Headset
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best HyperX headset with a wired connection that we've tested is the HyperX Cloud Alpha S. These wired gaming headphones are very comfortable thanks to their lightweight construction and included selection of ear cups, which come in both leather and cloth. They're also remarkably well-built, with a flexible aluminum frame as well as a detachable boom microphone and braided audio cable. If you're looking to give your favorite action games an added bit of thump and rumble, they feature sliders on each ear cup to independently change the amount of bass at three levels of adjustment. Their microphone is very good overall, as it makes your voice sound fairly clear, full-bodied, and mostly free of ambient noise.
Unfortunately, they don't offer a very broad range of configuration options, as their HyperX Ngenuity companion software only allows you to adjust their microphone level and enable surround sound. Due to their somewhat inconsistent fit, it's also quite likely that you'll experience sounds differently on separate listening sessions, particularly in the treble range. That said, if you're looking for a pair of wired gaming headphones that are compatible with both analog and USB audio, they're a solid choice.
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Best Budget HyperX Headset
Type Over-earEnclosure Closed-BackWireless NoNoise Cancelling NoMic YesTransducer DynamicThe best HyperX headphones in the budget category that we've tested are the HyperX Cloud Stinger. These entry-level gaming headphones are decently built and have a comfortable, lightweight fit that's suitable for long gaming marathons. Their wired design virtually eliminates worries about battery life and audio latency. Their 1/8" TRRS cable also makes them fully compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5 consoles, which is great if you like to game on different platforms. They have a bass-heavy sound profile that adds extra thump and boom to your audio. Their boom mic does a great job of recording your voice, even in noisy environments, so you are heard clearly by your teammates.
Unfortunately, they have simple controls, as you can only adjust the volume and mute the mic by flipping it upright. Like many gaming headphones, they're also prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery. They aren't compatible with HyperX's Ngenuity software either, so they lack customization features like an EQ or mic control. If you're looking for gaming headphones with slightly more robust features, the HyperX Cloud Stinger S offer a similar performance with the added benefit of a 7.1 virtual surround feature. However, if you're on a budget, the original Stinger have a no-frills design that delivers a decent price-to-performance ratio.
Compared to other brands
- Durable build quality. HyperX makes sturdy headphones that feel durable enough to withstand constant and repeated use. Even their lower-end models feel like they’ll survive getting dropped a couple of times.
- Versatile gaming designs. HyperX headsets are good not only for gaming but most also have a detachable microphone for more casual use with your mobile devices on-the-go. None of the models we’ve tested have an in-line mic for taking calls on your phone, but some have a detachable cable, so any in-line remote should do.
- Great microphone quality. The microphone quality of most of the HyperX headphones we've tested is excellent. They reproduce your voice accurately and separate noise from speech well enough to use at competitions and in louder environments.
- Lack active features. Although HyperX has some wireless headsets and a couple of models that support some extra features like surround sound or wireless charging, they don’t have any headphones that do it all, like some competing brands offer.
- Few customization options. Unfortunately, these headphones don’t really have many customization options, especially when compared to gaming headsets from other brands like SteelSeries, Razer, or Logitech.
Overall, HyperX makes durable and sturdy gaming headsets at an affordable price with excellent noise filtering microphones. Most of their headsets are wired, which is great if you prefer to simply plug-and-play without having to worry about latency, but their headsets tend to lack features when compared to other popular headsets like the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, or the Logitech G933 Wireless Gaming Headset. That said, their lineup is worth taking a look at if you prefer simpler yet still well-rounded designs.
Recent Updates
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Feb 12, 2021: Replaced the HyperX Cloud Flight S with the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless as the Cloud 2 Wireless offer a better value to most users.
Conclusion
HyperX makes mostly wired gaming headsets, with excellent microphones and sturdy build quality. They're decently affordable, tend to sound moderately well-balanced, and their wired models offer a great low-latency gaming experience. Not everyone finds a wired design as convenient, though, and their headsets also lack customization options when compared to other brands.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headphones, the best wireless gaming headphones, or the best budget gaming headphones.
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