The HyperX Cloud Flight S are the upgraded version of the HyperX Cloud Flight. They're similar to their predecessor but have a sleeker and more premium-feeling design. They're a bit more comfortable, despite being marginally heavier and tighter on the head, and they now feature four programmable buttons on the left ear cup which can be mapped to a wide variety of controls. These headphones can also now be charged wirelessly via any Qi-enabled wireless charger, which is convenient. While they have a detachable boom microphone, unfortunately, they don't support Bluetooth or any form of wired connection, meaning you won't be able to use them paired to your phone as your day-to-day headphones, which is disappointing.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are good for neutral sound. Their sound profile is fairly accurate and balanced, though their treble frequencies may be a bit piercing and harsh. Unfortunately, they don't have access to any EQ settings within the companion software, which is a shame. Their frequency response also isn't the most consistent, and people who wear glasses may notice inaccurate bass response.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are inadequate for commuting or travel. Since they don't support a wired connection or Bluetooth, you won't be able to use them with a phone or tablet. They also don't isolate background noise very well and leak a fair amount of audio.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S aren't a good choice for sports. Due to only working with their proprietary USB receiver, you won't be able to use them paired to your phone at the gym. They also aren't very stable, though they may be alright for using paired to your computer at home for basic workouts.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are fair headphones for use at the office. They don't block out very much background noise, so they won't do much to help keep you concentrated. They also leak a fair amount of audio, so if you turn them up loud to block background noise, you may bother people working around you. On the upside, they're comfortable and their battery will last almost an entire workweek.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are quite good wireless gaming headphones. They're comfortable, have very low non-Bluetooth latency, and have outstanding battery life. There are four mappable buttons on the left ear cup that can be programmed to do a wide range of functions, from media controls to launching programs if used on a PC. Their microphone is very good, and your voice will sound full-bodied and clear. While their sound profile is decently balanced, unfortunately, their software doesn't support any EQ adjustments.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are wireless-only headphones that can't be used wired.
While the HyperX Cloud Flight S are good headphones for phone calls, they don't support a wired connection or Bluetooth so you can't connect them to a phone. However, if you use your computer for making calls, they work well thanks to their very good microphone that should make your voice sound full-bodied and easy to understand, even in fairly noisy environments.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are the upgraded version of the HyperX Cloud Flight and are more comfortable and premium-feeling. Unfortunately, they lack Bluetooth or wired connection options, so they won't work as your daily headphones as well, though they offer excellent microphone performance and good overall value. They also support wireless charging with any Qi-enabled charger, which is convenient. See our recommendations for the best gaming headsets for PC, the best PS4 headsets, and the best wireless gaming headsets.
The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are much better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The Astro are more comfortable, feel better built, have a more accurate and better-balanced out-of-the-box sound profile, and come with a wireless dock. On the other hand, the HyperX have much better noise isolation performance and support wireless charging.
The HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II and the HyperX Cloud Flight S are both decent gaming headphones but the Cloud 2 are wired-only, while the Flight S can only be used wirelessly. The Cloud 2 are more comfortable and look and feel a bit more durable. They're also better for people with multiple consoles, as their wired connection means you can easily plug them into the controller of either a PS4 or Xbox One. On the other hand, the Flight S only work with PC/PS4 but have companion software, though it doesn't add much. They also support wireless charging, which may be handy to some people.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are a minor upgrade to the HyperX Cloud Flight. The Flight S are more comfortable, feel slightly more premium, and have four programmable buttons on the left ear cup. They also have lower non-Bluetooth latency. On the other hand, the original Cloud Flight have better noise separation with the microphone and can be used passively with a wired connection.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S and the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless are similarly performing wireless gaming headphones and depending on your preferences, you may favor one over the other. The Wireless are more comfortable and feel better built. They have a better-balanced sound profile that delivers more bass too. However, the Flight S have a slightly longer battery life.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud Flight S are similarly performing gaming headphones. The Cloud Alpha are wired, while the Flight S are wireless and cannot be used wired. The Alpha are a bit more comfortable, feel much better built, and have a more natural and accurate sound profile. On the other hand, the Flight S have wireless charging and software for customization options.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The SteelSeries are wireless headphones with much better controls, Bluetooth and wired capabilities, a better-balanced sound profile, and better software with EQ settings. They also feel more stable. On the other hand, the HyperX are wired gaming headphones that have a slightly better isolation performance and are a much more budget-friendly option.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless. The Flight S have a longer battery life and wireless charging, and are compatible with HyperX's Ngenuity software for customization options. They also can be used wired as well as wireless over Bluetooth. On the other hand, the Cloud Mix have better controls, feel a bit better built, and have lower latency thanks to their USB receiver which doesn't rely on a Bluetooth connection.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better overall headphones than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The HyperX are comfier, feel sturdier, and have a superior detachable boom microphone and a much longer battery life. They're also compatible with a companion app that offers functions for control remapping and surround sound support. However, the Sony can be used on a wired connection via their included 1/8" TRRS cable and deliver audio more consistently.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are slightly better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The SteelSeries feel more stable and well-built, can be used wired or wireless, and have better software that gives access to a full graphic EQ. On the other hand, the HyperX have wireless charging, a slightly better microphone, isolate more background noise, and have a longer battery life.
The Logitech G933 Wireless and the HyperX Cloud Flight S are both decent wireless gaming headsets. The Logitech have better controls, have better software with EQ settings, and can be used wired as well as wirelessly. On the other hand, the HyperX have a much longer battery life and a better frequency response consistency.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better wireless gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Wireless. The HyperX are more comfortable, have better controls, and feel much better built. They also have a better recording quality and work with both PC as well as PS4, unlike the Turtle Beach that are only compatible with PC. That being said, the Turtle Beach can also be used wired, and have better companion software with a Graphic EQ to change how they sound.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better wireless gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 800 Wireless. The HyperX are slightly more comfortable with better build quality, and their detachable boom microphone gives an outstanding overall performance. They also have a significantly longer continuous battery life. However, the JBL have a great active noise cancelling feature, they support Bluetooth, and they can be used wired by plugging in their included 1/8" TRRS cable into a PS4 and Xbox One controller. They also have customizable RGB lighting, and their companion software has a graphic EQ as well as presets so you can tweak their sound.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S and the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset are very similar gaming headphones, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The HyperX have a longer battery life and a better noise isolation performance, and some listeners may prefer their more neutral, less bass-heavy sound profile. However, the Logitech are more comfortable, and they also leak less noise. The Logitech have more customization options, too, thanks to their graphic EQ and presets available in their companion software.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better wireless gaming headphones than the ROCCAT Elo 7.1 Air Wireless. The HyperX have almost twice the continuous battery life of the ROCCAT, a boom mic with better overall performance, superior noise isolation capability, and a more comfortable fit. They also have lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency. However, the ROCCAT have a marginally better control scheme, a more spacious soundstage, and a far more feature-packed companion software.
Depending on your usage, you may prefer either the HyperX Cloud Flight S or the Astro A10 Gen 2. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the HyperX are wireless headphones with low wireless latency, have a better overall mic performance, and have a virtual soundstage feature. In contrast, the Astro are wired gaming headphones with a wired, more immersive passive soundstage.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S look slightly more premium and sleek than its predecessor, the HyperX Cloud Flight. They aren't too bulky and have a fairly simple and casual look, especially when you remove the detachable boom microphone. They're all black and don't look nearly as flashy or gamer-centric as some other options, such as the ROCCAT Elo 7.1 Air Wireless, which have customizable RGB lighting on their ear cups.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are a bit more comfortable than the previous generation. They have better-quality padding on the ear cups that feel plusher and nicer to the touch. While they're a bit heavier and put a bit more pressure on the head, it isn't too noticeable and they should still be quite comfortable for most people to wear during long gaming marathons.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' controls are adequate. The left ear cup has four mappable buttons which are spread apart and easy-to-use, though they can be a bit tough to press. Most controls give you some basic audio feedback in the form of beeps, but there are no voice prompts and, unfortunately, the button to turn 7.1 mode on/off has no audio cue at all, so it can be difficult to know whether it's turned on or not. The volume wheel has a bit more resistance to it and feels more premium than the previous version. Unfortunately, it's an infinite scroll that doesn't stop when you reach min or max volume, though luckily, it makes an obvious beep when it reaches either.
Like most over-ear headphones, the HyperX Cloud Flight S aren't the most portable. The ear cups swivel so the headphones can lay flat, which is nice if you need to put them in a suitcase or backpack. The ear cups now click in place when laid flat, so they're less likely to swivel back. These headphones also can't be used via Bluetooth or wired, meaning it's unlikely you'll take them around with you much, as they're meant to stay at home with your gaming setup.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S don't come with a case.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S feel quite well-built and are an upgrade over the previous version in this regard. The entire headset feels slightly more premium and is made of good quality plastic and padding. They creak less than the previous version and feel quite solid overall. If you're looking for an even better-built pair of HyperX headphones, consider the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S's stability is only okay. They're designed to use at home while gaming and they fit snug enough on the head that it's unlikely they'll fall off. While they likely could be stable enough to run or jog with, they're limited by only working with their included USB receiver, so it's unlikely you'll use them with anything other than your gaming rig.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' sound profile is decently accurate and balanced, but with a few slight dips in the mid and treble ranges. Overall, they may sound slightly thin and lacking a bit of brightness and detail, though they're fairly well-tuned for video games, and gunshots and explosions will have a bit of extra thump without it being overpowering.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S are a bit more consistent among various users than the previous versions and many other over-ear gaming headphones. Glasses-wearers may find it difficult to get a proper seal, resulting in less bass. You may notice some inconsistencies with the treble range, so you may need to adjust them on your head slightly to get the same listening experience every time.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' bass accuracy is excellent. There's a slight bump that'll help add a tiny bit of extra thump and kick to explosions and gunshots, but they shouldn't sound overpowering or thumpy.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' mid-range accuracy is good. The underemphasized low-mid range will cause most vocals and leads to sound a bit thin, but it evens out by the mid-mid range so it won't be too noticeable.
The treble accuracy of these headphones is only okay. Unfortunately, most of the range is fairly recessed so vocals may lack detail and sound slightly dull.
The peaks and dips performance of these headphones is alright. The dip in low-mid will thin out instruments and vocals, while the dip in treble will cause those frequencies to be lacking in detail and brightness. The large spike in mid-treble will likely cause some sounds to be piercing and harsh.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' imaging performance is excellent. The GD graph shows that almost the entire group delay response is within the audibility threshold which results in a tight bass and a transparent treble reproduction. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit were very well-matched in amplitude, frequency, and phase response. This ensures an accurate placement and localization of objects (voices, instruments, video game effects) in the stereo field.
The HyperX Cloud Flight S' passive soundstage is disappointing. While the soundstage will likely be perceived as being very large, it may appear to be located inside the listener's head due to their closed-back design.
These headphones have a 7.1 virtual surround sound feature, though we don't currently test the effectiveness and only score whether or not the headphones have this feature.
The weighted harmonic distortion of these headphones is quite decent. There's very little distortion at moderate or high volume levels.
These are the settings used while testing these headphones; therefore, the results are only valid for these test settings.
The noise isolation of these headphones is disappointing. They don't have an ANC feature and do nothing to block low-end frequencies like engine rumble. They may help a bit with blocking out some background chatter, though they're only mediocre at this. Overall, these aren't the best for gaming in a noisy environment like a competition.
The leakage performance of these headphones is decent. At higher volumes, people around you will likely be able to hear what you're listening to. Given that these headphones are only designed for use while gaming at home, it'll likely be fine, though they may not be a good option for gaming in bed while someone's trying to sleep next to you.
These headphones have a detachable boom microphone.
The recording quality of the microphone is great. Your voice should sound full-bodied as well as being quite clear and understandable.
Update 11/08/2021: These headphones have been updated to test bench 1.5. In this update, we made changes to the way we test noise handling. We now use a subjective evaluation of our audio clips. This new method has resulted in different results than what we had reported in our previous test bench. As a result, the scoring of this box has changed, and we have updated our results.
The noise handling of the microphone is good. Even in noisy environments, it's easy for your teammates to hear you clearly.
The battery performance of these headphones is great. Their battery lasts over 33 hours, which is outstanding and is longer than the 30 hours they're advertised to last. They also have an auto-off timer that will turn them off automatically when left inactive for a certain amount of time. Unfortunately, they take a long time to fully charge, though you shouldn't have to do this too often. They use micro-USB for charging, and also support Qi-enabled wireless charging, so you can easily charge them by placing them on a wireless charging pad, which is handy.
The dedicated companion app for these headphones is decent. Unlike before, the app is now only available in the Microsoft Store, and it appears to be a beta version. These headphones now feature four programmable buttons that the previous version didn't have, and they can be mapped to a wide variety of uses within the app, from media controls to app launching. You can also save various profiles and switch between them easily. Unfortunately, unlike the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset's and the JBL Quantum 800's companion app, there are no EQ options at all, not even presets, which is very disappointing.
These headphones don't support Bluetooth and can only be used via their proprietary USB receiver.
Update 11/08/2021: These headphones have been updated to test bench 1.5. In this update, we made changes to the way we test latency. We now use a click track in our software, and we measure latency three times and average the results. This new method has resulted in different latency values than what we had reported in our previous test bench, and we've updated our review to reflect these results.
The wireless performance of these headphones is outstanding. Their latency is quite low, so your audio and visuals should stay in sync with one another.
Unlike the previous version, these headphones can't be used wired, which is a shame. This means that they're limited to only being used at home and can't be used as your daily headphones, which is very limiting.
Since these headphones don't have a 1/8" port, they can't be used with Xbox One, which is disappointing.
There's no base or dock included with the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The included wireless dongle can be plugged into a PS4 but isn't compatible with the Xbox One.