The HyperX Cloud Stinger are wired entry-level gaming headphones. Although their plastic frame is bulky, they're fairly lightweight for over-ears and should be comfortable enough for long gaming sessions. The boom microphone also picks up speech clearly, whether you're gaming at home or a tournament. Thanks to their wired design, lag is negligible. However, they're optimized for gaming. They aren't as flashy as other gaming headphones, their boom microphone isn't detachable, and they don't isolate enough noise to be enjoyable while commuting. Still, if you're looking for affordable gaming headphones, they're a solid option.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are decent for neutral listening. They have a somewhat balanced sound profile, even though the bass is slightly overemphasized and the treble is uneven. For closed-back headphones, they also do an adequate job of creating an open soundstage. However, their inconsistent fit means that you might not get the same audio experience each time you use these headphones and not everyone will hear the same thing.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are poor for commuting. They don't block out almost any low sounds like bus or plane engines. While they're fairly comfortable, you might find their lack of portability frustrating, especially if you're moving from one mode of transport to the next. Since they're bulky, they need to be stored in a bag. However, they don't come with any carrying case. Their boom microphone also isn't detachable so you can't make them look more casual.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are inadequate for sports and fitness. While they have a small degree of flexibility, they're bulky and aren't meant to fold up, making them hard to transport. They also don't fit very tightly on your head and can fall off with moderate movement. Despite their fairly comfortable design, they'll still trap some heat around your ears.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are disappointing for office use. While they're fairly comfortable for long listening sessions, their noise isolation performance is disappointing and you'll be able to hear a lot of what's going on around you. If you turn up the volume to compensate for this background noise, these headphones can also leak sound so your colleagues might hear your audio.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are decent for wired gaming. They're fairly comfortable for long periods and their negligible amount of lag is great. The microphone is impressive too and your teammates will be able to hear you clearly, even in louder environments like gaming tournaments. On the downside, as they don't have a tight fit, they can produce sound inconsistently, particularly in the bass and treble, and even on the same person.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are decent for phone calls. Their boom microphone is impressive and you'll have no problem being understood by whoever is on the other end, even if you're talking in loud environments like a cafe or office. On the downside, these headphones don't reduce much background noise around you, so if you're taking calls on a bus, you'll still hear a large amount of noise.
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Comfortable design.
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Impressive boom microphone.
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Bulky and plasticky build.
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Very limited control scheme.
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Inconsistent bass and treble delivery that significantly varies across users.
- 7.5 Neutral Sound
- 4.8 Commute/Travel
- 5.4 Sports/Fitness
- 6.1 Office
- 5.4 Wireless Gaming
- 7.4 Wired Gaming
- 7.3 Phone Calls
- Updated Dec 08, 2022: We've added a comparison between HyperX Cloud Stinger and the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 in the Compared To Others box.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Jun 11, 2020: We corrected a mistake with the microphone recording.
- Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Apr 04, 2018: Fixed errors in the frequency response measurements.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Oct 31, 2017: Review published.
- Updated Oct 29, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Oct 29, 2017: Early access published.
- Updated Oct 27, 2017: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 07, 2017: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Headphones
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are wired entry-level gaming headphones. They feel comfortable enough to wear for longer gaming sessions and their boom microphone performs impressively, even in loud environments. Thanks to their wired design, they're compatible with PCs and both the PS4 and Xbox One. On the downside, compared to other gaming headphones, they don't feel as well-built. They also lack any sound customization and their controls are extremely simple. Fortunately, their successor, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, have a more tactile control scheme, as well as a slightly more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
If you're looking for more gaming headsets, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best Xbox One headsets, and the best PS4 headsets.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 and the HyperX Cloud Stinger are very similarly performing gaming headphones, but the original Cloud Stinger are slightly better. Both headphones have great mics, but the original Cloud Stinger has better overall mic performance. The original Cloud Stinger also have a more balanced sound profile, with more low-bass for rumbly sound effects. However, the Cloud Stinger 2 are less bulky and have more accurate controls.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The Alpha feel noticeably better built and durable, on top of being more comfortable during long gaming sessions. Both microphones sound very similar, though the Stinger scores better in our tests. The Alpha have a better-balanced sound profile, leak a lot less audio, and have a detachable mic and audio cable, which can easily be replaced if damaged.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are decent budget gaming headphones compared to the Razer BlackShark V2 X. Both headphones are similarly comfortable and have full wired compatibility with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. However, they also have similar inconsistent bass and treble delivery and lack companion software. That being said, the Razer have a slightly better-performing boom microphone, leak less sound, and have a virtual surround feature that you can download. However, the HyperX are better built.
The Logitech G432 is a better gaming headset than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. While the Stinger are slightly better-built headphones, the G432 have a more neutral sound profile and their USB dongle gives you access to the G HUB app, which allows you to EQ them easily. You also have access to a few level sliders for your volume and microphone. The G432 also has a surround sound feature, which the Cloud Stinger is lacking.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better performing gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Core thanks to their controls and slightly better sound quality. However, the Cloud Core definitely feels more solid and more comfortable than the Stinger. If you think a mic-mute switch and volume controls are a necessity, go with the Stinger. If not, then the more straightforward Cloud Core may be a better option for your gaming needs.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are slightly better gaming headphones than the Astro A10 Gen 2. While both headphones are comfortable, the HyperX have a significantly better boom mic performance, and they're able to reproduce low-bass with more thump and rumble. On the other hand, the Astro have a better build quality.
The Razer Kraken V3 offer a more customizable gaming experience, but if you're looking for headphones that you can just plug in and play, the HyperX Cloud Stinger offer a solid performance out of the box. The Razer have more robust virtual soundstage features and have companion software that offers a graphic EQ plus presets and mic customization features. They even have customizable RGB lighting on each ear cup. However, the HyperX are significantly more comfortable. Their boom mic also offers better overall performance, and they also have a 1/8" TRRS cable, meaning you can use them with consoles with an AUX port.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a better gaming headset than the Turtle Beach Recon 70. The HyperX are noticeably better built even if they are made of plastic. Their sound profile is also better balanced and packs a bit more sub-bass. The HyperX's microphone offers better recording quality. However, the Turtle Beach have a slightly more neutral mid-range.
The HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II is a slightly better and more complete gaming headset than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The Cloud II is better built and more comfortable. They also have channel mixing and quick access to their surround sound setting. On the other hand, the Cloud Stinger might have a slightly better sound quality, especially in the treble range, but that's about it.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are very similar gaming headphones to the HyperX Cloud Stinger, but they come with more features. The S have a USB dongle and a 7.1 virtual surround sound feature that you can access through its companion software. They also have a more neutral sound profile than the Cloud Stinger. That said, the Cloud Stinger have slightly lower latency, though you shouldn't notice any delay with both.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger and Logitech G335 each have their own strengths, so one may suit you better than the other depending on your preferences. The HyperX have a more bass-heavy sound profile, block out more ambient noise, leak less audio, and offer better overall mic performance. Conversely, the Logitech are comfier, have an easier-to-use control scheme, and deliver audio more consistently.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a better gaming headset than the Razer Kraken X. The Stinger are more comfortable, feel better-built, and have a more balanced sound quality. Their microphones perform similarly, but the Kraken X’s can make speech sound a bit fuller and deeper, which is great. The Kraken X also have a control scheme that’s easier-to-use and provides better feedback than that of the Cloud Stinger.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a much better wired gaming headset than the Turtle Beach Recon 50X/Recon 50P. While both headphones have impressive microphones, the HyperX have a much better-balanced sound profile. They're also a lot more comfortable and feel much better-built. That said, while the Turtle Beach's mic doesn't handle noise quite as well as the Hyper X's, it sounds better in perfectly quiet environments.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are marginally better than the SteelSeries Arctis 1. The HyperX are slightly more comfortable, and are better-built than the Arctis 1 as materials don’t feel as cheap. That said, they perform quite similarly across our tests and most people won’t notice a big difference in sound. However, the SteelSeries have a detachable mic, which gives them a more outdoor-friendly look if you want to use them with your phone.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better wired gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 100. The HyperX are more comfortable to wear during long gaming sessions, feel far more well-built, and provide a better-balanced listening experience, not to mention vastly superior noise isolation performance. On the other hand, the JBL have an easier-to-use control scheme that provides a little more feedback as well as a detachable boom microphone that makes them a little less bulky.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a better gaming headset than the Turtle Beach Recon 200. It has a superior microphone that will transmit a clearer and full-bodied speech to your online teammates. Also, the HyperX wired headset doesn’t need a battery to function like the Turtle Beach do. The HyperX also feels better made and more comfortable. On the other hand, the control scheme of the Turtle Beach is more complete and useful, and some will like the sidetone feature.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger and the HyperX Cloud Flight are both decent gaming headphones, though they have different designs. The Cloud Flight are wireless and can only be used wired for audio only, while the Cloud Stinger are wired only for both audio and microphone. Both headphones feel decently well-built and just as comfortable. While the Cloud Flight's sound profile is slightly better balanced, they're both similar and very susceptible to fit and seal, so different people will likely experience their sound reproduction differently.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a better headset than the Astro A10. It's more comfortable and isolates noise better than the Astro. The HyperX sound better but are prone to inconsistencies in the bass and treble delivery across reseats, so, unlike the Astro, you won't get the same consistent sound each time you wear it. The Astro is slightly better designed and feels better built. The microphone performance of these two headsets is very similar, but the recording quality of the Astro is a bit better. They're decent gaming headsets, but the Astro are usually more expensive than the HyperX. If you care more about build quality, get the Astro; if you prefer better sound, go for the HyperX.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better wired gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 400. The HyperX have a more balanced sound profile overall, a more comfortable fit, and a slightly better microphone. However, the JBL offer a bit of extra flair in the form of RGB lighting, not to mention a more customizable listening experience courtesy of their dedicated companion software.
The Corsair Void PRO RGB Wireless and the HyperX Cloud Stinger are both decent gaming headphones, but the Corsair have a wireless connection while the HyperX are wired-only. Other than that, both are equally comfortable and feel decent durable, but the Corsair have a slightly better-balanced sound profile that's more consistent among various users and reseats. They also have companion software that gives you access to EQ settings, while the HyperX has no software. On the other hand, the HyperX's microphone performs much better overall, and their wired connection gives them no lag or latency issues.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a much better-wired gaming headset than the Corsair HS35. Its boom microphone has a significantly better recording quality than that of the Corsair and it sounds a bit better-balanced too. The Corsair does have a more casual design, which some may prefer, but for gaming you're better off with the HyperX.
The Corsair HS60 are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The Corsair are noticeably better-built with high-end materials that don’t feel as plasticky as the HyperX. They also have a companion app that allows a bit of customization thanks to an EQ. On the other hand, the HyperX has a better-performing microphone than that of the Corsair.
The Logitech G430 and HyperX Cloud Stinger are similarly performing gaming headphones, and each have their strength. The Logitech G430 have a nice companion app that lets you EQ the sound to your liking and enable surround sound. On the other hand, the Stinger are slightly better-built, and their microphone recording quality is better and more suited for online games.
The Corsair HS50 is a slightly better gaming headset than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The audio reproduction is slightly more accurate on the Corsair, and they feel better-built. The Stinger feels plasticky and slightly flimsy, while the HS50 feels sturdier. On the other hand, the HyperX headset has a noticeably better microphone recording quality, which may be important for some for online games.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger and the Logitech G333 are wired gaming headphones with different designs, and you may prefer either one depending on your preferences. The HyperX are comfortable over-ear headphones. Their boom mic has a much better performance and captures your voice clearly even in noisy environments. On the other hand, the Logitech are also quite comfortable if you like in-ear headphones. They have a more stable fit, a better build quality, and are much more portable and breathable because of their design.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better wired gaming headphones than the Corsair HS60 PRO SURROUND. The HyperX have a less bass-heavy default sound profile and have less distortion. Their microphone also performs much better as your voice sounds more full-bodied and natural, and is easier to hear in noisy environments. On the other hand, the Corsair have a virtual surround feature, feel much more durable, and have dedicated companion software to make changes to their EQ.
The Logitech G433 is a better gaming headset than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. On top of having noticeably better audio reproduction, they also have a slightly better microphone, but also have a good app that allows customization options like an EQ, presets, and surround sound, which the Cloud Stinger are lacking. On the other hand, if you have a bit of ambient noise in your gaming area, the Cloud Stinger’s fit will do a better job of blocking it out. However, their microphone isn’t fully detachable like the G433’s boom mic.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are somewhat better gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Recon 500. The HyperX are more comfortable, feel better-built, and their mic has a significantly better noise handling performance. However, the Turtle Beach have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken Pro V2. They are more comfortable for long gaming sessions and their sound quality is also noticeably better. On the other hand, the Kraken Pro V2 feel slightly more durable, but that’s about it. The Stinger is also more affordable and will offer better value for most people.
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless are similar gaming headphones to the HyperX Cloud Stinger, but they are more versatile since they are also Bluetooth-compatible. Their control scheme is also more complete and is noticeably easier to use. If you’re looking for gaming-only headphones, then the cheaper HyperX might be worth it, but the value the Bluetooth compatibility offers on the SteelSeries might be worth it for some.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are better-wired gaming headphones than the Cooler Master MH630. The HyperX are slightly more comfortable, have a more neutral and better-balanced sound profile, and also have a longer audio cable. However, the Cooler Master's boom microphone has a superb recording quality, which may be more important to some gamers who rely on being heard as clearly as possible.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger and the Razer Opus X Wireless are designed for different uses, so you may prefer either pair. The HyperX are wired gaming headphones, and they have a boom mic that offers great overall performance. However, the Razer are designed for casual use and wireless mobile gaming. They feel better built, and have an ANC system that can block out more passive ambient noise. You can't use them wired, though.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are much better wired gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Battle Buds. The HyperX have a much better-balanced sound profile, are much more comfortable thanks to their over-ear design, and have a better microphone. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach are more portable and breathe better thanks to their in-ear design.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a much better wired gaming headset than the RUNMUS RGB K1 Gaming Headset. It's a lot more comfortable, feels better-built and has a more balanced sound quality. While their microphones perform similarly in quiet environments, the HyperX has better noise handling too.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger and the Beats Solo Pro Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The HyperX are for wired gaming. They're more comfortable and have a better overall mic performance. However, the Beats are more versatile. They have a wireless design, are better-built, and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices.
Test Results
Unlike more gamer-centric designs such as the RUNMUS RGB K1 Gaming Headset, the HyperX Cloud Stinger has a less flashy and more understated look thanks to its all-black plastic design and subtle red accents. Still, it isn't fully casual-looking as the mic can't be removed like the SteelSeries Arctis 1.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are comfortable headphones. Their ear cups are spacious enough for most users. The padding is also comfortable, although it isn't as soft or plush as other gaming headphones we've reviewed so far. They're lightweight and not too tight on the head, which is nice if you're in a multi-hour gaming session.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger have poor, limited controls. The slider under the right ear cup is the only control and it allows you to adjust for volume. However, it doesn't have any discrete points for keeping a consistent volume setting. If you want to disable the microphone, you can move it into an upright position. If you're looking for more intuitive controls from your gaming headset, check out the Corsair HS35.
Similar to other HyperX headphones such as the HyperX Cloud Revolver and the HyperX Cloud2/Cloud II, these headphones create a seal around your ears that can trap heat. If you exercise while wearing them, you might find that your ears become warm quickly. Since they're also closed-back over-ear headphones, they'll limit airflow and will be less breathable overall. However, if you're using these headphones for gaming, their breathability shouldn't be too much of a problem.
These headphones aren't very portable. Even though they have some flexibility, their bulky and rigid design can be hard to take with you on-the-go as they can't be folded. If you don't want to wear them around your neck when not in use, you'll have to put them in a bag. A smaller alternative is the JBL Quantum 100, as it features a detachable microphone, which eliminates a potential snagging hazard.
These headphones don't have a carrying case.
These headphones have a decent build. Although their plastic frame feels a little cheap, the headband is reinforced with a thin metal, making them more flexible. The ear cups also feel fairly well-made but the hinges feel weak. On the downside, the cable isn't replaceable. If you want something that feels more durable, check out the Corsair HS50, the HyperX Cloud Core, or the Corsair HS60 PRO SURROUND.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger are reasonably stable. They aren't intended for sports or fitness use, though. Their fit isn't very tight and they could slide off your head if you're working out while wearing them. However, even in more casual uses, the non-detachable cable could snag on something or become entangled.
Their sound profile is a bit bass-heavy. Fans of EDM and hip-hop will enjoy the added rumble, thump, and kick to their sounds. The treble can be a bit uneven, which could be a problem if you like listening to jazz. However, depending on how these headphones fit, you may get an inconsistent sound from the bass and treble range each time you use them.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger have a sub-standard frequency response consistency, particularly in the bass and treble range. Depending on the shape of your head, if you wear glasses, and how the headphones are positioned on your head, you might hear audio differently each time you use them.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's bass accuracy performance is decent. It's overemphasized across the range and while fans of thump and rumble may appreciate it, the mix can also sound muddy and boomy. As the bass delivery by these headphones also varies significantly across users, your experience may vary.
Update 01/21/20: It was brought to our attention that there was an error with our previous graph. The photos have been fixed and the review now reflects these changes.
These headphones have good mid-range accuracy performance. Although there's a dip in the low-mid that'll thin out some lead instruments and vocals, the rest of the range is fairly even. A small overemphasis in the high mid will bring out a touch more intensity to your mixes, but it shouldn't be too overwhelming.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's treble accuracy performance is decent. There's a dip between the low and mid-treble that can reduce the detail and presence of lead instruments. Sibilants such as cymbals will also sound a bit dark. The more uneven, underemphasized high-treble in comparison will make mixes dull. However, as their treble delivery varies noticeably across users, your experience may vary.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's peaks and dips performance is alright. There's a peak in the high bass that muddies the mix while the following deep dip in the low-mid further reduces and thins out lead instruments and vocals. Another peak starting in the high-mid continuing into low-treble can make sounds in these ranges harsh and honky. However, as this peak dips between the low-treble and mid-treble, sibilants lose their brightness and become lispy.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's imaging is superb. The group delay response is fairly low and falls below the audibility threshold, which should result in a tight bass and a transparent treble production. Our unit's L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude, frequency, and phase so there are no gaps in the stereo image. Objects like voices or footsteps are accurately placed. However, these results are only valid for our unit and yours may perform differently.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's passive soundstage isn't bad. They don't sound as open or spacious as open-back headphones but their soundstage is still wider than that of other closed-back headphones.
These headphones don't have any virtual soundstage features. If you're looking for similar gaming headphones with a virtual soundstage feature, check out the HyperX Cloud Stinger S.
The weighted harmonic distortion performance is great. The frequencies fall within good limits, which should result in clear and pure audio reproduction.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's results are only valid for these settings.
However, we were unable to determine the firmware version. If you own these headphones and know where to find it, let us know in the discussion section below.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger has disappointing noise isolation. They don't reduce almost any noise in the bass range, which means that you'll hear all the rumble and thump of vehicle engines. While they do a slightly better job with mid-range noise like speech, it still might not be enough for those who like to work in places like cafes. However, if you're working near an A/C unit, you'll be able to block out a good amount of its high-pitched whine.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's leakage performance isn't bad, but they leak more than the Razer BlackShark V2 X. Most of the leakage is concentrated in the mid-range, which is also where lead instruments and vocals lay. If you like to crank up the volume, people may be able to hear some of it, even in a louder setting such as an office or cafe.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger has a boom microphone.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger's boom mic has great recording quality. Your voice should be heard clearly and understandably to whoever is on the other end, but it might slightly lack brilliance and airiness. For an even better performing boom microphone, check out the Cooler Master MH630.
The boom mic has excellent noise handling. Even in loud environments like a gaming tournament or train station, this headset will be able to capture your voice.
These wired headphones don't have a battery and instead use passive playback.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger don't have a companion app. If you're looking for an affordable gaming headset that offers app support, check out the Logitech G432.
These are wired headphones that don't offer a Bluetooth connection. If Bluetooth is one of your main requirements for gaming headsets, try the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless or the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless.
These headphones are wired-only. If you're searching for a wireless gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Flight S is a good place to start. You can also check out our recommendations for the best wireless gaming headsets.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger have a 1/8" TRRS audio cable so that you can listen to audio and still shot-call with your teammates when you plug it into your PC, or your PS4 and Xbox One controllers. These headphones also come with an extension Y-cable that'll give you an additional 5.5 ft of room.
These headphones are compatible with the Xbox One only when plugged into the controller's audio jack. You'll be able to receive audio and use your microphone.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger don't have a dock. If you're looking for a gaming headset with a dock and a wired connection, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless is worth considering.