The HyperX Cloud Stinger S is a wired-only gaming headset. Unlike the HyperX Cloud Stinger, these headphones come with a USB dongle and a virtual 7.1 surround sound feature available on its NGENUITY companion software. Their flippable boom microphone also makes your voice sound clear and full-bodied and they have a neutral sound profile that packs extra boom and punch in the bass range. However, their audio delivery isn't very consistent. They aren't very versatile or portable, and they have poor noise isolation performance. That said, if you're looking for a more affordable pair of gaming headphones to use at home and don't want a lot of customization features, they're a solid choice.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are decent for neutral sound. Their sound profile is quite neutral and well-balanced but packs an extra punch and boom in the bass range, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres. However, their audio delivery isn't consistent, so their sound can differ depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head. They also don't offer any sound customization features like a dedicated EQ.
- Neutral, well-balanced sound profile.
- Deep, extended bass.
- Inconsistent audio delivery.
- No sound customization features.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are bad for commute and travel. While they have a comfortable fit, their bulky over-ear design isn't very portable, and they can only be used with a wired connection, which some listeners may find annoying. They have a poor noise isolation performance, so you can hear ambient noise like bus and plane engines and voices.
- Comfortable fit.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Not very portable.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are inadequate for sports and fitness. While they have a comfortable fit, they aren't intended to be used while working out. Their bulky over-ear design isn't very portable, and they don't even come with a carrying case to keep them safe while you're on the go. They also tend to fall off your head during more intense physical movements, so they aren't stable enough for exercise.
- Comfortable fit.
- Not very portable.
- Not stable enough for exercise.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are sub-par for office use. These over-ears can be worn comfortably through a long shift without a lot of fatigue. While they leak a bit of sound, it shouldn't be too noticeable unless you listen to your audio at high volumes. However, they don't isolate a lot of background noises, so you can hear background noises like your coworkers' voices or AC units.
- Comfortable fit.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
- Not very portable.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are wired-only headphones, so they can't be used for wireless gaming.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are good for wired gaming. These comfortable over-ears are compatible with your PC, PS4, or Xbox One, and there isn't a lot of latency over their wired connection. Their neutral sound profile packs an extra boom in the bass range, so you really feel explosions and other action-packed scenes. Also, their boom microphone can help you communicate clearly with your teammates. However, if you're talking in a noisy environment, they capture a lot of background noise alongside your voice. Their companion software also doesn't offer a lot of customization features, which may be disappointing for some people.
- Decent performing boom mic.
- Comfortable fit.
- Neutral, well-balanced sound profile.
- Deep, extended bass.
- No sound customization features.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are mediocre for phone calls. Their boom microphone has an impressive recording quality, so your voice sounds full-bodied and clear. Unfortunately, the mic has a bit of trouble separating your voice from moderate ambient noise around you and while you should be still heard, background noise can be annoying for whoever you're calling. The headphones also don't isolate a lot of noise, so you may hear background noise during your calls.
- Decent performing boom mic.
- Poor noise isolation performance.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 08, 2022: We've added a comparison between HyperX Cloud Stinger S and the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 in the Comfort box.
- Updated Nov 12, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Sep 25, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Sep 15, 2020: Early access published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The HyperX Cloud Stinger S are an entry-level gaming headset released in 2020. While these headphones have a similar design to the HyperX Cloud Stinger, unlike their predecessor, they come with a 7.1 virtual surround sound feature, a USB dongle, and are compatible with companion software. They don't have a lot of sound customization features, and they aren't very versatile. However, their balanced sound profile and decent boom microphone are well-suited for wired gaming. If you're looking for other headphones, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best gaming headsets under $100, and the best PS4 headsets.
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 Flight and the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are similar gaming headphones. The Flight can be worn wirelessly, unlike the wired-only Stinger S. However, the Stinger S have a bit more neutral sound profile than the more bass-heavy Flight, which some listeners may prefer.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are similarly performing wired gaming headphones. The Cloud Alpha are more comfortable, are better built, and leak less audio at high volumes. Conversely, the Cloud Stinger S have a virtual soundstage feature, and their boom microphone delivers better performance. They also have companion software, but it doesn't offer a lot of extra features.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S and the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are very similar gaming headphones, and depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Alpha S are more comfortable and better built. They also do a better job isolating background noise, and they leak less noise. That said, the Stinger S have a more neutral, less bass-heavy sound profile that some listeners may prefer.
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