Products at a Glance
How We Picked
With such a strong range of excellent headsets to pick from, the process of choosing the HyperX headset wasn’t a simple task. More general headset product guides allow us to cast a wide net and sort the duds from the winners. With so many stellar options in the HyperX roster, we used several vital factors to whittle it down to our top recommendations.
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.
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.
Things To Consider
Wired, Wireless, and Battery Life
HyperX proposes both wired and wireless headsets. Which is best depends on your needs and setup.
On the wired front, the more modest HyperX headsets connect via simple USB, while the pricier options include a USB audio control box that allows you to toggle surround sound, mute the mic, and adjust output levels. Naturally, wired headsets are ready, pick-and-go devices, so you don’t have to worry about battery life. Additionally, there’s absolutely no risk of interference, although advances in wireless technology mean this isn’t a genuine issue anymore.
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.
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
Drivers, or the in-can speakers that deliver or ‘drive’ audio to the ear, are the most important factor when considering this or that headset. Although we’d ward off clutching on to generalizations, bigger drivers tend to offer higher quality audio due to their ability to cover more frequencies (punchier bass, detailed mids, and more clarity in the highs) and push higher volumes than their more diminutive siblings.
How the drivers are designed and fine-tuned plays a role, but 40mm drivers represent a decent starting point as a general rule. All HyperX headsets use at least 40 mm drivers and even 50 mm in a lot of cases.
Microphone
HyperX headsets feature good quality microphones across the board. However, it’s worth noting that the standard of quality slides according to the price paid for a particular headset. The lower-cost models invariably include lower quality mics and vice versa, with the premium options pushing crystal clear voice capture that you’d be hard-pressed to criticize.
The point is that within these respective price points, the microphone quality found in HyperX headsets is above average compared to the competition. The bottom line is that if you spend a lot of time on Discord and prize mic quality, then Hyper X is a good bet, whatever your budget.
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.
Microphone-linked features and in-line audio controls found on some HyperX headsets such as swivel-to-mute and on-ear cup game/chat audio balance, volume, and mute controls should also be considered by those that like tactile control over their headset.
Product Reviews
- HyperX dual chamber 50mm drivers
- Superb listening experience
- Detachable braided cable with in-line controls and detachable mic
- Signature HyperX comfort and pliable leatherette pads
- Few extra features and very much limited to gaming
The wired closed-back HyperX Cloud Alpha is by no means the most expensive or the most refined pair of cans from HyperX’s line-up. Still, this stellar headset nails the fundamentals, and therein lies its value: an enticing blend of superb sound, unparalleled comfort, and a sub-$100 price tag, free of any frivolous niceties. And, when we get down to brass tacks, what most of us want is a headset that feels and sounds good. No more, no less.
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.
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.
Elsewhere, the HyperX Cloud Alpha oozes HyperX’s signature comfort with memory foam padding covered in pliable leatherette on the ear cups. Designed to retain their shape over time, they pair with a rugged aluminum frame and headband slider to fit all head shapes and sizes, even those on the larger end of the scale.
Lastly, the HyperX Cloud Alpha isn’t as feature-rich as other HyperX headsets on our list. This is by design but may not suit everyone. The headset still ships with a quality, detachable noise-cancelling microphone and a detachable braided 3.5 mm jack audio cable with in-line audio controls that adjust volume and can toggle mic muting.
- 30-hour battery
- Great quality sound
- PC, PS4, and PS4 Pro compatible
- Comfortable memory foam cushions
- On-ear cup audio/mic controls
- No Bluetooth
- No Xbox compatibility
Despite the ubiquity of wireless devices, the tech still commands a premium. With the HyperX Cloud Flight headset, HyperX proposes a relatively budget-friendly wireless headset without too many trade-offs.
The star of the show is, of course, untethered 2.4 GHz wireless use via a provided USB dongle, which is larger than many we’ve come across. A bonus in our book as you’re less likely to misplace it. From a single charge (juiced up via a USB charging cable), you can expect up to 30-hours of active use, as long as the LEDs on the ear cups are disabled. There’s also a 3.5mm jack cable should you prefer a wired connection.
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.
On the sound side of things, the HyperX Cloud Flight is powered by a pair of dynamic 50mm drivers housed in closed-back cans. The listening experience borders on exceptional: voices come through clearly, and you’ll find a balanced but punchy low end and a decently sized soundstage for an overall impactful sound profile.
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.
While the HyperX Cloud Flight cans offer out-of-the-box compatibility with PC, PS4, and PS4 Pro, Xbox players are left in a lurch. Not all is lost, though, as HyperX offers an officially licensed Xbox variant called the HyperX CloudX Flight, decked out in Xbox green LEDs. The absence of Bluetooth connectivity also cancels out using the headset with a phone or tablet unless you go wired.
- Wired and Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual chamber 40mm drivers
- Top listening experience
- Comfortable and durable
- Detachable boom mic and built-in mic
- 20-hour battery life
- Expensive
The HyperX Cloud MIX is a best of both world option from the HyperX roster. On the one hand, we have here an excellent wired gaming headset, mic and all, and on the other, a versatile portable, wireless Bluetooth, all packed into one.
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.
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.
For gaming, the HyperX Cloud MIX features a detachable braided cable with in-line volume and mute controls and an extra cable with split stereo and mic jacks, as well as a flexible and detachable boom mix with Discord and TeamSpeak certification. The mic picks up the voice clearly with no interference.
With the Cloud MIX, HyperX has toned down the conspicuous gamer aesthetic and aggressive red accents for a more discrete overall look and two sleek color schemes (Gun Metal and Rose Gold). Doing so further bolsters the headset’s versatility; it’s as suited to a decked-out gaming setup as it is to a stroll to the local shops. Naturally, you get HyperX’s renowned comfort. Pliable leatherette covers and dense memory foam pair with an aluminum frame for a snug, confident on-head fit.
- Affordable
- 50mm drivers
- Best listening experience among entry-level headsets
- Comfortable and lightweight
- On-ear cup volume slider
- Non detachable boom mic
Not everyone wants or can spend $100/£100 or more on a gaming headset, and HyperX seems well-attuned this, proposing a paired down, affordable option in the wired HyperX Cloud Stinger.
Apart from a few outliers – the HyperX Cloud Stinger is one of them – headsets with 50mm drivers are a rarity in the densely-packed budget space where 40mm are par for the course. The larger drivers coupled with HyperX audio know-how deliver a fantastic listening experience for this price point and easily one of the best among entry-level headsets. It’s relative, of course, and the Stinger falls short compared to the Alpha or Flight.
While the aesthetics are a little uninspired, and the headset is essentially black molded plastic all-over other than an adjustable steel slider in the headband, there isn’t the feeling you’re contending with a cheap piece of kit when wearing the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It’s lightweight at 275 grams and comfortable even during those marathon sessions, mainly due to HyperX porting over its signature memory foam cushioning from the more premium headsets in the Cloud line-up, synthetic leather covers, and an amply padded headband.
HyperX has also thrown in some welcome extras, such as a volume slider that sits under the right ear cup, 90-degree rotating cans that let the headset adapt to your head, and a swivel-to-mute function on the noise-canceling boom mic. Unfortunately, the mic isn’t detachable, so the HyperX Cloud Stinger won’t double as a discrete pair of headphones you can don in the streets.
Are HyperX Headsets worth it?
If you want a gaming headset that offers supreme quality and comfort, with immersive audio that places you right in the midst of the action, HyperX headsets are certainly worth the cash. They provide a fantastic gaming experience, and tend to be more affordable than you might expect.
What is better Razer or HyperX?
Both Razer and HyperX offer great headsets. It depends on exactly what you’re looking for, but generally, HyperX tends to win out when similar models from the two brands are reviewed comparatively.
Is HyperX Cloud 2 still worth it?
Although it’s not technically a bad headset, the HyperX Cloud 2 pales in comparison to some of the other models available from HyperX. You’d be better off investing in some of the newer pieces of kit the company has to offer.
Our Verdict
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.
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.
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.
With that, we’ll bring an end to your guide to the best HyperX headsets. We hope you’ve found a headset that suits your needs among our recommendations or at least learned a bit more about HyperX’s enviable range of gaming cans. Feel free to drop any comments, questions, or suggestions in the comment section below.