In 2002, HyperX began its journey to becoming a dominating force in the gaming world. However, until the company debuted its Cloud Gaming headset in 2014, it was largely known for high-performance memory and storage solutions. Today, HyperX’s headset lineup encompasses wired and wireless models that cater mostly to budget and mid-range buyers. The best gaming headset options from HyperX feature exceptional comfort and solid build quality that are perfect for competitive and casual gamers.
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HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Best Overall HyperX Gaming Headset
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HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core Gaming Headset
Best Budget HyperX Gaming Headset
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HyperX Cloud Flight Gaming Headset
Best Value HyperX Gaming Headset
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HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset
Best Wired HyperX Gaming Headset
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HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Mid-Range HyperX Gaming Headset
When choosing a HyperX gaming headset to buy, consider these factors:
- Wired vs. Wireless: While wireless headsets have found increasing acceptance among gamers, wired alternatives often provide superior sound quality and features at a lower price. HyperX has an equally strong collection of cord-free and corded headsets to address the needs of all buyers.
- Platform: Gaming headsets typically aren’t designed for only one particular platform. Even so, some HyperX headsets have capabilities that excel on PCs. Xbox consoles are the most problematic when it comes to headset compatibility, but HyperX sells several headsets ideal for Microsoft gamers as well.
- Surround Sound: Spatial audio can transform traditional stereo listening into a more lifelike gaming experience. HyperX gaming headsets vary dramatically in their surround sound implementation, with the asking price not always indicative of 7.1 channel audio support.
Game Rant’s picks for the Best HyperX Gaming Headsets in 2023
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
Best Overall HyperX Gaming Headset
$169 $200 Save $31
Choosing a gaming headset is like picking a favorite shade of blue; there are so many choices and many of them have identical specs. Despite stiff competition, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless stands out with a blend of high-performance specs, ultimate comfort, and an exceptional, industry-leading 300-hour battery life.
DTS Headphone:X spatial audio produces a highly immersive 3D sound stage with spatial audio effects. Memory foam breathable earcups and a durable aluminum frame result in the highest standard in durability and comfort.
- Microphone
- Detachable Boom Mic
- Compatibility
- PC, PS4|PS5, Switch (docked only)
- What’s Included
- USB Charging Cable (1.6 ft / 0.5 m), Pop Filter, Detachable mic, USB wireless adapter
- Brand
- HyperX
- Weight
- 335 grams
- Battery Life
- 300 hours
- Sturdy and comfortable
- 300-hour battery life
- Boom mic performs well
- Wired connection not possible
- PC required for some features
For HyperX to sell a headset that sets itself apart from a crowded field of contenders, the device has to offer some standout features. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless boasts a hard-to-fathom 300-hour battery life. This ranks it well above the best wireless gaming headsets which generally max out at 50–80 hours of playtime. Even with the massive battery inside the Cloud Alpha Wireless, the device weighs a reasonable 335 grams and also possesses the signature comfort that HyperX headsets usually boast.
Even a wireless headset that can endure weeks without recharging wouldn’t seem as desirable if it didn’t have stellar sound quality. Thankfully, the Cloud Alpha Wireless employs a dual-chamber driver design that separates mid and high tones from bass effects, so gamers can enjoy a balanced and accurate soundscape. The large drivers also are a benefit for the headset’s support of spatial audio, where 3D effects are sent towards eardrums at angles. DTS Headphone:X is the spatial audio technology of choice for the headset, and it can signal approaching danger to gamers before they meet an unfortunate demise.
The Cloud Alpha Wireless also is built with a noise-cancelling detachable mic that makes clever use of an LED indicator light. This light is visible near the end of the boom mic and will keep gamers informed whether the microphone is active or not. Sound comes through crystal clear with this mic, and it’s also certified for Discord and TeamSpeak.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core Gaming Headset
Best Budget HyperX Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience with its 40 mm directional drivers, which are tuned to provide enhanced bass for crisp and clear in-game audio. The headset includes a swivel-to-mute microphone for an improved in-game chat experience, allowing users to easily and definitively mute the mic by flipping it up and out of the way.
The Cloud Stinger 2 Core also features easy-access audio controls located directly on the headset, eliminating the need to navigate through menus to adjust the volume.
- Microphone
- Noise cancelling, Flip to mute
- Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
- Brand
- HyperX
- Surround Sound
- DTS Headphone:X
- Weight
- 275 grams
- Includes 2-year DTS Headphone:X subscription
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Flip up to mute mic works well
- Lots of plastic
- Shoulders may interfere with volume slider
HyperX has all segments of the marketplace covered including budget buyers who have already invested too much money in a gaming rig. The Cloud Stinger 2 Core is a wired gaming headset that has some notable advantages over other inexpensive options. Perhaps most surprising is its included two-year subscription to DTS Headphone: X. Since some gamers may resist paying extra to maximize the features of a headset, this makes upgrading to spatial audio more attractive. With 3D audio in gaming, the 40 mm directional drivers on the Cloud Stinger 2 Core do an admirable job creating a more lifelike soundstage during gaming.
The Cloud Stinger 2 Core is not the smallest or most lightweight budget headset out there, but at 275 grams, it’s exceptionally comfortable when wearing it for hours at a time. HyperX includes the same memory foam padding on the ear cushions as seen with its high-end headsets. Also, since headbands on budget headsets are often a weak point, the manufacturer here relies on a steel slider. Despite its metal construction, the headband is adjustable enough to accommodate both small and large heads. The Cloud Stinger 2 Core has some convenient audio controls on its earcups, but unfortunately, the volume slider may come into contact with shoulders, clothing, or the backrest of affordable gaming chairs.
With plenty of plastic in its build, the Cloud Stinger 2 Core still looks and feels like a budget gaming headset. Even so, the embrace of DTS Headphone: X spatial audio and adjustability results in Cloud Stinger 2 Core becoming the best budget gaming headset from HyperX.
HyperX Cloud Flight Gaming Headset
Best Value HyperX Gaming Headset
$115 $140 Save $25
The HyperX Cloud Flight gaming headset has a comfortable design and durable construction with adjustable steel sliders on the headband. The headset features a gaming-grade 2.4 GHz wireless connection that offers lag-free gaming. The battery on this device can last up to 30 hours on one charge. Enjoy immersive, high-quality sound and deliver crystal clear directions to your teammates with a noise-canceling microphone.
- Microphone
- Detachable Noise Cancelling
- Compatibility
- PC, PS5, PS4
- What’s Included
- USB Adapter, USB charge cable, Quick start guide
- Brand
- HyperX
- Weight
- 299 grams
- Battery Life
- 30 Hours
- 90-degree rotating ear cups
- Detachable noise-cancelling mic
- Works with NGenuity software
- Not great option for Xbox gamers
- Lacks native support for spatial audio
Looking for a great-sounding wireless gaming headset on a budget can become a tricky proposition. Often buyers must make compromises not just with sound quality but also with comfort and battery life. Thankfully, the HyperX Cloud Flight excels in these areas without the considerable cost of most premium cord-free headsets.
Even though the 30-hour battery life of the HyperX Cloud Flight pales in comparison to the longevity of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, it still ranks the headset above many other affordable options. The headset ships with a low-latency wireless 2.4 GHz RF USB adapter which can connect to PCs and PlayStation consoles. Sadly, Xbox users are once again left out of the fun since this headset is not officially approved by Microsoft.
The 299-gram HyperX Cloud Flight sports earcups that rotate 90 degrees, resulting in a comfortable fit on ears of any shape or size. The wireless headset also exudes some RGB lighting, with a red hue illuminating the HyperX logos on its cans. When it was released in 2018, HyperX’s first wireless headset represented a stark departure in style from previous models but one that would serve as a template for later devices.
Benefiting from a flexible and sturdy design and a high-quality removable mic, the Cloud Flight is the best wireless gaming headset among the affordable HyperX options.
HyperX Cloud III Gaming Headset
Best Wired HyperX Gaming Headset
$80 $100 Save $20
The HyperX Cloud III is the follow-up to the ultra-popular Cloud II wired gaming headset, approved by Esports competitors. Featuring angled 53 mm drivers, the Cloud III sends sound directly on a path to eardrums for maximum effect. The Cloud III is exceptionally comfortable and is compatible with PCs and most consoles.
- Microphone
- Detachable, Noise cancelling
- Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile
- Brand
- HyperX
- Weight
- 318 grams
- Spatial Audio
- DTS Headphone:X
- Very comfortable to wear for long hours
- Impressive bass tones
- Looks and feels like a premium headset
- DTS surround sound not most convincing
- Not a giant leap over the Cloud II
The wired HyperX Cloud II was one of the most successful headsets of its era, especially popular with Esports pros. Competitive and casual gamers flocked to the Cloud II because of its pillow-like ear cushions and out-of-the-box balanced sound. The Cloud III has taken everything that buyers praised about its predecessor and made some minor but appreciated improvements.
For the Cloud III, HyperX utilizes 53 mm drivers which may seem like somewhat of an odd size. Still, compared to typical 50 mm alternatives, HyperX has angled the drivers to point directly at eardrums so that the headset’s sound quality is fully appreciated. These revamped drivers also maximize DTS Headphone:X spatial audio, making the listening experience more dynamic. However, many gamers may struggle to notice the difference when 3D audio is in play, so it’s not a reason alone to purchase this wireless headset.
Wired headsets are often the favorite choice of buyers who dread running low on batteries. However, devices like the Cloud III also excel at connectivity, and it can be used on a PC or any console controller with a headset port. The headset also ships with a series of adapters, including a wired dongle so that USB connections to PCs and potentially other sources are possible. PC gamers will want to utilize the USB connection to have the full range of settings and adjustments at their disposal in the HyperX software.
Since the changes from the Cloud II aren’t dramatic, some buyers may decide that the higher price of the Cloud III isn’t justified. Regardless, multiplayer gamers in particular will celebrate the improved microphone along with the trademark Cloud headset comfort.
HyperX Cloud II Wireless Gaming Headset
Best Mid-Range HyperX Gaming Headset
$112 $150 Save $38
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless is an example of how to make a seamless transition from wired to wireless. Maintaining the stellar sound quality of the Cloud II wired headset and adding low-latency 2.4 GHz RF wireless connectivity, this headset is ideal for PlayStation and PC gamers. This wired headset offers 30 hours of battery life, so the fun doesn’t have to end prematurely. The HyperX Cloud II Wireless also supports DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio for the most immersive gaming experience possible.
- Microphone
- Bi-directional, Noise-cancelling
- Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation
- Brand
- HyperX
- Surround Sound
- DTS Headphone:X
- Weight
- 301 g
- Battery Life
- 30 hours
- Lighter than wired HyperX Cloud II
- Balanced and powerful sound
- Solid build quality
- Limited software enhancements
- Large USB wireless dongle
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless was a long time in the making, released five years after its wired counterpart. Although the headset rivals the performance of the wired Cloud II, its feature set most resembles the slightly less expensive Cloud Flight Wireless. Compared to the Cloud Flight, the Cloud II Wireless natively supports spatial audio while having a lower-latency wireless connection and marginally better build quality.
The Cloud II Wireless embraces DTS Headphone:X spatial audio which is another reason a buyer may favor it over budget wireless headsets. Although it mainly benefits PC gamers, effective use of this spatial audio technology can make listeners feel more immersed in a virtual gaming world. The overall sound quality and 53 mm drivers of the wireless headset have few if any weaknesses, with booming bass tones and dialogue that is heard clearly in games and movies.
The limited options in the NGENUITY app to customize the sound of the Cloud II Wireless may disappoint audiophiles. Even so, making virtually no compromises in sound or build quality in comparison to the wired Cloud II, among mid-range contenders, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is the best wireless gaming headset. Recently, the Cloud III Wireless hit the market, and Game Rant will let readers know if it’s a worthy successor to this headset.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset
Best PC HyperX Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S comes with a frequency response range of 13Hz to 27kHz. This headset features custom-tuned HyperX dual chamber drivers and 7.1 surround sound for immersive audio. For customizability, it also has bass adjustment sliders and provides a game and chat balance feature.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is built with a durable aluminum frame. It is equipped with an advanced audio control mixer, a detachable noise cancelation mic, and a braided cable.
- Microphone
- Bi-directional, Noise-cancelling
- Compatibility
- PC, PlayStation
- Brand
- HyperX
- Surround Sound
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Weight
- 321 grams
- Includes alternate earpads
- Impressive build quality
- Bass controls on both earcups
- Mixer mainly benefits PC gamers
- Microphone lacks bass
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S has many features that appeal to PC gamers not commonly found on wired headsets. One of these surprises is the individual bass controls on both earcups which allows listeners to decide how bass tones are emphasized without using software. In addition, buyers will receive a USB audio mixer which has large buttons including controls to adjust sound and chat mixes.
It’s unlikely that buyers will find a more durable headset at the Cloud Alpha S’s price point. An aluminum frame gives buyers the impression that they are using a high-end headset while remaining reasonably compact at 321 grams. Since listeners have different preferences, the Cloud Alpha S also includes two sets of replaceable ear cushions with an option for a leatherette blend or breathable fabric.
The mics on HyperX headsets rarely disappoint, and the detachable noise-cancelling microphone on the Cloud Alpha S is flexible enough for gamers to position it in the ideal spot. Even so, while there are bass controls on the earcups, the microphone tends to lack bass, making chatters sound more high-pitched than normal.
How to Purchase a HyperX Headset
With their iconic red and black color scheme and similar features, it can be difficult to narrow down which HyperX gaming headset is right for a particular gamer. Now that Game Rant has categorized the top HyperX headsets, remember to focus on these qualities.
Wired vs. Wireless
Some gaming headset makers tend to prioritize wired headsets over their wireless counterparts, or vice versa. On the other hand, the HyperX headset lineup features corded and cordless models with equal levels of performance. The wired HyperX Cloud III is the follow-up to one of the brand’s best-selling headsets and manages to meet its high expectations. The Cloud III features an improved mic with a mesh filter and angled drivers aimed directly toward the ears of gamers.
For cord-management fanatics without a huge budget, the HyperX Cloud Flight presents buyers with a tempting feature set. Not only is the battery life excellent at 30 hours, but its earcups rotate at 90 degrees to fit any head size.
Platform
Nothing is more frustrating than deciding on a gaming headset only to realize that it won’t work on a gaming system that a buyer owns. The vast majority of HyperX headsets work on PC and PlayStation consoles through either analog audio connections or wireless RF USB adapters. Unfortunately, only a handful support Xbox consoles, but the Cloud Stinger 2 Core is a budget-friendly exception to this rule.
Surround Sound
With the use of software or Sony’s Tempest 3D audio engine, the HyperX Cloud Flight and other stereo gaming headsets can take advantage of spatial audio formats. Still, certain headsets (such as the HyperX Cloud Alpha S) are designed to maximize the potential of positional audio. Even if the Cloud Alpha S is a better choice for PC gamers than console users, it’s able to fine-tune its spatial audio support to make supported titles sound especially immersive.
The Cloud Alpha Wireless is Game Rant’s choice for the best overall HyperX gaming headset. Competitors have had no luck matching this device’s astounding 300-hour battery life, and it also has the luxurious comfort and stellar build quality that made HyperX famous.
FAQ
Q: What are HyperX gaming headsets best known for?
Comfort has always been a strength of HyperX headsets, with their appropriately named Cloud models practically floating on ears. Also, as popular choices among Esports competitors, HyperX microphones have a reputation for clarity and effective noise isolation.
Q: Are PC gaming headsets compatible with consoles?
This all depends on the specific headset. Generally speaking, most PC headsets can work with most consoles, but Xbox systems are usually the most problematic. However, before buying one, consider checking the official information on the store page for the headset first. Verifying connectivity compatibility is important before buying any kind of gaming gear.
