STEREO GUIDE verdict
With its broad compatibility and good price-performance ratio, the Cloud II is ideal for gamers who are looking for a reliable, visually appealing and comfortable headset for the long term - without wanting to invest a fortune.
Advantages
- Robust and comfortable design
- Effective 7.1 surround sound
- Excellent price-performance ratio
Disadvantages
- Limited sound nuances
- Lack of noise insulation
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Sound: tonal balance / transparency7.2
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics7.8
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Sound: spatial imaging9.4
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity9
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Price / Performance9.8
Gamers who frequently play online with friends will be familiar with the HyperX Cloud II headset. Since its market launch in 2015, it has become one of the most sought-after gaming headsets in its price category thanks to its good sound quality and strong price-performance ratio. Designed specifically for an intense and immersive gaming experience, this headset offers exactly what most gamers are looking for: high-quality performance at a budget-friendly price.
Robust and cozy
We gamers immediately recognize the characteristic style of every renowned manufacturer, and so the red and black Cloud II from HyperX also stands out with its iconic design. In addition to the eye-catching color scheme, the headset impresses with its high-quality workmanship, including a robust aluminum skeleton and an elegant metal coating on the ear cups. Otherwise, the headset is largely made of high-quality hard plastic and the padding is made of special plastic. This makes the headset, with a weight of 320 grams, stable and comfortable, which also has an effect on the longevity of the headset. During longer gaming marathons, the headphones were still very comfortable to wear even after many hours, but there is sometimes a certain amount of heat around the ears, which can be a little annoying overall.
An additional pair of ear pads is also included, making the HyperX Cloud II an ideal long-term candidate. In addition, the headset’s cables are provided with a high-quality fabric sheathing, which not only ensures additional durability, but also underlines the quality and robustness of the product.
Buy the HyperX:
Simply analog
The HyperX Cloud II is just as versatile in terms of compatibility as other high-quality headsets. It can be easily connected to devices that have a jack connection or USB port. The supplied sound card is particularly practical, as it not only allows the volume of the system and microphone to be easily adjusted, but also provides access to 7.1 surround sound. This is activated by the red glow of a button on the plastic remote control and offers an immersive audio experience.
These analog options allow the headphones to be connected to the Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation, Xbox and mobile devices. However, there is no digital software for PC users who want to fine-tune the sound or surround, as this is only possible with the Cloud II Wireless, which also offers this additional software.
Solid surround, but poor insulation
In terms of sound, the headphones are of course designed for gaming, which can be quickly determined independently. Especially when combined with the 7.1 surround, events in video games can be located really excellently. In addition, the quality contrast between stereo and surround is surprisingly low, making the Cloud II one of the only headsets where I actually used the surround actively. The bass is also very powerful and the mids are well balanced. However, if you look for the nuances, you quickly reach the limits of the headphones. Especially at high frequencies and increased volume, the Cloud II tends to produce a sharper reproduction and occasional distortion. It also lacks the ability to reproduce quieter pieces of music and classical music in their full depth. Another point is the lack of isolation from external noise, which can impair immersion in the game.
A simple microphone
The separate microphone of the HyperX Cloud II must first be plugged in when first unpacking. It is also interesting to note that the microphone is equipped with a small pop screen right from the start. This is undoubtedly a nice addition, but when you remove the protection, you start to wonder whether it might not be more to conceal weaknesses in the microphone’s design. Without the pop screen, the microphone looks rather unattractive.
Microphone test: HyperX Cloud II
The microphone also offers flexible handling: the position can be adjusted as required and it can also be removed at any time if necessary. Another practical detail is the small symbol on the microphone boom, which helps to align the microphone correctly. This avoids unintentionally turning it in the wrong direction. In terms of sound, however, the microphone is not the best. Of course, there are much worse things and it’s certainly good enough for online communication with friends. However, if you are an influencer who appreciates really good microphone sound quality, then the HyperX Cloud II is clearly not your first choice.
HyperX Cloud II: Conclusion and alternatives
Overall, the HyperX Cloud II is a robust and comfortable gaming headset that is primarily characterized by its striking design and solid sound quality. Particularly noteworthy is the 7.1 surround sound, which enables excellent spatial perception in games. Despite its strengths in gaming, the headset reaches its limits with more complex music and higher volumes. The microphone is sufficient for everyday online communication, but is probably too weak for professional demands.
With its broad compatibility and good price-performance ratio, the Cloud II is ideal for gamers who are looking for a reliable, visually appealing and comfortable headset for the long term – without wanting to invest a fortune. Even if the headset is getting a bit long in the tooth, it’s still a great option for the typical mid-range gamer. As an alternative with a much better microphone, however, the previously presented Teufel Zola or the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro are available if you are looking for something much more competitive.
HyperX Cloud II: Technical specifications
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 99 euros
- Type: Over-Ear
- Transducer principle: Dynamic
- Weight: 320 g
- Special features: HyperX Signature Memory Foam and Premium Leatherette, HyperX 7.1 Surround Sound, Detachable Noise-canceling Microphone, 53mm Drivers
- More at: hyperx.com
