Best HyperX Gaming Headsets in 2024

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 primarily 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 HyperX headset options feature exceptional comfort and solid build quality, perfect for competitive and casual gamers.

How to Choose a HyperX Gaming Headset

• Wired vs. Wireless: Wireless headsets have found increasing acceptance, but 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 that are ideal for Microsoft gamers as well.
• Sound and Microphone Quality: HyperX headsets feature consistent sound quality and microphone performance throughout its lineup. Still, among their models, buyers will encounter differences in how dynamic a soundscape is and the clarity of microphones.
• 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.

The HyperX headset collection is more extensive than many gamers realize. GameRant has narrowed down the choices that cater to all budgets and platforms.

GameRant’s Picks for the Best HyperX Gaming Headsets

To sell a headset that sets itself apart from a crowded field of contenders, HyperX 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 to 80 hours of playtime. The Cloud Alpha Wireless is the perfect headset to entice fans of wired gaming gear to cut the cord. Despite its massive internal battery, the device weighs a reasonable 335 grams and 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 soundscape. The large drivers also enhance the headset’s spatial audio support, 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 has a noise-cancelling detachable mic that cleverly uses 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, which is certified for Discord and TeamSpeak.

With industry-leading battery life, a balanced soundscape, and a comfortable fit, the Clould Alpha Wireless is the best HyperX headset.

HyperX covers all marketplace segments, including budget buyers who have already invested too much money in a gaming rig. The Cloud Stinger 2 Core is a wired gaming headset with 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, but it’s exceptionally comfortable when worn 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. 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 an inexpensive 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.

Looking for a great-sounding wireless gaming headset on a budget can become tricky. Often, buyers must compromise with sound quality, 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 compared 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 that connects to PCs and PlayStation consoles. Sadly, Xbox users are again left out of the fun since Microsoft has not officially approved this headset.

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 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.

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 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 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.

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless features many of the same innovations as its wired counterpart, including more precisely angled drivers. Compared to the Cloud II Wireless, HyperX’s most recent headset also boasts a greatly improved battery life. Buyers looking for a headset that can adjust to fit any gamer with exceptional wireless range should gravitate toward the Cloud III Wireless.

HyperX didn’t take too many chances with the Cloud III Wireless, offering the most attractive qualities of the wired version in a cord-free form. That includes a sound output directed toward eardrums rather than earlobes, which would lessen their impact. The Cloud III Wireless also features the same adaptive comfort with a well-padded headband and earcups that can be raised or lowered. Consequently, this wireless headset has mass appeal regardless of what size noggin a gamer has.

Some buyers will lament the lack of Bluetooth connectivity with the Cloud III Wireless. However, HyperX has put all its focus on establishing a reliable long-range wireless connection through a USB RF dongle. Fans of clean gaming setups will appreciate that the new adapter is more compact than the chunky accessory included with the Cloud II Wireless. During testing, the cordless Cloud III doesn’t disappoint, exhibiting better-than-expected range even at the adjacent ends of some homes. Sadly, this is yet another HyperX headset lacking Xbox compatibility and an analog audio jack.

The Cloud Alpha overshadows the Cloud III Wireless in battery life, but at 120 hours, it still beats almost any other high-end headset. Combined with rock-solid wireless connectivity and universal comfort, the Cloud III Wireless is the best HyperX headset when money is no obstacle.

HyperX headsets tend to blend in with one another, having the same core features. That’s not the case with the HyperX Cloud Orbit S, which showcases innovative positional audio technology. Now significantly discounted, the Cloud Orbit S appeals to buyers with modest budgets looking for a premium listening experience.

100 mm planar magnetic drivers are one of the main reasons why the Cloud Orbit S performs differently from other HyperX headsets. This technology is courtesy of Audeze, which utilizes the same beefy drivers in its pricey headsets like the Maxwell. The components inside the earcups of the Cloud Orbit S include especially strong magnets that help to minimize distortion. As a side effect, the larger drivers add some weight to the headset, but HyperX’s usual luxurious padding counteracts most of this bulk.

While the Cloud Orbit S doesn’t support traditional surround sound formats, it creates a 3D audio environment aided by head tracking. The headset can keep constant tabs on a listener’s position, and any movements affect where sounds emanate. However, these advanced features only work with a USB connection to PCs, even though an analog cable is an option for console controllers. This level of digital sound processing also requires some battery power, which is only recharged while connected to USB.

The detachable noise-cancelling microphone on the Cloud Orbit S ranks as one of HyperX’s best. Complete with a pop filter to minimize background noise, the mic focuses its recording efforts only on the side closest to a speaker’s mouth.

Now often overlooked in the HyperX lineup, the Cloud Orbit S deserves more attention, especially at its reduced price. Positional audio and head tracking create a VR-like experience, but its powerful drivers alone make it one of the best HyperX headset options.

HyperX also has gamers on the go covered with their wireless Cirro Buds Pro. Appealing to its usual customer base, these earbuds are ideal for mobile gaming but also are more than adequate for listening to music and watching videos. A main selling point for the Cirro Buds Pro is its active noise cancellation, which is not a feature of any HyperX headset.

Besides the HyperX logo, the Cirro Buds Pro resembles ordinary wireless earbuds. The front of the circulated-shaped earbuds is flat, which makes executing touch commands easier. Unfortunately, the controls consist of only basic functions like pausing and skipping music tracks, and the lack of software necessitates using a mobile phone for volume changes. The Cirro Buds Pro includes several different comfortable tips that form an effective seal on ears, vital for its active noise cancelling functionality.

Gaming earbuds often fail to produce the rumbling bass effects expected from gaming headsets. The Cirro Buds Pro also struggles to output low tones, but its soundscape is balanced enough to distinguish between most sound effects. Active noise cancelling, not guaranteed at this reasonable price point, also helps filter out non-gaming-related distractions.

A low-latency Bluetooth connection comes close to replicating the performance of a USB RF dongle. Where the Cirro Buds Pro falls short of the Cloud gaming headsets is with its microphone, which struggles to compete with an external boom mic. The mic is susceptible to gusts of winds, and multiplayer chatters will sound tinny without much bass.

Regardless of some drawbacks, the Cirro Buds Pro provides ample battery life and comfort that frees gamers from the confines of desks.

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, allowing listeners to decide how low tones are emphasized without using software. In addition, buyers will receive a USB audio mixer with large buttons and controls to adjust sound and chat mixes.

It’s unlikely that buyers will find a more durable headset at the Cloud Alpha S’ asking price. 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 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.

With stellar build quality and available adjustments that streamers will appreciate, the Cloud Alpha S is one of the top PC gaming headsets.

With all the hype around the PS5’s next-gen features, one of the best headsets for Sony consoles utilizes a decade-old design. The original HyperX Cloud impressed gamers with a previously unmatched level of comfort and pro-level build quality. As a rebranding of the first wired Cloud, the HyperX Cloud for PlayStation retains these qualities while looking like a Sony-licensed accessory.

The wireless Pulse 3D is popular among PS4 and PS5 users, but some larger gamers find it a tad uncomfortable. This HyperX Cloud is more accommodating with a sturdy but forgiving padded headband and the memory foam ear cushions the manufacturer is known for. Visually, the blue components and stitching dramatically depart from HyperX’s trademark red and black color scheme. While some PS4/PS5 peripherals make minimum effort to match the look of the consoles, the Cloud goes the extra mile with a PlayStation logo on the headband’s bottom.

Relying on a traditional stereo configuration, the Cloud isn’t an ideal match for surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. Thankfully, Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio elevates high-quality two-channel headsets, especially those with a robust and balanced output. Defying its branding, the Cloud is also an option for PCs and Xbox controllers with analog outputs.

The analog audio cable connected to the Cloud is not detachable like its noise-cancelling microphone. Regardless, the headset is surprisingly portable, with a narrow profile and a flexible frame. The portability of the headset does lead to an issue with a flimsy mic port cover that is easily misplaced.

Perhaps the price of the HyperX Cloud for PlayStation is the most impressive quality. Checking in at far less than the original Cloud’s cost, this device is more well-built and comfortable than most budget headsets.

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 GameRant has categorized the best HyperX headset candidates, remember to focus on these qualities.

Wired vs. Wireless

Some gaming headset makers 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 performance levels. The wired HyperX Cloud III is the follow-up to one of the brand’s best-selling headsets and meets its high expectations. The Cloud III features an improved mic with a mesh filter and angled drivers aimed directly toward gamers’ ears.

For cord-management fanatics without a huge budget, the HyperX Cloud Flight presents buyers with a tempting feature set. The battery life is excellent at 30 hours, and its earcups rotate 90 degrees to fit any head size.

Platform

Nothing is more frustrating than deciding on a gaming headset only to realize it won’t work on a gaming system a buyer owns. Most HyperX headsets function on PC and PlayStation consoles through either analog audio connections or wireless RF USB adapters. Some HyperX options exude Sony console styling, like the officially licensed Cloud PlayStation headset. Unfortunately, only a handful support Xbox consoles, but the Cloud Stinger 2 Core is a budget-friendly exception to this rule.

Sound Quality

A balance of low, mid, and high tones is what most buyers expect from a higher-end headset like the Cloud III Wireless. This headset resists the temptation to exaggerate bass effects and has an especially long-range wireless connection that rejects interference. PC gamers often have more control over EQ settings, like with the Cloud Alpha S, which includes a mixer to adjust sound and chat mixes.

Surround Sound

With 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, the Cloud Orbit S possesses its own 3D audio technology that benefits from head tracking for an eerily authentic virtual listening experience.

The Cloud Alpha Wireless is GameRant’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.

MORE: Best Logitech Gaming Headsets of 2024

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.

Q: Is a HyperX headset better than Logitech’s?

HyperX and Logitech manufacture excellent gaming headsets, but their lineups have some differences. Logitech sells more diverse headsets in styling and capabilities, while HyperX tends to stick to the same color scheme and features. Logitech also sells more higher-end wireless headsets like the Logitech G Astro A50 X, which include receivers compatible with nearly every source.