Pros
- A satisfying audio performance
- The design is comfortable
- Good Battery Life
Cons
- Short USB cable
- No Xbox support yet
Main Features
- Microphone: Detachable electret condenser microphone
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 6.8kHz
- Weight: 301g
- Connectivity Type: PC, PS4, PS5 and Switch 2.4 GHz up to 20 meters
- Battery Life: Over 30 hours
Since the release of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset six years ago, HyperX has continuously improved its fundamental design without drastically altering its appearance. The Cloud Mix, Cloud Orbit S, and Cloud Alpha S are just a few of the many Cloud versions that have existed, but HyperX is now going back to the Cloud II—and cutting the cord in the process. The HyperX Cloud II Wireless gaming headset costs the same $149.99 as the original wired Cloud II did when it went on sale in 2015. The headset works just as well as the original Cloud II. However, it can only be used with PCs due to its connection choices
What is the HyperX Cloud II Wireless like?
The Cloud II Wireless features the typical HyperX design of large, oval-shaped black plastic earpieces attached to a cushioned headband with Y-shaped metal supports and looks. It feels remarkably similar to the wired Cloud II. The struts are red rather than gunmetal grey, and the sewing on the headband is red, which is the most noticeable aesthetic change. The underneath of the headband cushioning is also present in the ear pads, which are made of the same comfortable faux leather-covered soft memory foam. The headset has clickable ear cup stops and a cozy, secure fit.
All additional controls and connections are located on the left earcup, except for a large volume roller on the rear edge of the right earcup. They have power and Bluetooth connection controls, a USB-C socket for recharging, and a connector for the detachable boom microphone (with an indicator LED just above them). This headset is wireless; there is no 3.5mm connector for wired usage.
Is it recommended to install the NGenuity app for Cloud 2 Wireless?
Installing the Ngenuity software from HyperX is required for everything else. It lets you change the virtual surround sound setting, mic level, and sidetone. The Ngenuity app is a typical gaming accessory, so it’s not fascinating, but it functions and is presented well.
For PC Gaming
The HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless provides a simple, enjoyable gameplay experience. Because of its long battery life, you can use it for several hours without recharge. It is comfortable enough to wear for long sessions.
It was also a blast playing games with the headset. While on a Discord call, it managed the stereo audio requirements of PC games like Hades and Dauntless as well as the surround sound requirements of Overwatch. Unlike some gaming headsets, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless doesn’t have different game and chat channels, but it’s still easy to keep everything in order.
Although features like virtual surround sound are not accessible on consoles, the headset plays games quite effectively. Genshin’s Impact on the PlayStation 4 and Pokemon Sword on the Nintendo Switch were both completely trouble-free for me to play. You cannot use this headset with the Xbox One due to Microsoft’s restrictions on compatibility and the absence of a 3.5mm option. The PlayStation 5’s built-in 3D audio functionality will function without complications when playing games on the system (it works with any headset the console can connect to).
Microphone Performance
Regarding gaming headset microphones, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless is about average. Because of the proximity effect, where a person’s voice might blast out a microphone when it is too close, the bass response is very common and doubtlessly calibrated to counteract this. People with deep voices may notice they sound a little tinny and quieter when speaking into this microphone; however, it’s not as sharp a drop-off as many gaming headphones have.
Battery Performance
Since a year or two ago, the battery life in gaming headphones has increased chiefly across the board. The most you could hope for not so long ago was about 16 hours of playback time. Nowadays, headsets frequently last more than 24 hours. But by surpassing the 30-hour threshold, the HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless enters an even narrower club of gaming headphones. The headset can endure 32 hours and 3 minutes at a steady loudness of 75 dB. It also uses USB-C to charge, so topping it out takes a couple of hours.
Can you block out noise with the HyperX Cloud II Wireless?
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless provides isolation comparable to most gaming headphones; therefore, its attenuation is often not very good. The usual sounds of your home won’t cause any problems, and you won’t likely miss any doorbells soon (depending on how loud you have the volume). This headset won’t perform as well outside, but its mobility is already quite constrained due to the USB dongle.
Sound Quality
The Cloud II Wireless is a powerful headset with a reasonable low-frequency response, perfect for listening to computer music. It handled The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” our bass test track, at maximum (and potentially dangerous) volume settings without exhibiting distortion. The deep bass synth notes and drum beats have a lot of force that almost shatters the brain.
In Yes’ “Roundabout,” the opening acoustic guitar chords gain well-founded resonance and a powerful string texture in the higher frequencies.
The bassline takes center stage when the music starts to build correctly, but the other components are still clearly audible. Additionally, the voices are loud and don’t blend into the background. The “Busy Child” by The Crystal Method has an energetic sound because of a strong backbeat and synth riffs that have enough high-frequency presence to balance it out. Although it might not appeal to audiophiles, its well-balanced, slightly bass-heavy sound should delight most listeners.
The HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless has incredibly realistic audio for a gaming headset, perfectly reproducing sounds up to about 4000Hz. The fall in the highs isn’t very concerning either; it’s a characteristic of many headphones and is intended to replicate the response of our non-occluded ears.
Should You Buy It?
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless should be your go-to option if you want a reliable, comfy, and easy-to-use gaming headset. It recently sold for USD 109, a 27 % discount, the lowest price we’ve witnessed.
If it isn’t broke, don’t repair it approach is clearly in action with the HyperX Cloud II Wireless. It’s a good thing that the headset’s physical design hasn’t changed much from its wired equivalent. One of the most comfortable gaming headsets on the market when it first debuted in 2015 was the HyperX Cloud II, and it still is. This is a reasonably attractive offer for around USD 150 because it has wireless capabilities and a good microphone and audio on par with the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Several gaming headsets cost much more, but they aren’t nearly as comfortable to wear.
The HyperX Cloud II Wireless does not recreate the concept, but it is not required. This headset captures the essentials while providing just enough functionality to fit into practically any gaming setup.
Conclusion
I knew coming into this review that it would be simple. HyperX prioritizes pure quality, and the Cloud II Wireless is no exception. The Cloud II has earned a name for itself, and HyperX wasn’t about to ruin that with the wireless edition. The overall build quality and comfort are excellent. It’s lightweight and comfortable on the head.
Due to the dongle working immediately after being plugged in, connection and pairing are smooth. As usual, the sound quality is superb and sounds immersive and rich. Another positive point is its battery life. Its short USB cord and incompatibility with Xbox is its only drawback. The Nintendo Switch, on the other hand, and the PS4 and PS5 both function flawlessly.
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