HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset Review: Comfort Wins
The surprising takeaway from weeks of cross-platform feedback is that the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset - Red earns an impressive 8.6/10 from users, not just for its sound but for its comfort and durability. Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Best Buy, long-term owners echo the same sentiment: “the most comfortable headset I’ve owned,” as Reddit user spurred_snake put it, while acknowledging flaws like “absolutely terrible” software support and low mic volume on PC without tweaks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if comfort and build matter more than advanced software features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely comfortable memory foam ear pads | Low microphone volume on PC without EQ tweaks |
| Durable aluminum frame | 7.1 surround can feel gimmicky for some |
| Clear positional audio for gaming | No official software for sound customization |
| Multi-platform compatibility | USB dongle quality issues reported |
| Includes extra ear pads and travel pouch | Velour pads reduce noise isolation |
| Long-term durability over 5+ years for many users | Bass performance underwhelming for music lovers |
Claims vs Reality
The marketing emphasizes “legendary comfort” and “immersive 7.1 surround sound.” Users widely back the comfort claim: Reddit reports of “thousands of hours” without ear cushion breakdown are common, and Trustpilot reviews praise it as “comfortable compared to an AKG model I have used,” even for glasses wearers. For marathon gamers, this means fewer headaches and no ear fatigue.
On surround sound, the story is mixed. While the manufacturer promises precise positional audio, Reddit user spurred_snake admitted they “pretty much had this disabled for the majority of ownership,” feeling it added treble but not directional clarity. Trustpilot feedback mirrors this, with some saying front/back distinction is “hardly audible.”
HyperX also claims “detachable noise-canceling microphone” with clear voice transmission. Reality is more complicated: multiple Reddit threads discuss “microphone doesn’t pick up much in the lower ranges” and “friends…cannot hear me” unless boosted through third-party EQ software. This gap hits console users hardest, as they can’t install such fixes.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the standout win. From Best Buy’s wireless model owners describing “no fatigue feeling after hours of gameplay” to Reddit veterans swapping ear pads for velour to combat summer heat, the headset consistently adapts to different environments. For FPS players, positional audio—when used in stereo—earns praise: “I know when an enemy is front, left, right, and rear,” noted one Reddit gamer playing Tarkov. Durability also earns points, with multiple users reporting 5+ years of trouble-free use, the aluminum frame holding up against daily wear.
Multi-platform flexibility benefits mixed-device households. A Reddit user highlighted that it “works on most devices (think you need an adapter for Xbox One),” and Trustpilot reviews confirm smooth switching between PC, PS4, and mobiles via the 3.5mm jack.
Common Complaints
Mic performance is the Achilles’ heel. Low volume levels plague PC users, and Trustpilot’s “microphone…as if you were talking from another room” complaint underscores hardware or dongle issues. The USB dongle itself is a sore point—reports of “only hear in one ear” unless the jack is positioned perfectly and “clicking sounds when playing low frequencies” appear in multiple reviews.
The lack of official software is another frustration. Reddit users lament “zero software settings…you’d need to add something like Peace to control sound variables.” Firmware stagnation since 2015 compounds the perception that HyperX hasn’t iterated much on the platform.
Divisive Features
The virtual 7.1 mode splits the community. Competitive FPS players often disable it, preferring raw stereo for clearer cues, while cinematic gamers find it “most impressive” for movies (Best Buy wireless review). Ear pad options also divide: leatherette offers better isolation but can get “muggy if you wear for long periods,” whereas velour breathes better but leaks sound.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot shows a pattern of strong first impressions—“near-perfect helmet” packaging and accessories—followed by occasional long-term hardware faults, especially with connectors and dongles. Reddit’s spurred_snake detailed rolling back from Windows 11 to 10 to fix mic disconnects, highlighting that PC compatibility issues can emerge over OS updates.
On the durability front, many owners keep theirs for years. One Reddit user stated, “still going strong” after more than half a decade, and eBay resale prices for used units ($25–$50) suggest they retain functional value well beyond warranty.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned include Sennheiser HD 600 (for open-back, non-gaming use) and HyperX Cloud Flight (wireless). Users comparing note that the Flight offers “almost the sound quality of the Cloud 2 but wireless” and better loudness, while HD 600 excels in music fidelity but lacks gaming mic integration. Some Redditors also pivot to Audio-Technica or higher-end HyperX lines for specific needs.
Price & Value
Amazon sale prices as low as $62.95 undercut the $99.99 list, and Reddit threads celebrate sub-$70 deals. eBay’s “very good - refurbished” units land around $54.90, with open-box listings at $50. Long-term owners stress that even at full price, the comfort/build combination is “worth what I paid.”
Buying tips from the community: look for bundles with extra ear pads and sound card, avoid early USB dongle revisions prone to clicking, and consider if 7.1 is truly needed for your use case.
FAQ
Q: Does the 7.1 surround work on consoles?
A: Only via USB on PS4/PS5; Xbox connections through 3.5mm jack are stereo. Several users note the 7.1 toggle doesn’t retain settings between sessions.
Q: How is the microphone for streaming?
A: Adequate for casual chat, but multiple reviews suggest a standalone mic for professional streaming due to limited low-end pickup and volume.
Q: Can I replace ear pads easily?
A: Yes. Many owners switch between included leatherette and velour pads seasonally for comfort or isolation changes.
Q: Is it compatible with mobile devices?
A: Works with CTIA 4-pole TRRS 3.5mm jacks; check your phone’s standard (CTIA vs OMTP) for mic compatibility.
Q: Does it need special drivers?
A: No drivers required for basic use, but PC users seeking mic boost or EQ must resort to third-party software.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a multi-platform gamer who values comfort, build quality, and reliable stereo gaming audio over advanced software features. Avoid if you need high mic gain out-of-the-box or flawless virtual surround for competitive play. Pro tip from Reddit: “Switch to the foam ear cups during summer months—they help with heat without breaking down.”
