Ryan Hansen, a seasoned contributor to GadgetReview for over 5 years, is a distinguished figure in the product review and content marketing space. With over a decade of expertise, Ryan has significantly shaped the tech and consumer electronics landscape. Beyond his digital endeavors, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and delving into personal passions, from writing fiction to collecting Pokemon cards and building LEGO. In Ryan’s household, being a nerd is both a compliment and a responsibility, a testament to his deep connection and commitment to nerd culture.
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S headphones offer premium sound quality with 3D spatial audio and a crystal-clear microphone. Perfect for at-home gamers, but too heavy and bulky for on-the-go gamers.
We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more
Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is a premium gaming headset released in 2019. This wired headset is compatible with PC and gaming consoles, though the connectivity is different between the two. PCs require a USB-A cable while consoles require a 3.5mm audio cable. Like other top-rated gaming headsets, the Cloud Orbit S features a detachable boom mic.
This HyperX gaming headset sports an over-ear design with user controls and connectivity ports on the left earcup. It features planar magnetic drivers and a feature called Waves Nx 3D technology to create simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. For a wireless alternative, consider reading our EPOS H3PRO Hybrid review.
Consensus
our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is an excellent gaming headset with impressive audio quality and a comfortable over-ear fit. Though the headphones are designed well with long-lasting durability, they’re bulky and heavy, which can be fatiguing over long periods of use. One of the headset’s best features is the included Waves Nx 3D audio technology that uses head tracking to provide immersive in-game sound.
This gaming headset provides wired-only connectivity to PCs and gaming consoles, which unfortunately limits its overall versatility. It also sports a detachable microphone that features clear in-game chat audio thanks to the inclusion of a pop filter and noise cancellation. The HyperX Cloud Orbit S’s earcups are comfortable and made from breathable leather, so your ears won’t heat up too much during extended gaming sessions.
ReasonS to Buy
Immersive Sound Quality
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S gaming headset boasts planar magnetic drivers, which create an overall immersive sound stage and an extended bass response. These drivers also support Hi-Res audio formats, which is sure to please audiophiles.
These headphones also include a unique 3D audio functionality when using 7.1 or 2-channel surround sound modes, called Waves Nx 3D. With this head-tracking feature enabled, you’ll be fully immersed in your game’s audio with the ability to tell where sounds are coming from.
Comfortable, Well-Built Design
The Cloud Orbit S offers a premium design quality with long-lasting durability. Both the earcups and headband utilize memory foam for improved comfort. They are covered in artificial leather, which is surprisingly breathable, keeping your ears cool even over extended gaming sessions.
Superb Microphone Quality
This gaming headset boasts a detachable boom microphone that provides clear audio in-game and on phone calls. With noise cancellation abilities and an included pop filter, your voice will come through crystal clear.
Reason to Avoid
Unreliable Head Tracking Performance
The head tracking offered by the headphones’ Waves Nx 3D audio technology performs better with some games than it does with others. Unfortunately, there’s no way to reliably tell which games will work best with the technology and which games won’t.
Heavy and Bulky
The included planar magnetic drivers make the HyperX Cloud Orbit S headphones heavier than other models available today. This can lead to greater discomfort over longer periods of use, even in spite of the extra-comfortable earcups and headbands.
Since these are wired headphones, they’re also not very portable or versatile. This can be disappointing if you were planning on using them on the go.
HyperX Cloud Orbit S Specs
Adjustable Headband
No
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Battery Charge Time
3 hrs
Battery Life
10 hrs
Built In Microphone
Yes
Compatible Platforms
Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Connector Size
3.5mm
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
100mm
Earcup Foam Material
Memory Foam
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
50,000Hz
Min Frequency Response
10 Hz
Noise Canceling
Yes
Programmable Buttons
No
Transparency Mode
n/a
True Wireless
No
Voice Assistant
na
Water Resistant
n/a
Weight
0.8 lbs
Wireless
No
Wireless Connectivity
Wired
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Gaming Headsets based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Max Volume (dB)
0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)
7.2
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)
0
BT Latency (ms)
0
Non-BT Latency (ms)
0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
0
High End Roll Off (Hz)
0
All Tests
Can You Trust What You Read Online?
Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.
Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.
Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is a premium gaming headset released in 2019. This wired headset is compatible with PC and gaming consoles, though the…
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is a premium gaming headset released in 2019. This wired headset is compatible with PC and gaming consoles, though the connectivity is different between the two. PCs require a USB-A cable while consoles require a 3.5mm audio cable. Like other top-rated gaming headsets, the Cloud Orbit S features a detachable boom mic.
This HyperX gaming headset sports an over-ear design with user controls and connectivity ports on the left earcup. It features planar magnetic drivers and a feature called Waves Nx 3D technology to create simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. For a wireless alternative, consider reading our EPOS H3PRO Hybrid review.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headset uses dual-chamber drivers compared to the Cloud Orbit S’s planar magnetic drivers. The Cloud Alpha headset also features bass sliders…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headset uses dual-chamber drivers compared to the Cloud Orbit S’s planar magnetic drivers. The Cloud Alpha headset also features bass sliders on the earcups for easier sound profile customization. However, the Cloud Orbit S headset offers overall better sound quality thanks to its immersive Waves Nx 3D technology as compared to the Alpha’s virtual 7.1 surround sound.
The Logitech G Pro X offers a more reliable and comfortable build quality than the HyperX Cloud Orbit S headphones. The Logitech also provides a…
The Logitech G Pro X offers a more reliable and comfortable build quality than the HyperX Cloud Orbit S headphones. The Logitech also provides a more versatile USB-C wired connection vs. the HyperX’s USB-A connection. However, the Cloud Orbit S gaming headset wins in the sound quality department thanks to planar magnetic drivers and immersive 3D sound functionality. Read our Logitech G Pro X wired gaming headset review to learn more.
The Corsair HS65 SURROUND gaming headset offers Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound as compared to the HyperX’s immersive 3D sound technology, but it unfortunately requires…
The Corsair HS65 SURROUND gaming headset offers Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound as compared to the HyperX’s immersive 3D sound technology, but it unfortunately requires an additional USB adapter to function. The Corsair’s sound profile is much more customizable using the included software. This headset also features a boom mic, but it isn’t removable like the HyperX’s boom mic. Read our Corsair HS65 SURROUND review to learn more.
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is an upgraded version of the HyperX Cloud Orbit gaming headset. The two headsets feature virtually the exact same design…
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is an upgraded version of the HyperX Cloud Orbit gaming headset. The two headsets feature virtually the exact same design and build quality. Ultimately the main difference is the inclusion of the Waves Nx 3D audio technology. Only the Orbit S offers this unique spatial audio option, which includes head tracking. As might be expected, there is also a small price difference between the two, with the Cloud Orbit S being slightly more expensive.
Adjustable Headband
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
No
No
No
–
Battery Charge Time
3 hrs
–
Wired
Wired
–
Battery Life
10 hrs
Wired
Wired
Wired
–
Built In Microphone
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
–
Compatible Platforms
Mac, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Windows
Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows
