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HyperX Cloud Stinger Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Jan 12, 2024 3:10 AM

True Score

80
78
15

Experts

87
38.8k

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

A cost-effective, comfortable gaming headset with impressive sound quality. Despite being a wired headset, the mic quality is top-tier but does not completely reduce low-bass range noise.

$34.95

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a mid-range wired gaming headset released in 2016, equipped with 50mm directional drivers. It is exclusively wired, connecting via a 3.5mm, unremovable cable. It has well-padded faux leather padding on the earcups, a headband, and a boom mic for multiplayer gaming.

See our best gaming headsets if you need other models with a boom mic. However, this headset has limited controls. Muting is achieved by flipping the microphone up. There’s no mobile app or graphic EQ, and the headset also doesn’t have 3D spatial sound tech.

Best For

  • Best Overall

  • HyperX

Consensus

our Verdict

The HyperX Cloud Stinger offers gamers and streamers a balance of affordability, comfort, and audio performance. Its robust, well-balanced sound profile and clear microphone enhance the gaming experience, though some may find the fixed microphone and lack of active noise cancellation limiting. The headset is also quite comfortable for extended use, thanks to good padding and a lightweight design.

Despite the potential for low-bass background noise being picked up by the boom mic, the Cloud Stinger is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly gaming headset.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Exceptional audio quality
    • The HyperX Cloud is a solid multiplayer gaming option that delivers accurate in-game audio courtesy of balanced mids and treble, with a touch of heavy bass.

    • However, the audio quality also depends on how they fit.

  • Comfortable fit
    • The headset has spacious ear cups that can accommodate most ear sizes. The thick padding and light weight also make it easy to keep on for marathon gaming sessions.

  • Great recording quality
    • The boom microphone on the HyperX Cloud Stinger accurately picks up sound for clear and audible communication during in-game chats. It also ranks within the top 30% of its category for mic quality in our certified tested list.

Reason to Avoid

  • Poor noise isolation
    • The headset doesn’t reduce low-bass range noise.

  • Wired only
    • The HyperX Cloud Stinger is wired, so owners won’t be able to move away too far from their gaming station with their headsets on.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandYes
Battery LifeBattery LifeWired
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm
Detachable MicDetachable MicYes
Driver SizeDriver Size50mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialMemory Foam
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response23,000Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response18Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingYes
Product WeightProduct Weight0.60 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessNo
Wireless ConnectivityWireless Connectivityn/a

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)7.2333
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)38.82
BT Latency (ms)0
Non-BT Latency (ms)0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)20
High End Roll Off (Hz)8,736.026

All Tests

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Product Comparison

HyperX Cloud Stinger Review

True Score

80
NR
NR
NR

Ranking

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24

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57

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Market Context

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a mid-range wired gaming headset released in 2016, equipped with 50mm directional drivers. It is exclusively wired, connecting via a…

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a mid-range wired gaming headset released in 2016, equipped with 50mm directional drivers. It is exclusively wired, connecting via a 3.5mm, unremovable cable. It has well-padded faux leather padding on the earcups, a headband, and a boom mic for multiplayer gaming.

See our best gaming headsets if you need other models with a boom mic. However, this headset has limited controls. Muting is achieved by flipping the microphone up. There’s no mobile app or graphic EQ, and the headset also doesn’t have 3D spatial sound tech.

Featuring 7.1 virtual surround sound, the HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 provides a more immersive soundstage than the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which doesn’t have 3D…

Featuring 7.1 virtual surround sound, the HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 provides a more immersive soundstage than the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which doesn’t have 3D spatial audio. However, the Cloud Stinger boasts a better-sounding microphone than the detachable unit on the Revolver. Check out our HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 review to learn more.

With 7.1 virtual surround sound and a USB dongle, the HyperX Cloud Stinger S distinguishes itself from the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which lacks these features. It also has a slightly more neutral sound profile. For a more feature-rich model, see our HyperX Cloud Stinger S review.

Featuring a wireless design with a built-in rechargeable battery, the Jabra Elite 85H is different from the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which is wired only. It…

Featuring a wireless design with a built-in rechargeable battery, the Jabra Elite 85H is different from the HyperX Cloud Stinger, which is wired only. It also boasts an active noise-canceling (ANC) mic, unlike the HyperX device. The sound profile of the Jabra headset is also more neutral. To learn more about the noise-canceling headset, see our Jabra Elite 85H review

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a mid-range wired gaming headset released in 2016, equipped with 50mm directional drivers. It is exclusively wired, connecting via a…

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a mid-range wired gaming headset released in 2016, equipped with 50mm directional drivers. It is exclusively wired, connecting via a 3.5mm, unremovable cable. It has well-padded faux leather padding on the earcups, a headband, and a boom mic for multiplayer gaming. See our best gaming headsets if you need other models with a boom mic. However, this headset has limited controls. Muting is achieved by flipping the microphone up. There’s no mobile app or graphic EQ, and the headset also doesn’t have 3D spatial sound tech. Check out the HyperX Cloud Flight S review if you need something with programmable controls.

Adjustable Headband

Yes

Auto-Adjusting Headband

Yes

Battery Life

Wired

Compatible Platforms

Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Connector Size

3.5mm

Detachable Mic

Yes

Driver Size

50mm

Earcup Foam Material

Memory Foam

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

78

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

87

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    99.8

    Category Trust Rating

    63
    The HyperX Cloud Stinger are decent for wired gaming. They’re fairly comfortable for long periods… Read More

    By:

  • Sound Guys
    82.1

    Category Trust Rating

    66
    The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a simple gaming headset that doesn’t break the bank. It’s… Read More

    By:

  • Techgear Lab
    73.5

    Category Trust Rating

    68
    Earning a Best Buy Award, the Cloud Stinger is our favorite headset when you are… Read More

    By:

  • PC Mag
    67.6

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    The HyperX Cloud Stinger is one of the most capable wired gaming headsets you can… Read More

    By:

  • Tom’s Hardware
    65.25

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The HyperX Cloud Stinger gives you solid audio performance at an affordable price point. If… Read More

    By:

  • Tom’s Guide
    56.25

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    Pick up the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless if you want a no-nonsense $100 cordless gaming… Read More

    By: