HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Review

Headset specs

• Connectivity: Wired
• Design: Closed-back
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Mobile
• Drivers: 50mm
• Weight: 272 grams
• Frequency Response: 10-28,000 Hz
• Microphone: Flip-up
• Battery life: n/a

Alternative headsets

Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

The Logitech G435 is a budget wireless gaming headset that weighs a feather-like 165 grams. The G435 features comfortable synthetic weave ear cushions and can connect to devices via Bluetooth or low-latency 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless.

Razer Blackshark V2

The Razer Blackshark V2 is a comfortable wired gaming headset with thick memory foam cushioning in the headband and ear cups. The Blackshark V2 is slightly more expensive than the Cloud Stinger 2 but offers better comfort and audio quality.

HyperX Cloud II

The HyperX Cloud II is an excellent all-around headset with specifically-tuned 53mm drivers and stellar ergonomics for all-day gaming. The Cloud II is better overall than the Cloud Stinger 2 but is also the more expensive option.

Ergonomics

Ear cups

The Cloud Stinger 2 features closed-back plastic ear cups with the HyperX logo embossed on each side. The ear cups can pivot up/down and swivel to lay flat, which lets the headset sit flat on your chest when not in use.

The oval-shaped ear cushions on the Cloud Stinger 2 are made from memory foam and leatherette. The memory foam isn’t as squishy as on other headsets like the HyperX Cloud II, but it’s sufficient enough to seal around the ears and reduce background noise.

While wearing the Cloud Stinger 2, the ear cups are plenty big to fit my ear comfortably without touching the sides of the ear cushions or the drivers. I did notice that the headset becomes hot very quickly, which is a downside of the leatherette cushioning.

Headband

The Cloud Stinger 2 uses an all-plastic headband with memory foam covered in leatherette at the point where it contacts your head. The headband doesn’t have much flex and isn’t as pliable as headsets with metal headbands like the Logitech G Pro X. The joints and connection points of the headset are also plastic, and I could see them breaking with one bad drop.

The Cloud Stinger 2’s headband is easy to adjust; the arms glide effortlessly into the headband, and notches hold the length of each arm in place. Each arm even has numbered lines, so you can return the headband to the same size every time.

Clamping Force

The Cloud Stinger 2 has a weak clamping force, making the headset sit very loosely on the head. Since the ear cups don’t clamp tightly on the sides of the head, much of the headset’s weight is concentrated on the headband, which can cause fatigue and make the Stinger 2 feel heavier than it is.

Audio

Gaming

The Cloud Stinger 2 delivers impressive audio for a budget-friendly gaming headset. The headset’s large 50mm drivers produce crisp, clear sound across a broad frequency range of 10-28,000 Hz. The Cloud Stinger 2 also has a spacious soundstage, making it easy for my brain to determine the distance and direction of sounds.

The Cloud Stinger 2 has an excellent default sound mix for competitive gaming that helps hamper loud sounds that can harm your hearing. The Stinger 2’s sound mix makes it one of the best headsets for Warzone 2; the sound mix reduces loud sounds like explosions, making quiet footsteps easier to hear.

Music

The Cloud Stinger 2 has a good neutral sound for listening to music. Still, there isn’t as much depth as you find with studio headsets like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. When listening to classic instrument tracks like Touch of Grey by The Grateful Dead, the guitar riffs come through clearly, but some of the notes can sound a bit dull overall.

Features

Tech

The Cloud Stinger 2 doesn’t feature any fancy tech features like channel mixing or RGB lighting. We’re glad that HyperX focused on delivering quality gaming audio over adding extra features, especially given the low price point of the headset.

Software

The Cloud Stinger 2 does not include companion software and isn’t compatible with HyperX NGENUITY. HyperX gives a free 2-year activation code for DTS Headphone:X in the box if you want to use virtual surround sound with the headset.

Carrying case

There’s no carry case included with the Cloud Stinger 2.

Controls

The Cloud Stinger 2 features basic onboard controls for adjusting volume and toggling mute. A red volume wheel on the right ear cup glides smoothly and stops at the minimum and maximum volume. The headset’s microphone is muted by flipping the boom mic up until an audible click is heard, keeping the microphone out of the way when not in use.

Connectivity

Connections

The Cloud Stinger 2 connects via a 3.5mm audio cable, with a short 3.5mm audio splitter for PC. The headset’s audio cable is not detachable, which significantly lowers the long-term durability rating of the Cloud Stinger 2. Also, the 3.5mm audio cable is constantly a bent, tangled mess because it’s so thin. I wish HyperX had invested more and given the Cloud Stinger 2 a better audio cable since it can’t be replaced.

Compatibility

The Cloud Stinger 2 is compatible with a wide range of devices thanks to its 3.5mm audio cable, making it a great budget option for console and mobile gamers. If you’re interested in a budget gaming headset with wireless capabilities, check out the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless.

Microphone

The Cloud Stinger 2 features a non-detachable boom microphone with flip-to-mute functionality. The boom microphone is omnidirectional, includes an optional foam pop filter, and bends into shape.

The Cloud Stinger 2’s microphone is passable for talking with teammates or taking voice calls, but there’s a high amount of background noise audible, even during ideal conditions. If microphone quality is a priority, check out the Razer Blackshark V2, another wired budget headset with exceptional microphone clarity. We recorded a sample of the Stinger 2’s mic below; take a listen and judge the quality for yourself.

In the box

• Gaming Headset
• PC extension cable
• DTS Headphone:X (2 year activation code included)
• Quick Start Guide