Review of gaming headphones HyperX Cloud Stinger

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a cheap wired gaming headset in a jet-black color, with a simple design, and basic features.

If you’re looking for a solid budget headset for gaming, HyperX Cloud Stinger is still one of the best options in 2023, though competition is catching up.

In short, for under $50 it offers solid comfort even for long gaming sessions, enjoyable sound with a robust microphone, but it’s weak on durability. More on that later.

The Cloud Stinger is compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One via 3.5mm plug.

Sound

Star Rating 3.0 Almost Great

The Cloud Stinger comes with bass emphasized signature that works well for explosions and more immersive gameplay. Though they can’t compare to high-end models, sound quality is fine for casual gamers.

First of all, the treble is slightly lacking in clarity and detail, so sounds like gunshots aren’t as crisp, they lack some of their sheen when listening to music.

Bass response is clearly boosted to create deeper bomb blasts and gunfire noise. It’s the preferred sound preset that makes cheap headphones a better value.

In general, however, the HyperX Cloud Stinger aren’t fantastic for music but are still enjoyable for a non-demanding user who listens to music, watches movies, or spends hours on YouTube.

Comfort & Fit

Star Rating 4.0 Great

HyperX Cloud Stinger’s comfort is above its pay-grade. Since they are only $50 for a pair of headphones, they feel great. You can wear them for longer gaming sessions without a problem.

The headset is really lightweight, which is a good thing for a gaming headset. There is enough memory foam in the padding, so your ears don’t make contact with the drivers. The headband also has some cushioning to alleviate the top of the head irritation.

In general, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is comfortable to wear, and you can wear it for hours with no problem. Though the ear cups are big enough, they could be bigger.

The only annoying thing is that the earpads become sweaty after a couple of hours of hardcore gaming. Which is normal for most pads with fake leather cover.

Noise Isolation

Star Rating 2.5 Average

Noise isolation in HyperX Cloud Stinger is average. The earcups are on the thinner side.

You can hear others around you better, but for a pure gaming experience, this isn’t preferable. A lot of gaming headsets come with big, bulky ear cups, but the Stinger’s a somewhat thinner.

The headphones also have a little sound leakage, but it’s minimal and acceptable at the price range.

Durability

Star Rating 2.5 Average

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is somewhat sturdy, well-built with a plastic design. But, the internal microphone mechanism is prone to malfunction over time.

Update from our real-life test: The gaming headset survived for over 2 years of daily use. After the inside mic mechanism broke and the microphone stopped working. Most probably the constant flipping of the mic broke the inside mechanism until it stopped working.

Now looking at the mic for the first time, it’s sturdy, but not super flexible. You can flip it up to mute, or down to talk.

Ear cushions are covered by fake leather and filled by regular foam, though HyperX markets it as memory foam.

The earcups turn 90 degrees, which makes it possible to wear them around your neck. Also, the steps of adjusting the headband are well defined to prevent slipping.

Moreover, the cable is flexible but not braided. It’s kind of short, but it comes with an extension cable, though the headphone cable isn’t detachable.

Features

Star Rating 2.5 Average

It comes with essential functions like mic mute and volume control, which is fine for a budget gaming headset.

They have no virtual surround sound, but for a $50 pair, you can’t expect that.

Apart from a mutable microphone and volume control, you don’t really need anything else for a comfortable gaming experience.

With the volume slider on an earcup you control the sound, it works fine but isn’t fancy.

Microphone

The built-in electret condenser microphone has a quality sound, which is great for a budget headset.

From time to time, your voice will sound a little nasally, but it gets the job done. You can comfortably chat with friends on Discord or talk with co-players in multiplayer games.