Are you in the market for a gaming headset that delivers great sound quality and comfort without breaking the bank? The HyperX Cloud Stinger is an popular choice worth considering. As an avid gamer and audio enthusiast, I‘ve put this headset through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share my expert opinion on the Cloud Stinger‘s performance, design, features, and overall value to help you decide if it‘s the right headset for your gaming needs.
HyperX Cloud Stinger Overview
First, let‘s take a look at what the Cloud Stinger has to offer in terms of specs and features:
- Lightweight design at just 275g
- Over-ear, closed-back earcups with memory foam padding
- 50mm directional drivers for immersive audio
- Frequency response: 18Hz–23,000Hz
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 ± 3dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
- Adjustable steel sliders for a snug fit
- Swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation microphone
- In-line volume control
- Multi-platform compatibility
- 3.5mm plug
- 2-year warranty
The Cloud Stinger comes in the standard black/red colorway that HyperX is known for. The overall aesthetic is sleek and understated, with subtle branding on the earcups. Build quality feels solid despite the lightweight frame. The steel sliders and sturdy plastic construction make it feel like a headset that can withstand regular use and travel without issue.
While the original wired Cloud Stinger is the most common, there are a couple other variants worth mentioning. The Cloud Stinger Core is an even more affordable option that drops some of the extra features. And for those who want to ditch the wires, the Cloud Stinger Wireless offers the same design and performance with the added convenience of a wireless connection.
Audio Performance
Of course, the most important aspect of any gaming headset is how it sounds. I‘m happy to report that the Cloud Stinger delivers impressive audio quality for the price.
The 50mm directional drivers provide a dynamic sound with clear highs, detailed mids, and powerful bass. Explosions boom, bullets zing by, and environments come to life with an immersive soundstage. Directional cues like footsteps and gunshots are easy to pick up, giving you a competitive advantage in shooters and battle royales.
While it doesn‘t offer fancy features like 7.1 virtual surround found on more premium headsets, the stereo sound is more than satisfying for most gaming scenarios. I tested it across a variety of games and genres, from fast-paced shooters to story-driven RPGs, and was consistently impressed by the audio quality.
The Cloud Stinger is perfectly serviceable for listening to music and watching videos too. The bass has a nice punch to it and the overall sound signature is well-balanced. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere, but for casual use it gets the job done.
My only real complaint is that the earcups don‘t block out a ton of background noise passively. In a quiet room it‘s a non-issue, but those gaming in noisy environments may find some sound leakage. Thankfully, the noise-cancelling microphone does a great job of isolating your voice and minimizing background sounds on your end.
Comfort & Microphone
Comfort is just as crucial for long gaming sessions, and the Cloud Stinger doesn‘t disappoint. The plush memory foam earcups and padded leatherette headband feel great even after multi-hour play sessions. Clamping force is just right – snug enough to feel secure but never uncomfortable. The over-ear design and lightweight frame keep heat and pressure build-up to a minimum. Eyeglasses wearers should have no issues with this headset either.
Adjusting the fit is simple with the steel sliders. They have a good range of extension and feel very durable. The earcups also rotate 90 degrees for a better seal around your ears. All the materials are soft-touch and feel nice on the skin with no irritation.
As mentioned, the uni-directional swivel-to-mute mic is a standout feature. It sits on the left earcup and offers great flexibility to find the optimal voice pickup position. A quick flip up mutes the mic instantly, with tactile feedback so you know you‘re muted. Voice clarity is excellent and more than adequate for voice chat and even casual streaming.
The inline volume control on the 3.5mm cable is a handy inclusion too. It‘s nothing fancy but nice to have easy audio adjustment at your fingertips. The 3.5mm connection makes it compatible with virtually any device with a headphone jack – PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, and VR.
Comparisons & Value
In terms of competitors, the Cloud Stinger goes up against other budget-minded gaming headsets like the Razer Kraken X, Corsair HS50, SteelSeries Arctis 1, and Sennheiser GSP 300.
Feature-wise, most of these offer a similar package in the $50 price range – 50mm drivers, 3.5mm connection, decent mic, etc. The Cloud Stinger edges many of them out in the comfort department with its memory foam earcups and suspension-style headband. The Arctis 1 is probably the closest contender in that regard.
Sound quality is neck and neck between most of these headsets. Some may eke out a slight edge in the microphone or have additional features like surround sound, but to the average ear they all deliver solid audio for gaming.
Ultimately, the HyperX Cloud Stinger offers fantastic value for the money. You‘d be hard-pressed to find a gaming headset that nails the essentials of sound quality, comfort, and durability this well in the budget price bracket. Unless you need specific features like wireless connectivity or RGB lighting, the Cloud Stinger is an excellent pick that performs well beyond its price point. Factor in the 2-year no-questions-asked warranty and it‘s an easy recommendation.
The Verdict
So, is the HyperX Cloud Stinger a good gaming headset? After extensive use across different platforms, I can confidently say it offers tremendous bang for your buck.
The lightweight and comfortable design makes it perfect for marathon gaming sessions. Soft memory foam earcups, an adjustable headband, and the swivel-to-mute mic show great attention to detail. The 50mm drivers punch above their weight, providing dynamic and immersive sound for both games and media. And compatibility with all major platforms means you can use it however you play.
While it may lack some bells and whistles found on more expensive headsets, the Cloud Stinger absolutely nails the fundamentals. The couple minor shortcomings are easily overlooked considering the wallet-friendly price. Both newcomers looking for their first headset and hardcore gamers wanting a reliable backup pair should have this at the top of their list.
Unless you have very specific needs or are willing to spend significantly more, I can wholeheartedly recommend the HyperX Cloud Stinger. It‘s proof that you don‘t have to drop a ton of cash for a quality gaming headset. HyperX has crafted an impressive blend of performance, comfort, and affordability that‘s tough to beat.
Ultimately, the choice of gaming headset comes down to personal needs and preferences. But if you want a straightforward, well-built, great-sounding headset and have around $50 to spend, you‘d be hard-pressed to do better than the Cloud Stinger. It gets my expert seal of approval as one of the best value gaming headsets available today.
