Editorrating 2.9 We test and evaluate headphones using a standardized 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more. 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 2024, 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. Lightweight and comfortable Simple plastic design Good microphone Great value for money Lower durability Average noise isolation Editorrating 2.9 By HeadphonesAddict Userratings 3.6 User Ratings: 5 Category Comfort & Fit Noise Isolation Durability Features Sound Our rating 4.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 User rating 3.8 3.3 3.0 3.4 4.3 RATE THIS MODEL User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic User Rating _._ No Rating 1.0 Bad 1.5 Meh 2.0 Acceptable 2.5 Average 3.0 Good 3.5 Almost great 4.0 Great 4.5 Almost Perfect 5.0 Fantastic HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset (Black-Red) HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset (Black-Red) $35.99 in stock Buy now eBay HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset, Lightweight, Comfortable Memory Foam, Swivel to Mute… HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset, Lightweight, Comfortable Memory Foam, Swivel to Mute… $54.99 in stock 2 new from $49.99 3 used from $37.00 as of April 18, 2024 7:24 pm Buy now Amazon.com HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset – Black HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset – Black $54.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com CONTENTS (show more) Similar guides on: Best budget gaming headsets Sound 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. Also, the soundstage isn’t big. If you’re competitive in FPS games you might want to spend more money on open gaming headphones (which have better positional accuracy – see here). Cloud Stinger sounds good for the price but you can get a better-sounding headset for more money. Comfort & Fit 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 earpads aren’t the thickest but good enough to stay comfortable. 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 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 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. After 2 years of daily use, the headset looks worn but the faulty mic mechanism is hidden inside. 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 2.5 Average It comes with essential functions like mic mute and volume control, which is fine for a budget gaming headset. The volume-control button feels cheap but does the job. 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. Why Buy HyperX Cloud Stinger? If you’re on the lookout for a cheap gaming headset that works well and comes from a reputable brand, then the Cloud Stinger should be your top option. You get everything you need for a fun gaming experience: a good mic for clear communication without white noise and interruptions, comfortable fit that you forget about, decent audio quality, and the mute and volume controls. Now, 50 bucks won’t get you the same quality as the best gaming headsets but is more than good enough for infrequent users. HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset (Black-Red) HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset (Black-Red) $35.99 in stock Buy now eBay HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset, Lightweight, Comfortable Memory Foam, Swivel to Mute… HyperX Cloud Stinger – Gaming Headset, Lightweight, Comfortable Memory Foam, Swivel to Mute… $54.99 in stock 2 new from $49.99 3 used from $37.00 as of April 18, 2024 7:24 pm Buy now Amazon.com HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset – Black HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset – Black $54.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Compared to Other Headsets Sure, you can get an even cheaper alternative, but those often come with weird design and annoying bad microphones. Though there are some gems… A great dirt-cheap option – Onikuma K6 (check the review): This one is much cheaper from an unknown brand but delivers a similar gaming experience for a casual gamer, plus it’s even more comfortable with thick earpads. Logitech G432 around : With it you get the same 50mm drivers plasticy but comfortable design but also the addition of virtual surround sound DTS Headphone:X 2.0. However, its effect and value are debatable. What’s in the Box? HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headset User manual Extension cable (Y-plug) You can connect it with the 3.5mm plugs (PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox compatible). Specifications Type: Over-ear Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Back design: Closed-back Drivers: 50mm Frequency range: 18-23.000Hz Impedance: 30 Ohm Weight: 9.7 oz (275g) Mic & Controls: Yes Water resistance: No Battery life: / Charging time: / Active noise cancelling: No Bluetooth codecs: / Wireless range: / Microphone: Electret condenser microphone, uni-directional, flip-to-mute Matija FerjanMatija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.
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