HyperX Cloud Stinger Review

A high-quality gaming headset doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg, especially if you’re looking for a great entry-level one. The HyperX Cloud Stinger fits that bill perfectly, offering above-average performance with an entry-level price, so you can still enjoy a great audio experience. Granted, it does have a couple of niggling downsides, but they aren’t deal-breakers for the most part.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Performance

Listen, if you’re going into this expecting an audiophile experience, then you might be expecting a bit much from a sub $50 headset.

For the most part, the mids tend to do all the work, and that’s the range you’re going to hear from the most (no pun intended). Interestingly enough, while most lower-end headsets tend to go overboard with the bass, it seems the Cloud Stinger doesn’t. In fact, it could be argued that it goes completely the opposite way, with the bass feeling somewhat flat.

Similarly, the highs aren’t that great, so you do miss out on some of the sharper whips and cracks that you hear in an average came (such as from bullets and things like that). Thankfully, the stereo depth is surprisingly good for such a cheap headset, so that’s a big positive. Even when listening to music, things are relatively clear, and the audioscape is pretty clear in terms of hearing where each sound and instrument is.

Moving on to the mic, honestly, it’s nothing special. There’s certainly a level of nasality to people’s voices, and since this isn’t a higher-end headset, it tends to pick up quite a few background noises.

Also, noise isolation isn’t that great either and that tends to be in the bass range, with the flip side being that mid-to-higher range has better isolation, so you won’t be hearing your own voice for the most part.

Of course, if you’re playing in a quiet environment, neither of those things is too big a deal.

Another slight niggle is that the cord isn’t detachable, and unless you use the Y cable, the headphones are kind of short at around 4.3 feet. Although admittedly that’s just a matter of preference and you can definitely find extension cables.

All of the above being said though, we’re talking about a really cheap gaming headset, and the one thing that elevates it above the competition is value for money.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Design

Of course, considering this is a budget headset, there are certain cutbacks in the design, and that’s mostly in terms of build quality. The majority of the headset is made of somewhat cheap-feeling plastic, with just a metal band in the center to help support the weight. Thankfully, that’s where the bad bits stop.

In contrast to its build, the Cloud Stinger certainly looks like a premium headset, with prominent, sleek and straight lines that you’d see on more expensive headsets.

Similarly, the cushioning is excellent, much better than you’d think for a headset this cheap. It will be a tight fit right out of the box, but it will loosen up soon enough and make you feel as if you’ve had it for ages.

While it doesn’t have a bunch of extra buttons like more premium headsets, what is appreciated is the volume slider in the underside of the right cup. Unfortunately, the range isn’t that great, so you might still resort to using a slider on your computer, but for on-the-fly adjustment, it’s more than enough.

It would have been nice to have a bit more control over the audio profile, and equalization, but at this price range, the volume slider is already a lot.

Speaking of the right ear cup, the left cup holds the long microphone and is flip-to-mute, a functionality all headsets should ideally have. The only downside from previous designs (one of which I own), is that the microphone isn’t detachable, so this will always be a headset.

I’m not sure how I feel about this as it’s a very use-specific device, so maybe the ability to turn it into a normal set of headphones isn’t important.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Pricing & Alternative

Honestly, the best part about this headset is its price, coming in at a paltry $34.99. That’s a below-market price for an above-average headset, so you can’t really complain that it doesn’t have fancier features. This is especially the case if you don’t actually care about the fancier audiophile headsets.

That being said if you want some alternatives and are willing to spend a little bit more, there are some nice options out there.

One step up from the Cloud Stinger is the Logitech G430 which comes in at $47.88. It has a utility app that allows you to control the EQ, although the mic and build quality is a tiny smidge less than the Cloud Stinger.

On the other hand, if you like HyperX and want to go with one of their products, you can get the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset, which is the gaming headset I use. Of course, it is a little over double the price of the Cloud Stinger at $78. The bump in price brings you surround sound, better build quality, and easier usability.

HyperX Cloud Stinger FAQs

Is HyperX Cloud Stinger Good for Music?

In all honesty, it’s probably not the best you can get out there, as the sound is a little bit flat due to its lack of lower and higher frequencies. That being said, this is a gaming headset and it’s more tuned to gaming audio than listening to music, so you should keep that in mind.

If you want something for both cases, then you’ll have to go for a more expensive alternative.

Does HyperX Cloud Stinger Have Surround Sound?

Unfortunately not, the Cloud Stinger is a stereo headset only. As mentioned though, the Cloud II does have surround sound, so if you like the HyperX style and brand and want a great 7.1 gaming headset, you should go for that one.

Is HyperX Cloud Stinger Compatible With Xbox One?

Yes, absolutely, as well as PS4 and other devices that have an audio jack, so no need to worry about that! I’d go so far to call HyperX Cloud Stinger one of the best PS4 headsets under $50 on the market.

HyperX Cloud Stinger: Final Verdict

The HyperX Cloud Stinger isn’t going to stop any traffic, but it’s still a pretty good headset that is going to serve you really well. This is especially the case if you don’t necessarily use your headset much and want a cheap alternative for the few times you use voice chat and game with other people.

For a little over $35, you’re getting a solid headset with relatively good performance for the price for both audio and microphone. Thankfully though, the headset definitely looks good and is comfortable to wear, so at least they didn’t skimp out on that part.

Overall, it’s an excellent entry-level headset if you’re just starting to dip your toes in this type of device.

Performance: ⭐⭐⭐

Well, given how cheap the headset is, you can’t blame it for having a somewhat lackluster performance. Some more experienced and discerning listeners will certainly hear the lower quality audio reproduction and that the sounds don’t have much depth or punch. This isn’t meant to knock it down a peg, so much as it is to look at it from a realistic perspective

Design: ⭐⭐⭐

The overall look and build quality of the Cloud Stinger is really good, although it certainly takes a hit due to the plasticky feel and construction. It also gets another mark off due to the microphone not being detachable, and the lack of a volume wheel rather than a slider. It is a pretty comfortable gaming headset, though.

Price: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is really where the Cloud Stinger shines, as the value for the price is really unbeatable and is probably one of the best out there. You aren’t going to be spending a couple of hundred dollars on a headset where each dollar starts giving you diminishing returns. Instead, every dollar you spend on this headset is going towards making it better.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes, the Cloud Stinger certainly has a bunch of issues, especially when you compare it to more expensive and fancier headsets. Truth is though, this headset isn’t meant to compete with them, and if you’re looking for better audio quality, then you’re going to have to go over the $100 range. This isn’t a knock on HyperX or Cloud stinger, that’s just the reality of the technology and market.