HyperX Cloud headphones have long been a popular choice among gamers and music listeners for their comfort, sound quality and value. However, there are several other excellent headphones that can rival or even surpass the HyperX Cloud series.
In this expert guide, I will discuss the top factors to consider when shopping for headphones and recommend 5 of the best alternatives to HyperX Cloud across various price points and use cases.
Key Factors When Choosing Headphones
Here are some of the most important criteria to evaluate when picking out a new pair of headphones:
Comfort: Look for soft, breathable ear pads that won‘t cause irritation during long gaming or listening sessions. The headband should have enough padding and adjustability to fit different head sizes. Lightweight headphones under 0.8 lbs are ideal for extended wear.
Sound quality: Larger audio drivers in the 40-50 mm range will reproduce cleaner highs, detailed mids and deeper bass. Tuned drivers that are separated for individual frequency optimization also help. Premium gaming headsets aim for immersive 7.1 surround sound for positional accuracy.
Microphone: For clear voice chat and calls, choose a headset with a noise isolating boom mic or external mic that can pick up crisp audio while minimizing background noise.
Battery life: Wireless headphones with swappable batteries, quick charge capacity and upwards of 30+ hour battery life provide uninterrupted gaming and music sessions.
Connectivity: Modern headsets offer both wireless flexibility via Bluetooth as well as low latency wired connectivity for lag-free gaming. Companion dongles improve wireless range and performance.
Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation uses built-in microphones and audio processing to electronically cancel external noise. This is useful in noisy environments but can introduce a slight hiss. Passive isolation via snug earpad fit physically blocks noise.
Budget: You can find excellent headphones ranging from $50 to $300+ with increasing features and audio fidelity at higher prices. Determine how much you‘re willing to spend for different capabilities.
Compatibility: Check that any potential headset works with your gaming platform or device whether that‘s PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices and more.
With these factors in mind, let‘s look at 5 of the top alternatives to HyperX Cloud headphones.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro – Best Overall
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro has active noise canceling, immersive 360 spatial audio, swappable batteries for unlimited playtime and dual wireless for lag-free gaming with simultaneous Bluetooth music or calls.
With rich, nuanced sound powered by the Sonar audio software suite and four built-in beamforming mics for crisp voice capture, the Nova Pro competes with far more expensive audiophile headphones. It works across platforms like PC, PS5, Switch and Xbox via the 2.4Ghz wireless USB dongle.
The slick design includes plush ski-goggle headband and airweave ear cushions. At the base, the compact transmitter doubles as a charging stand and allows EQ customization. With incredible wireless range and swappable hot-swappable batteries, you can game or listen endlessly.
Overall, the Nova Pro is the most advanced wireless gaming headset available with rich sound, lag-free performance and smart features that justify its $350 price tag.
Key Features:
- Active noise canceling with four external mics
- 360 degree spatial audio powered by Sonar
- 30ft wireless range with dual connections
- Swappable batteries and charging stand
- Platform support for PC, PS5, Switch etc.
2. NUBWO G06 – Best Battery Life
The NUBWO G06 wireless gaming headset has an astounding 47 hours of battery life, beating out nearly all competitors. It only takes about 4 hours to fully recharge back to 100%.
Sound quality is also very impressive with 7.1 virtual surround sound powered by large 50mm neodymium drivers. The noise isolating microphone captures voices clearly and filters out ambient background noise.
Lightweight and comfortable with plush memory foam earpads, the G06 works with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S along with Nintendo Switch and PC. It connects via a low latency 2.4Ghz wireless USB dongle included in the box and also has a 3.5mm audio jack for passive wired use.
For under $100, the NUBWO G06 packs great gaming performance, chat clarity and truly elite battery capacity that outshines even premium headset options.
Key Features:
- 47 hour battery life
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Large 50mm audio drivers
- Noise isolating microphone
- Compatibility with PS5, Xbox, Switch etc.
3. Corsair HS80 RGB – Best Wireless Audio
As a leader in the gaming peripheral space, Corsair‘s HS80 RGB wireless brings premium features like Dolby Atmos spatial surround sound, customizable EQ, 20 hours of battery life and a broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone.
The sound quality is incredibly detailed with wide, layered audio imaging that places effects all around you – not just left and right. Bass is tight and impactful thanks to the large 50mm drivers while highs remain crisp without distortion even at louder volumes.
Aesthetically striking with plush memory foam cushions coated in a breathable performance fabric, the headphones stay comfortable for marathon sessions. You get 2.4Ghz wireless performance comparable to wired headsets as it dynamically syncs with the SLIPSTREAM USB dongle. Console gamers will appreciate compatibility with PS5 and PS4.
If you want incredible wireless sound, the flexibility of Dolby Atmos and one of the best mics in gaming, the HS80 RGB hits all the right notes.
Key Features:
- Dolby Atmos surround sound
- 20 hour battery life
- High fidelity 50mm drivers
- Broadcast-grade hypercardiod mic
- Wireless + low-latency 2.4Ghz SLIPSTREAM
4. Razer BlackShark V2 – Best Value Gaming
The Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset delivers amazing performance and features at a lower price point under $100. THX 7.1 surround sound paired with custom-tuned 50mm drivers immerse you in precise positional and layered audio so you can react faster.
In addition to great sound, the lightweight yet durable design with cooling gel cushions allows for comfortable all-day gaming sessions without overheating ears. The cardioid microphone also captures speech clearly and eliminates unwanted ambient noise.
With cross-platform support for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices thanks to the universal 3.5mm connector, the BlackShark V2 punches well above its class as an affordable high-performance headset option for gamers.
Key Features:
- THX 7.1 spatial surround sound
- Lightweight comfort-focused design
- Tuned triangular 50mm drivers
- Noise-isolating mic with ambient rejection
- Universal 3.5mm wired connectivity
5. Taotronics TT-BH092 – Best Budget
If you‘re looking for a more affordable alternative, the Taotronics TT-BH092 over-ear headphones cost under $60 but still deliver surprisingly decent gaming performance.
The large 40mm drivers and closed-back noise isolating design provide good audio quality with thumping bass and clear mids/highs. The headphones are extremely comfortable for long sessions thanks to the self-adjusting headband and breathable protein ear pads.
While you trade off premium features like surround sound and ANC, the TT-BH092 headphones provide very solid sound, comfort and chat clarity that punches well above other headsets at this low price. With universal 3.5mm, it works for PC, consoles, mobile gaming and music listening thanks to the inline controller.
If you‘re on a tight budget, the Taotronics over-ear gaming headset has outstanding quality and versatility for the money.
Key Features:
- Closed-back noise isolating design
- Breathable protein ear pads
- Inline controller with volume and mic mute
- 40mm large aperture drivers
- Universal 3.5mm wired compatibility
What to Know About Headphone Specs
When comparing headphone hardware specifications, here are some key metrics to understand that affect gaming audio quality and performance:
Frequency response – The range of bass, mids and treble a headset can reproduce, measured in Hz. Wider is better, but tuned ranges tailored for gaming/voice are favorable.
Drivers – These are the speakers inside each earcup that produce sound. Larger drivers in the 40-50mm range allow for louder, deeper and distortion-free audio.
Magnet strength – Measured in Tesla (T), stronger magnets in headphone drivers improve sensitivity and control for better sound.
Sound isolation – Closed-back earcup design with snug earpad fit passively blocks outside noise for audio immersion.
Noise cancellation – Using anti-noise to electronically cancel ambient sounds, rated up to 40db reduction. Reduces fatigue in noisy environments.
Matching your needs and budget to headphone specs and reviewing expert and user assessments of audio quality will ensure you select the right headset.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about HyperX headphone alternatives:
What are the best HyperX Cloud alternatives?
For overall performance – SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
For battery life – NUBWO G06
For premium sound – Corsair HS80 RGB
For value – Razer BlackShark V2
For budget – Taotronics TT-BH092
Are there better headsets than the HyperX Cloud 2?
Yes, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is considered better than Cloud 2 with 7.1 surround sound, THX audio, wireless freedom and better microphone quality.
What gaming headset has sound quality as good as HyperX?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro matches and even exceeds HyperX with 360 degree spatial audio, active noise cancellation and lossless 2.4Ghz wireless performance.
Does Razer make better headsets than HyperX?
It depends on your priorities – Razer often has better software, surround sound and mic quality while HyperX leads in comfort and durability at lower price points. Overall they both make excellent gaming headsets so read individual headset reviews.
I hope this guide gives you a great shortlist to choose your next pair of headphones for gaming, music listening and media enjoyment! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
