Today’s comparison review is between two heavyweight gaming headsets. They are the HyperX Cloud Flight vs Steelseries Arctis 7 models. When you hear the names HyperX Cloud and Steelseries, you know that you are in for a real treat because they are exceptional units.
The HyperX Cloud Flight is a sublime gaming headset from HyperX known for its immense product lineup. Though it has joined the game relatively late, the unit is capable of noise in the market thanks to its colossal 30 hours battery working life.
It is a feature that the Cloud Flight can boast, keeping in mind that most of the similar price range products do not have it. Unfortunately, there is nothing else much we can talk about the Cloud Flight as it just lacks on several fronts.
But when you look at it, the headset offers you decent features like a solid design, sublime wireless connection, massive 30 hours battery, and it enables you to play uninterrupted period. They do not feel cheap and are comfortable to use for a reasonable period.
The microphone is removable, but it does not support Bluetooth on your smartphone as we would have liked it too. We enjoyed the microphone and cancels most of the noise that tries to filter inside into your ears, annoying.
It is compatible with most devices and gaming consoles. Unfortunately, it does not operate with the Xbox One. Coming to the Steelseries Arctis 7 gaming unit, it proves a worthy competitor for the Cloud Flight.
The maker has wholly overhauled the sound quality in the gaming headset. You can find a new microphone that is designed stupendously. It comes with superb clarity and precision. Additionally, there is good comfort infused in the unit.
A notable feature of the unit is the 24 hours battery life. We also liked the thick padding on the headset. As with most gaming headsets, if you wear glasses or have long hair, then the sound can be different from what you want to listen to.
However, the ski-band headband allows for a good setting. It gives you the ideal fit, and the comparison software on the unit offers you access to a stupendous EQ for enhancing your music listening quality.
Without further ado, let us read through the post and find out who the winner is.
HYPERX CLOUD FLIGHT | STEELSERIES ARCTIS 7 |
BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
PROS | PROS |
It is comfortable to wear, having adequate padding to make it soft. The fitting is perfect on the unit. The build quality of the headset is robust. A bonus here with the microphone being removable. The battery life is good, coming at a colossal 30 hours. | The noise cancellation is terrific. It is designed well and comfortable as well. The build quality is splendid, coming from metal and strap that can be adjusted. It has a good battery life of 25 hours. The fitting is exceptional on the head. |
CONS | CONS |
The unit cannot operate on the Xbox One. | Few users complained that fine-tuning the sound is time-consuming. |
SPECIFICATIONS | HYPERX CLOUD FLIGHT | STEELSERIES ARCTIS 7 |
---|---|---|
Product Name | Cloud Flight Wireless Stereo Gaming Headset | Arctis 7 Wireless DTS Gaming Over-The-Ear Headset |
Brand | HyperX | SteelSeries |
Sound Mode | Stereo | Stereo |
Connection Type | Wireless | Wireless |
Wireless Connectivity | Radio Frequency (RF) | Radio Frequency (RF) |
True Wireless | No | No |
Maximum Wireless Range | 65 feet | 40 feet |
Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
Adjustable Headband | Yes | No |
Battery Life | 30 hours | 24 hours |
Warranty | 2 Years | 1 year |
DESIGN & COMFORT
The design & comfort of the Cloud Flight is exceptional when you compare it with the earlier models of HyperX. It comes quite sober and not very graphic and hyper like the previous ones—the red stitches around it and the earcups that resembled more of a red candy than a headphone.
This design is preferable as it gives it a sleek and elegant appearance to that of a gaming headset. Gamers will be delighted to know that this is the first lighting built-in offered on the logo on each side of the cups.
Most of the controls, buttons are present on the unit itself, giving you incredible access. Both the left and right sides come with buttons. You can find the power button that can be used as on/off switch on the left side.
If you look at the left side earcup, you can find the mute button on the outer panel. On the right side of the earcup, you can find the volume knob. However, you cannot change the chat volume, which can be frustrating to say.
Overall, you will own a gaming headset that won’t give you too many problems when you wear them. We begin designing the Steelseries Arctis 7 by mentioning that the volume knob that is offered enables you to change both the game and chat volume sublimely.
The design of the Arctis 7 is quite similar to the Arctis 5. It is nice and elegant in appearance. There is a complete proof mechanism to adjust the headband on the headset. You do not have to fiddle around with the cords that are placed on the straps.
We liked the headband of the Arctis 7 that is flexible and suits the shape of your head. Our tester has a large head, and he did not find any issues wearing it for few hours. It comes in two colors of black and white.
When compared to the other products in its lineup, the Arctis 7 is much larger. However, you can place it inside your bag without issues. Besides, you can also rotate the earcups when making the unit lie flat.
You can find the volume wheel and the USB port for charging on the left side of the headset. There is a proprietary port for connecting the 3.5mm audio jack to use on your smartphone. Please note that you need to power it to use the surround sound function.
BUILD QUALITY
The HyperX Cloud Flight build quality cannot be termed cheap as it comes entirely made from plastic. Besides the sliders that are produced from steel, the entire frame is of plastic, but it ensures you get a strong feel holding it.
It is slightly heavier than the Arctis 7, weighing 10.5 ounces. There is a good amount of foam present on the dome of the headset. We liked how the earcups fit quite snug like earmuffs. When compared to the Logitech G533, this one stood out as it was more comfortable to wear for a prolonged duration.
The unit comes with a metal frame that is flexible and capable of withstanding a few drops and hits to it. We never felt that the earcups were too hard-pressed against the ears. However, our tester said that it bounces when walking.
You can tighten the Velcro strap to solve the issue. Getting the right fit and comfort can take time for most users. This unit is exceptionally lightweight, considering the fact that it weighs less than 10 ounces.
Gamers should not have any issues whatsoever wearing them for a good few hours straight on. Overall, the build quality of the gaming headset is good. The headband comes made from metal and is flexible.
We got a strong feeling when using it. Besides, the padding that came on the earcups was good, and the microphone is retractable. The HyperX Cloud Flight can also be considered for its robust build quality.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
The audio performance of the HyperX Cloud Flight is superb. It comes with a 2.0 stereo sound. Though the sound quality is good, you may not get the power of the 7.1 surround sound. It does not come with 5.1 channel audio like the Astro A20.
So, the quality is acceptable and nothing special about it. However, it makes up for that using colossal 50mm drivers. Using these tweeters, you can touch extreme levels of bass. If you love hearing sounds that rhythm with the bass, you will like this product.
It is not overpowering but comes with the right amount of power in it. Additionally, the sound profile is also balanced and stunning. You can also use it for 30 hours thanks to its powerful battery working.
This is an exceptional feature that is yet to be found in any gaming headset to date. Maybe in the near future, you can see a product coming with the same battery life. You may want to switch the Flight lights to take complete advantage of the battery.
The Steelseries Arctis 7 headset has always been on our minds since the launch. That is because we found it to be the only unit with the powers of the Arctis 1 wireless headset. However, the Arctis 7 comes infused with additional features like stunning audio quality.
It works sublimely on your PC and Xbox One. You will love the audio performance on the headset, thanks to the s1 speaker drivers. They are capable of producing ultra-low distortion audio for hearing crisp details effortlessly.
Gamers can now immerse themselves with the audio quality using the DTS headphone, coming with 7.1 surround sound on your PC or laptop. If you use these devices, then you will not miss out on the breathtaking sound quality.
When you will pay close to $200 for a headset, it should not only be comfortable, but offer stunning audio quality for you, and we can say the Arctis 7 achieves this with ease. All in all, both Flight and Arctis 7 come with decent audio levels to tickle your earbuds.
MICROPHONE PERFORMANCE
The microphone functionalities in a $150 gaming headset ought to be able to impress you. Gamers will be glad to know that it comes with the noise cancellation features that work.
Besides, it is detachable. That means, when you do not want to utilize it, you can put it away for additional comfort and grip on your unit. We tested it on the PC, laptop, and on the PS4 as well. The sound quality was sublime.
Its recording capability was stunning, and when you are gaming, then your voice is quite powerful, detailed, and natural. We can say that the Cloud Flight is the best microphones in the market today in terms of noise handling.
It is because of the noise gate processor, which functions well. Even though, if you turn it off, the function will work well. On the other hand, the Steelseries Arctis 7 gaming headset comes with a functional microphone too.
Its recording was powerful and provided you with crisp and detailed noise quality. We also loved the noise handling found on it. It works splendidly and can easily remove the sound coming from the background.
COMPATIBILITY
The compatibility of the HyperX Cloud Flight is exceptional, thanks to the Dolby Access app. Users may be slightly disappointed by the lag in the surround sound feature. But you can make use of the Atmos-quality audio experience.
All you need to do is plug it using the USB to the PC or PS4. This is a dedicated PS4 gaming console gaming headset. So, if you own a PS4, then we see no issues in it. We even tested the range of the sound, and it worked fine in an average build room with no loss of sound.
Sadly, the Cloud Flight will not work on your Xbox One due to the proprietary wireless technology found on the console. That was a shame, really, because gamers missed out on that. The Steelseries Arctis 7 has no issues with compatibility on devices and gaming consoles.
You can work on anything you want, perfectly. It comes with a wireless amplifier that can be paired with a PC, laptop, PS4, Xbox One, or another gaming console. What you get is opulent sound quality.
We liked the option of setting the microphone options on the PC or PS4. They worked just fine, and use the library sections if you want. In this sense, you can design your sound profile and work on it in the same box.
PRICE
The price difference between the HyperX Cloud Flight vs Steelseries Arctis 7 gaming headsets is significant. Can it be the game-changer? Let us read to find out. The HyperX Cloud Flight will cost you under $150.
That is an excellent bargain because you are getting 30 hours of battery working and a removable microphone that is typically available in top-end units. The Steelseries Arctis 7 is priced less than $150.
Now, do you want to spend close to $200 for a top-end gaming headset to receive the best in quality? You are getting fitted with a noise cancellation feature, exceptional fit on your head, and stunning battery life of almost 25 hours.
At the end of the day, it comes to your requirements and budget.
Verdict
This is the end of the comparison review of the HyperX Cloud Flight vs Steelseries Arctis 7 units. Both of the gaming headsets are good options for using gaming, music, and movies. However, the HyperX Cloud Flight comes with sublime features.
Unfortunately, it is surrounded by top-notch headsets with similar features and priced slightly lower, like the Logitech G533 or the Astro A20. Of course, a notable feature of the unit is the intense 30-hour battery life that is second to none as of now.
Besides, the unit only makes use of two massive drivers. The sound profile is alright and comes with an excellent bass without being quite powerful. The USB receiver gives low latency for enabling you to watch games and movies.
Like said, they cannot work on Xbox One or a similar console. The Steelseries Arctis 7 comes with excellent padding and sound features. You can wear it for those long gaming sessions. You would like the ski-band headband design for adjusting it on your head.
There is also the EQ to fine-tune your hearing experience. Of course, it quite expensive than the Cloud Flight unit. The winner in our comparison review between the HyperX Cloud Flight vs Steelseries Arctis 7 is the Arctis 7.
The Cloud Flight is an exceptional headset coming with stunning specifications. But the small things like compatibility with all devices and gaming consoles go to Arctis 7. In the end, it is these small but essential things that can turn the tide for any unit, and so is the case here.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.