The HyperX Cloud 2 and HyperX Cloud 3 both are very popular gaming headsets. In this article, we will compare their technical specifications, packaging, design, sound quality, and overall convenience to understand which headset is better for the gamers and what they should look into headset before making there choice.
HyperX Cloud 2
The HyperX Cloud 2 is a well-known gaming headset that was released in 2015 and it’s a very popular gaming headset as it’s still attracting the gamers. the cloud 2 comes with wide range of accessories, like ear pads, a detachable microphone, airplane adapter, and a sound card extension cable.
HyperX Cloud 3
The HyperX Cloud 3 is presented as the best headset HyperX has ever released and an excellent gaming headset for up to $150. It a latest headset from the HyperX, which features metal inserts and have a good build quality. If you compare it with previous version cloud 2, its look more premium headset with affordable price.
HyperX Cloud 2 | HyperX Cloud 3 |
PROS | PROS |
Comfortable leatherette ear pads. Detachable microphone with decent performance. Clear and open audio with decent bass. Potentially more affordable due to earlier release. | Ear pads designed to prevent sweat accumulation. Detachable microphone with metal grilles and noise reduction. Powerful and controlled bass with enhanced sound output. USB Type-C adapter with built-in DAC amplifier. |
CONS | CONS |
Sound quality may not match premium headphones. | Higher price may not be suitable for all budgets. |
CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Similarities Between HyperX Cloud 2 and Cloud 3
- Universal wired design: Both headsets are designed to work with various devices, including PC, consoles, laptops, and mobile devices. They use a 3.5mm cable, which can be extended with a USB-C connection, and come with a slim USB-A adapter for wider compatibility.
- Comfortable design: Both headsets feature a comfortable design, with deep and soft memory foam ear pads covered with plush leatherette material. Both the headset is lightweight and have a comfortable design. They are perfect for long gaming sessions.
- Detachable microphone: Both headsets come with a detachable microphone, allowing users to use them as regular headphones without the microphone when needed.
- Audio customization: Both headsets can be customized using the HyperX Ingenuity app when connected via USB. you can adjust audio settings like volume, microphone volume, and equalizer settings to adjust the sound you prefer.
- Clear and neutral audio: As both headsets are from the same maker, they deliver very clear and neutral sound, which gives more detail sound for gaming and competitive play. The audio from both headsets is not overly bass-heavy or sparkly in the highs, which can help in hearing important audio cues during gameplay.
- High-quality drivers: Both headsets use large 53mm drivers, offering an expanded frequency response of 10Hz to 21,000Hz, providing a broad range of sounds and enhancing the gaming experience.
- Minimalistic design: Both Cloud 2 and Cloud 3 headsets have a simple design with color accents (red for Cloud 3 and optional red accents for Cloud 2). The design of both headset is sleek and gamer-oriented, but maker was more focused on functionality and comfort.
- Cross-platform compatibility: They are compatible with almost all the gaming platforms, like PC, Mac, Xbox One, and PS4, which make these headsets easy pick for gamers who is use to play games on different devices.
Major Differences Between HyperX Cloud 2 and Cloud 3
- The HyperX Cloud 2 is a wired gaming headset with a closed-back design and the HyperX Cloud 3 also a wired gaming headset with an updated design and features.
- The HyperX Cloud 2 comes with pleather ear cups for a punchier sound and a 10.5-foot braided wire, which some users find uncomfortable, while the HyperX Cloud 3 has a 3.5mm connection with a USB adapter, providing a more flexible range of compatibility options.
- HyperX Cloud 2 includes an inline control with 7.1 virtual surround sound, although some users find it to be exaggerated and fake, whereas the Cloud 3 offers DTS Headphone X spatial audio via the USB adapter on PC, enhancing the gaming experience.
- The build quality of HyperX Cloud 2 impresses with its metal spring headband, plush memory foam cushioning, and sturdy design, but the plastic earcups may move too easily for some users, whereas the Cloud 3 boasts a comfortable and durable design, featuring metal components in the headband.
- HyperX Cloud 2 features a detachable cardioid microphone with a frequency response of 50Hz to 18,000kHz, while the Cloud 3 has a large detachable microphone with noise-cancellation, though some users report mic monitoring issues in the Ingenuity software.
- The HyperX Cloud 2 has been highly recommended and remains sought after in 2022, while the HyperX Cloud 3, with its reasonable price, offers an updated all-around package with good sound quality and comfort, even though some users find its bass lacking compared to other headsets.
Specifications | HyperX Cloud 2 | HyperX Cloud 3 |
---|---|---|
Sound Mode | Surround 7.1 | DTS Headphone:X |
Connection Type | Wired | Wired |
Water Resistant | No | No |
Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Carrying Case | Yes | No |
Microphone Features | Detachable, Noise cancelling | Detachable, Noise cancelling |
Headphone Fit | Over-the-Ear | Over-the-Ear |
Adjustable Headband | Yes | Yes |
Compatible Platforms | Windows, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS | Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS |
Voice Assistant Built-in | Not Applicable | No |
Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Price | CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
HyperX Cloud 2 vs Cloud 3 – Detailed Comparison
Design and Comfort
Starting with design and comfort, both the HyperX Cloud 2 and Cloud 3 offer a sleek and ergonomic design. The Cloud 2 has been around since 2015 and features a classic black and red color combination. The headset comes with leatherette ear pads, which provide comfort for long gaming sessions. The Cloud 3, on the other hand, offers a more premium build with metal inserts and high-quality materials. Well, the cloud 3 ear pads are sweat resistant, which gives you proper comfort even during intense gaming sessions.
Winner: HyperX Cloud 3 (for its more premium build and comfort features)
Microphone
When it come to the microphone, Both headsets provide a detachable microphone, which gives the flexibility to use them while gaming and remove them while watching movies or listening song. The HyperX Cloud 2 microphone performs adequately for gaming communication, but it may not match the quality of external USB microphones. The Cloud 3’s microphone features metal grilles and noise reduction, which provide you better sound recording quality which is suitable for gaming and content creation.
Winner: HyperX Cloud 3 (for its superior microphone with noise reduction)
Sound Quality
When it come to the sound quality, both headsets provide an impressive audio which is suitable for gaming. The HyperX Cloud 2 offers clear and open audio with decent bass. Its sound card extension cable provides some improvement in sound output, but an external sound card is recommended for the best performance. On the other hand, the Cloud 3 boasts powerful yet controlled bass, making gaming experiences more immersive. Additionally, the Cloud 3 comes with a USB Type-C adapter featuring a built-in DAC amplifier, enhancing sound output significantly.
Winner: HyperX Cloud 3 (for its powerful bass and included DAC amplifier)
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, the HyperX Cloud 2 includes a fabric case, an airplane adapter, and a sound card extension cable. While these are useful additions, the Cloud 3 goes the extra mile by providing a USB Type-C adapter with a built-in DAC amplifier. This USB Type-C adapter enhances the sound quality and provide greater convenience for gamers.
Winner: HyperX Cloud 3 (for its superior USB Type-C adapter with DAC amplifier)
Price
As for the price, the HyperX Cloud 2 is still be available at a more affordable price between $60 to $70. On the other hand, the Cloud 3, As it a newer headset with more advanced model, you will get it between $90 to $100. Depending on your budget and the available deals, the Cloud 2 could offer better value for money.
Winner: HyperX Cloud 2 (for its potentially more affordable price)
Conclusion
In summary, As we talked about both HyperX Cloud 2 and Cloud 3 headset and found out that they both are excellent gaming headsets, they provide reliable audio performance and comfortable designs for gamers. But the Cloud 3 looks better with its premium build, superior microphone, and included USB Type-C adapter with a DAC amplifier. But that does not mean that the Cloud 2 is not a good headset. It also offers good sound quality and comfort and most importantly it’s have an affordable price.
HyperX Cloud 2 and Cloud 3 Alternatives
SteelSeries Arctis 7X:
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mobile
- Drivers: 40mm
- Microphone: ClearCast bidirectional
- Surround Sound: DTS Headphone:X v2.0
- Battery Life: 24 hours (wireless)
Logitech G Pro X:
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Drivers: 50mm Pro-G
- Microphone: Blue VO!CE Technology
- Surround Sound: DTS Headphone:X 2.0
- Design: Lightweight with memory foam ear pads
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro:
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Drivers: TriForce Titanium 50mm
- Microphone: Razer HyperClear Cardioid
- Surround Sound: THX Spatial Audio
- Comfort: Breathable ear cushions
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT:
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Drivers: 50mm neodymium
- Microphone: Broadcast-grade omnidirectional
- Wireless: Slipstream technology
- Audio: Dolby Atmos 3D
Astro A40 TR with MixAmp Pro:
- Compatibility: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Audio: Astro Audio V2
- Features: Mod Kit ready (noise isolation)
- Microphone: Removable and customizable
- Accessories: Includes MixAmp Pro for audio control
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.