HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless Gaming Headset Review
By: Alex Rowe
Tags: Gaming, Gadgets, Headphones, Videogames, Technology

BUILD/DESIGN

The Stinger Wireless uses the same frame and materials as the original Cloud Stinger, save for the slight weight trimming I mentioned above.

But that’s okay. And I think the changes to the design have appeal beyond their weight reductions. The thinner microphone, while still permanently attached, is more visually appealing, and looks a little less silly if you decide to wear these out and about. It’s also more flexible and adjustable than the original model.

And the removal of the obvious HyperX logo color is a first for the company. The etched-in non-colored logos give these a sleek, professional look that none of their other headsets really have, especially if you opt for the black version.

Materials-wise, it uses a plastic frame with steel reinforcement in the headband, and steel adjustment sliders. And if you’re someone that doesn’t like exposed screws, prepare for disappointment as there are little screws all over the place.

Still, it’s a Cloud Stinger but made more subtle, and it feels nice enough in the hands and on the head for the price.

FEATURES/EXTRAS

HyperX employed the same USB wireless dongle that the Cloud Flight uses here on the Stinger Wireless, and that’s a good decision.

It’ll work out of the box with a PC, PS4, or docked Nintendo Switch. The volume knob on the back of the right ear cup spins endlessly and controls the digital volume level, and it does seem to save this volume between sessions and devices.

The 17 hour battery life claim is accurate in my testing. The power light uses an LED that progresses from green-orange-red to show you descending power percentage levels, and the headset has no audio prompts other than simple beeps when you turn it on and off, or hit the extreme ends of its volume range.

I got about 40 feet of wireless range in my apartment before it started to cut out. The wireless dongle is the only way to connect this headset to anything, there’s no wired connection option available. Recharging uses micro USB, which is great for compatibility but bad for the USB-C fans out there. The power light changes colors during charging to give you an idea of how far along you are, just like it does when in use, which is a nice touch.

The ear pads are removable in case you feel like doing that, or need to buy replacements from HyperX, and it comes with their standard 2 year warranty.

MICROPHONE

My only complaint about this mic is that the thinner design of the adjustment arm, combined with a stiffer/higher quality rotation hinge, means that it’s not as easy to flip up to mute as on the original Cloud Stinger.

But that’s a teeny tiny complaint.

The mic has a good, natural, reasonably clear tone to it, with only a hint of the muffled digital compression that often plagues wireless headset microphones. It’s on the same level as the wired Cloud Stinger, and doesn’t sound as good or clean as the Cloud Flight’s microphone. The noise gate on the microphone isn’t super aggressive, thankfully, meaning you can talk at a normal volume and be picked up.

Background noise cancellation is exceptional, and there’s probably both acoustic and digital trickery in play here.

There’s no mic monitoring/sidetone feature, which is not a huge issue for me in a lower-priced headset but might irritate some of you. I don’t blast my games loud enough that they block out my voice, but if you’re a loud listener, the isolation of the leatherette here might have you wishing this had sidetone.

If you’re wondering whether these will get loud enough for you, the answer is a resounding yes. I listened to Spotify comfortably at about 25 percent volume, and cranked it up to 48 or so in high dynamic range games like Assassin’s Creed Origins. And that was plenty of volume. So the amplifier can bring it.

You can hear some quick mic tests I recorded right here.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Cloud Stinger Wireless has better, more balanced sound than its wired predecessor, an enhanced subtle design, and the same great comfort. It doesn’t have some of the frills of more expensive wireless headsets, but acquits itself very well at its $99 price point.

Of HyperX’s wireless lineup, the Stinger is the only one that really embodies their old ethos of value for the money. It’s got the perfect combination of features at this price and a solid battery, and it’s a great and more comfortable alternative to the Corsair HS70.

It doesn’t have the red lights, longer battery life, wired mode, or detachable mic of the Cloud Flight…but if you don’t need those features, I’d go for this one every single time. It’s a better deal compared to its price analogues than the Cloud Flight is at $159.

I’ve had a great time listening to this over the last few days, and I plan to keep on using it.