Review: HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core Wired Gaming Headset

As the gaming industry continues to grow, every gamer is looking for the perfect gaming headphone that offers great audio quality, comfort, and affordability can be an overwhelming task. With the vast number of gaming headphones in the market, we are not certain which brand or product provides an excellent gaming experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

HyperX is one famous brand known for its large portfolio of gaming accessories. They are durable devices of high quality, simple design, immersive audio quality, and available at friendly prices.

For our hands-on review, we have the new HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core the next generation of gaming headset that are affordable and offers an array of features that can optimize the game performance of its users.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is priced at Php2,390 now available in all HyperX authorized distributors and resellers nationwide. You can also buy them on HyperX’s official e-commerce store partners on Shopee and Lazada.

Let’s dive in with our review of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core.

Unboxing

The packaging of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is made of thick cardboard material.

Just like any other packaging box of a gaming headset, you will immediately see an array of elements printed on it. There’s an image of the product, the HyperX logo, certification marks, product information, and unique selling points (USP).

Overall, the packaging will give you a sense of professionalism and a premium feel.

Opening the box, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is safely covered in a clear plastic casing for extra protection.

Inside the box, you’ll have the following contents:

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core Headset
PC Extension Cable
Foam Mic
Quick Start Guide
DTS Headphone X 2-Year Activation Code
Foam Mic Cover

I just wish HyperX should have included a pouch bag to store the headphones to protect them from scratches, dust, or when not in use. It would have been much better if it were a hard-shell case.

Design and Build Quality

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is clad in an all-black color and almost built out of durable plastic material. They only come in one color which is Black.

It has an overall toned-down design with a HyperX logo found on each side of the ear cups.

The top portion of the headband has a HyperX logo then underneath it, you have soft and thick pads offering extra comfort to your head.

The left and right earcups have a good memory foam pad to act as cushioning and provide an added grip. It also helps to block out noise from outside so you have a crisper, clearer sound.

On the left side of the earcup is a flip-down mic that mutes itself when in the upright position. Every time you raise or lower the mic, you’ll hear a satisfying click sound. The mic is also placed for better positioning close to your mouth.

The right earcup holds a red volume control wheel to easily adjust the audio. There’s also a wire, which is not detachable, that extends up to 6 feet long with a 3.5mm headphone jack at the end.

At 0.60 pounds, the Cloud Stinger 2 Core is lightweight and still comfortable when you wear them, that’s suitable for long gaming sessions.

Comfort

After using the headphone for almost a week, they are still comfortable even if I put them on for a long hours just to listen to my Spotify playlist while working. It is suitable for long gaming sessions or binge-watching your favorite episodes.

The length of the earpad on the Cloud Stinger 2 Core measures 4 inches however, the inside of the earpad is only 2.5 inches. Checking on my ear size, I got a measurement of 2.75 inches. So, they still fit appropriately.

They provide the right minimal clamping force and the ear cups are a great fit for my normal-sized ears. Adjusting the headphones is easy and just the right amount of height it can provide.

In my opinion, I just feel that the Cloud Stinger 2 Core might be small and tight for users who have a large head.

Performance

There’s no noise cancellation feature on the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core. However, the soft thick cushioned ear pads can decently help lessen ambient noise. While I was using the headphones to test on a game, I can still hear a few sounds from the TV and the cars honking outside.

As for sound quality, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core performed very well in the audio output department with its pair of 40mm directional drivers.

With a 40mm driver unit supported on a headphone, it offers users a next-level sound quality and bigger drivers are capable of producing amazing bass.

The headphones 40mm drivers produced a nice sound signature with clear and balanced mids. It has aggressive highs, clear vocals, and just the right amount of low-end thump of the bass without becoming overpowering.

You can plug and use the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core on any device that supports a 3.5mm audio port. I was able to plug it into my smartphone and laptop.

We had a pleasant experience playing games with the headphones.

The spatial audio is so good when I play Code of War on my laptop. I was able to hear the precise location of enemy gunfire and track the position of other players. The same goes when I play Asphalt 9 as the game soundtrack and the car engine noise are pretty good.

The volume was adequately high too offering a wide range of sound.

Watching your favorite video content or listening to your music playlist with these gaming headphones will not disappoint you. I liked how the bass kicks out, the speaker’s voice is clear, and in general, actually sounded better just like the other music headphones in its price point.

The built-in swivel microphone was able to give out clear voice transmission on the other side. There was no static or distortion while I’m speaking.

And if I want to mute my microphone, I simply need to flip it up which is very convenient.

By using the included foam mic cover, you can attach it on your microphone so your breathing sounds can be dramatically reduced or minimize wind noise.

DTS^® Headphone:X

Included in the packaging is a 2-year subscription to DTS^® Headphone:X that you can use to have a 3D spatial sound experience which is produced on multi-speaker sound systems.

DTS^® Headphone:X is an audio solution that enhance perception or awareness in your gameplay by creating immersive 3D sound on the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core. It gives you an improvement playing your first-person shooter games which helps you hear your enemy before you see them.

Try plugging your headphone to watch and listen to this Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer with immersive DTS Headphone:X sound!

What We Like

Comfortable and Lightweight
Durable
Simple Design
Easy Access To Volume Control
Affordable Price
Good Sound Quality
Swivel-To-Mute Microphone
DTS Headphone: X
2-Year Warranty

What We Want

Detachable Cable
Headset Pouch
More Colors

Conclusion

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core is one great affordable gaming headphone that doesn’t compromise on performance and comfort.

Good thing HyperX included 2-years of free subscription to DTS Headphone: X as a surprising add-on for this kind of budget gaming headphones.

Although its entire body is made of plastic, HyperX used materials that are of the highest quality standard.

It boasts an impressive audio quality that will surely help you enjoy and optimize your gameplay. Other than for gaming use, these gaming headphones are good for watching videos and playing music.

If you’re a casual gamer who’s looking for budget-friendly gaming headphones with excellent sound experience then we recommend the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Core.