When it comes to spending PC peripherals, headsets can sometimes be an afterthought. The mouse comes first and a good keyboard can last for years. The budget gaming headset market is also full of clones and second-rate manufacturers, making it difficult to find quality products.
HyperX’s Stinger series has always served as an entry-level gaming headset from a reputable brand, and the Stinger 2 carries on that legacy as the latest release. Here’s a hands-on review of the Cloud Stinger 2, HyperX’s latest budget gaming headset.
If you are looking for a quick review of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset:
When it comes to tangibles like sound and build quality, the Cloud Stinger 2 is way above its weight class. The surround sound is excellent and the voice quality is very reasonable for the price. The Stinger 2 is pretty barebones when it comes to features, but a budget gamer who prioritizes great sound and comfort can’t go wrong with these $50 cans.
Disclaimer: WIN.gg received a free Cloud Stinger 2 from HyperX before its official release. There may be minor differences between our test headset and the release model.
The Audience for the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
Any review of Cloud Stinger 2 should keep the intended customer in mind. At $50, this headset is aimed at relatively newer gamers who want a quality brand headset at a reasonable price. It’s not fair to compare it to high-end luxury wireless headsets like the Arctis 7+ or EPOS H3 Hybrid. Logical alternatives to the Stinger 2 are the Logitech G435 and Turtle Beach Recon 70X.
HyperX advertises the Cloud Stinger 2 as compatible with all of the following gaming platforms.
- android
- Apple iOS
- mac
- Nintendo Switch
- pc
- playstation 4,
- Playstation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series
The HyperX Stinger 2 box contains a 3.5mm connection cable, a quick start guide, a foam microphone filter and a two-year activation code for DTS Headphone:X. The connection also allows the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 to work as normal headphones with most personal music devices.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 feature list is well done, but small
The Cloud Stinger 2 brings a few features of HyperX’s premium headset to the budget category.
In terms of features, the Cloud Stinger 2 doesn’t advertise as the flashiest headset on the market. It has black plastic throughout with matching color faux leather under the headband. It has HyperX logos and some texture on the ear cups, but that’s it. This headset has no RGB and the only colored element is the volume knob.
In terms of sound, HyperX places an emphasis on the Stinger 2’s DTS Headphone:X spatial audio technology. The proprietary surround sound system seems to improve directional audio, but exactly what it does is a mystery. Both ear cups contain 50 millimeter drivers with ear cushions. In our review, the ear cups are just wide enough to barely touch the edges of the ear.
The microphone is about as simple as it gets. The movable cable leads to a small directional microphone. The arm can be folded into the headset to mute, but there is no pocket to store it. It also makes a very loud and satisfying click when locked in mute, allowing the user to notice if knocked out of position.
In terms of user interface, the Stinger 2 is extremely barebones with only a red volume rocker under the right earcup. Other than that textured slider, there are no other accessories attached to the headset. The cups themselves rotate 90 degrees in the chest, which can make it comfortable during short breaks.
The Stinger 2 nails sound, voice quality and build
Despite the low $50 price tag, a quick review of the Cloud Stinger 2 reveals great audio and compelling material.
We’re still not exactly sure what DTS Headphone:X is, but the Stinger 2’s surround sound quality is comparable to some luxury headset options. After a few minutes of customizing, it became easy to determine the direction of enemies in both Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Games with more immersive audio like Deep Rock Galactic and Elden Ring also sounded great.
While we only have two weeks to get used to this headset, the Stinger 2 feels well built. The plastic on the ear cups feels thick and resists bending. The headband also feels solid with very little twist to it.
It’s difficult to judge the potential lifespan of such a new headset, but our testing has not yet discovered any noticeable flaws with our Stinger 2 test model. The plastic remains as new after two weeks without any mechanical problems. The included foam microphone filter attracts both cat and human hair, but is completely optional and easy to remove.
Voice quality isn’t the first thing gamers look for in a budget headset review, but your friends will thank you for picking up the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. The microphone is on par with more expensive headsets and the wired connection keeps the input clear with low latency. The microphone’s design isn’t anything to write home about, but all the internals HyperX has come up with for the Stinger 2 do a great job.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 cable, features lagging
While it passes core areas with flying colors, there are a few features of the Stinger Cloud 2 that may disappoint certain gamers.
Many headset manufacturers try to spice up their cheaper products with customizable RGB or wild design. The Stinger 2 has neither, which may disappoint gamers who like to show off. The headset is completely matte black with only a red volume knob to break up the silhouette. A lack of aesthetics is expected for $50, but there’s really nothing that sets this set apart from the rest at first glance.
In addition, the 3.5 millimeter cable for the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is not as robust as some other budget options. It is a round, slightly sticky plastic cable without braid. Even after a fair amount of use, it still hasn’t completely lost its excited factory shape. This worries us that the cable is the first to break on many Cloud Stinger 2s. It is also not easy to replace with another 3.5mm cable.
How the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 compares to alternatives
Let’s take a look at the specs of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 compared to two of its cheap headset alternatives.
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 | Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED | Turtle Beach Recon 70X |
| $50 | $50 | $40 |
| 3.5mm jack | Wireless dongle | 3.5mm jack |
| 372 grams weight | 164 grams weight | 476 grams weight |
| No lighting | No lighting | No lighting |
| Wired only | 18 hours battery life | Wired only |
| volume knob | Volume buttons | volume knob |
Looking purely at the stats, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 strikes a happy balance of multiple features. It has the best built-in media controls and weighs in between both the G435 and Recon 70X. For gamers who struggle to choose between these headphones, the Stinger 2 may terrify them with its subtle looks and great surround sound.
However, the other alternatives to the Stinger 2 beat it in some key areas. Logitech’s budget option is the only one with a wireless connection option, although wireless isn’t always an attractive option. The Turtle Beach pick is compatible with more platforms and is also slightly cheaper. Gamers demanding an X factor in their budget headsets may need to look elsewhere.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 lays the foundation for a budget gaming headset
With all its features exposed, the Stinger 2 is a budget gaming headset that trades all the frills for great, simple performance. The surround sound is good enough to stick with the flagships, while the rugged design still impresses after weeks of testing. It’s probably the least noticeable option on most online marketplaces, but budget gamers who value quality over features have found what they’re looking for.
- Excellent sound for the price
- Great build quality
- Comfortable for most people
- $50 price tag
Gamers who want to take esports titles like Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive seriously can benefit most from this headset. It combines excellent spatial audio with comfort for long practice sessions. It also doesn’t break the bank, freeing up budget for a new mouse or keyboard. Ultimately, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is an excellent budget choice for a first gaming headset.
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