After working hours, I flip to gaming to calm down, and having a strong headset is a vital part of the expertise. Gaming headsets could be dear, however the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 — the most recent launch from the corporate — is significantly cheaper than the competitors whereas providing specs that do not essentially scream “compromise”.
I examined out the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 for just a few weeks for my gaming — and music expertise. On Spotify, Ok. Flay and Grandson songs felt very tinny to my ears. Nonetheless, this headset was designed for gaming functions, and as soon as I fired up Halo and Far Cry: Primal, the standard distinction astounded me.
Within the Far Cry franchise, spatial audio is important for me to higher hearken to my environment and carry out stealthy, tactical takedowns. The 50mm drivers use DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio, and this software program gave me the higher hand as I slunk across the Valley saving Wenja tribe members in Primal. I used to be usually impressed by how life-like my audio sounded, particularly for the $49 worth level. It is price noting right here that DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio is a paid subscription, although HyperX bundles a two-year activation code whenever you buy the Cloud Stinger 2.
Just lately, I examined one other budget-friendly headset — the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headset. Compared to the Nova 1, which retails for $10 extra, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 goes toe-for-toe, apart from one key space: the microphone.
Extra: Finest PC gaming headsets
There is a noise-canceling microphone constructed into the $49 headset. Rebecca Isaacs/ZDNET
Whereas the built-in noise-canceling microphone labored, I requested my companion how my voice sounded and was instructed that the Cloud Stinger 2 sounded louder however extra muffled than the Nova 1. Principally, if you need your crew to listen to you shouting for assist throughout a Halo alien battle, then the Stinger 2 will get the job achieved. Simply do not count on them to totally comprehend each phrase that you simply say.
One main factor to notice: the mic doesn’t retract or detach, so people who need a extra discreet headset when not gaming or utilizing voice comms will wish to look elsewhere. It is also not wi-fi suitable, in case you have been hoping to pair it by way of Bluetooth or an adapter.
So far as comfortability goes, the Cloud Stinger 2 comes with HyperX’s Signature Consolation, featured within the reminiscence foam that wraps across the headband and ear muffs. I gamed for the higher a part of a weekend whereas carrying these and so they felt snug your complete time.
Finally, if you happen to completely want a retractable mic and a transparent voice, I might suggest choosing the Nova 1 headset. But when your finances is capped at $50 and/otherwise you need a well-off entry-level headset, the Cloud Stinger 2 is definitely worth the look.
