The HyperX Cloud Stinger wireless headset was all the rage when it first hit the market in 2018. Partly because it was dripping in bells and whistles, promising 17 hours of battery life, boasting 50-millimeter drivers, virtual 7.1 surround sound, and a lightweight design. And primarily because of the wireless convenience.

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Not even the hefty $99.99 price tag could dim its luster – but was it really worth the hype? Intriguingly, the wired version was $50 cheaper and had the exact same features except for a few design changes. Any curious gamer would understandably wonder: does the extra $50 justify the wireless functionality? We took a closer look at the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless to find out.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless: Best Deal Today

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless Overview

The thought of the Cloud Stinger Wireless being $50 more expensive than its wired counterpart gave us pause. This gadget was designed for that gamer on the go, looking for an immersive gaming experience without the hassle of tangled cords.

We had to look beyond the price tag and check out the features. And the hype wasn’t unfounded. We are talking of a solid headset with impressive sound and a comfortable fit. Here’s more on what we think about the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless headset.

Release Date and Price

HyperX released the Cloud Stinger Wireless headset on November 15, 2018. It retailed for $99.99 at launch, which is pretty reasonable for a wireless headset with virtual surround sound and an impressive 17-hour battery life.

Lucky is an understatement if you are to get your hands on the Cloud Stinger Wireless at that price today. It’s still unclear why HyperX stopped its production, but the current retail price for a brand-new unit is a whopping $169.99. That’s nearly double the original.

Different Models

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless isn’t the only model of its kind. Some models are slightly cheaper, while others are more expensive, with only a few differences. Here are some alternatives you can check out:

  • HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Wireless,HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless (PS5-PS4),HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless,HyperX Cloud X (Xbox).

Features

Below are some features that make the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless stand out.

  • Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound: The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless is perfect for immersive gaming with its 7.1 surround sound technology. It creates an expansive soundstage for precise positional audio.50mm Drivers: The 50mm drivers ensure a consistent sound throughout your gaming experience. While it doesn’t offer the same clarity and detail as other higher-end headsets, it’s still good enough to create a pleasant listening experience.100% memory foam ear cups: The ear cups are made with 100% memory foam and provide maximum comfort during long gaming sessions.USB charging cable: The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless has a USB charging cable for when you run out of juice.USB adaptor: It perfectly suits your PS4 console, giving you an uninterrupted connection to the headset.

Specifications

Below is a table with all the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless specifications.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless Review

HyperX constantly pushes the boundaries of what gamers expect from a headset. The company’s Cloud Stinger series solidified its reputation, offering feature-packed products for the budget-minded.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless headset was what we’d call a slam dunk. Reasons?

Design

The Cloud Stinger Wireless headset is all an audio enthusiast could desire. Sporting a plastic chassis, it has a sturdy build. There’s no wobble or creaking when pressed, and the ear cups fit comfortably over your ears. The headband has enough tension to keep the headset in place while gaming, and features soft padding for added comfort.

And because its design color is black, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless will blend perfectly with your existing gaming setup. Although the microphone isn’t retractable, pushing it up automatically shuts it off, something that not all wireless headsets have.

  • This is a renewed item, and as one, it’s not coming in it’s original box, it’s being packed on a brown box.

The design of the Cloud Stinger Wireless might never be every audiophile’s dream, but it does the job – and it does it well. It could have been better if the mic was retractable or removable or if the USB dongle had some storage compartments, but these are minor gripes.

Compatibility

For any wireless headset to have an edge, it must be compatible with multiple platforms. That means it should have no issues working on PlayStation, Xbox, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless only works with PCs and PS4. This is a huge downside and means Xbox gamers will have to look elsewhere.

It doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio jack, so you won’t be able to use it with your smartphone or tablet, either. We’d wish for Bluetooth support, but that would’ve probably made the headset more expensive. Some testers made it work with a docked Nintendo Switch by plugging the dongle into an adapter, but that was just about it.

Gaming Performance

One of the most important aspects of any headset is its gaming performance, and the Cloud Stinger Wireless doesn’t disappoint. Out of the box, it offers 7.1 surround sound with 50mm drivers for a crisp and clear audio experience. The nuanced soundscape of your favorite shooter or RPG will come to life with its help.

The virtual surround sound works well and adds an extra layer of immersion. Even small footsteps can be heard from a distance compared to regular stereo sound. The headset also performs well in voice communication, with the integrated mic delivering clear, noise-free audio. You might experience higher treble levels, but nothing that’s unbearable.

Battery Life

Imagine a wireless headset that must be charged after a few hours of gaming. That would be an absolute dealbreaker; thankfully, the Cloud Stinger Wireless offers solid battery life. The gadget promises 17 hours of playtime and lives up to the hype. But that’s only when it’s at 50% volume, so you’ll get about 12-13 hours at max volume. Not too shabby.

Compared to the wired version of the Cloud Stinger, you get a few more hours of playtime with the Wireless edition. Charging the unit takes around two and a half hours to complete; thankfully, you won’t need to go through that hassle too often. The led indicator near the mic will turn red when the battery is low, so you won’t be left hanging.

Connectivity

The main selling point of the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless has to be its connectivity. It’s quick, hassle-free, and requires no extra software or installation. All that’s needed is the included dongle which you can plug into any USB port. It takes only a few seconds to connect and functions within a range of 40 feet.

You won’t experience any lag or distortion with the connection, so you can concentrate on your gaming without worrying about sound quality. The only things you’ll have to avoid are objects that might obstruct the signal, like walls, TV monitors, and bookshelves.

Comfort

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless is surprisingly comfortable. Noteworthy is its lightweight design and the swiveling earcups that make it perfect for long gaming sessions. The adjustable steel slider also helps find the right fit, so you won’t be too uncomfortable after hours of play.

The padding is soft and doesn’t irritate the ears, but it could’ve been a bit thicker for better noise isolation. The headband also does its job well, evenly distributing the headset’s weight. Overall, the comfort level is satisfactory and comparable to a few high-end models.

  • With a wireless range of up to 40 feet and a battery life of up to 17 hours, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless allows you to have longer gaming sessions with fewer interruptionsUSB charging cable includedThe 50 millimeter drivers and closed cup design allows for rich sound quality with crystal clear low, mid and high tonesThe 100 % memory foam ear cushions and adjustable memory foam leatherette headband is designed with comfort in mindThe noise cancelling microphone can be conveniently muted by flipping it vertically. Easily chat with friends in game and out

The ear cups also cover your ears fully and block out ambient noise – a great feature for gamers who don’t want any distractions. The flip-up mic is short and accurate, but you’ll need to push it closer to your mouth for clear audio.

Durability

HyperX does a pretty good job with the build quality. The Cloud Stinger Wireless is quite sturdy and can take a few knocks without breaking. It’s made with plastic, but the construction feels solid enough. The headset doesn’t bend easily, so you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged during travel.

The steel slider adds to the durability, and the swiveling ear cups are flexible without being too flimsy. Perhaps the only downside is the plastic audio controls. You need to be careful while pressing the buttons. But, overall, they’re pretty durable.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless: Pros and Cons

Below is a list of pros and cons that makes the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless a great buy.

Pros:

  • Long battery life (17 hours)Easy to connect with the USB dongleComfortable design and adjustable steel sliderExcellent sound quality with 7.1 surround soundLightweight and durable build qualityFairly priced

Cons:

  • It lacks a 3.5mm jackThe headset only works with PC and PS4The mic isn’t removable or retractable

HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless: Is it a Buy?

Below is why you should buy or not buy the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless.

Buy it if…

You want a budget-friendly wireless gaming headset

The launch price of the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless was only $99.99, making it one of the more affordable options out there. While newly available options might cost a bit more, it remains one of the best value-for-money deals. Renewed versions are way cheaper and offer the same performance.

You need a reliable headset for long gaming sessions

Thanks to its comfortable design and lightweight build, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless is perfect for those lengthy gaming sessions. You won’t feel discomfort, even after wearing the headset for hours at a stretch. And the 17-hour battery life is more than enough for those lengthy gaming marathons.

Don’t buy it if…

You need something for other platforms

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless only works with PC and PS4, so you won’t be able to use it on Xbox One or Nintendo Switch consoles. You might want to look for something with cross-platform compatibility.

You prefer wired gaming headsets

If you don’t like dealing with the hassle of charging, you might want to opt for a wired gaming headset. Luckily, the wired version of the HyperX Cloud Stinger is still available on the market and is also compatible with other platforms.

You want extra features

Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Wireless doesn’t have extra features such as RGB lighting or a Bluetooth connection. The headset lacks a 3.5mm jack, and the mic isn’t detachable or retractable. You might have to look for something else that offers more features.