HyperX Cloud Earbuds II
The 14mm dynamic drivers deliver clear mobile audio for gaming and media, backed by a 65Ω impedance and a low-profile 90° cable that resists snags. Four redesigned ear tips and a hard-shell case make fit and portability practical, while the built-in mic and multi-function button handle quick call switching. Best for budget-conscious gamers on Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or PC who want a lightweight 18g wired option without headset bulk.
No current retailer price
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds II are the comfiest wired gaming earbuds you can buy for under USD 45. Just pray your ears agree with the included tips, because the bass depends on it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfort is elite, 94th percentile in our database 93rd
- Clear, balanced sound for gaming and podcasts 73rd
- Hard shell case and four ear tip sizes included 71st
- Flat cable resists tangles and snags 67th
Cons
- Mic quality is mediocre at best
- Fit is hit or miss for some ear shapes
- No ANC, just passive isolation
- Bass falls apart without a perfect seal
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
The proof
Performance
The 14mm drivers surprised us. Sound quality sits well above average for this price, with clear footsteps and balanced treble that make competitive gaming way more enjoyable than it has any right to be at this price. The 90-degree low-profile plug is a small touch that prevents the cable from snagging on your palm mid-match. But the mic is a weak spot, landing in the bottom half of our database. Fine for quick calls, not for streaming or serious comms.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | wired, 3.5mm connection |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 14 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 20000 |
| Impedance | 65 |
| Sensitivity | 105 |
| Codecs | Hard Shell Case, Microphone Included |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Multipoint | No |
| Wired Connector | HyperX Cloud Earbuds II RED |
Earbud Battery
| Charging | proprietary |
Case Battery
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 1 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Gaming Mode | Yes |
| Bone Conduction | No |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
vs Competition
Against the JLab JBuds Pods ANC or Soundcore P31i, the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II give up wireless freedom and ANC entirely. But those competitors can't touch the HyperX comfort, which is the single most important thing for long gaming sessions. The Anker Space A40 is a better pick if you want true wireless with ANC and don't mind spending more. For wired simplicity and a mic that's good enough for Discord, the HyperX wins on comfort and value.
| Spec | HyperX Cloud Earbuds II | Technics EAH-AZ100 | JLab Epic Pods EBEPPODSRBLK124 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro | Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation | Soundcore P31i |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | hybrid | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 6.0 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 6.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 28 | 60 | 26 | 24 | 50 |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IP55 | IP57 | IP57 | IP55 |
| Multipoint | false | true | true | true | true | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperX Cloud Earbuds II | 30.8 | 65.3 | 70.7 | 73.1 | 44.2 | 93.2 | 33.7 | 48.3 | 66.8 | 67.2 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 78.8 | 99.7 | 76.7 | 93.2 | 92.5 | 99.8 | 81.2 | 2.9 |
| JLab Epic Pods EBEPPODSRBLK124 Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 99.6 | 95.3 | 93.2 | 53.3 | 98.1 | 95.5 | 20 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro Compare | 97.5 | 97.4 | 98.9 | 92.3 | 70.6 | 93.2 | 33.7 | 99.6 | 89.7 | 7.2 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation Compare | 97.5 | 81 | 98.9 | 90.4 | 73.2 | 69.7 | 33.7 | 99.6 | 99.3 | 11 |
| Soundcore P31i Compare | 90 | 97.4 | 90.8 | 96.6 | 92.3 | 69.7 | 97.3 | 86.2 | 89.7 | 57.5 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At USD 30 to USD 45 depending on the vendor, these are a steal if you want wired gaming earbuds that just work. Newegg has the best deal at the low end of that spread, so check there first. For the comfort and sound you're getting, it's hard to argue with the price.
Price History
Read more
Overview
The HyperX Cloud Earbuds II are the rare gaming earbuds that don't feel like a compromise. You get a 14mm dynamic driver, a built-in mic, and a hard shell case for around USD 30 to USD 45, and the comfort is genuinely best-in-class. The one thing to know? If they fit your ears, they're an easy recommendation for Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile gaming. If they don't, you'll know within five minutes.
Common Questions
Q: Do these work with the Nintendo Switch?
Yes. The 3.5mm connection works with the Switch in handheld mode, and the built-in mic works for voice chat in supported games.
Q: Are they good for phone calls?
They're okay for quick calls. The mic is not great, so don't expect crystal clear audio on the other end. Fine for casual use, not for work calls all day.
Q: Do they stay in your ears during workouts?
They're water-resistant and light at 18g, but the fit is the real question. If the included tips seal well, they'll stay put. If not, they'll slip and the bass disappears.
Who Should Skip This
If you need wireless earbuds with ANC or a mic that sounds professional, this isn't it. Go grab the Anker Space A40 for true wireless with solid ANC, or the Soundcore P31i if you want a cheaper wireless option. If your ears are picky about in-ear fit, try before you buy or be ready to return them.
Verdict
Buy them if you want comfortable, wired gaming earbuds for Switch, Steam Deck, or mobile. The comfort is elite, the sound is solid, and the price is right. Skip them if you need a great mic or reliable bass without fussing over ear tip fit.
Usage Scores
- Calls36.8
- Music47.7
- Overall47.9
- Budget74
- Gaming60.3
- Travel35
- Commute33.2
- Fitness52.8
