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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prefer a wireless experience with good portability, go for the Apple AirPods as they offer a compact size, wireless charging, and are optimized for Apple devices. On the other hand, if you're looking for exceptional comfort, superior mic quality for calls, and enhanced sound quality for gaming, the HyperX Cloud II is better suited for you, thanks to its over-ear design, boom mic, and virtual surround sound capabilities; however, they are wired and less portable. While AirPods are more expensive, they excel in ease of use and exercise, whereas the Cloud II provides a more immersive experience for gaming and movies. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.7
The HyperX Cloud II is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
TV and Video
5.4
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$64
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
7.6
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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HyperX Cloud II
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Headphonesty
Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the HyperX Cloud II
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About HyperX
Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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