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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) offer the convenience of wireless usage with good sound quality, they are also sweatproof and optimized for use with Apple devices, which includes features like ear/head detection and a seamless connection experience. They are portable and suitable for calls, meetings, and exercise, but they offer less noise isolation. If you're an Apple user who values portability and wireless features, the AirPods may be a good choice despite their higher price. The HyperX Cloud II, on the other hand, has superior sound quality, comfort, and microphone quality, which makes them an excellent choice for gaming and calls. They have a detachable cable and provide better noise isolation. However, they are not as portable as the AirPods and lack wireless capability. If you prioritize sound quality, comfort, gaming, and don't need wireless conveniences, the HyperX Cloud II could be a better, more affordable option for you. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.7
The HyperX Cloud II and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the HyperX Cloud II is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$93
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $93.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
7.6
7.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and HyperX Cloud II are both good for phone calls.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $93 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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."
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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.
By the numbers
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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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