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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality noise isolation and frequently travel by air, the Apple Airpods Max would be a superior choice as they offer excellent noise cancellation and are well suited for air travel. However, if you're on a budget and need a headset with a top-tier microphone and higher comfort for extended wear, perhaps for gaming, calls, and meetings, the HyperX Cloud II could be the better option, costing significantly less while also offering great sound quality. The Cloud II also includes a boom mic, which is better suited for clear voice communication, whereas the Airpods Max has an integrated microphone. The Airpods Max connects wirelessly, which is convenient for mobility but comes at a premium price. In contrast, the Cloud II is a wired option, which means no battery concerns but potentially less freedom of movement. Keep in mind that the Airpods Max is optimized for Apple devices and may afford extra features to iPhone or iPad users, such as spatial audio and seamless device switching. 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 Max
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.5
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.0
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
6.0
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$64
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.7
The HyperX Cloud II and Apple Airpods Max are both good for music.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
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 Max 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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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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