A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize savings and need earbuds for casual listening or calls, the Apple Earpods are more budget-friendly and offer decent sound quality and microphone performance for everyday use, especially for portability and compatibility with Apple devices. However, if you seek better comfort, noise isolation, and immersive sound for gaming, the HyperX Cloud II, despite its higher price, provides superior comfort, an excellent microphone, as well as virtual surround sound. The Cloud II's build quality is also more robust, which is a consideration for longevity, though it's less portable than the Earpods. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- The HyperX Cloud II has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Phone Calls
8.0
7.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$64
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 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 Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.7
The Apple Earpods and HyperX Cloud II are both good for music.
Gaming
8.3
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.0
The Apple Earpods and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Earpods and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
HyperX Cloud II
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Earpods 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.
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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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