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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X excels in overall sound quality and soundstage, which is great for an accurate audio experience in music and TV. However, it lacks a microphone and isn't recommended for calls or exercise. In contrast, the HyperX Cloud II is better for gaming, due to its gaming score and comfort, along with a high-quality microphone, making it ideal for multiplayer games and virtual meetings. Both models are wired, over-ear headphones with similar noise isolation and no wireless features. Consider the HyperX Cloud II if you need a good mic and plan to game, or the Audio Technica for critical listening and watching TV. 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.6
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is poor.
Cost
$89
$64
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
7.2
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.7
The HyperX Cloud II and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HyperX Cloud II to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.9
7.6
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and HyperX Cloud II are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
6.0
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and HyperX Cloud II are both only fair for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the HyperX Cloud II
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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