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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x shines in music listening with high overall sound quality and a robust build, making it worth the extra cost for audiophiles and professionals who prioritize sound fidelity and durability. However, the HyperX Cloud II, which costs less, provides a more comfortable fit and a significantly better microphone perfect for gaming and calls. Gamers might also prefer the Cloud II for its virtual surround capabilities. Both are wired and offer decent noise isolation, but neither supports wireless usage or active noise cancellation. The M50x might not be as comfortable for long sessions or as versatile for calls and gaming compared to the Cloud II. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.7
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$64
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
8.5
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.0
The HyperX Cloud II and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.6
The Audio Technica M50x and HyperX Cloud II are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 M50x 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.
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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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