A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP delivers solid overall quality sound and is optimized for portable use with a closed-back, on-ear design that's wired and doesn't feature a detachable cable. If you're into music and want a stylish option that's more suited for on-the-go use, they might be worth the extra cost. On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud II is praised for comfort with an over-ear design and excellent microphone quality, making them a great choice for gaming and making calls. They are also better suited for longer listening sessions and come with a detachable cable and virtual surround sound for immersive gaming experiences. If you need a versatile headset that offers good sound quality and excels in communications and gaming at a lower price point, the HyperX Cloud II is a strong contender. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Cost
$100
$64
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
8.0
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats EP to be very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HyperX Cloud II to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
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How the Beats EP and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the HyperX Cloud II
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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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