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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality is your top priority and you prefer a wireless option for convenience, consider the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2; they also offer active noise cancelling for quieter listening experiences. However, the HyperX Cloud II, while less expensive, has better microphone quality and is highly regarded for comfort, making them great for long gaming sessions or calls. They do not offer wireless connectivity or active noise cancelling, but they excel in gaming use and have virtual surround capabilities that can enhance your interactive audio experience. Choose the Pi5 S2 for superior portability and noise isolation, or the Cloud II for superior comfort and gaming features at a lower price point. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.7
7.7
The HyperX Cloud II is good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
7.0
The HyperX Cloud II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
7.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery.
Cost
$149
$64
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
8.9
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the HyperX Cloud II
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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