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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you desire premium sound quality with an expansive soundstage for critical music listening, choose the Focal Elex; however, they are open-back and won't isolate noise well, so they're not ideal for noisy environments. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more affordable all-rounder with a great microphone for gaming and calls, strong noise isolation, and virtual surround for immersion, the HyperX Cloud II will serve you well. Consider that the Focal Elex is heavier and less portable, lacking features like a built-in microphone or controls, whereas the HyperX offers these conveniences. 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 Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
6.9
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
7.6
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, 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 Focal Elex is poor.
Cost
$749
$64
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $64.
Build Quality
9.0
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Focal Elex has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.7
The Focal Elex and HyperX Cloud II are both good for music.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
7.0
The Focal Elex and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Focal Elex and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $64 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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 Focal Elex or the HyperX Cloud II
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
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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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