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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HifiMan Edition XS offers top-notch sound quality and an expansive soundstage for an immersive music experience but lacks a microphone for calls and isn't suitable for exercise or travel due to its open-back design and bulkiness. On the other hand, the less expensive HyperX Cloud II, while providing good sound quality, excels with its comfortable fit, excellent microphone quality for calls and gaming, and better portability. However, the Cloud II has a closed-back design that may not match the XS's soundstage and they also don't have active noise cancellation. Consider if you prioritize superior audio and soundstage over features such as a microphone and overall versatility. 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 HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Best in class for TV and video
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.8
7.7
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Gaming
7.4
8.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Edition XS is good.
Phone Calls
5.0
7.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.0
The HifiMan Edition XS and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.5
7.6
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class 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 HifiMan Edition XS is poor.
Cost
$269
$93
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Edition XS has a price of $269 and the HyperX Cloud II costs $93.
Build Quality
8.5
10.0
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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How the HifiMan Edition XS and the HyperX Cloud II compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Edition XS | HyperX Cloud II |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $93 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | HyperX | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | January 1, 2015 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 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 | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 421 Grams | 317.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Edition XS
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
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 HifiMan Edition XS or the HyperX Cloud II
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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