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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For immersive gaming and longer listening sessions at home, the HyperX Cloud II would be a better choice due to their over-ear design which offers better sound isolation and comfort. However, their bulky design and cable might not be suitable for on-the-go use where the compact, wireless Sony Linkbuds would excel. Sony's option is more portable and convenient for travel or commuting but may be less comfortable during extended use. The HyperX Cloud II may also come with a microphone which can be essential if you plan to communicate during gaming or conferences, whereas the Linkbuds may not have that feature. Always consider how well the headphones fit your lifestyle and usage scenarios. 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 HyperX Cloud II
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
7.7
6.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
5.5
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
6.8
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds and HyperX Cloud II are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony Linkbuds is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
5.4
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The HyperX Cloud II is only fair for noise reduction, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$93
$178
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $93 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
10.0
9.3
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$93 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 4.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the Sony Linkbuds
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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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.
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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