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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is a key consideration, the HyperX Cloud II is a solid choice as it is significantly less expensive. It's a traditional over-ear headphone with a closed-back design, known for comfortable long listening sessions and a boom mic that's detachable and replaceable, which can be great for gaming or online calls. However, for those prioritizing the latest technology and features, the Sony WF1000XM4 earbuds may be more suitable. They are more expensive but offer advanced noise-canceling, support for high-definition audio codecs like LDAC, and are more portable due to their true wireless design. Additionally, they have a built-in microphone and support Sony's 360 Reality Audio for a more immersive listening experience, though this requires supported apps. Choose the HyperX Cloud II for comfort and value or the Sony WF1000XM4 for top-notch noise cancellation and advanced features in wireless earbuds. 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 phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Very good for air travel
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.7
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
Gaming
8.6
5.6
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
6.7
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
TV and Video
7.6
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$64
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $64 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
10.0
8.9
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$64 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 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 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 6.5 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 WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the Sony WF1000XM4
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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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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