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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're on a budget and don't need wireless earbuds, the HyperX Cloud II is more affordable, provides excellent microphone quality, and is very comfortable for long gaming sessions, plus it has very good build quality. However, Sony WF1000XM5 offers a premium wireless experience with active noise cancelling and better portability, which is great for air travel and use during exercise, as well as an optimized experience for both Android and Apple devices with app customization options. Choose the HyperX if cost and gaming are priorities, or the Sony if you need wireless freedom and noise cancellation for diverse environments. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.6
5.1
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
5.0
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.9
The HyperX Cloud II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.4
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 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 WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$64
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $64 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the HyperX Cloud II is good.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$64 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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