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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The HyperX Cloud II is known for exceptional comfort and superb microphone quality, making it an excellent choice for gaming and calls. It's a wired option, suitable for situations where latency is critical. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5, despite being more expensive, offers superior noise isolation with active noise cancelling, which is ideal for air travel and busy environments, and it's wireless, adding convenience and portability. The Sony also features app integration that allows equalizer customization, while the HyperX does not. Choose the HyperX Cloud II if you prioritize gaming comfort and microphone quality at a lower price, or choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 for top-notch noise cancellation and wireless functionality in busier settings. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good 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 WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
5.5
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
6.0
The HyperX Cloud II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
5.8
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
N/A
40.3 Hours
The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$64
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $64 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
10.0
8.8
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$64 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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
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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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