HyperX Cloud Stinger Core

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core

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Comment

This will likely be one of the shortest headset reviews I’ve ever done on GamesReviews, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A few weeks ago, HyperX sent over the Cloud Stinger Core for the PS4 for us to try out, and my experience with the headset has been phenomenal, although for the price. At only 39.99 USD, the Cloud Stinger Core is quickly undercutting most of its competitors with this device, and delivers a fantastic, trademark HyperX products, with a few less bells and whistles than the premium lines.

Build Quality

One thing that HyperX has always done well is build a very durable headset. Although made mostly of plastic, the device itself is very flexible; I had no issues grabbing each cup and twisting the headset back and forth, and not once did I ever feel like the device was going to break.

Where HyperX has managed to cut costs was in the ear cups themselves. Most models from this company utilize a pleather like material on the ear cups which forms nicely to your head when wearing them, the Cloud Stinger Core uses a fabric material, similar to the cheaper brands of other companies. It definitely isn’t uncomfortable, but not what I would choose should I have multiple headset options lying on the table in front of me.

The other thing I didn’t care for when using the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core was that the audio cable connected to each ear cup – yes, there is a wire on each side, not just one as it more traditional – is not detachable, and can be annoying for those not use to this type of setup. Still, for 39.99, consumers definitely don’t have much room to complain, especially when you take into consideration the microphone quality and the audio capabilities.

Microphone Quality

The traditional design of HyperX products is that to mute the microphone, one only needs to push the microphone up parralel to the headband of the device, and it will automatically mute itself. The Cloud Stinger Core opts to have the mute button on a inline remote which is located about 1/3rd of the way down the cord, and restsly nicely on your lower chest for easy access. I was pretty reluctant to use headsets with an inline remote when I first started out, but it has become my preferred way to mute/un-mute, and change volume, so I consider it a nice feature here.

During online gaming sessions playing Fortnite on PS4 with friends, I never got complaints about my microphone quality. To be sure, I was never complimented on it either, making me say that the quality is passable and usable, with no major interference. From time to time, I do hear a faint tin-like sound when talking – a problem with cheaper microphones – but it’s not often and it’s not blatantly obvious either.

Audio Quality

The audio quality is better than I ever could have expected from a stereo headset, although after trying out dozens of devices, I prefer a stereo sound over a virtual 5.1 or 7.1 experience, which often sounds fairly fake. The audio quality here isn’t going to blow you away – everything is mid range, with the highs and lows becoming a bit of an issue at their extremes – but for a budget headset, it is outperforming many of its competitors who actually come in slightly more expensive.

You aren’t going to rave about this to your friends, but you will be satisfied if you choose this cheaper route for your entertainment choices.

Conclusion

I’m giving the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core two review scores. Compared to other devices, sure – the Cloud Stinger Core is inferior in many ways. As a headset, when compared to everything else and taking price out of it, it’s probably a 7 or 7.5/10. But once you factor in price – which I think is very important here – that rating instantly improves. If this is what you are looking for, a budget headset, under 50.00 USD, then don’t look elsewhere. This is a fantastic product!