HyperX Cloud Core Wireless Review

here comes the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless, a piece of nostalgic gaming headphones without all the fuss and muss of wires. How does it fare?

HyperX when it first launched the Cloud defined the true meaning of budget-oriented gaming headphones as itself apart from the competition with its superb audio quality and excellent comfort. Anyone asking for a proper gaming headset was directed to the Cloud’s direction. Fast forward to today and the Cloud lineup has built a solid reputation when it comes to a proper gaming audio solution for a multitude of platforms. And now, here comes the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless, a piece of nostalgic gaming headphones without all the fuss and muss of wires. How does it fare? Let’s find out.

Technical Specifications

Form Factor	Over ear, circumaural, closed back
Color	Black
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours, 3 hours charging time
Drivers	53mm with neodymium magnets
Connection	Wireless, USB Type-C for charging
Frequency Response	15Hz-25kHz
Sensitivity	-42dBV (1V/Pa at 1kHz)
Ear Cushions	Memory Foam and premium leatherette
Price and Warranty	$99.99 with 2-year warranty

PACKAGING

The Cloud Core is presented the way HyperX currently ships their products – in a carton box packaging in red and white. This does detract from their previous presentations, like the solid box and sleeve from some of the first wave of HyperX headphones. 

Once you pop it open, you’ll get the Cloud Core itself, the USB dongle, the detachable microphone for it, a Type-A to Type-C USB cable, and some paperwork. No extra velour pads or the like here unfortunately.

DESIGN

This is the signature HyperX Cloud design that you’ll recognize easily. It’s great to see HyperX solidifying this design to this day. The design is polished and looks premium for its price. The padded headband has some form of flexibility, and the metal hinges feature some nice aesthetic, not to mention unquestionable durability. 

For comfort, the Cloud Core features memory foam and soft, pliable leatherette. While the option for velour earcups would have been nice, the memory foam still offers excellent comfort even during extensive hours of gameplay. The clamping force is just enough to keep it in your head without it feeling too tight.

The left earcup features the volume control, mute button, and the power button. There’s also the USB Type-C port for charging, and next to it is the jack for the detachable microphone. It being detachable is nice so if you have a dedicated microphone, you can always feel free to remove it at will.

SOFTWARE

The Cloud Core doesn’t need any software for it to work. It’s basically plug and play. It would be nice to be included in the HyperX NGENUITY Software to monitor the volume and have a good equalizer though. But anyway you can take advantage of the DTS Sound Unbound software for 3d audio spatialization and localization. You can download it from the Microsoft Store.

 

USER EXPERIENCE

Featuring a pair of 53mm drivers, the Cloud Core Wireless delivers a rich and superb audio experience. The bass is solid and punchy, the clarity and detail are excellent for the price, too. It’s easily a pleasant listening experience all throughout usage. It was a pleasure using it on immersive horror games like Resident Evil Village where audio plays hugely in the key experience. Audio in fast-paced shooters like Overwatch and Apex Legends is also a treat.

For music, it was tested with tunes like Moderat’s Bad Kingdom and Reminder with heavy bass and beautiful synth, as well as Dave Matthews Band’s Crash into Me for soft rock vibin among other tracks. The audio details are clean and superb, with the bass definitely having some punch. 

Meanwhile, here's the microphone test:

teamhex · HyperX Cloud Core Wireless Gaming Headset Microphone Test

BATTERY LIFE

HyperX claims that it can deliver up to 20 hours of battery life. Of course, this will vary for everyone because it will totally depend on their usage. We have no reason to dispute that claim, as this is well more than enough from our time of use, charging only twice  with our usage on the course of two weeks from a mix use on games, music and movies.

CONCLUSION

The venerable Cloud lineup carries on with the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless. The company has made great strides in offering huge value for your money, and that same principle is at the core of the Cloud Core Wireless. It delivers a rich audio experience and  excellent comfort for its price, that even without the additional bundles like extra earpads or carrying pouch it still packs an awesome value. Simply put, if you’re on the hunt for a wireless gaming headset that won’t break the bank, the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is an easy recommend.