There are only two things that a prospective buyer of the HyperX CloudX Stinger 2 Core needs to know:
- It’s very comfortable, and
- It sounds great.
It’s tempting to put up a “for its price range” qualifier here, because it certainly isn’t the best-sounding headset in the world. For a gamer who’s looking for a reliable headset that won’t compromise their gaming experience or performance, though, the Stinger 2 Core is a pretty good choice.
Built like a cloud
This particular budget model from HyperX’s CloudX line is wired-only. It’s branded for Xbox, and comes in a very striking white, green, and black colorway. A similar PlayStation model exists, with blue accents instead of green. There’s also a plain black version whose only accents are a splash of red on the volume knob and the HyperX logo in silver. Although the CloudX Stinger 2 Core’s design mimics that of its higher-end counterparts like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless, it differs in the materials: it’s entirely made of plastic where the Cloud III sports an aluminum frame and ear cups.
It looks fairly understated, too, although the white colorway does run the risk of screaming “pro gamer” during meetings of the serious business variety.
The Stinger 2 Core feels a bit cheap in hand, but its all-plastic build keeps the weight down to just 260 grams. That’s almost 100 grams lighter than the Cloud III Wireless, and practically weightless when worn. The adjustable arms on the headband make it easy to find a good fit, and it clamps on with just enough pressure to stay on without being uncomfortable. It’s light, soft, and unobtrusive… like a cloud.
Heard, but not felt
Setting up the Stinger 2 Core is a straightforward experience: no software to install or set up, and just a combo stereo jack to plug in for both audio input and output.
The sound itself is very good. The bass is surprisingly present, and the high frequencies never reach a shrill or harsh level. The audio in games is crisp and clear: the little beep in Rematch when the ball moves into range, the wind whistling through Monster Hunter Wilds’s Ruins of Wyveria, and the stomach-churning beeping that heralds the arrival of a blue shell in Mario Kart World all come through loud and clear.
While lower frequencies are well-represented, there’s a warmth that’s missing from the Stinger 2 Core’s output. The sound is clear and detailed, but lacks the kind of fullness from something like the SteelSeries Arctis 7. The bass, while audible, doesn’t come with the rich, satisfying thump that more premium models could deliver. This thinness is much more noticeable with music—for example, Mario Kart World’s excellent jazzy soundtrack—but the absence of weight is also apparent with loud, dynamic sounds. When a Rathalos roars, you hear it, but you won’t feel the air implode around you the way that a more robust headset might deliver.
Engineered for a very specific use case
Because it does well with mids, though, voice chat comes through without a hitch. The same holds true for the headset’s integrated microphone, which does its job with no drama or issues. The microphone does not detach, but it folds up and out of the way when it’s not in use. It automatically turns off when tucked away, and although there’s no LED to indicate whether it’s on or off, there’s a subtle tactile click along its travel path that indicates when the microphone switches on or off.
There’s one possible issue related to the microphone depending on your own use case, and that’s the lack of a splitter in the box. PC users who don’t already own a splitter won’t be able to take advantage of the microphone, which could be a frustrating temporary setback for unaware buyers.
What’s more frustrating is the cable itself: all 1.3 meters of it. The headset is obviously designed to be connected to a wireless controller, and the cable feels just right for that purpose. For anyone who’s planning to plug this straight into a PC or a laptop, though, prepare for disappointment and a bit of neck pain from leaning over.
The limited cable length and the lack of an included extender is a shame, because the headset itself is very comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The plastic build contributes to the headset’s lightness, and the strategic placement of padding on the underside of the band also contributes to the effortless feeling of wearing it.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the CloudX Stinger 2 Core’s lightness and comfort is its best feature. It commonly sells for less than Php 2,000, which makes it a significantly good deal considering its better-than-average sound performance and bass quality. While the sound quality of the Stinger 2 Core falls short of what higher-tier options can deliver, it still provides a remarkably impressive audio experience that many listeners would be hard-pressed to find fault in without doing direct comparisons. Audiophiles might notice the difference right away, but for everyday gaming, it ticks all the requisite boxes admirably.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Above average sound quality
- Literally plug and play
Cons:
- No splitter for audio jack
- Very short cable
- Bass is audible but thin
