HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless Review: Next-Gen Sound

With the arrival of PlayStation 5, it is time to renew some of the most common peripherals in the world of video games, such as these HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless gaming headphones. And is that based on a variant of the  Cloud Stinger previously analyzed on this website, the company presents us with headphones perfectly prepared for the new Sony console and, of course, also for the previous one, as well as to be used on PC.

Here we tell you what we found after a few days of intense testing.

Specifications HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless

Controller	40mm dynamic speaker with neodymium magnets
Speaker	Circumaural, closed at the rear
Frequency response	20 to 20,000 Hz
Impedance	16 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dBSPL / mW (at 1kHz)
Harmonic distortion	<2%
Connectivity	Wireless via 2.4 GHz USB dongle
Drums	Autonomy up to 17 hours of use
Weight	244 grams
Price	79.99 Euros

Microphone

Element	Electret condenser
Polar pattern	Unidirectional with noise cancellation
Frequency response	50 to 18,000 Hz
Sensitivity	-40 dBv (0 dB = 1 V / Pa, 1 kHz)

The first thing we liked about these headphones as soon as they were unpacked is that they have a nice white and blue finish that is quite different from the usual HyperX peripherals. However, these colors fit perfectly with the white PlayStation 5, and it also makes them very showy.

In terms of materials, we have been able to appreciate that they are constructed with consistent plastic while the headphones themselves are attached to the headband by means of an internal metal band that feels quite consistent. Robustness that does not, however, prevent it from remaining quite flexible, so it helps us to comfortably adjust the headphones.

The headphones themselves come with the usual sponge of the range, quite dense and wide to surround the entire ear well. The cover is a breathable fabric with a consistent and durable appearance that did not cause us any discomfort during testing. But what really makes them comfortable is their lightness and the fact that they work without cables.

However, we can have them on for several hours without feeling any discomfort, something very positive in this type of headphones, being also compatible with users who use glasses without incurring the recurring problems of "floating glasses".

As for the microphone, we can say that it meets the general quality aspects of the rest of the product, with a more than acceptable voice clarity and clarity. In addition, although we will not have a removable system, the microphone maintains a flexible arm that is quite easy to handle and orient, as well as a fairly intuitive mute mechanism that will silence our voice when we remove it from the face by turning it on the side of the headset.

At the time of its start-up, we find some really simple steps to follow. And is that the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless has a "plug and play" operation that only requires connecting the USB and turning on the headphones to start enjoying its use.

Regarding its autonomy, HyperX marks us on the packaging that the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless can withstand up to 17 hours of continuous use on a single charge. And it is that as we have seen, the headphones hold perfectly until we approach that amount of time without any problem, varying slightly depending on the volume or the use of its additional functions such as the microphone. Something that, added to its high recharge speed, which will barely take a few hours to recover 100% of the battery, will allow us to keep this peripheral always available for our games.

Regarding the distance range, in our case we have limited the tests to connectivity on a single floor and in closed spaces, easily reaching distances of between 10 and 15 meters with up to two walls without suffering any interruption in the audio. Thanks to this we can go to the next room and continue to receive sound, although the moment we begin to add more walls, we will begin to notice some notable cuts. As a general rule, this should not pose any problem when it comes to playing, although it will limit us to some extent in the additional cases of listening to music or having a conversation, and we want to move freely around the house, significantly limiting the distance of movement.

Finally, about the rest of the characteristics of the headphones, say that the helmets themselves include a power button, a volume control wheel, the USB-C connector to charge them and a LED to indicate the charging and pairing status. In this sense, using them to play, it seems to us a very optimal distribution, focusing on only the essential. However, when we connect them to the PC, perhaps we can miss other extra features such as being able to pause or continue with the music we are listening to.

These HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless fit within a premium mid-range of gaming headsets. In that sense, we have analyzed their sound quality in games and as a first opinion, we can say that they offer decent sound quality. On the one hand, thanks to the insulation generated by the sponges, what we hear is already somewhat soundproof. On the other hand, the speakers that it incorporates have a good range and power so we can hear the bass, middle, and treble with good clarity, although the bass is sometimes slightly distorted and the treble does not stand out as it would in more advanced headphones. But as we say, within the range in which we are, the experience is more than satisfactory.

As for music, the response of these HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless is in line with what was said above. Therefore, it will depend on the type of music we listen to, but if we go to songs with a lot of bass and treble, we will enjoy it, but we will miss some frequencies that are not reached correctly.

As headsets marked as compatible with the new Sony console, we wanted to test the new spatial sound technology in console games. And is that as we could see in the analysis of PlayStation 5, the inclusion of the Tempest Engine chip allows us to perceive spatial sound in stereo headphones. Well, in our opinion with the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless we can perceive the effect although, as with other headphones, it is a partial spatial sound experience. By this, we mean that if you have a dedicated surround sound system, you will achieve a greater spatial sound effect.

Once we have spent a few hours with these Cloud Stinger Core Wireless, we can say that they are perfect wireless headphones for gaming without leaving us too much money. Their lightness and the fact that they do not have cables make them very comfortable to spend hours using them. In addition, it's sound and microphone quality allows us to enjoy the sound section of games and music, as well as to be heard clearly in a voice chat.

Finally, highlight again the materials used in the headphones, with high quality and adaptability. And it is that despite not having all the positioning options of other higher-end headphones, thanks to their flexibility we can enjoy them with total comfort.

Currently, we can find the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless listed in the brand's web store, although for the moment under still limited availability. Thus, these headphones are expected to arrive under the same price or a small increase compared to the current wireless Cloud Stinger Core, placing them at a figure close to 79.99 euros.