I fell into a trap.

Usually when reviewing earbuds I'm automatically comparing them with all the other options out there; wired, wireless, noise-cancelling... and it took me a few days to realise that's not what this review is about.

This isn't really a review of an audio device at all - this is a review of a gaming device and as such I need to shift my frame of reference.

However, some comparisons still need to be made.

 

There's no denying the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II look pretty cool. I was stoked to be sent the red version for review because obviously red is the best colour and black is just... well... boring. I like the HyperX logo and it looks pretty cool slashing across the back of each earbud in metallic red. 

The long, ribbon-style cable is also red. I quite like flat cables like these as they tend to avoid tangling pretty effectively. That's important with the Cloud Earbuds II because they also include a very premium-feeling hard shell case. If you're going to zip the earbuds into this case, it's certainly preferable if you don't have to spend five minutes untangling them when you take them out. Thanks to that flat cable, this hasn't been an issue.

In fact, just in terms of sheer hardware, for around NZ$69.00 you're getting pretty good value - a very smart-looking, well manufactured set of earbuds, a classy case and not three but four sizes of eartips - more on these in a moment. The only thing missing is a USB-C to 3.5mm audio jack adapter.

This is something to take into consideration if you're planning on using the Cloud Earbuds II with a device that doesn't have its own 3.5mm headphone jack. While most laptops do, most high-end smartphones and devices like iPads don't. I happen to have a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle which works fine with my Android phone but because it isn't a genuine Apple product, it doesn't work at all with my iPad. Buyer beware.

On the plus side, the 3.5mm plug is right-angled - which means a lot less wear and tear on the cable, regardless of whether it's plugged into the laptop in front of you or the phone in your pocket.

It's been a while since I've used a pair of wired earbuds like these and I have to admit, the lack of any setup required is kind of refreshing. Just plug them in and you're good to go. The only onboard control is a single multi-function button which will play and pause media on the source device or accept and hang up phone calls.

This button is situated on a contrasting black module on the cable to the left-hand earbud, which also houses the built-in mic. The mic quality is frankly rather impressive. I wasn't expecting much from a tiny hole, dangling down in front of my neck but as you'll hear in the video below, my low expectations were totally unfounded and I'm confident you'll have no issues being heard - either on phone calls or by your team mates when gaming online.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the way the Cloud Earbuds II sound. This is where I really have to remind myself these are not $400 premium TWS earbuds - they're an affordable alternative to bulky, heavy, over-ear headsets - with an emphasis on comfort and portability over absolute sound quality.

To be fair, as I type I'm listening to Paul Simon's "Me and Julio" and all the stereo, percussive guitars and vocals come across clearly but if you're looking for a genuine surround-sound experience with big bass booms for explosive sound effects and EDM beat drops - these are not the buds for you.

Part of the reason for this is the design of the eartips; my impression is these have definitely been developed for comfort and endurance, not for a tight, snug fit. There are two issues here; firstly, it's almost impossible to get a decent bass response from 14mm earbud drivers unless you have a good, tight seal. These eartips offer anything but - sitting on your ear canals rather than screwing down into them.

The second, more troublesome issue with a loose fit like this is they fall out. Even mild exercise like walking (and believe me, I'm not a fast walker) causes one or both of the earbuds to bobble out - no matter which eartip size I try - usually before I've gone much further than the first block. Therefore these are not an option for exercise and probably not even for your daily commute.

Then I remind myself; that's not what they're for.

It's staring at me right here on the HyperX website; "Comfortable mobile gaming audio." Nobody was promising the Cloud Earbuds II were your ideal outdoor training companion. On the other hand, if you're looking to settle in for several hours gaming on your laptop, phone or tablet, this is about as comfy as you're going to get. No heavy, sweaty headset claustrophobically sealing you in. Instead, a lightweight, hardwired option that never runs out of battery and stashes away tidily in a pretty natty little case. All that and surprisingly great mic performance at a very affordable price.

This isn't about high-end audio, this is about an easy-to-wear, ultra-portable gaming peripheral. If that's specifically what you're looking for, HyperX has nailed it.

 

    

Click here for more information on the HyperX Cloud Earbuds II.