HyperX Cloud Earbuds II In-Ear Wired Gaming Headset – Red

14mm Drivers

Larger Drivers, Tuned for Gaming

Most consumer earbuds use 9–11mm drivers tuned for music playback, with a bass-forward profile that works well for streaming but obscures the positional audio detail that gaming requires. The Cloud Earbuds II use 14mm drivers — larger than most earbuds in the category — and are tuned by HyperX specifically for gaming audio. The practical difference is audible in games that depend on spatial awareness: footstep direction, environmental audio cues, the distance and angle of sound effects, and clear voice communication in party chat. The larger driver also delivers more physical headroom before distortion at higher volume levels, which matters when gaming audio peaks on explosions or gunfire. The tuning does not sacrifice music listening quality — the earbuds work well for streaming, podcasts and everyday audio — but the priority is gaming performance rather than consumer audio aesthetics. At this driver size and price point, the Cloud Earbuds II sit in a category above budget gaming earbuds while remaining accessible.

90° Plug · 4 Tip Sizes

Designed for Handheld Play

The physical design of the Cloud Earbuds II addresses two specific problems with wired earbuds used for handheld gaming. The first is the connector: a standard straight 3.5mm plug sticks out perpendicular to the console’s headphone port and is prone to being knocked, strained or broken when the cable runs downward to a pocket or lap. The 90-degree angled low-profile plug on the Cloud Earbuds II sits flush against the console body, reducing leverage on the connector and the cable management problem during play. The second issue is fit: earbud fit varies significantly between ear canal shapes, and a poor fit results in both reduced audio quality (bass and isolation both depend on seal) and physical discomfort during extended sessions. Four silicone tip sizes are included — XS, S, M, L — covering a wider size range than the two or three tips included with many budget earbuds. The flat cable construction reduces tangling compared to round cables, which is relevant when storing the earbuds in the included hard case between sessions.

Built-in Mic · Hard Case

Voice Chat · Calls · Portable Storage

The built-in microphone is positioned on the cable inline, capturing voice audio for gaming party chat, Discord and phone calls. The multifunction button on the same inline control allows play/pause, call answer/end, and track skip functions on supported devices — removing the need to pick up the phone or touch the console for media control. The microphone quality is adequate for gaming voice chat and calls on mobile devices: clear enough for teammates to understand without background noise becoming intrusive, which is the practical threshold for this use case. The included hard-shell carrying case is a meaningful inclusion at this price point — most budget earbuds ship in cardboard or flimsy pouches that provide no protection. The rigid case protects the earbuds and cable in a bag or pocket, and stores the extra ear tips neatly. For Switch and Steam Deck users who carry their console in a bag, having the earbuds stored in a hard case rather than loose means they arrive undamaged and untangled at the start of each session.

Right choice if you…

✔ Game on Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck or PS5 DualSense and want portable wired audio
✔ Want gaming-tuned earbuds for directional audio and voice chat rather than music-focused earphones
✔ Need instant plug-and-play with no charging, pairing or software required
✔ Want earbuds with a hard carrying case for daily carry in a bag
✔ Use your earbuds for both gaming and calls on a smartphone

Consider something else if…

✖ You want wireless — see the HyperX Cloud Core or HyperX Cloud MIX Buds for wireless options
✖ You game primarily on PC at a desk — an over-ear headset with boom mic will deliver better audio isolation and voice quality
✖ Your device uses USB-C audio only — the Cloud Earbuds II requires a 3.5mm port or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter

Technical Specifications

In the Box

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Cloud Earbuds II work with Nintendo Switch in handheld mode?

Yes. The Nintendo Switch has a 3.5mm headphone port in handheld mode and the Cloud Earbuds II connect directly without any adapter. The built-in microphone also works for voice chat in games that support it. In docked mode, audio routes through HDMI to the TV — you would need to use the DualSense controller’s 3.5mm port or a USB audio adapter for earbuds in docked play.

Will these work with PS5?

Yes, via the 3.5mm port on the PS5 DualSense controller. Plug the earbuds into the controller’s headphone jack and audio routes through them immediately. The built-in microphone functions for party chat. PS5 does not have a dedicated front-panel 3.5mm port — the DualSense controller port is the standard connection point for wired earbuds.

What does the multifunction button do?

On mobile devices and compatible players: single press answers/ends calls and plays/pauses media; double press skips to the next track. Functionality depends on the device — full multifunction support requires a device that recognises the inline control standard (most Android and iOS devices do). On Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, standard 3.5mm CTIA headphone controls are supported.

My phone only has USB-C and no 3.5mm port — will these work?

The Cloud Earbuds II use a 3.5mm connector and require either a 3.5mm port or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (DAC adapter, not a passive cable). Many Android phones have removed the headphone jack — check your phone’s specifications before purchasing. USB-C to 3.5mm adapters are widely available and typically cost £5–10; the Cloud Earbuds II will function correctly through a quality adapter.

How do the Cloud Earbuds II compare to the original Cloud Earbuds?

The Cloud Earbuds II adds a redesigned ear tip shape with four sizes (the original shipped with three), a 90-degree low-profile plug replacing the straight plug, a flat tangle-resistant cable, and a hard carrying case. The driver size (14mm) and 3.5mm wired connectivity remain the same. The II is the current model and supersedes the original.

Condition

Brand New — Retail Packaging

Warranty

2-year manufacturer warranty (HyperX/HP)

Delivery

4–5 Working Days · Fully Tracked

Also Available at maibo