The Cloud Stinger S is the latest headset in HyperX’s Cloud Stinger line, which focuses on delivering a quality sound experience at a lower price-point. Headsets in the Stinger line range from around $40 - $80, and the Stinger S (released earlier this month) fits right in the middle at $59.99.
The Stinger S shares the same somewhat blocky shape as all of its Stinger brethren. In order to keep the price a bit lower, the external frame is made mostly out of plastic, with adjustable steel sliders inside the headband. The earcups rotate 90 degrees so that when pulled down around the neck, the earcups rest flat against the collarbone. The earcups and headband feature the signature HyperX leatherette-encased memory foam and the HyperX logos on the back of the earcups are simply painted on rather than being a lighting effect.
A wired headset, the Stinger S comes with a USB adapter to allow for 7.1 surround sound. While the headset is usable out of the box, to take full advantage of its sound features, you’ll need to use HyperX’s free NGenuity software to enable surround sound. When used playing Counter-strike: Global Offensive, the 7.1 surround sound experience was overwhelmingly positive. Sound cues were much easier to place in relation to player reference point compared to using a headset without surround sound. While a veteran player will be able to place these types of sound cues as a second nature no matter what headset they’re using, the surround sound on the Stinger S is extremely useful to a more casual player as well as eases the learning curve of this special skillset.
Without surround sound, the audio performs well for things like voice/video chats and games where surround sound would be more distracting than helpful. Internally, 50mm drivers are placed parallel to the ear, delivering enhanced bass reproduction. On the microphone side of things, the microphone is flexible, non-detachable, and features a swivel-to-mute feature (stowing the mic in its upright position automatically mutes it). It has adequate noise-cancellation properties, where it will easily block out annoying ambient sounds like breathing or background white noise, but will struggle to dampen the sound of someone talking at a normal volume in the same room.
At about $60, the quality of the Stinger S exceeds the price. It may not be the sleekest headset in terms of looks, but it absolutely delivers in its function. The microphone is about what I’d expect for a headset of this price and the audio quality goes above and beyond. I maintain that HyperX headsets are the most comfortable headsets I’ve used, and the Stinger S maintains that reputation. If you’re looking for a quality wired, 7.1 surround sound capable headset for PC that won’t break the bank, the Stinger S is an easy recommendation. Since that is a pretty specific group, if you’re looking for wireless options, console/mobile options, or less economic conscious options, the Cloud Stinger Wireless, Cloud Stinger Core (or Cloud MIX for a much more expensive option), and Cloud Alpha S may be more suitable respectively.