$19.99
Rankings
The HyperX Cloud III offers premium comfort, high-fidelity sound with 53 mm drivers, and versatile wired connectivity, plus DTS spatial audio for immersive gaming. It lacks active noise cancellation and some inline controls, and the cable can feel stiff.
The BlackShark V2 X is a wired esports headset with 50 mm drivers, a removable cardioid mic, and THX Spatial Audio via a USB sound card, offering lightweight comfort and precise positional audio for PC gamers.
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 offers a lightweight, comfortable design with DTS spatial audio and a swivel-mute mic at a budget-friendly price, though its plastic build and occasional wireless drops limit premium appeal.
The Corsair HS35 Surround v2 is an entry-level wired gaming headset that offers virtual Dolby 7.1 surround, solid 50 mm drivers, and a comfortable floating headband at a budget price. It excels in cross-platform compatibility but misses premium features like ANC and a detachable cable.
A budget-friendly wired USB gaming headset offering virtual 7.1 surround, an active mic and RGB lighting, comfortable for long play but limited by a plasticky build and occasional mic issues.
The EKSA E900 is a solid, budget-friendly wired gaming headset with large 50 mm drivers, a detachable noise-canceling mic and a sturdy metal build. It excels in comfort and audio clarity but lacks wireless freedom, RGB lighting and foldable portability.
The Redragon H510 Zeus White delivers full-range audio, a detachable noise-cancelling mic and multi-platform support at a budget price. Its USB control box provides virtual 7.1 surround, but analog connections suffer low volume, and the headset lacks wireless features.
The EKSA E900 Pro is a wired, multi-platform gaming headset featuring 50 mm drivers, 7.1 virtual surround on PC via USB, and a detachable noise-cancelling microphone. Its aluminum construction and comfortable memory-foam padding make it durable and pleasant for long sessions, though it lacks wireless capability and active ANC.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm | 53 mmbest | 53 mmbest | |
36 hoursbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
32 ohms | 32 ohms | 32 ohms | 32.5 ohms | 32 ohms | 32 ohms | 64 ohmsbest | 64 ohmsbest | |
105 dB | 118 dBbest | 100 dB | 103 dB | 114 dB | 118 dBbest | 100 dB | 110 dB | |
-42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | -40 dBbest | -42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | |
| ↓ lower better | 400 g | 476 g | 262 g | 275 g | 252 gbest | — | 308 g | 700 g |
| ↓ lower better | 0.167 hoursbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 12 months |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Microphone(2) | ||||||||
Microphone Type | Omnidirectional | Detachable unidirectional noise‑cancelling | Removable HyperClear Cardioid | Electret condenser | Omni-directional | Detachable omnidirectional | Electret condenser | Omnidirectional |
Microphone Sensitivity (dB) | -42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | -40 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB | -42 dB |
Audio(6) | ||||||||
Driver Size (mm) | 50 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm | 53 mm | 53 mm |
Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic Controller | Customized Dynamic | — | Dynamic | — | — | Dynamic |
Frequency Response | 20-20000 | 20-20000 Hz | 12-28 kHz | 10-21000 | 20-20000 | 20-20000 Hz | 10-21000 | 20-20000 |
Impedance (ohms) | 32 ohms | 32 ohms | 32 ohms | 32.5 ohms | 32 ohms | 32 ohms | 64 ohms | 64 ohms |
Sensitivity (dB) | 105 dB | 118 dB | 100 dB | 103 dB | 114 dB | 118 dB | 100 dB | 110 dB |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-ear | Over-Ear | Over-ear |
Build & Design(1) | ||||||||
Weight (g) | 400 g | 476 g | 262 g | 275 g | 252 g | 388-450 g | 308 g | 700 g |
Warranty(1) | ||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 12 months |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||
Connectivity Type | Wired | Wired | Wired | 3.5mm analog | Wired | Wired | Wired 3.5mm, Wired USB | Wired |
Cable Length (m) | 2.2 m | 1.52 m | 1.8 m | 1.3 m | 1.8 m | 2.2 m | 1.2 m | — |
Accessories(1) | ||||||||
Number of Included Accessories | 3 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers commend the EKSA E1000 for solid audio performance and comfort at a low price, noting its 7.1 surround and mic quality while pointing out the plastic feel and mic durability concerns.
Users praise clear sound and comfort, but report mic falling off and cable tangling issues.
“Good sound quality”
“Best headphones I ever had”
“Mic fell off”
Choose EKSA E1000 for larger drivers and virtual surround; choose Stinger for sturdier build and no RGB.
Choose HyperX Cloud II if you prefer a lighter headset with a dedicated dongle and larger drivers; choose EKSA E900 Pro for dual-cable flexibility and lower cost.
Choose BlackShark V2 X if you prioritize larger drivers and THX audio and are willing to pay more; stick with Stinger 2 Core for budget and steel-frame durability.
Choose the Stinger if you prioritize a detachable cable and flexible mic over dedicated Dolby surround.
Professional reviewers consistently rate the EKSA E900 Pro as a high-value headset. They applaud the aluminum build, comfort, and precise 50 mm drivers, while noting minor drawbacks such as the stiff mic and PC-only 7.1 support.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for comfort and sound, frequently mentioning the headset's solid build and clear microphone. Common praise includes the comfortable memory-foam pads, punchy bass, and the convenience of a detachable mic.
Professional reviewers, notably PCMag, awarded the BlackShark V2 X an Editors' Choice perfect score, praising its superb audio fidelity, clear microphone, and extensive software customization.
Everyday users consistently laud the headset's comfort, studio-level mic quality, and the noticeable advantage of THX Spatial Audio, while complaining about the non-detachable cable and the small USB sound card.
Professional reviewers praise the Cloud Stinger series for delivering console-level comfort, a sturdy steel headband, and surprisingly rich audio at a sub-$50 price point, noting DTS Headphone:X as a standout feature.
Everyday users consistently highlight the headset's comfort, clear swivel-mute mic, and cross-platform ease of use, while complaining about sweaty fabric ear pads, occasional wireless drop-outs, and the extra step of installing the DTS software.
Professional reviewers consider the HS35 Surround v2 a strong value proposition, highlighting its true Dolby 7.1 support, rich 50 mm driver sound, and comfortable floating headband, while noting the lack of a detachable cable, microphone, and active noise cancellation.
Everyday users consistently praise the headset's cross-platform plug-and-play ease, comfort during long gaming sessions, clear microphone quality, and effective virtual surround sound, with complaints about the stiff non-detachable cable and cheap-feeling plastic construction.
Professional reviewers commend the EKSA E900 for its solid construction, clear audio, and effective detachable mic, highlighting its affordability and the 50mm drivers that deliver detailed 3D stereo sound. However, they note the absence of foldability, RGB lighting, and software-based sound customization as drawbacks compared to higher-end models.
Everyday users consistently praise the headset's comfort, rich bass response, clear microphone, and durable metal build, while common complaints revolve around the need for an Xbox One adapter, a stiff cable that tangles, lack of software EQ, and the non-foldable form factor.
Professional reviewers consider the Cloud III a refined successor to the Cloud II, highlighting its balanced audio, robust metal build, and clear detachable mic, while praising DTS Headphone:X for competitive gaming.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the Cloud III for its comfort, sound quality, and microphone clarity, often rating it 4.5-5 stars; common complaints focus on the headset getting warm, a tight fit for larger heads, and the lack of an inline mute button.
Professional reviewers praise the H510 Zeus for its rich, uncompromising sound and a fantastic noise-cancelling mic, noting that the virtual 7.1 surround and 53 mm drivers give it a clear edge over many budget competitors. They also commend its comfortable memory-foam cushions, steel-reinforced headband and solid build quality, but warn that the headset's volume drops noticeably on consoles when the USB control box isn't used.
Everyday users consistently highlight the headset's outstanding value, clear microphone and comfort during multi-hour sessions, often calling it the best budget headset they've tried. The most common complaints revolve around low volume on consoles, the lack of an inline volume wheel on the analog cable, heat buildup in the ear cups, and a snug fit for larger heads.
Choose HyperX if you prioritize lightweight comfort and a lower price; choose EKSA for larger drivers and a sturdier build.
Select Cloud III for premium build and mic quality; select BlackShark V2 X if you prioritize lighter weight.
Choose the H510 Zeus for larger drivers and USB surround; choose the Stinger if you prefer a lighter headset with consistent console volume.
