The new HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is a wireless gaming headset that’s built to keep on going, initally announced at HP’s Imagine 2024 conference.
Have you ever wanted to grab a headset and barely worry about recharging it? You’re not alone because that’s the entire pitch behind this latest offering.
HP’s HyperX lineup spans a number of wired and wireless headsets that suit different needs based on the devices you use. With the HyperX Cloud MIX 2, the company claims this headset has the best battery life of any Bluetooth headphones that are currently available. After extensive testing, I can confirm that impressive candor.
Naturally, that kind of bullet point does come at a cost, and the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is more expensive than many of HP’s other headsets. Still, if you’ve got the cash, it’s worth the asking price for this impressive follow-up to its middling Cloud MIX predecessor.
I’ve been using different gaming headsets for the last 15 years, testing what works and what doesn’t across a wide variety of devices. I’m also sensitive to problems like poor build quality, as I’ve unfortunately gone through my fair share of bad bands.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. The company did not see the contents of this review prior to publication.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2: Pricing and specifications
Unpacking the headset, everything you need is included in a sturdy carrying case. In addition to the USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable, the headset also comes with a USB 2.4GHz wireless dongle that allows it to be paired with different devices.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2
Price: $199 at HP
Connectivity: Wireless via 2.4GHz dongle, wireless via Bluetooth 5.3
Drivers: 40mm
Microphone: Voice main mic, ANC feedback mic, voice reference mic, ANC feed-forward mic
Battery life: 110 hours (Bluetooth 5.3 wireless, 70 hours with Noise Cancelling on), 72 hours (2.4GHz wireless, 52 hours with Noise Cancelling on)
Extra features: AI noise reduction for mic
Weight: 267g (0.59lb)
This headset is clearly designed as a meaningful generational leap over the original HyperX Cloud MIX, retaining optional wired support while being packed with more features and compatibility and, above all, better battery life compared to its predecessor’s 20-hour charge. Ultimately, this is a wireless headset first, and it accomplishes that goal in spades. All those improvements also come with a bumped price.
The HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is available from HP for $199, up from the original model’s $170 launch price, though it’s worth noting that at the time I’m writing this, there’s a $40 discount on the Cloud MIX 2, meaning you can snag it for just $159 if you act quickly.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2
HyperX Cloud MIX 2: The Good
I was immediately happy with the build quality of the HyperX Cloud MIX 2. It’s flexible but sturdy, with a solid (but not bulky) structure. It feels comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time, like when I have music on while working. Comfort is a big concern for me because I wear eyeglasses, and I’ve had plenty of headsets that either pinched me right away or felt comfortable at first, only to be more painful as time went on. None of that happened here, and the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is as comfortable to put on now as when I first began testing it.
The audio quality is fairly solid, with slightly warm tones that make listening to music pleasant. I found some game audio to be just a hair flatter, but playing around with the balance provided a nice experience, regardless of whether I was dodging energy beams in Helldivers 2 or going for another round in Balatro.
One big feature is the active noise cancellation, and while I’m not someone who usually utilizes this (I have cats and prefer to be able to hear if one of them needs something) the noise cancelling works extremely well, locking out most everyday noises. This is perfect for anyone who has a hard time focusing with distracting sounds in the background.
The ultimate selling point is the battery, though, and that’s where this headset excels. HyperX claims that the Cloud MIX 2 can run for 110 hours in Bluetooth 5.3 mode, and that’s held up to be true so far. The company notes that battery life is reduced to a still-impressive 72 hours if you’re using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Either mode will see a further reduction in battery life if active noise cancellation is enabled.
At least so far, these estimates seem accurate, with the battery holding up for over 100 hours of various mixed usage before I had to charge it, even after I accidentally left it on overnight. It’s amusing, but by far, the hardest part of testing this headset was just getting the battery life to drain so I could charge it.
Given the impressive battery capacity, it’s quick to charge, going from about 10% to 25% in mere minutes, with a full charge taking just over an hour after I plugged the headset into my desktop. This is easily the best battery life available in any gaming headset right now, to the point where the average user would only need to charge it once a week or so.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2: The Bad
Despite HyperX touting the headset’s AI-enhanced microphones, I found the audio quality of any recordings to be thoroughly mediocre. It’s not outright bad, and the reduction of background noise means your voice is isolated well, but it’s not impressive either, and the noise reduction simultaneously means you might need to raise your voice if you’re naturally soft-spoken.
Personally, I’d recommend that if you’re already using a standalone mic for playing multiplayer games on PC or recording videos, you keep doing that.
While I’m largely a fan of the overall design, I do have a small complaint. The volume wheel on the bottom of the headset is certainly easy to use, but it’s also easy to accidentally bump when you are taking it on and off. More than once, I gave myself a shock because I’d accidentally dramatically raised the volume of something simply by putting the headset on, so it’s something to be mindful of.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2: Final thoughts
You should buy this if …
✅You want a headset with amazing battery life
I can’t say enough good things about the HyperX Cloud MIX 2’s battery life. It lives up to the company’s claims and over-delivers for most needs. I can truly just forget about having to charge it beyond once a week, meaning it’s awesome to use for extended periods of time.
✅You want a comfortable headset compatible with PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices
Anyone playing PC or PlayStation games should consider grabbing this headset, so long as they have the cash. The dongle means it’s easily adapted between different devices, and it’s also perfect for using with your phone if you want to listen to music while cleaning or cooking.
You should not buy this if …
❌You need a headset with amazing microphone quality
Again, the Hyper Cloud MIX 2’s microphone isn’t bad; it’s just not something that stands out compared to the general quality that the rest of the headset provides, especially when it’s carrying a $200 price tag.
❌You need something that’ll also work on Xbox consoles
Because Xbox uses a dedicated wireless protocol, you need to get an officially licensed headset to make sure it’ll work with your Xbox Series X|S. This isn’t a knock against the HyperX Cloud MIX 2; it’s just something to be aware of when making your purchases.
I’ve really enjoyed using the HyperX Cloud MIX 2. Any skepticism I had about the 110-hour battery life claim quickly evaporated once I started testing, and it’s kept on going without any real problems. Taking the headset from a full charge through a lengthy gaming session, then continuing to use it while going and washing dishes, cooking, fixing a drink, reading, and seeing the battery has barely drained, is really impressive.
Indeed, outside of being thoroughly whelmed by the microphone quality, my only real complaint is the aforementioned ergonomics of the volume wheel, which protrudes just enough to be easily bumped and jostled.
With the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 now available for $200 from HP (and temporarily on sale for $160), it’s easy for me to recommend it as long as you don’t mind the price.
