HyperX Cloud Jet Wireless Gaming Headset Review

When it comes to video game accessories, most players have a checklist of must haves for that perfect gaming session. Controller with minimal lag? Check. Power bank for portable gaming? Definitely. Comfy seat? Your bottom will thank you. But how about the sound requirement?

There are plenty of different gaming headset and headphone options out there that picking the right one can be a challenge. From wired headsets to in-hear headphones, noise cancelling cans to wireless over-ears, where do you start?

With Nintendo Switch 2 aiming to bring friends together with the included GameChat, plus online comms on Xbox and PlayStation being baked in for years, a gaming headset could be the ideal all-in-one. HyperX has been in the video game accessory and headset for some time now, with the likes of the HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset and HyperX Quadcast 2 USB Microphone ticking all the audio boxes.

One of the latest entries to the collection is the HyperX Cloud Jet – Wireless Gaming Headset, an over-ear headset that aims to provide rich sound through the onboard 40mm drivers and integrated microphone. Could the this be the ideal solution for gamers looking to chat and record?

First impressions and this headset look the part, the model reviewed coming in a sleek and smart black finish. With a striking blue variant also available, the Cloud Jet range does look rather good when sitting on your noggin’ or conveniently placed in a gaming setup photo.

Looks, however, can be a little deceiving. The headset doesn’t quite feel as premium as the price point suggests; a mixed bag when it comes to comfort. The plastic itself is a little flimsy and there’s an odd mesh band along the top, unlike the padded frames in other headset models. This is countered, however, by the comfy ear cushions, which are padded enough to cup the ear well, with minimal sound bleed.

An issue this reviewer has when it comes to over-ear devices is the tendency for headsets to be a little tight – leading to discomfort in the long run. Unfortunately, this does apply to the HyperX Cloud Jet, too. The lack of padding on the headband and fixed, non-adjustable, sides can make extended sessions uncomfortable. Mileage, of course, will vary depending on head size. However, the lack of extenders is a huge omission for a headset at this price point.

But what about the sound? Comfort challenges aside, where the HyperX Cloud Jet performs well is on sound output. The well-sized cans do a good job in isolating background noise, despite the unit itself not having any active noise-cancellation. Tests with music, podcasts and games with heavy sound-effect balancing showcased a consistently strong sound output. Rich bass plods along, with enough space to let those higher range notes sit nicely. The Cloud Jet isn’t intended to be a daily driver for listening to music, nor will it provide a premium sound, but it does provide an immersive experience.

Where it doesn’t quite hit those high notes (pun intended) is the included microphone. It’s a standard pull down to talk affair, with a flexible gooseneck for adjustment. The microphone quality, however, is shockingly abysmal. Sure, friends playing Mario Kart World will hear all the expletive remarks during a race, but HyperX has skimped out on the internals. Audio sounds muffled, with plosive and background noise bleeding through. It feels 1996-free-with-a-magazine level of awful.

To control all the audio goodness, the device comes with nifty physical toggles on the side – a discreet volume rocker, a switch between different connection modes and a USB port to, of course, charge the unit. Connection modes are flexible, too, with an included 2.4GHz dongle for an easy setup and Bluetooth 5.3 support, too.

Once connected, the HyperX Cloud Jet aims to provide around 25 hours of battery life for longer gaming sessions (if comfort prevails). It’s a decent amount of juice that should last a number of different games without needing a top-up.

Specifications