With the Cloud Flight S, HyperX is looking to take wireless headsets to the next level by making them even more wireless. How is this done? By removing the cable needed for charging! That’s right, the new Cloud Flight S’s main party trick is its Qi wireless charging. Of course, that’s only one small part of the overall headset package, so read on for our full HyperX Cloud Flight S review.
HyperX Cloud Flight S Review | Truly wireless
If you caught our HyperX CloudX Flight review, which is a wireless Xbox One headset, you’ll know we came away mostly impressed by the classic “Cloud” comfort and dependable audio quality. The same rings true with the Cloud Flight S, with those top-tier ear cushions and snug (but not too snug) fit, combined with excellent reproduction of important game sounds like footsteps and gunfire. It all works as you’d hope, despite the lack of a wire.
Our testing in games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone was solid, with the direction of different sounds clearly captured. It’s a competitive-level experience in stereo, though virtual 7.1 surround sound is also available.
Getting up to go to the kitchen for a drink or snack can be accomplished without losing connection with friends, as the wireless solution has a range of up to 20 meters. I managed to test it at 10 meters with a wall in between and it worked absolutely flawlessly.
Replacing in-line controls or software hotkeys are the customizable buttons found on the left earpad. These work great and are subtle enough to be clearly felt without detracting from the overall subtle style. HyperX’s NGENUITY software can be used to assign different functions.
The Cloud Flight S loses the LED and external wires seen on the standard Cloud Flight, which makes for a cleaner, less gamer-y look. I definitely prefer this as, what with the detachable microphone (which is your standard HyperX affair in terms of sound quality), it becomes much easier to pass off as a standard pair of headphones. Though its primary function is to satisfy gamers, this product is also a solid performer for music and movies.
The removal of the LEDs also means that wireless battery life is forced to its optimal longevity. The Cloud Flight S lasts a long, long time, with HyperX rating it for 30 hours at 50% volume. My experience was at around 80-90% volume and it lasted an entire week of heavy use before I had to conveniently plop it on a Qi wireless charger.
HyperX Cloud Flight S Review | An unfortunate omission
Unfortunately, you don’t actually get a Qi wireless charger in the box, which I found a little perplexing. Instead, you’re supplied with a USB cable. With this being a higher-end headset with a $159.99 price tag, I was kind of hoping that all of its flagship features would be fully ready-to-go out of the box.
Buy a HyperX Cloud Flight S here
I suppose the counterargument is that a lot of people already have Qi wireless chargers, as HyperX is using the popular standard, instead of some proprietary nonsense. However, it still came as a shock and I think unknowing buyers may get a soured first impression here.
HyperX does sell a wireless charger separately, which comes with two zones for charging two devices. I was sent this alongside the headset and it works as expected. Being able to charge my headset and phone simultaneously is nice, but a standard wireless charger will more than get the job done (and at a cheaper price).
HyperX Cloud Flight S Review | Hitting the sweet spot
Overall, the HyperX Cloud Flight S is easily one of my favorite headsets at this price point. It combines everything that I and many, many others love about Cloud headsets, but then makes those features as wireless as possible.
While it’s a shame that a wireless charger is sold separately, buyers should still be impressed by what’s on offer here. HyperX was born to make headsets and the Cloud Flight S provides further evidence of this.
HyperX Cloud Flight S review unit was provided by HyperX.
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