The Razer Kraken X and the HyperX Cloud 2 are gaming headsets that offer similar features but at different price points. Both are over-ear, closed-back and wired headsets that tout 7.1 gaming as their main feature. So, how are they different and which one should you get? Is the cheaper Razer Kraken X the better option? Or is it worth it to spend extra on the HyperX Cloud 2? Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two to help you decide which one is ultimately better for you.
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Razer Kraken X vs HyperX Cloud 2 Comparison Chart
| Model | Razer Kraken X | HyperX Cloud 2 |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Weight | 250g | 320g |
| Style | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm | USB 3.5mm |
| Controls | On earcups – mute – audio volume | On USB control box – mute – mic volume – audio volume – virtual 7.1 surround |
| Frequency Response | 12 – 28 kHz | 15 – 25 kHz |
| Mic | Fixed, bendable | Removable, bendable |
| 7.1 Surround Sound | Software enabled | USB control box |
| Compatibility | 3.5mm – PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Mobile | USB and 3.5mm – PC, Mac 3.5mm – PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Mobile |
| What’s Included | Razer Kraken X Y-splitter cable | HyperX Cloud 2 USB control box Airplane adapter Soft case Extra ear pads |
| Available Colors | Classic Black, Classic Black/Blue, Mercury White | Red, Gun Metal |
Design
The HyperX Cloud 2 is more comfortable and has a better build quality than the Razer Kraken X.
One of the biggest advantages of the HyperX Cloud 2 over the Razer Kraken X is its superior build quality, which is to be expected since it is the more expensive gaming headset. The HyperX Cloud 2 has some plastic parts but it has a metal frame that makes it sturdy. When you hold it, you’ll know that you have a gaming headset that can withstand occasional drops without developing issues. On the other hand, the Razer Kraken X is made with mostly plastic and it doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as the HyperX Cloud 2.
When it comes to comfort, the larger earcups of the HyperX Cloud 2 can cater to more ear types. People with larger ears will find it to be more comfortable than the Razer Kraken X, which has smaller earcups. Both are bulky, but they are relatively lightweight, so you can wear them for extended periods without feeling tired. The Razer Kraken X weighs 250g, while the HyperX Cloud 2 weighs 320g.
Both headphones come with sufficient padding on the earcups and their headbands. They also don’t feel too tight when worn. Comfort-wise, both headsets are great, with a slight edge to the HyperX Cloud 2.
Gaming Features
The Razer Kraken X and HyperX CLoud 2 offer 7.1 surround sound as their main gaming feature.
Both gaming headsets feature 7.1 surround sound for gamers. However, this feature is only available for PC gamers for a couple of reasons. The Razer Kraken X 7.1 surround only works on a PC because Razer’s surround sound software is not supported in other platforms such as game consoles and mobiles. The HyperX Cloud 2 virtual surround also only works with a PC because it requires USB audio support.
As mentioned, the Razer Kraken X requires Razer’s surround sound software in order for you to use it. This is not the case with the HyperX Cloud 2 since you can activate its 7.1 virtual surround sound mode using its USB control box. While downloading and configuring Razer’s 7.1 software are easy enough, we still prefer the more convenient approach of the HyperX Cloud 2.
A feature that is unique to the HyperX Cloud 2 in this comparison is its USB control box. With it, you can enable the headset’s 7.1 virtual surround sound mode with a touch of a button. In addition to that function, you can also adjust the headset and mic volumes for channel mixing and it also has a mic mute toggle. On the Razer Kraken X, there are controls only for headset volume and mic mute and they are located on the left earcup.
Click here to check out other HyperX gaming headset comparisons
Sound Quality
The HyperX Cloud 2 sounds better than the Razer Kraken X.
These gaming headsets are designed primarily for gaming, but they can still be used to listen to music or watch movies, just don’t expect them to perform as well as other headphones that are designed specifically for those. That said, the HyperX Cloud 2 is actually a good sounding gaming headset that offers an enjoyable listening and movie watching experience.
When gaming and you enable 7.1 surround sound, the sound quality for both headsets drop since these headsets only provide virtual surround sound. However, if you can accept that lower sound quality, these headsets do a great job of providing positional audio, which will definitely help you when gaming.
As for how they sound, the Razer Kraken has an emphasized low end, pretty accurate mids but underemphasized highs. Bass can be boomy, the mids are clear and present, while the highs may lack accuracy and detail. The HyperX Cloud 2, in comparison, has a slightly emphasized bass, very accurate mids and slightly recessed highs. It’s not as boomy as the Razer Kraken X and it offers more detail when it comes to high frequency sounds and instruments. Overall, we think that the HyperX Cloud 2 sounds better.
Compatibility
The Razer Kraken X and HyperX Cloud 2’s 7.1 surround sound feature is only available on PC.
While both headsets will work on any gaming platform that has a 3.5mm stereo connection, their 7.1 surround sound feature will only work on a PC. The Razer Kraken X requires you to download their 7.1 surround sound software and this software is only supported on a Windows PC or laptop. The HyperX Cloud 2 does not require any software but its 7.1 surround sound mode is only supported when USB audio is used.
Verdict
It’s worth it to spend the extra money and get the HyperX Cloud 2 as it has a better build quality and it sounds better.
If you have the money for it, you should get the HyperX Cloud 2 over the Razer Kraken X. The HyperX Cloud 2 has a more premium feel, it has a sturdier build and it sounds better. However, if you have a tight budget, the Razer Kraken X is a nice alternative as it sounds good for its price. It’s not quite as good as the HyperX Cloud 2 when it comes to build quality, but if you treat it nicely, it can last a long time.
FAQs
Yes, the HyperX Cloud 2 is the better gaming headset since it has a sturdier build, it is more comfortable and it sounds better.
While it is not the best, it is certainly a good gaming headset if you are on a very tight budget.
It does not have an active noise cancelling feature but it provides passive noise cancelling due to its over-ear and closed-back design.
No, it does not have Bluetooth. The wireless version of the HyperX Cloud 2 also does not have Bluetooth. It uses a 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API