Short answer: the AKG K240 Studio. It ranks #274 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $52.95. The HyperX Cloud II ranks #352, rated 2.9/5, at $47.48, $5.47 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The AKG K240 Studio is the better-sounding option. A preference score of 68 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it in the middle of the pack, with a fairly even tilt and bass within about 1.4 dB of target from 60 to 200 Hz. The catch: Sub-bass from 20 to 60 Hz sits about 13.7 dB below target, so kick drums and synth bass lack rumble and weight.
What the HyperX Cloud II does well: A built-in microphone and a closed-back design make it a ready-made gaming headset, and the 60 ohm impedance with 98 dB sensitivity means it runs easily from a PC or console. The tradeoff: A deep dip of roughly 15 dB near 4.2 kHz hollows out presence, so voices and the attack of instruments sound recessed, while a peak of about 9 dB near 8.6 kHz adds a sharp, sizzly edge to cymbals and sibilance.
Buy the AKG K240 Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $5.47 you would save on the HyperX Cloud II does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
A preference score of 68 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it in the middle of the pack, with a fairly even tilt and bass within about 1.4 dB of target from 60 to 200 Hz.
Amazon $52.95 eBay
A built-in microphone and a closed-back design make it a ready-made gaming headset, and the 60 ohm impedance with 98 dB sensitivity means it runs easily from a PC or console.
Amazon $47.48 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K240 Studio | HyperX Cloud II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $52.95 | $47.48 |
| Ranked | #274 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #352 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 58 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.33 dB standard deviation | 3.60 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.74 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 84 Hz (-17.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Semi-open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 30mm dynamic | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 55 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB SPL/V | 98 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
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