Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It ranks #188 of 523 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $159. The HyperX Cloud II ranks #398, rated 2.9/5, at $77.95, $81.05 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the better-sounding option. Popular closed-back headphones with clean, punchy bass and a smooth sound that avoids harshness, easy to drive and isolating. The catch: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 1.7 dB low and a 3.5 dB dip near 6.8 kHz softens cymbals and sibilance, while the top octave runs about 2 dB hot, a slightly uneven treble.
What the HyperX Cloud II does well: An affordable wired gaming headset with a built in mic, a closed back and punchy bass for explosions. The catch: 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 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $81.05 with the HyperX Cloud II does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Popular closed-back headphones with clean, punchy bass and a smooth sound that avoids harshness, easy to drive and isolating.
An affordable wired gaming headset with a built in mic, a closed back and punchy bass for explosions.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | HyperX Cloud II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $77.95 |
| Ranked | #188 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones | #398 of 523 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 58 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.01 dB standard deviation | 3.60 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.75 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.74 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 98 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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