Short answer: the HyperX Cloud II, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #174 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $47.48. The Koss Porta Pro ranks #203, rated 2.4/5, at $39.99, $7.49 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 216 over-ear headphones, and the Superlux HD 660 Pro 150 Ohm, ranked #57 at $34, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The HyperX Cloud II is the better-sounding pick. 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 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.
The case for the Koss Porta Pro: A very cheap, lightweight open-back design dating from 1984. Watch for: A 16.8 dB dip near 3.6 kHz hollows out vocals and instrument detail, and treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 6 dB low.
Buy the HyperX Cloud II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $7.49 you would save on the Koss Porta Pro does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HyperX Cloud II | Koss Porta Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $47.48 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #174 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #203 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 58 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 46 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.60 dB standard deviation | 3.55 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.74 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.50 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 34 Hz (-7.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 60 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB SPL/mW | 101 dB SPL/1mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to HyperX Cloud II:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x vs HyperX Cloud II
- Sony WH-CH510 vs HyperX Cloud II
- Superlux HD 681 vs HyperX Cloud II
- HyperX Cloud II vs Koss KPH40
- HyperX Cloud II vs Koss KSC75
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Headphones In Full
HyperX Cloud II: $47.48 Amazon eBay
Pros: 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 large 53mm driver delivers bass about 4 dB above the Harman target, which suits listeners who want punchy explosions and a warm, bass-forward presentation. Sub-bass and the lower midrange sit close to target, so the low end is fuller without being muddy.
Cons: 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. Treble above 6 kHz runs about 4 to 5 dB hot, which can become fatiguing at higher volumes. The HyperX Cloud Alpha has a higher rating at a lower price.
Full HyperX Cloud II review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.60 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 58 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB SPL/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.74 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.4 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +4.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 170 Hz | -7.0 dB | 1.06 |
| Peak | 271 Hz | +3.7 dB | 0.58 |
| Peak | 3,828 Hz | +5.4 dB | 3.60 |
| Peak | 57 Hz | -4.8 dB | 0.58 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -7.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,085 Hz | -3.0 dB | 3.98 |
| Peak | 2,378 Hz | -1.9 dB | 2.78 |
| Peak | 3,700 Hz | +1.3 dB | 2.71 |
| Peak | 1,123 Hz | +1.1 dB | 3.29 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Koss Porta Pro: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A very cheap, lightweight open-back design dating from 1984. At 60 ohms and 101 dB sensitivity it runs easily from a phone. The warm tilt and a mild 2.6 dB bass lift suit listeners who like a relaxed, bassy sound.
Cons: A 16.8 dB dip near 3.6 kHz hollows out vocals and instrument detail, and treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 6 dB low. Sub-bass below 60 Hz sits about 6 dB under target. The open back leaks sound and provides no isolation, and the HyperX Cloud Alpha is rated clearly higher at a similar price.
Full Koss Porta Pro review and specifications →
| Released | 1984 (42 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.55 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 46 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/1mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 34 Hz (-7.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.50 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -7.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +9.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 83 Hz | -8.7 dB | 0.47 |
| Peak | 3,336 Hz | +4.3 dB | 4.55 |
| Peak | 8,898 Hz | +5.8 dB | 2.75 |
| Peak | 6,711 Hz | +4.5 dB | 4.32 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +4.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,725 Hz | -3.8 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 1,892 Hz | -1.6 dB | 2.53 |
| Peak | 658 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.45 |
| Peak | 2,756 Hz | +1.5 dB | 4.62 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons