As gaming continues to expand in the mobile space, there is increased interest in true wireless headphones. The compact design makes them perfect for a pocket, or to throw in a bag/game case. Despite the demand, it’s a product that has continued to struggle on home consoles. Learning from prior experience, HyperX hopes to make Cloud Mix Buds 2 everything players hoped the original version would offer. However, given the aforementioned struggles, does this version knock it out of the park, or is it another step towards greatness?
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 Review Overview
Unboxing
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 is the first HyperX product we’ve reviewed in the past two years, and surprisingly very little changed with the packaging. At a glance it isn’t far off from the previous Cloud Mix Buds, though there are a number of subtle changes.
Most of the changes are centered around sustainability. As a result, the package features a wide array of regional boilerplate, a reduction in plastic (even the ear tip holder/seals are paper), and even includes a YCM sticker on the inside. This is great to see, as some of HyperX’s products were notorious for excess plastic usage.
Inside is the product, complete with all the accessories.
Accessories
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 comes with four additional silicone ear tips, an extension adapter, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and quick start guide.
Overall, there isn’t much to say about these accessories. The tips are the usual large/small, with medium coming preinstalled. The extension adapter remains a cool accessory, though it replaces a rubber bottom with a sticky one. Depending on the set up this can be a positive, or negative change. It can also be used with other USB-C devices, which is nice.
I am also sad to say a silicone cover is no longer included. This was one of my favorite additions with the previous version, as felt significantly better to touch.
Design
Instead of the usual smooth plastic, HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 opts for a corse feel. I wouldn’t describe it as objectionable, but it has the least satisfying feel of the 20~ true wireless headphones I have.
Compact Dongle Remains Amazing
In addition to that, these are extremely lightweight headphones. Coming in at just roughly 0.07lb it doesn’t feel very substantial. Through normal use I don’t think this will be an issue, it just furthers the aforementioned unsatisfying feel.
Case aside, the headphones themselves are fine. They feel like most models I’ve used, comfortable to wear, and utilize a fairly standard design. The only divisive part is the touch part being a slick plastic. This makes it a fingerprint magnet, at the cost of giving owners a solid indicator of where the touch buttons are. Overall, a fair tradeoff.
Set Up
For the most part HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 is plug and play. I didn’t need to do anything special on my phone, iPhone, or computer to get them to work. At most it was changing the audio source like any other device.
The reason I say for the most part is due to advanced functionality being unintuitive. Nothing is explained outside of the Quick Start Guide, and said guide is like a folded map. English happens to be at the top, so it’s easy to find, it just isn’t well designed.
I had to actually look pretty hard to find an explanation of what certain functions, such as the dongle button (it’s mute), actually do. Most of this can be side stepped by downloading their official app, HyperX NGENUITY.
Application
For whatever reason the software requires Bluetooth, at least on phones, to change settings. To do this simply hold the case’s back button, and wait for a blue light. After this a small handful of settings will appear.
Options include noise cancellation, audio presets, ear detection (pauses when removed), controls, and notifications (voice/sound). Most of these can be ignored, though anyone looking to fully utilize these headphones on a phone will need the application. This is largely due to controls, and audio presets.
The default touch controls are play/pause, next, previous, and ANC toggle on one earbud, with the other being the same, just with voice assistant instead of ANC. Personally, I prefer volume controls, which are basically the only other options.
As for audio presets, it seems the calibration function was removed in favor of a series of dedicated mixes. These include music, gaming, bass, chill, and voice. If any of these are confusing, a brief explanation of the mode is included as well. For example, chill is described as “a calming audio backdrop that allows you to unwind and enjoy the vibes.” If nothing else, it’s good to swap between gaming, music, and voice as needed.
Connection
Normally I wouldn’t devote a section to connection, but it felt fitting since that was the biggest concern with the original version. I am pleased to say they performed as expected. It didn’t matter if I was playing my PS5, using my iPhone, gaming, music, or on a call, they remained relatively stable. Throughout all my tests I only experienced a single disconnect that resolved itself a second later.
Performance (Gaming)
To put it simply, I think HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 delivers a satisfying experience. The bass heavy sound profile meshes well with the standard game experience. They wouldn’t be my first choice for something like Marvel Rivals, but to just experience a game they’re good.
Even with games I know extremely well like Destiny 2, there wasn’t a moment I felt like I was missing out. At most it lacked some finer points, or struggles in areas one would expect from true wireless headphones, such as soundstage.
Performance (Music)
Even under the Music preset the sound profile is somewhat bass heavy. This makes songs that utilize a lot of it sound great, with everything else sounding good, to fine. Even next to dedicated true wireless headphones they performed about as well, or in some cases slightly better. In all, I could easily see myself using these on the go, and swapping between my iPhone, and ROG Ally.
Microphone
Unsurprisingly, HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 doesn’t have a particularly notable microphone. I’d describe it as someone being stuck in a fishbowl. I included a sample recording from them, and my second generation Apple AirPods.
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2
Apple AirPods (Gen 2)
Realistically, I’d describe both as usable. Neither will blow someone away, nor will they inhibit a conversation. Like I’m currently experiencing issues with my Mac mini, spoke to Apple support for about 4 hours using HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2, and never had any of the seven different reps I spoke to struggle to hear what I’m saying.
HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 Review Verdict
While I wouldn’t say HyperX fixed every problem with Cloud Mix Buds 2, they are a notable step forward. Not only did they retain the low profile dongle, which is seriously amazing for transporting and portable consoles, the connection issues seemed to be fixed. This, coupled with good sound makes them worth considering if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution.
Editor’s Note: HyperX Cloud Mix Buds 2 was provided to us for review purposes.
