HyperX introduces an all-in-one wireless headset for work and gaming with battery life strong enough to handle both

What you need to know

HP announced the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 wireless headset at Imagine 2024.
It’s made for work, gaming, and everyday life, with active noise cancelling, low-latency sound, and “up to 110 hours of battery life” on Bluetooth.
AI-enhanced microphones are hidden in the headset, reducing bulk.
The HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is expected to launch late September starting at about $200.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast who’s been through more headsets than I care to remember, the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 wireless headset seems like a promising addition to my collection. Having spent countless hours gaming and working from various locations, I can appreciate the versatility this headset offers for both professional and leisure activities.

In the year 2021, HyperX joined forces with HP, yet it continues to expand its collection of gaming peripherals and hardware without missing a beat. At Gamescom 2024, we were introduced to numerous gaming-oriented products by HyperX. However, during HP’s Imagine 2024 event, there seems to be a significant emphasis on catering to professionals and those who lead hybrid lifestyles.

Introduced today is the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 wireless headset, which bears a resemblance to the HyperX Cloud III Wireless that Rebecca Spear from Windows Central reviewed towards the end of last year, but with a sleeker design tailored for versatile use in various settings.

Headphones with over-ear design feature foam and leatherette padding for maximum comfort, whether you’re transitioning from work to gaming at the end of the day. Convenient controls on the earcups allow easy adjustment of features like muting, volume, and power. This is a common feature in top-tier headsets currently available on the market.

It is not immediately apparent where the microphone is located on this device, as it is concealed within the earcups. While many gaming headsets have a retractable or removable mic, this one does not. HP claims that its microphone uses AI technology to eliminate background noise and enhance voice clarity for use in games or video conferencing.

The structure of this headset is crafted from stainless steel, with aluminum used for the arms supporting each earcup. Historically, I’ve found that many headsets have issues with their frames or earcup arms breaking, but the durable materials should help prevent such problems until you choose to upgrade. HP also offers a two-year warranty as an added assurance for your purchase.

Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility comes with an additional option for a 2.4GHz dongle. A unique aspect of these headsets is the integrated dongle cradle, hidden beneath the removable cover of one earpiece. Given how often I’ve misplaced USB dongles, this is definitely a useful feature that I value.

One key aspect that sets this headset apart is its exceptional battery life, which HP claims provides the longest duration via Bluetooth among consumer headsets. This device offers Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with options for regular or transparency mode. When connected via Bluetooth with ANC enabled, you can enjoy up to 110 hours of continuous use. However, if you connect using a USB dongle, the battery life reduces to approximately 72 hours.

With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, you can expect battery life of around 70 hours when using Bluetooth and 52 hours on 2.4GHz. This is truly remarkable, allowing for roughly two weeks of usage before needing a recharge. The headset charges conveniently via USB-C, and it includes a 1.8m charging cable along with a case to store and transport the device neatly.

The headset includes 40mm dynamic speakers, and a low-lag connection through a 2.4GHz dongle makes it perfect for competitive gaming. The HyperX Cloud MIX 2 is projected to be available around $200 in late September. It works with PC, Steam Deck, mobile devices, PS5, and PS4, but there appears to be no support for Xbox.

Is this the only headset you’ll ever need?

For about two years now, I’ve been relying on the Arctis Pro Wireless headset, and it has consistently delivered satisfactorily. Yet, there are certain aspects that prevent it from being my top choice among headsets.

Initially, what stands out is its less-than-ideal battery duration, necessitating frequent charging even when my gaming sessions are confined to the evening hours.

The last two points make it difficult for me to use this headset regularly while working outside of home. Since the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 falls into the same price range as the Arctis Pro Wireless, I’m planning to buy it when my SteelSeries headset wears out.

SteelSeries excels in two key areas: durability and software compatibility. The headset I’ve owned for several years shows no signs of wear, and it continues to provide the same level of comfort as when I first purchased it. In contrast, I’ve encountered issues with multiple HyperX headsets, with both models breaking at the joint connecting the earcups.

The SteelSeries Engine app is also quite good at making quick and easy tweaks to sound. It will be interesting to see if HP can keep up with its supporting software for the Cloud MIX 2, which will help propel it into consideration for the best PC gaming accessories of the year.

2024-09-24 19:40

What you need to know

Is this the only headset you’ll ever need?

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