There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.
Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.
Wireless reviews describe NGenuity as useful for battery status, DTS:X, and EQ controls, but not flawless; one reviewer calls it pretty decent while another reports glitchy battery readouts.
Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.
Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.
Bass is repeatedly described as deep, powerful, or bass-forward, with good impact for games and music, though a few reviews note a warmer tilt rather than ultra-tight neutrality.
Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.
Wireless reviews consistently treat battery life as a standout, with repeated 300-hour claims and one test result above that mark.
Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.
Multiple wireless reviews explicitly say Bluetooth is missing, making this a major convenience gap.
Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.
Across wired and wireless reviews, the headset is usually described as sturdy, durable, metal-reinforced, and well put together.
Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.
Controls are generally described as easy to find and straightforward, with useful mute and volume access and distinguishable buttons on wireless versions.
Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.
Wired reviews praise the braided cable and secure fit, describing it as durable, supple, or hard to accidentally dislodge.
Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.
One review highlights the included velour carrying pouch as a nice extra for protection and transport.
The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.
Wireless charging impressions are positive overall, with fast top-up language in one review and short full-charge times in another.
USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.
Clamping impressions are mostly favorable, though some reviews note a stronger grip or slight snugness before settling into comfortable use.
Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.
Long-session comfort is one of the most repeated strengths, with reviewers regularly saying they wore it for hours without major discomfort.
Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.
This is split by version: wired reviews praise broad 3.5mm compatibility, while wireless reviews criticize the lack of wired backup and single-connection limitations.
Wireless reviews repeatedly flag platform limits, especially feature gaps or outright compatibility gaps on some consoles.
The wired design is described as sleek and recognizably HyperX, with a black-and-red look that reviewers generally like.
A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.
Reviews value the removable cable because it makes replacement easier and helps the headset survive cable failures.
The removable boom mic is treated as a practical plus for easier non-gaming use and simpler replacement.
The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.
Wireless reviews confirm a USB-A dongle solution, but impressions are mixed because range or platform flexibility is not universally praised.
The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.
Memory foam and soft leatherette padding are repeatedly praised, with reviewers calling the cups plush, soft, and comfortable around the ears.
Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.
At least one review directly calls out the lack of swivel as a drawback.
The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.
Wireless reviews confirm adjustable EQ options, including presets and custom EQ creation through NGenuity.
A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.
One detailed review says the headset forms a very good seal after adjustment, helping both isolation and fit security.
Reviews describe the tuning as fairly faithful or reasonably balanced, though some also note a sculpted or slightly shaped response rather than strict neutrality.
Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.
One review explicitly mentions a chat/game mix rocker on the wired cable.
Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.
The sliders are described as well defined and secure enough not to slip during use.
Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.
One durability-focused review specifically calls out robust joints protecting moving parts.
The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.
Included extras mentioned across reviews include breakout or extension cables and a detachable mic with windscreen.
The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.
Reviews that focus on sound quality praise layering, separation, and the ability to keep different elements distinct.
Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.
Several reviews say the headset stays clear at high volume, with little or almost no distortion even when pushed hard.
Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.
General mic impressions range from solid and usable to merely okay, but most reviewers still find it serviceable for gaming communication.
Multiple reviews describe the mic as good at reducing or rejecting background noise.
Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.
For chat, Discord, conference calls, and teammate communication, reviewers generally say the mic is good enough, though not top-tier for content creation.
Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.
Midrange impressions are mixed but generally decent, with some reviews praising tuning or detail while others hear a heavier or slightly laid-back mid band.
Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.
Compatibility is again version-dependent: some reviews praise broad wired platform support, while others limit the wireless model to a smaller set of devices.
Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.
Passive isolation is a clear strength in the strongest isolation-focused review.
Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.
One unboxing-focused review describes the presentation as clean and professional.
Portability is not a strength; one review directly says the headset is not built for portability.
Competitive and gaming-focused reviews repeatedly mention clear directional cues, footsteps, or spatial awareness, though one wireless review notes bass can soften footsteps a bit.
Preset EQ impressions are mixed: one review says the Balanced preset helps, while another was not impressed by the built-in presets.
The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.
Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.
Mic monitoring exists, but one review says it is a little too strong.
Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.
Setup is often framed as simple and no-fuss, especially on wired models and basic wireless plug-in use.
Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.
Leakage performance is generally good at normal use, though some reviews warn it can become noticeable at higher volumes.
Across the file, sound quality is one of the most consistent positives, with reviewers calling it engaging for gaming and good enough for music too.
Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.
One review specifically praises a very wide, spacious stage.
Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.
Wireless reviews repeatedly mention DTS:X or other spatial features, usually positively but with some platform-specific limits.
PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.
One review says the fit stays put and does not jostle around once adjusted and sealed.
Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.
Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, precise, or well preserved alongside the stronger low end.
Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.
Wireless reviews confirm USB-C charging on the headset.
Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.
Value is strong overall, especially for the wired model; the wireless model is still praised by some, but a few reviews say similarly priced rivals offer more features.
Volume output is consistently described as strong, with reviewers saying it gets loud and stays usable from controllers or at high levels.
Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.
Reviewers usually find the weight manageable or well distributed, even when noting that some versions are not the lightest on paper.
Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.
Wireless reviews describe the connection as stable or low-latency enough for normal gaming use.
Version differences are obvious here: one review praises wired Xbox use, while wireless reviews explicitly say the headset will not work on Xbox.
Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.