Skip to content
HearWiki

HyperX Cloud Earbuds II vs KZ Zenith: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the KZ Zenith comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: KZ Zenith - Great overall at around $47.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HyperX Cloud Earbuds II
Sound6.0
Calls6.0
Value7.0
KZ Zenith
Sound8.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of HyperX Cloud Earbuds II vs KZ Zenith
SpecHyperX Cloud Earbuds IIKZ Zenith
TypeWired IEMsWired IEMs
Price (USD)$40$47
HearWiki score66 / 100 · Good82 / 100 · Great
Released20232024
Audio
DriverdynamicFull-range ultra-linear Dynamic Driver X
Driver size14 mm10 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20Hz – 20kHz20Hz-40kHz
Impedance65 Ω41 Ω
Sensitivity105 dB/mW128 dB/mW
Sensitivity105dBSPL/mW at 1kHz-
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
Controlsbuttonsnone
Voice assistantmobile multifunction button-
Design
Weight0.04 g-
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CNoNo
Calls
Microphones1-

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud Earbuds II

The HyperX Cloud Earbuds II are a budget-friendly wired option that prioritizes gaming convenience and broad compatibility, particularly with consoles and PCs. While their 14mm dynamic drivers offer a punchy low end and clear mids for immersive play, the overall sound quality is more practical than exceptional, making them a solid pick for casual gamers rather than audiophiles. The package includes useful accessories and an inline mic, but the lack of advanced features like ANC or multipoint keeps them firmly in the entry-level category.

  • Pro:Strong bass response for gaming immersion
  • Pro:Wide device compatibility via 3.5mm jack
  • Pro:Lightweight and portable design
  • Con:Sound can feel hollow or lacking in detail
  • Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Earbud fit may not suit all ear shapes

KZ Zenith

The KZ Zenith is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a balanced, non-fatiguing sound with punchy bass, detailed mids, and smooth treble. It's highly sensitive and easy to drive, making it a versatile choice for portable use, while its build quality and fit are praised. Despite a few minor caveats, it offers strong technical performance and competes well above its modest price point.

  • Pro:Balanced, non-offensive tuning with textured bass
  • Pro:Clear and detailed mids with refined treble
  • Pro:Very easy to drive and highly sensitive
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or controls
  • Con:Cable is detachable but not USB-C
  • Con:Minor caveats in overall technical refinement

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.