Nothing Headphone (a) B186 vs HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA
What Buyers Say
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
Users are overwhelmingly positive about these Nothing headphones, praising the exceptional battery life, comfortable fit, and intuitive controls like the scroll wheel. The sound quality is generally considered great for the price, though one audiophile friend rated it 5/10 and some note the noise cancellation isn't the strongest. The app's customization options and sleek design are also highlights, with minor complaints about glossy plastic showing smudges and snugness over long periods.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Intuitive controls
- Great sound for price
- Customizable app
Cons
- Glossy plastic shows smudges
- Noise cancellation not strongest
- Slightly snug over long periods
- Transparency mode could improve
HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA
The HyperX headset receives mostly positive feedback for its sound quality, comfort, and affordability. However, a few users report issues with durability, such as audio failure after a month or a cracked headband, and the ear cushions can get warm over long sessions. The microphone is praised for clarity, and the overall value is considered excellent for gaming, though music reproduction is more neutral.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Good microphone clarity
- Affordable price
- Noise isolation
Cons
- Durability issues (audio failure, cracked headband)
- Ear cushions get warm over time
- Short cable length
- Tight fit for larger heads
- Flat sound for music
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Headphone (a) B186 | HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.57 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | memory foam |
| Headband | Liquid Silicone Padding | aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | HyperX Cloud - Gaming Headset, Memory Foam Comfort, Noise-Cancelling mic, Durable Aluminum Frame. |
| Surround | Virtual Surround | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 135 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 5 | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 5★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Nothing X | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | — |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Headphone (a) B186
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA
- Strong mic (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average comfort (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average sound (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average connectivity (32nd percentile)
- Below average anc (33rd percentile)
Pricing
HyperX Cloud A3RL9AA offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 87 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 38 specs.
