When it comes to headphones specifically made for gamers, very few OEMs get it right like HyperX. The brand has established a solid reputation in the PC gaming segment with its peripherals, including microphones, mechanical keyboards, and even gaming chairs. But its latest HyperX Cirro Buds Pro are true wireless earbuds occupying India’s most competitive segment, dominated by players such as boAt, Noise, and others. Sure, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro can be ideal for gamers who want a low-lag input while gaming, but there are several other features we all care about.
Especially when the price is Rs 5,456 (MRP Rs 5,990), for most customers, there mustn’t be any room for error. Can the HyperX Cirro Pro justify this price tag? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Design
I am reviewing the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro Tan colour variant, which I quite like. HyperX is also providing some classic tones, such as Black and Blue. However, the colour of the case remains constant and you get a translucent black finish.
The charging case features a rectangular design with softly curved corners. You can even notice intricate details around it, though they are somewhat concealed by the black finish. The build is plastic but it’s worth adding that the quality seems good and doesn’t feel sub-standard by any means. The case also includes a physical button for pairing, which helps establish a Bluetooth connection. At the bottom, there’s a USB-C port for charging.
The only issue I have with the case is its lid, which relies on small hinges. Due to this, you may occasionally struggle to remove the earbuds the first time as the slightest touch closes the lid. The magnets holding the earbuds are fairly strong, although I would’ve preferred them to be stronger for a better hold. As a result, you will hear a strange wobbling sound every time you aggressively shake the case.
Features
Unlike Apple AirPods, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro earbuds skip the stem. The earbuds also have some contours and cuts to mimic the shape of a human ear for a snug fit. However, the fit, in my case, was fine, but the bulky size can be bothersome if you have small ears. The box has extra tips (three sizes) that may help with a more snug fit.
It may also take some time to get used to the size of earbuds, but it gets better after a few days of usage.
The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro earbuds are IPX4-rated for protection against water splashes. It means you can wear them during sweaty workout sessions or in the rain, but it would be wise to keep the earbuds dry. The earbuds also have touch controls to pause and play music (single tap), turn on ambient or ANC modes (long press right earbud), and replay music (triple taps).
To activate the dedicated gaming mode, simply triple-tap the left earbud to enable a 90ms low latency connection. I did not face any issue with the sound even when the earbuds were paired with a Windows PC for gaming. Additionally, you can activate the voice assistant by long-pressing the left earbud. It seamlessly integrates with Siri, as I primarily used the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro with an iPhone.
Sadly, touch controls aren’t customisable due to no app support. No app support also means you can’t easily create or change sound profiles (aka EQs). The earbuds also lack “smart” capabilities, such as personalised sound profiles. This may irk many potential customers as app support is something most brands in the segment provide.
Sound quality and ANC
The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro offer both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient modes. The earbuds rely on two microphones for these modes to work. You can connect the earbuds to any device as long as there’s Bluetooth support. If you’re wondering, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro use Bluetooth 5.2 standard.
Typically, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro offer a clean and balanced sound profile. This translates to moderate bass levels and mostly balanced mids and trebles. While in idle mode, the ANC can be somewhat disappointing as ambient sounds can easily seep in, and there aren’t any variations in noise reduction levels. However, the ANC level is adequate when music is playing in the background. I particularly enjoyed the ambient mode, as the sound captured through the microphones appears natural and not muffled. However, there are no variations available for the Ambient mode.
To test the sound quality, I listened to GTA San Andreas’s theme music, which incorporates heavy bass and hip-hop elements. The sound was mostly clean, though the punch in the bass is slightly soft. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, provided that you’re a fan of a balanced sound profile. A clean sound can also enhance the gaming experience, offering relatively clearer vocals, which many users prefer. I also listened to Taylor Swift’s new album, and the vocals were absolutely clear with balanced mids and highs.
However, the pop elements incorporated into many songs in the album are somewhat subdued (in a good way).
Microphones and battery
As mentioned, there are two microphones on each earbud. The audio quality during calls is fine, though the receiver may occasionally notice a reverb in sound.
In terms of battery, the earbuds are touted to provide 4.5 hours of audio playback with ANC enabled. With the charging case, HyperX claims a total of 35 hours of playback.
During my review, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro lasted nearly four hours with ANC enabled and 50 percent volume. It’s a decent benchmark, especially if you’re travelling. For longer flights, you may need to charge the earbuds in between. Please note that the battery life may be affected if you listen to music at higher audio levels.
Verdict
The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro are best suited for users who prefer a clean and balanced sound profile. If you enjoy that extra thumb in the bass, you may want to consider the OnePlus Buds 3 (review) or Nothing Ear (a) (review).
However, HyperX prioritises low latency, a feature delivered by the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro. For gamers, this makes it a solid choice worth considering.
Editor’s rating: 7.5 / 10
Pros:
- Clean audio quality
- 90ms Low latency for gaming
- Reliable ANC and Ambient modes
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- Bulky for small ears
- No app support
