Review: HyperX Cirro Buds Pro

Since Apple released AirPods in 2016, true wireless Bluetooth headphones have gradually gained popularity. The original most criticised problem of connection latency has also been significantly improved by the update of the Bluetooth standard. HyperX has never stopped making efforts in this field. Their Bluetooth headphones, especially gaming Bluetooth headphones, have been steadily gaining a reputation in the market.

Today, HyperX hit the market once again with its latest gaming gear – the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro. The novel true wireless earbuds are crafted with finesse, targeting not only the gaming enthusiasts who seek ultimate performance but also the casual listeners craving an immersive and snug audio encounter. I can’t wait to share with you guys about this latest offering from HyperX!

What’s in the box

Design and specs

HyperX Cirro Buds Pro offers an audio experience that is not only vibrant but also varied in its offerings. The heart of the earbuds pulsates with dynamic 8mm drivers, ensuring your every tune comes alive in full colour, be it in Tan, Black, or Blue.

Comfort is key with three different sizes of ear tips to ensure the perfect fit. And despite all their features, they remain feather-light at a mere 0.29 ounces (8.2 grams), with the carrying case weighing just a smidgen more at 1.38 ounces (39 grams).

It’s worth noting that the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro supports a very wide range of devices including PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, iPhone and Android phones.

Connectivity

Crafted for the tech-savvy generation, these earbuds come loaded with Bluetooth 5.2, promising flawless connections that make tangled wires a thing of the past. They play nice with both SBC and AAC audio codecs, delivering superior sound across any platform. These earbuds scoff at the idea of bad weather, thanks to their IPX4 water-resistance, ready to sing along with you, rain or shine.

However, it’s the stellar line-up of features that truly elevate these earbuds from the crowd. They’re gifted with Bluetooth multipoint connections, able to mingle with multiple devices at once. Housed within them is a potent active noise cancellation system, ready to transport you into a world of serene sound. For those moments when you need to keep an ear out for reality, just flip to ambient sound mode. HyperX Cirro Buds Pro packs a game mode that shaves latency down to a mere 90ms. Furthermore, they come with intuitive wear sensors that halt your tracks when you take them off and touch controls for effortlessly managing your musical journey and calls. These earbuds aren’t just a pair of speakers; they’re a symphony conductor in your pocket.

It fits quite well in the ears

In a world where most earbuds aim to mimic the now-iconic AirPods’ stem design, HyperX’s Cirro Buds Pro dares to be different. With a sleek design that snuggles cozily into your ear, these earbuds take a different approach. They come with silicone eartips in three different sizes, ensuring a snug fit inside your ear. The Cirro Buds Pro sports a minimalist design with nifty indentations on the sides for an easier grip. And, let me tell you, they’re as comfy as a pair of fluffy slippers, right out of the box.

Putting these earbuds in should feel like slipping into a warm bath, not a wrestling match. If you feel any pinching, uncomfortable pressure, or loose-fitting, it’s probably time to play Goldilocks and try a different eartip size. Although the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro weighs in at a mere 8g, which is as light as a feather, the real magic lies in the fit. It’s the maestro of the show, orchestrating everything from sound quality and noise isolation to overall comfort. I’m someone who typically finds earbuds to be a bit of an earache, but these let me jam out for few hours at a stretch – a true testament to their comfort.

In the spirit of “every coin has two sides,” my experience with these earbuds had a bit of a twist. The Cirro Buds Pro hugged my ears just right, but they turned into tiny ear saunas after three straight hours. It’s common knowledge that in-ear designs aren’t the best for long hauls, especially if you’re blasting your tunes. They can be a bit of a menace to your hearing. But with these earbuds, the stuffiness was particularly prominent. I tried to listen to audiobooks and have phone chats without a break, but the three-hour mark was my limit. Oddly, this wasn’t a problem with either my AirPods Pro or Pixel Buds Pro.

Still, I wouldn’t recommend marathon headphone sessions anyway, as it can be a bit risky for your hearing. So, this may not be a deal-breaker for many. If you’re an optimist, you might even see this as a built-in reminder to give your ears a breather. After a few hours of non-stop use, you’d have to remove your earbuds, ensuring a well-deserved rest for your ears.

Microphone

The Cirro Buds come with an omnidirectional microphone, which is a fancy way of saying it picks up sounds from every angle, not just from where your voice is coming from. Now, this might be the only design that makes sense for gaming earbuds of this size, but be warned, it does have a side effect – your gaming buddies might hear your surroundings along with your voice. It’s also worth noting that while it’s good, it’s not quite professional quality when it comes to audio recording. This also means that this pair of earbuds is not necessarily the most suitable option for people with online conferencing needs.

Unfortunately, the headset’s microphone seemed to be a bit of a letdown in noisier outdoor environments, particularly in breezy conditions. After a somewhat distressing trial run, I decided it would be prudent to steer clear of using it for outdoor conversations.

Active Noise Cancelling

One standout feature of these earbuds is their noise-cancelling capability, and it performs commendably. My own testing was quite revealing when my friends managed to surprise me on more than one occasion, thanks to the silence these buds delivered. Of course, they don’t render you entirely deaf to the world; a whisper of ambient noise does get through, but it’s diluted enough to keep from being a nuisance. For those who’d rather keep a finger on the pulse of their surroundings, the buds also come with an ambient sound mode. Flip this on, and the noise-cancelling magic takes a backseat, letting the outside world filter into your audio landscape.

Sound quality

These earbuds serve up some pretty delightful sounds straight out of the box. I noticed they leaned towards the softer side, requiring a bit more volume cranking than usual to hit my sweet spot. But it’s far from a deal-breaker, as they still had plenty of volume reserves to push my comfort boundary. So, while those with a craving for high-decibel music may find themselves wanting, for most folks, it’s likely to be just right.

When it comes to overall audio quality, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro certainly don’t skimp. The bass notes arrive with a pleasing punch, yet manage to sidestep the all-too-common pitfall of sounding murky. As for the highs and mids, they’re both crisp and lucid. All things considered, these buds make for a pretty satisfying auditory companion.

Battery life

The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro pull off an impressive feat, inching close to a 5-hour run when you’ve got the Active Noise Cancelling engaged. That being said, this marathon might vary a bit. Maybe you like your tunes softer (or louder), or maybe you decide to give the ANC a break or flip on the transparency mode – all these factors can nudge your playtime in either direction. Pinning down battery life is a bit like catching smoke, but a solid 5-hour session is a fair expectation for typical usage. As for a longevity tip – don’t shy away from taking charging pauses; they’re your ticket to a harmonious long-term relationship with your buds.

These earbuds come ready for a custom fit, offering a selection of three different ear tip sets that snugly secure them in place. Plus, their marathon-like stamina keeps your tunes playing for a staggering 35 hours, all thanks to the accompanying protective charging case. And should they ever run out of steam, they boast a rapid recovery, zooming from zero to fully charged in just about 40 minutes. These earbuds are your steadfast companion, ever prepared for your musical marathons.

What is missing？

Cirro Buds Pro does not work with HyperX’s NGENUITY software and therefore cannot use EQ equalisers and digital surround sound. It was to my surprise that I became aware the NGENUITY is not available on the Cirro Buds Pro. I say this because previously tested HyperX headphones have usually been able to use NGENUITY to make custom adjustments. I can’t quite wrap my head around this decision by the HyperX product development team and hope that the development team will consider adding software support in subsequent product upgrades, which would significantly improve the performance of this product.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Imagine a pair of earbuds that simply slides into your day, making every sound more vibrant. This is what the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro promises to do. Whether you’re a tech wizard or someone who likes to keep things basic, these earbuds are designed to be your perfect audio companion – hassle-free and easy to use.

The “plug and play” concept is at the heart of their design, so you can dive right into your favourite tunes without fumbling around with confusing settings. Their appearance is beautifully minimalist, yet they don’t skimp on durability. The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro is sturdy enough to endure your daily grind, whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or exploring the great outdoors. These earbuds have been created to be as tough as they are sleek, ensuring a seamless and exciting audio experience anytime, anywhere.

Like many of its counterparts, Bluetooth 5.2 has been able to reduce latency down to as low as 90ms, but that still doesn’t satisfy the needs of some gamers. Overall, the 90ms latency won’t matter for most games, unless you’re looking for the ultimate in responsiveness, in which case I’d still recommend considering a wired controller at this point in time.

Should you buy the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro?

If you’re on the hunt for an all-round performer in the ANC earbuds realm that won’t cost you a fortune, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro might just be your perfect match. While they might not offer a sound extravaganza that leaves you awe-struck, they win big by being down-to-earth – focusing on the essentials without overstretching and delivering solid performance without the need for an app to manage core functions. From my perspective, they’re rather impressive.

However, these are budget-friendly gaming earbuds, and with the earbuds market as diverse as it is, there are plenty of other options that could cater to your needs, particularly if you sway even slightly from the archetype of a “gamer needing earbuds for both phone and console”. Considering the sea of TWS options that cater to different tastes and needs, it’s tough for a single product to be a crowd-pleaser. Nonetheless, the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro carves out its own sweet spot in the market, fitting snugly into its niche.

Price

The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds are available in black, blue or tan colourways. This pair of earbuds is priced at AUD $159 and can be found locally at JB Hi-Fi or online from Amazon AU.