HyperX Cirro Buds Pro: AirPods-Like Wireless Earbuds for Gaming
Since the release of the original AirPods in 2016, I’ve been drawn to truly wireless earbuds over bulky over-the-ear headphones for all my audio needs, from music and podcasts to movies. Luckily, the gaming peripheral market is catching up, and one worthy option is the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro. These earbuds offer a compact and immersive audio experience.
Design and Features
The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro are designed to work with PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices through Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. This allows you to easily pair and switch between devices without the hassle of re-pairing. Whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or watching movies, this flexibility suits your on-the-go lifestyle.
Similar to many other wireless earbuds, the Cirro Buds Pro come with a pocket-sized flip-top case that charges the earbuds when not in use. While the case feels a bit flimsy, it securely closes with a magnet to prevent accidental openings. By default, the earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) mode enabled, which eliminates unwanted noise. Alternatively, you can switch to the Ambient mode to stay aware of your surroundings. The 90ms low-latency Gaming Mode minimizes audio sync issues while playing games. For optimal battery life, ANC and noise control settings can be disabled.
The Cirro Buds Pro have a stemless design that comfortably fits into your ear canal, and they come with three silicone ear tip attachments for different ear sizes. Despite lacking ear hooks, they stay secure during light activities. These earbuds are lightweight, with each bud weighing only 4g, while the case weighs about 42g.
Controls and Software
Each earbud features a haptic touch sensor for media playback control. Various taps and presses on the earbuds allow you to play/pause media, answer calls, and utilize different gestures. However, adjusting the volume must be done manually on your mobile device or gaming system, which can be a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the Cirro Buds Pro do not support gesture customization.
No additional software is required to use the Cirro Buds Pro since they connect via Bluetooth.
Gaming Experience
While HyperX is known for gaming peripherals and headphones, the Cirro Buds Pro are geared towards mainstream users with occasional gaming sessions. However, they still provide a satisfactory gaming experience. When paired with a Windows 10 PC, the audio is split into two profiles: higher-quality stereo audio without microphone support or lower-quality mono audio with microphone functionality. This limitation stems from how Windows 10 handles Bluetooth devices, and the Cirro Buds Pro lack the option of a 2.4GHz wireless connection via a USB adapter. It’s important to note that some custom-built PCs may not have Bluetooth receivers, requiring an additional adapter or motherboard upgrade to use these earbuds.
For single-player gaming, the Cirro Buds Pro excel. They offer immersive sound quality and ambient effects, enhancing games like Diablo IV or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch. The Bluetooth 5.2 technology enables seamless pairing and switching between devices, allowing you to effortlessly resume your music or podcast once you’re done gaming. The built-in microphone is adequate for calls.
Although the Cirro Buds Pro may not deliver the same level of ambient audio as AirPods, they provide decent noise cancellation at a fraction of the price. At $79.99, these earbuds are a budget-friendly option.
Purchasing Guide
The HyperX Cirro Buds Pro are available for purchase on Amazon or directly from HyperX for a suggested MSRP of $79.99. They come in Black, Tan, or Blue color options.