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Ideal for gamers and streamers, the HyperX Cloud Alpha offers excellent audio, comfort, and durability, but it doesn’t block out low-bass range noise due to poor noise isolation.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the headphones have a detachable cable and microphone, but they don’t support noise canceling, and they also don’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
There’s no app support for sound customization, but the headphones have an in-line remote, an on/off mic switch, and mute and unmute controls. Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have any call or playback controls, which is hard to miss among most top-ranking gaming headsets. The HyperX Cloud Alpha over-ear headset is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, as well as a PC.
Consensus
our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha excels in providing gamers and streamers with a high-quality audio experience. Its standout features include exceptional comfort, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions, and superior, well-balanced sound output out-of-the-box, which enhances both gaming and music listening. Its durability is noteworthy, capable of withstanding rough use, and the replaceable cable feature adds to its longevity. However, the microphone quality can be inconsistent, with some users finding it muffled. While it provides good noise isolation, it lacks advanced noise cancellation features.
Overall, the headset’s performance, comfort, and build quality make it a strong contender in its price range, effectively addressing key pain points like audio quality, user experience, and comfort.
ReasonS to Buy
Well-balanced sound output
Gamers will appreciate how well-balanced the sound output on the HyperX Cloud Alpha is out-of-the-box, as there is no clear need for adjustments. However, their lows and mid-trebles may not sound as full-bodied and natural.
Good comfort
The large ear cups and generous padding on the HyperX Cloud make them ideal for long gaming sessions.
High-quality microphone
The sound produced through the microphone is clear and accurate, allowing for clear in-game conversation. As a result, it ranks in the top 30% on our certified tested list in this category.
Reason to Avoid
Poor noise isolation
Low-bass range noise like bus and plane engine rumble is not blocked. A good amount of background chatter is also picked up.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Specs
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Battery Life
Wired
Compatible Platforms
Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector Size
3.5mm
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
50mm
Earcup Foam Material
Memory Foam
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
27,000Hz
Min Frequency Response
13Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.74 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
Wired
Wireless Connectivity
Wired
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Gaming Headsets based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Max Volume (dB)
0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)
7.25
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)
32.11
BT Latency (ms)
0
Non-BT Latency (ms)
0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
68.25
High End Roll Off (Hz)
8,365.647
All Tests
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The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the headphones have a detachable cable and microphone, but they don’t support noise canceling, and they also don’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
There’s no app support for sound customization, but the headphones have an in-line remote, an on/off mic switch, and mute and unmute controls. Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have any call or playback controls, which is hard to miss among most top-ranking gaming headsets. The HyperX Cloud Alpha over-ear headset is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, as well as a PC.
Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones don’t have virtual surround sound as a feature, but this is something that the HyperX Cloud 2 headphones come…
Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones don’t have virtual surround sound as a feature, but this is something that the HyperX Cloud 2 headphones come with. The headphones are also slightly smaller than the HyperX Cloud 2’s, making them easier to move around. Feel free to check out our HyperX Cloud 2 wireless review to learn more about them. However, if you’d prefer a wired version of the latter, we’ve also covered that in our HyperX Cloud 2 review.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones and have slightly less sound leakage. However, the Razer headphones…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones and have slightly less sound leakage. However, the Razer headphones have a companion app with a graphic equalizer plus presets, which is missing on the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are the predecessors to the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones. They miss out on a few Alpha S headphones upgrades,…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are the predecessors to the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones. They miss out on a few Alpha S headphones upgrades, such as a USB dongle and bass sliders for on-ear bass adjustments on both ear cups. They also don’t have support for surround sound, a feature that the Alpha S headphones support. We’ve covered the Alpha S headphones in our HyperX Cloud Alpha S review, so feel free to check them out.
As their naming might suggest, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are wired, while the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones are battery-powered. Also, the HyperX Cloud…
As their naming might suggest, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are wired, while the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones are battery-powered. Also, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones ship with a carrying pouch, while the wireless headphones do not. However, the Alpha wireless headphones have surround sound support, unlike the Cloud Alpha headphones.
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
No
No
No
–
Battery Life
Wired
30 hrs
–
n/a
–
Compatible Platforms
Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
