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HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Jan 11, 2024 4:27 PM

True Score

79
78
14

Experts

84
27.3k

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

HyperX Cloud Alpha S excels in comfort and sound for gaming, but the sound is not as adjustable as other headsets, limiting customization.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features are their surround sound technology, dubbed HyperX virtual 7.1 surround sound, plus adjustable bass. The wired-only headphones have bass sliders on each ear cup for quick adjustments and a special button on its audio control mixer that can activate its surround sound feature.

Unfortunately, there’s no support for noise cancellation or an EQ for sound quality adjustment, which are pretty standard features among the best gaming headsets. The Alpha S headphones are compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PCs.

Rankings (recommended in)

Best For

  • HyperX

Consensus

our Verdict

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S gaming headset is a winner for gamers and streamers who prioritize comfort and sound quality. The sound quality is good across games and media, and owners can wear them for extended gaming sessions without discomfort, as there are two cloth options to pick from. The microphone renders a natural-sounding voice and is great for accurate in-game communication. It also handles noise well.

The build is sturdy, and the detachable cable adds convenience. Its noise isolation is decent but won’t completely shut out external sounds. The headset’s user experience is also straightforward, but its companion software doesn’t allow for sound customization. All in all, a solid choice for its price, offering a great balance of audio quality, comfort, and durability.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Good sound quality
    • The Alpha S gaming headset’s sound profile slightly emphasizes bass output, but the mid-ranges are well-balanced. Its treble accuracy, however, depends on other elements of sound, as well as how the headset is worn. Unfortunately, the lack of an EQ limits customization.

  • Great comfort
    • The Alpha S ships with two cloth types, so owners will be able to choose one that is comfortable and suitable for marathon gaming sessions.

  • High microphone quality
    • The Alpha S’s sound capture is exceptional, and noise is also handled very well during team-mate chats when gaming. This clearly reflects its ranking in this category, a 7.8/10 score. Its speech-to-noise ratio is also in the top third of its category.

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited sound adjustability
    • Its companion software doesn’t have any sound adjustment features.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandNo
Battery LifeBattery Lifen/a
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsAndroid, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm
Detachable MicDetachable MicYes
Driver SizeDriver Size50mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialMemory Foam
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response27,000Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response13Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingNo
Product WeightProduct Weight0.68 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessNo
Wireless ConnectivityWireless Connectivityn/a

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)6.6
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)39.88
BT Latency (ms)0
Non-BT Latency (ms)0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)33.154
High End Roll Off (Hz)7,561.35

All Tests

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Product Comparison

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review

True Score

79
85
NR
NR

Ranking

#

34

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57

#

4

/

57

#

/

#

/

Market Context

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features are their surround sound technology, dubbed HyperX virtual 7.1 surround sound, plus adjustable bass. The wired-only headphones have bass sliders on each ear cup for quick adjustments and a special button on its audio control mixer that can activate its surround sound feature.

Unfortunately, there’s no support for noise cancellation or an EQ for sound quality adjustment, which are pretty standard features among the best gaming headsets. The Alpha S headphones are compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PCs.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones. However, owners will be able to adjust and customize…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones. However, owners will be able to adjust and customize their sound on the Razer headphones because its companion app has a graphic Eq plus presets, which is missing on the HyperX headphones. Also worth noting is that the Razer headphones have a non-detachable USB-A cable, while the cables on the HyperX headphones ship with an ⅛ inch TRRS cable and a USB-A dongle that can be interchanged because they’re both detachable.

While the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are wired, the HyperX Cloud Flight headphones are wireless and powered by a rechargeable 29.6-hour battery. The Cloud…

While the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are wired, the HyperX Cloud Flight headphones are wireless and powered by a rechargeable 29.6-hour battery. The Cloud Flight headphones can be used while charging, but they miss out on a pouch for easy storage. See our HyperX Cloud Flight review for details on what else they have to offer.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are significantly smaller than the HyperX Cloud Revolver +7.1 headphones. The Alpha S headphones also have slightly better sound…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are significantly smaller than the HyperX Cloud Revolver +7.1 headphones. The Alpha S headphones also have slightly better sound leakage performance, and some of their settings can be configured through their companion app. The same, however, cannot be said of the Cloud Revolver headphones. Check them out in our HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 review.

Adjustable Headband

Yes

Yes

Auto-Adjusting Headband

No

No

Battery Life

n/a

Compatible Platforms

Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Connector Size

3.5mm

3.5mm

Detachable Mic

Yes

Yes

Driver Size

50mm

50mm

Earcup Foam Material

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Dig Deeper

Razer Blackshark V2 Review →

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  • Save $35
    $99.99
    $64.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

78

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

84

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

79

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    99.8

    Category Trust Rating

    64
    The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are decent for wired gaming. They’re comfortable enough for long… Read More

    By:

  • Sound Guys
    82.1

    Category Trust Rating

    77
    Getting the right configuration can take some work, but if you’re gaming on a PC… Read More

    By:

  • Tom’s Hardware
    65.25

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The HyperX Cloud Alpha S offers a lot for its price, including a lightweight fit… Read More

    By:

  • PC Mag
    67.6

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The HyperX Cloud Alpha S includes adjustable bass and simulated surround sound in a capable… Read More

    By:

  • Tom’s Guide
    56.25

    Category Trust Rating

    60
    The Cloud Alpha S is a perfectly good headset, thanks to its quality stereo sound,… Read More

    By:

  • Tech Power Up
    68.65

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    Excellent sound quality, both for games and music, Terrific build quality and comfort, Removable cables,… Read More

    By:

Customer Scores