The HyperX Cloud Alpha are wallet-friendly wired gaming headphones that look and feel very similar to the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II. The differences are minor, like having a detachable audio cable, which makes it easy to swap out the part if it gets damaged, and no wired USB support. If you don't need bells and whistles like a companion app or virtual soundstage support, these plug-and-play headphones offer a robust performance.
Note: This review reflects the HX-HSCA-RD model, which was manufactured by Kingston. However, HyperX was acquired by HP in 2021 and are producing units with different model codes. For more information, check out Differences Between Variants.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are very good for neutral sound listening. Their sound profile is fairly well-balanced, though their recessed low/mid-treble ranges cause some sounds to be dull, lispy, and lacking in detail. Like with most bulky over-ear headphones, they don't deliver sound very consistently, depending on the quality of the seal you can achieve. They also don't have the most spacious soundstage since they're closed-back headphones, so they may not be the ideal choice if you're looking for an immersive sound.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very comfortable design.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are poor for commuting. While their detachable mic helps give them a more casual, day-to-day look, they isolate very little background noise, so they can't block out the low rumble of bus or plane engines. On the bright side, they're very comfortable, and they don't leak too much audio, so you can turn up your music to help block out noise without bothering people close to you. Their wired connection also means you don't have to worry about keeping a battery charged up, which can be helpful for long travel days.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very comfortable design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Not very portable.
- Limited control scheme.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha aren't recommended for sports. While they're a bit more compact than some other gaming headsets, they're still too bulky and unstable for running or working out. They're also not the most breathable, so they make your ears a little warm and sweaty after exercising for a bit, and they lack an IP rating for water resistance, though that's to be expected from over-ears. Their audio cable can get in the way or become snagged while working out.
- Excellent build quality.
- Not very portable.
- Limited control scheme.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are mediocre for office use. They don't block much background noise, so they won't help block out chatty co-workers. However, since they don't leak too much audio, you can turn your music up without bothering those close by. They're also comfortable enough to wear all day, and their wired connection means you don't have to worry about keeping them charged.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very comfortable design.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Limited control scheme.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are wired-only headphones; you can't use them wirelessly.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are good wired gaming headphones. They're comfortable enough to wear for long gaming marathons but lack software support for added customization options. That said, if you don't mind their no-frills design, their boom microphone keeps your voice sounds clear, even in noisy environments, and their neutral sound ensures adequate bass as well as natural dialogue and instruments. Their analog connection also ensures low latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync during the heat of gameplay.
- Excellent build quality.
- Very comfortable design.
- Good overall microphone performance.
- Bass delivery varies significantly across users. Sensitive to glasses.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are fair for phone calls. Their boom microphone has a good recording quality, and your voice sounds detailed, full-bodied, and clear. The mic also does a great job of separating your voice from background noise so your voice doesn't get drowned out, even in noisy environments. Unfortunately, they struggle to block out background noise, so hearing the person on the other end of the line can be difficult. They're likely too bulky to take calls on the go but can be an okay choice for phone calls at home or in the office.
- Good overall microphone performance.
- Limited control scheme.
Changelog
- Updated Mar 25, 2024: We've made minor changes to this review's text to bring it up to date and ensure accuracy.
- Updated Dec 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Mar 28, 2023: We've added a note regarding different two model variants produced by HP to the introduction of our review and Differences Between Variants.
- Updated Aug 26, 2022: We've added a comparison to the Sony INZONE H3 in the Recording Quality test. The Sony are similarly wired headphones, but they have the edge when it comes to their mic's recording quality.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
These headphones come in one color variant: 'Black/Red'. However, our unit has the model code HX-HSCA-RD and was produced by Kingston. In 2021, Kingston was bought by HP, and this manufacturer now produces Cloud Alpha headphones in two different models: 4P5L1AA#ABL and 4P5L1AM#ABB (depending on your region). There has been a user report that the performance of these newer HP models doesn't match our unit. However, we haven't tested these models and don't know how they perform.
If you encounter another variant, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are the wired variant of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. They have the same sturdy build quality as the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, and although they have slightly different ear cups, they're just as comfortable to wear for long periods. Unfortunately, they're not as customizable as other gaming headphones like the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset or Razer BlackShark V2. Thanks to their fairly balanced sound and durable design, they're still a solid choice if you're looking for simple plug-and-play gaming headphones.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best PS4 headsets, and the best Xbox One gaming headsets.
The HyperX Cloud III and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are similar headphones with slightly different strengths, so depending on your usage, you may prefer either pair. The Cloud III are compatible with the HyperX Ngenuity app, which allows you to adjust their sound to your liking, and DTS:X Spatial Sound support, if you're looking for a more immersive sound. Their boom microphone also offers a better overall performance. However, the Cloud Alpha have a better build quality since their audio cable is detachable, and their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II are comparable headphones with different strengths. The Cloud II and the Cloud Alpha have a very similar design with a detachable boom mic, so you can use them casually for day-to-day use, though the mic on the Cloud II performs better. The Cloud II also support channel mixing. That said, while both pairs of headphones look and feel very similar, the Cloud Alpha feel a bit more durable, and you can detach their 3.5mm audio cable.
If you're looking for wireless gaming headphones, you'll want to check out the HyperX Cloud III Wireless, but if you're looking for wired, plug-and-play headphones, then the HyperX Cloud Alpha will be up your alley. While both pairs are equally comfortable, the wireless Cloud III have companion app support, so you can customize their sound to your liking and access a virtual soundstage feature for a more immersive audio experience. They also have low enough latency that your audio and visuals stay in sync while gaming. Conversely, the wired Cloud Alpha are better built, and their boom microphone offers a better overall performance.
The Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset is better than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. While both headphones are comfortable and have similarly-performing microphones, the Logitech have a dedicated cable for mobile use, which is useful for controlling your music on the go, and you can connect them to PC and PlayStation via wired USB. Both headphones sound fairly neutral by default, but only the Logitech has an app for customizing the sound to your liking. On the other hand, the HyperX's passive soundstage seems a bit wider, and they leak less audio.
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