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.
Check Price
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 HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2. The HyperX have a more comfortable fit and feel better built, and their microphone offers better overall performance. However, the Razer have companion software that offers a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is the next generation of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Although they look very similar and have the same excellent build quality, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S now have a separate USB dongle for audio management. They also have a unique bass slider on each ear cup so that you can adjust the bass level as you play. They added a 7.1 surround sound feature to help immerse you in your gameplay, and their detachable boom microphone performs slightly better, capturing clear voices, even in loud environments. You can also use them on a PC or PS4 using a wired USB connection.
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.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better headphones for wired gaming than the Razer BlackShark V2 X. The HyperX have a much more comfortable fit and feel much more durable, and their boom mic is detachable for when you want a more casual look. Their sound profile is also more neutral, which some may prefer. However, the Razer's mic has a significantly better recording quality and does a much better job separating your voice from background noise.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Stinger. The Alpha feel noticeably better built and durable, on top of being more comfortable during long gaming sessions. Both microphones sound very similar, though the Stinger scores better in our tests. The Alpha have a better-balanced sound profile, leak a lot less audio, and have a detachable mic and audio cable, which can easily be replaced if damaged.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha have the edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 when it comes to wired gaming. The HyperX are more comfortable and have a significantly better build quality, and their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer. That said, the SteelSeries have a better overall microphone performance.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better for wired gaming, while the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless are more suitable for wireless gaming. While both headphones are comfortable, the Alpha are better built, leak less audio, and are compatible with most consoles using their 1/8" TRRS connector. However, the Cloud 2 Wireless have a better overall mic performance and are compatible with HyperX NGENUITY software, although it doesn't offer many additional features. They also have low non-Bluetooth wireless latency.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are the wired counterpart of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. While both headphones are comfortable, the wireless variant sounds more neutral, which some users may prefer, and they're more customizable, thanks to their companion software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, some people have reported experiencing very high latency when using the companion app's features. However, the original model is wired, which eliminates audio lag.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. The Cloud Stinger 2's mic has slightly better recording quality, but the Cloud Alpha's mic do a significantly better job isolating your voice from the background. The Cloud Alpha also have a much better build quality, with a premium feel that makes them more comfortable to wear for longer. They also have a more neutral sound profile than the Cloud Stinger 2, which some users may prefer.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken X. The HyperX are quite a bit more comfortable and look and feel a lot more durable and well-built. Their sound profile is a lot better balanced out of the box, though both headphones are very susceptible to fit, seal, and positioning, so you may experience their sound reproduction differently. The Razer feel more stable on the head and have a better mic with much better recording quality, which can be important if you play a lot of online games.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the HyperX Cloud Alpha or the Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021. The HyperX are more comfortable and better built, and their microphone has a better performance. Also, they have a somewhat more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. That said, the Razer also let you game wirelessly, unlike the wired-only HyperX.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Logitech G335. The HyperX are slightly more compact, come with a carrying pouch, feel notably better built, leak less audio, and deliver superior overall mic performance. However, the Logitech have a more consistent audio delivery and a slightly more expansive passive soundstage.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Core thanks to their controls. You can control the volume and mute your microphone easily on the Alpha, which you can't do with the Core. Other than that, the two headsets are practically identical, but the Alpha have a slightly less uneven treble range. Both models are very versatile and are suitable for all platforms.
While the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are similarly performing wired gaming headphones with great boom microphones, the SteelSeries offer slightly more features. Both headphones have inconsistent bass and treble delivery but only the SteelSeries offer a companion app with a graphic EQ plus presets so you can tweak the sound to your liking. They also have DTS 7.1 virtual surround support, and their controls allow you to channel mix on the fly. On the other hand, the HyperX are slightly more comfortable and have a better build quality.
The HyperX Cloud Revolver and HyperX Cloud Alpha are very similar-performing gaming headsets, but the Revolver has a few features that could make it a better choice for some. The biggest difference for gamers might be that the Revolver has channel mixing, and their microphone is noticeably better than the Alpha's. However, if you're not looking for a headset to play online competitive games where channel mixing and a great microphone could be useful, the Alphas feel much better built and are slightly more comfortable.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are slightly better than the Cooler Master MH751. The HyperX are comfier, significantly better-built, and more stable on the head. Their boom microphone does a better job of filtering out background noise, though its recording quality is inferior to that of the Cooler Master. The Cooler Master also block out a little more ambient noise and have an easier-to-use control scheme.
The Sennheiser Game One Gaming Headset is a slightly better wired gaming headset than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. While they're both similarly comfortable, the Sennheiser have a better-balanced sound profile and a more consistent frequency response. Their boom microphone also has a remarkable performance overall. However, the HyperX feel more durable and are better built.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are designed with different uses in mind: the Beyerdynamic for analytical listening in the studio and the HyperX for gaming. That said, if you don't need a microphone, the DT 990 PRO can be a viable option for wired gaming thanks to their well-balanced sound profile. The Cloud Alpha have better padding for long gaming sessions, but they lack detail and brightness in the treble range, and some people find the closed-back design more fatiguing to wear over time.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are very different pairs of headphones. The HyperX are gaming headphones, while the Beyerdynamic are designed for critical listening. Therefore, the HyperX are a better choice if you want a microphone, and they're also more comfortable and feel more durable. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic have a better-balanced sound profile, though not by much.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the SteelSeries Arctis 3 2019 Edition Wireless are both solid gaming headphones that each have their pros and cons. The SteelSeries are slightly more versatile since they also support Bluetooth, and you can mix in the wireless chat audio from your phone while gaming over a wired connection or simply use them wirelessly on-the-go. However, the HyperX are more comfortable for long gaming sessions and feel significantly more durable.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are similarly performing wired gaming headphones. The Cloud Alpha are more comfortable, are better built, and leak less audio at high volumes. Conversely, the Cloud Stinger S have a virtual soundstage feature, and their boom microphone delivers better performance. They also have companion software, but it doesn't offer a lot of extra features.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition are both very good wired gaming headsets. The HyperX are more comfortable and feel more durable, but the SteelSeries have a companion program that allows you to customize the way they sound, making them a bit more versatile.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha thanks to their great controls on the MixAmp and significantly better-sounding microphone. The Astro are also compatible with the Astro Command Center, which offers decent controls and a few customization options, though users have reported issues using it. They also come with a nice dock that offers controls, and great cable length, allowing you to play easily from your couch. On the other hand, the HyperX have a slightly better-balanced sound profile out of the box, but the EQ can't be changed the inside companion software like the Astro. The HyperX closed-back design also isolates more noise, and they leak less, making them better to use around other people.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the Corsair HS60 are both very good wired gaming headphones. The HyperX have a better microphone, but their simple plug-and-play design is limited in features. The Corsair come with a USB adapter to enable some customization options on PC, but they're not as comfortable and don't feel as well-built.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Logitech G Pro Gaming Headset. The Alpha are noticeably better-built headphones and their metal frame feels more durable than the plasticky G Pro. They're also more comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions, and they have a better-balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the recording quality of the mic on the G Pro is a lot better overall.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are somewhat better wired gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Prime. The HyperX are more comfortable and better built. Their boom mic also offers a better noise-handling performance. However, the SteelSeries' mic has a better recording quality.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wireless gaming headphones than the Sony INZONE H3. The HyperX headphones are more comfortable, are better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a wider and more out-of-head passive soundstage to help immerse you in gameplay. However, if you're into sound customization features, the Sony headphones have a couple of virtual soundstage features and Sony INZONE Hub that has a graphic EQ and presets to help you tweak the sound to your liking.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are somewhat better gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Recon 500. The HyperX are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. However, the Turtle Beach's mic has a better recording quality.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the HyperX Cloud Flight S are similarly performing gaming headphones. The Cloud Alpha are wired, while the Flight S are wireless and cannot be used wired. The Alpha are a bit more comfortable, feel much better built, and have a more natural and accurate sound profile. On the other hand, the Flight S have wireless charging and software for customization options.
The HyperX Cloud Flight are slightly better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. The Cloud Flight are wireless gaming headphones that can also be used wired, while the Cloud Alpha are wired-only. The Cloud Flight have a better microphone that does a great job separating your voice from background noise. On the other hand, the Cloud Alpha are more comfortable and look and feel quite a bit more durable and well-built. They also are less bass-heavy, though they lack quite a bit of presence and detail in the treble range.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken Pro V2. They feel much more comfortable and durable, and have a better-balanced sound profile and a detachable boom microphone, which is convenient. On the other hand, the Kraken Pro V2's mic has a much better recording quality.
The Logitech G433 and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are both similarly performing wired gaming headphones. Both have an inconsistent bass and treble delivery, but only the Logitech have companion software with a graphic EQ plus presets that allow you to tweak their sound to your liking. The Logitech also have a better-performing boom microphone that captures your voice clearly, even in noisy environments, and they even offer Dolby 7.1 virtual surround support. The HyperX , in comparison, have a better build that's slightly more comfortable, and they leak less sound.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. You can customize the way the Steelseries sound with a graphic EQ or presets with their companion software. Their microphone performs much better overall, and they're more versatile as they can be used wired or wirelessly. They even support Bluetooth, so you can use them with your phone to mix music in while gaming. That said, the boom mic of the HyperX is removable, which helps the headphones blend in more for everyday use, and they feel more comfortable and durable as well.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are both very good headphones for wired gaming. The HyperX are more comfortable and even feel better built, but don't have any sound customization options. The SteelSeries have a great companion app that gives you access to a graphic EQ and presets, and some may prefer them because they can also be used for wired gaming.
The Astro A50 Gen 3 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. The Astro's wireless design offers more freedom, and the wireless latency is fairly negligible, too. Their audio reproduction is a bit more accurate, especially in the treble range. On the other hand, the HyperX are slightly better built and have a detachable cable, which makes them more durable. Also, the HyperX mic's recording quality is better. However, the HyperX don't have a dedicated app, but the Astro do.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Xbox Stereo Headset. The HyperX are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their boom mic also has a better noise-handling performance, and they have a detachable audio cable. However, the Xbox headphones' mic has a better recording quality.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. The Arctis 7 are wireless headphones that offer more customization options thanks to the SteelSeries Engine software. Their microphone also has better recording quality and noise handling performance for online gaming. On the other hand, the wired HyperX Cloud Alpha have a better-balanced sound profile and feel more comfortable and durable. You can also detach the microphone and use them as your day-to-day headphones, which have a more casual look.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 400. The HyperX are much better built, offer a more comfortable fit, and have a better-balanced sound profile. Their microphone performance is fairly similar overall. Meanwhile, the JBL offer a more customizable listening experience overall, thanks to their feature-rich Quantum Engine companion software, and they are slightly better at blocking out ambient noise.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better gaming headphones than the Corsair HS70 Wireless, though they have different designs. While the Corsair are wireless and can also be used wired, the HyperX are wired only. That being said, the HyperX are more comfortable and feel more durable. Their microphone is also better overall and has a much better recording quality. On the other hand, the Corsair has dedicated companion software that gives you access to a graphic EQ if you want to fine-tune their already well-balanced sound profile.
If you want a gaming headset, then the wired HyperX Cloud Alpha are the better option, but for mixed usage, the wireless Sony WH-CH700N Wireless are more convenient. The Cloud Alpha have no latency, they're a bit more comfortable, and they're better built than the Sonys. However, the WH-CH700N have a much better range since they are wireless, and they're a bit more practical for outdoors since they are noise cancelling headphones.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas. While both are equally comfortable, the Alpha feel a bit more durable, thanks partly to their detachable audio cable. Both headphones have decently well-balanced sound profiles, though the Turtle Beach sound a bit more cluttered and muddy. If you play a lot of competitive online games, the Turtle Beach may be a better option, however, as their microphone performs a bit better overall, and your voice will sound much more natural and clear.
The Corsair HS70 Bluetooth and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are similarly-performing gaming headphones, so depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other. The Corsair have a customizable sound profile thanks to a graphic EQ and presets in their companion software. They also support Bluetooth so that you can use them more casually, and their boom mic offers a better overall performance. However, the HyperX are more comfortable and have a better-balanced sound profile right out of the box.
If you really want a wireless headset for gaming, then the LucidSound LS31 Wireless is a better option than the HyperX Cloud Alpha. It is wireless and has game and voice chat channel mixing, which some gamers will appreciate. However, if you don't want to manage battery life and don't mind a wired connection, the HyperX are better built, are more comfortable, and have a great audio reproduction and microphone.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless are very different headphones. The HyperX are wired headphones with a boom microphone designed for gaming, while the TOZO are truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds for use with your mobile devices. You can still use the HyperX with your phone since they use a regular audio jack, but the TOZO aren't compatible with most gaming platforms and have too much wireless latency for PC gaming.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the Beats Solo Pro have different strengths, and you may prefer either one. The HyperX are gaming headphones. They're more comfortable and better built, and their boom mic has a significantly better overall performance. However, the Beats Solo Pro are more versatile. They're wireless, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have an ANC system, making them significantly better at isolating you from background noise.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are better wired gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition. The Alpha feel much more comfortable and durable and are more stable on the head. They also have a detachable boom microphone and a significantly better-balanced sound profile that's much more versatile. On the other hand, the Kraken have companion software that gives you a many customization options, and their in-line remote is easier to use. Their microphone also performs slightly better, though both are great overall.
We've upgraded our Headphones Test Bench to 2.0! This update brings several key changes to our tests and usages, making it easier than ever to interpret our sound results based on your personal preferences. You'll also find a brand-new interactive graph tool featuring multiple targets (including our own!) for you to explore and compare.
For a full breakdown, check out our changelog, which includes detailed commentary from our test designer explaining the rationale behind our update.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts: your feedback helps us keep improving, so join us in the comments!
Test Results
The HyperX Cloud Alpha have a simple design that stands out without being too flashy. They look almost identical to the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II but with perforated yokes and slightly different ear cups. Their detachable mic makes them suitable for casual use, though they're a bit bulky, and the bright red logos might not be for everyone. They only come in this color variant.
These headphones are very comfortable. They're quite a bit more comfortable than the HyperX Cloud Flight, thanks to their large ear cups and well-padded headband. They have a very similar overall fit as the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, but they are less tight on the head, making them slightly more comfortable if you have a larger head.
The control scheme is limited to an in-line remote with an on/off switch for the mic and a volume wheel. Unfortunately, the volume wheel lacks distinct notches, making it difficult to get the exact right volume. Other than this, there aren't any music or call-related controls, so it's not ideal if you want to use them casually.
They aren't the most breathable headphones and you'll likely have to take breaks from time to time as your ears will get quite warm. Like the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, they create a tight seal around your ears, which blocks a good amount of airflow, and their padding doesn't breathe as well as some other options, like the Logitech G433 or the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha aren't very portable. They're on the smaller side for gaming headsets and have a decently compact frame, but they don't fold or lay flat to make them easier to carry around in a bag.
They come with a simple pouch that'll shield the headphones from minor scratches while they're in your bag. Unfortunately, it doesn't protect them against impacts, drops, or water damage.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha feel very well-built and durable. They have a sturdy yet flexible aluminum frame and fairly dense ear cups that can withstand a few accidental drops. Their audio cable is also detachable, so if it gets damaged, you can easily replace it. Unlike the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, the Alpha don't have shiny backplates on their ear cups that can get easily scratched up by regular use either.
They're reasonably stable headphones. They'll stay in place without an issue if you're gaming from your couch or computer chair. However, they sway a lot if you move your head during heated gameplay and can even slip off your ears. On the bright side, unlike the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, the audio cable is detachable, so it doesn't yank the headphones off your head when it gets hooked on something.
- Hyper X Cloud Alpha headphones
- Carrying pouch
- 1/8" TRRS audio cable
- Y-Splitter
- Detachable boom microphone
- Manual
These headphones have a quite well-balanced and accurate sound profile. Almost the entire bass and mid ranges are even and flat, except for the slightly over-emphasized high bass that makes them sound muddy and boomy. Dialogue in games also sounds clear and natural, although lacking detail. They aren't compatible with HyperX's Ingenuity app, which is disappointing if you want to adjust their sound.
Their frequency response consistency is sub-par. If you have long hair or glasses, you may have more trouble getting a proper seal, as this can break the ear cups' seal on your head and lead to a drop in bass. Their treble response is also greatly dependent on fit, seal, and positioning, so you might have to adjust them on your head slightly every time you wear them.
Their bass accuracy is excellent. They can reproduce more low bass than the Astro A10 Gen 2, which is great if you prefer more thump and rumble in your audio. That said, while almost the entire frequency range is even and flat, high-bass, which is responsible for warmth, is slightly overemphasized, which adds a bit of muddiness to the sound. This extra bass can help emphasize sound effects like footsteps. It's also worth noting that since their bass delivery is sensitive to the quality of fit and seal you can achieve, the response here represents their average bass response, and your experience may vary.
Their mid accuracy is also stellar. The response is very even and flat throughout the range, resulting in the well-balanced reproduction of dialogue and instruments. In games like Baldur's Gate 3, the narrator sounds clear and natural, making it easy to follow. However, low-mid is slightly overemphasized, adding a bit of thickness to the vocals and a bit of clutter to the overall mix, though it might not be too noticeable to most.
The treble accuracy of the HyperX Cloud Alpha is okay at best. While the start of low-treble is flat and even, the following large dip in the low to mid-treble negatively affects the detail and articulation of vocals and lead instruments, causing them to sound dull and lispy. Sibilants like the sound of metal clinking together in games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Lost Kingdom are also a bit bull.
Their peaks and dips performance is decent, which indicates that the headphones can control their sound profile somewhat well. The minor peaks and dips throughout the bass and mid-range likely won't be too noticeable to the overall sound of the headphones, but they add a bit of boominess and muddiness while also nudging vocals and instruments to the back of the mix. However, the largest deviations occur in the treble range. The large dip in the low treble, followed by the big peak, veils the upper harmonics of vocals and instruments while sibilants like hi-hats are piercing.
They have excellent imaging performance. Among the over 15 headphones we've tested from HyperX, most of them also have similarly high imaging performances, which helps indicate the brand's quality controls and product ergonomics. That said, imaging varies between units. Our unit is well-matched in group delay, which ensures tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are also well-matched when it comes to phase, frequency, and amplitude response, so objects like voices and instruments are accurately placed in the stereo field.
The soundstage performance is sub-par. Their closed-back design means that their soundstage isn't very open or spacious-feeling. Sound is also perceived as coming from inside your head, as opposed to out in front of you.
The weighted harmonic distortion is great. The entire range is below the audibility threshold, even at louder volumes, resulting in a clean and pure audio reproduction with very minimal artifacts.
These are the settings used while testing these headphones; therefore, the results are only valid when used at these settings.
The noise isolation of the HyperX Cloud Alpha is bad. They rely on their passive capabilities to block out sound but don't block out bass-range sounds like traffic from an open window. While they reduce some mid-range sound like background chatter, it's very minimal, and they're much worse in this regard than some other options, like the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II or the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset. On the bright side, they do a good job at cutting down on higher-frequency sounds, like the noises of an AC unit or fan.
The leakage performance is good. While they leak a little bit of audio, it's thin and not very loud. If you're listening to your audio at high volumes, you won't disturb others around you unless you're in a very quiet environment.
The recording quality of the detachable boom microphone is good. When using this mic, your voice sounds relatively full-bodied, clear, and detailed, though it lacks a bit of airiness. If you're looking for a pair of wired gaming headphones that have a microphone capable of yielding even better recording quality, check out the JBL Quantum 400 or Sony INZONE H3.
Like most boom microphones, noise handling is good. When speaking in a very noisy environment, your voice won't get drowned out, and the person on the other end hears you clearly.
These headphones use a detachable 1/8" TRRS audio cable to plug into the controller of a PS or Xbox console or directly into your PC or mobile device. As is common with wired headphones, they have negligible latency, so you experience no lag when speaking to your teammates.
These headphones are wired and aren't compatible with a Bluetooth connection. If you want a gaming headset that supports Bluetooth, check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Wireless.
You can connect these headphones to your PC via analog with full audio and mic compatibility, but you'll need to use the included Y-splitter cable.
You can also plug these headphones into your PlayStation console via their analog cable. You'll have full audio and mic compatibility.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are fully compatible with Xbox consoles by plugging them directly into the controller.