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 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.
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.