The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are the next generation of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. These wired gaming headphones maintain a similarly great build quality and are just as comfortable as their predecessor. However, this time around, they've added a separate audio control scheme on a USB dongle and they now have separate bass sliders for each ear cup. The bass slider isn't an EQ, though, and at its max, the over-emphasized bass ends up making the rest of your audio mix a bit muddy. There are no sound adjustment features within their companion software, which is a bit disappointing for gaming headphones. Still, they have a unique 7.1 surround sound feature which can help immerse you in your gameplay and their detachable boom microphone does a good job of capturing voices clearly.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are okay for neutral sound. Their bass and treble delivery depend on their fit, seal, and positioning, and without an EQ, there isn't a way to get them to sound more neutral. While they have a bass slider on each ear cup, it's not an EQ and it also affects the mid-range when used, so you may end up with a slightly uneven sound profile.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Limited companion software.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are poor for commuting. Although they're comfortable enough for long train rides, these headphones are meant for gaming and their bulky design makes it hard to take them with you on-the-go. They're not designed to block out a lot of noise, and they let in all low bass noise like bus and plane engines.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are disappointing for sports. These comfortable headphones are designed for gaming and their bulky design isn't the easiest to take with you on-the-go. They're reasonably stable on your head, but due to their wired design, the audio cable could easily snag on something, interrupting your listening experience. They can also fall off with more rigorous head movements so if you want to wear them while working out, they'll more likely stay on during a light jog than if you're cross-training.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are sub-par for office use. While they're comfortable enough for a 9-5 work day, they don't really block out background noise, which can be frustrating when you're trying to concentrate. On the upside, if you're in an office, their leakage shouldn't be audible unless everyone suddenly becomes silent, so you can turn up the volume to help counter background noise without disturbing your colleagues too much.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are wired gaming headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are decent for wired gaming. They're comfortable enough for long gaming sessions and their wired connection virtually eliminates worries of lag. Their boom microphone also does a good job of reproducing clear voices so you should have no problem being understood by your teammates. They have a unique bass slider for each ear cup, allowing you to adjust each ear independently, which can help immerse you in your gameplay. The rest of their audio controls are found on a detachable USB dongle.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Very good boom microphone.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
- Limited companion software.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are okay for phone calls. Their detachable boom microphone does a good job of reproducing voices that sound clear and natural, even in noisy environments like gaming tournaments. However, the headphones don't block out background noise, which can make it harder for you to hear whoever is on the other line.
- Unique bass slider on both ear cups that control the amount of bass independently of one another.
- Very good boom microphone.
- Excellent build quality.
- Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.
Changelog
- Updated Dec 05, 2022: We have replaced the incorrect Recorded Speech file in Recording Quality with the correct audio file. However, the scoring of this test hasn't changed.
- Updated May 09, 2022: We've retested what features are accessible to these headphones using HyperX Ngenuity software. However, no new features are available. We've updated our review, but the scoring of the box hasn't changed.
- Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Jun 05, 2020: Review published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S are the next generation of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. These wired gaming headphones have a unique bass slider control scheme that allows you to adjust the bass levels on both ear cups independently of one another and they use a USB dongle for audio controls. They have an inconsistent bass and treble delivery similar to the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless, but as their companion software is fairly limited in customization options, they lack any way to EQ them, other than using the bass slider. If you're still looking around for gaming headphones, check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best PS4 gaming headsets, and the best Xbox One gaming headsets.
The HyperX Cloud III are a bit better than the HyperX Cloud Alpha S. The Cloud III have a better overall mic performance and offer sound customization features via their companion software. However, the Alpha S' sound profile delivers more bass, which can help make gameplay more immersive and bring out sound effects.
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 HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II and the HyperX Cloud Alpha S are very similarly performing gaming headphones but the Cloud Alpha S are slightly better. The Cloud Alpha S have a bit better controls such as a bass slider on each ear cup. They also feel slightly better built and have companion software that allows you to adjust the mic level. The Cloud 2, on the other hand, have a slightly better performing boom microphone. On the downside, it should be noted that both headphones have inconsistent bass and treble delivery, and neither have a full EQ to account for it.
The Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset and the HyperX Cloud Alpha S are similarly-performing wired gaming headsets. They're both comfortable for long gaming sessions, and they both have the same connectivity with PC, PS4, and Xbox One. However, the Logitech have companion software with a graphic EQ and presets, which can help with their inconsistent sound delivery. On the other hand, while the HyperX also have a similarly inconsistent sound delivery, they lack an EQ but have a bass slider on each ear cup. They also have a slightly better-performing microphone and feel better built.
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