The HyperX Cloud Alpha is an above-average wired gaming headset with good sound quality. These headphones have some nice design features, including fully detachable cables and a removable, flexible boom mic. They are quite comfortable but can make your ears a bit warm during longer gaming sessions. Unfortunately, they’re not as feature-packed as some of the other gaming headsets we’ve tested. They’re not wireless or noise cancelling and have no customization options. They’re also a bit bulky and won’t be the ideal choice for commuting and travelling.
Pros
+ Good audio reproduction
+ Well built with a nice design
+ Good microphone
Cons
- Poor noise isolation
- Slightly bulky
Design
Type: Wired Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
The HyperX Cloud Alpha have a decent design very similar to the Cloud 2 and the rest of HyperX’s lineup. They have the cool red highlights typical of HyperX products, but with a more polished design overall. The frame is made of aluminum and the ear cups are dense and well-built. They are durable, flexible headphones that will easily survive being dropped a couple of times without issue. The ear cups are well-padded and comfortable. They also create a good seal around your ears which is decent for isolation and sound but does make them less breathable, which will make your ears a bit warm during longer play sessions. The cables and the mic are removable, which is nice. The cables are also braided and have a more premium feel to them. Unfortunately, the included carrying pouch is very basic and doesn’t offer much protection and the headphones are somewhat bulky so they won’t be the easiest to carry around.
Sound
The HyperX Cloud Alpha have a good sound. They have a deep, well-balanced bass, an even and very neutral mid-range, but their treble lacks a bit of detail. Their bass delivery is also a bit inconsistent at times and varies depending on ear placement and fit. Overall though, they will sound good with most tracks, movies and games but will lack a bit of clarity on lead instruments and vocals. Also, like most closed-back headphones, their soundstage is mediocre, so they may not be the ideal choice for more critical listeners but should be good enough for most.
Isolation
Noise cancelling: No
The HyperX Cloud Alpha block noise passively with the seal they create around your ears. They are not noise-cancelling, but the seal is good enough to block some higher-frequency noise. However, bass to low-mid range sounds, like those of an engine or a busy office environment, will seep into your audio. These headphones aren’t the best choice for commuters and loud noisy conditions, but on the upside, since they create a good seal around your ears, they do not leak much. This means you can mask some of the ambient noise in your surroundings by playing your music a little louder without being too distracting to your colleagues or to anyone in your immediate vicinity.
Microphone
Mic type: Detachable
The Cloud Alpha have a very good detachable boom mic. In quiet environments, the recorded speech is full, clear and detailed, but the bass response is a little underemphasized. They also lack a bit of airiness. On the upside, in louder environments, the headphones are very good at separating speech from the ambient noise even in very demanding situations like being at a gaming competition or a lively LAN party.
Active Features
The HyperX Cloud Alpha do not have any active features and there is no app support, although third party tools can be used to customize the sound on your PC. If you want a slightly more feature-packed headset, check out the Cloud Flight.
Connectivity
Bluetooth: No
Wired: Yes
The Cloud Alpha can only be used wired, with the included 1/8” TRRS connection. The cable has a built-in volume control and is compatible with the Xbox One or PS4 for audio and voice when plugged in to the controller, which is great. They also include a Y-adapter for use on a PC with separate audio and microphone jacks. All the cables are detachable, which is great since they can easily be replaced if lost or damaged. They can’t be used wirelessly though so they won’t be as convenient as the Cloud Flight since you’ll be glued to your audio source/device. However, since they are wired, they have almost no latency which is perfect for gaming or watching videos.
Who should buy them?
If you want a good-sounding and well-built gaming headset that you can also use casually on your daily commute, then the HyperX Cloud Alpha are a good choice. They’re comfortable, sturdy and have a casual design that you can use outdoors and for gaming. Unfortunately, they are not as customizable as some of the other gaming headsets we’ve tested, like the SteelSeries Arctis 7, and won’t be as convenient for gaming as some of the wireless gaming options, like the Astro A50. On the upside, they do not leak much and they’re a good option for critical listeners, thanks to their well-balanced sound.
Shop Now: $99
To see all our measurements and our test results of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, please go here.
