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HyperX Cloud Alpha Review

True Score

85
85
8

Experts

90
30.1k

Consumers

Product Awards

Top 5

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Ideal for gamers and streamers, the HyperX Cloud Alpha offers excellent audio, comfort, and durability, but it doesn’t block out low-bass range noise due to poor noise isolation.

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the headphones have a detachable cable and microphone, but they don’t support noise canceling, and they also don’t have Bluetooth connectivity.

There’s no app support for sound customization, but the headphones have an in-line remote, an on/off mic switch, and mute and unmute controls. Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have any call or playback controls, which is hard to miss among most top-ranking gaming headsets. The HyperX Cloud Alpha over-ear headset is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, as well as a PC.

Consensus

our Verdict

The HyperX Cloud Alpha excels in providing gamers and streamers with a high-quality audio experience. Its standout features include exceptional comfort, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions, and superior, well-balanced sound output out-of-the-box, which enhances both gaming and music listening. Its durability is noteworthy, capable of withstanding rough use, and the replaceable cable feature adds to its longevity. However, the microphone quality can be inconsistent, with some users finding it muffled. While it provides good noise isolation, it lacks advanced noise cancellation features.

Overall, the headset’s performance, comfort, and build quality make it a strong contender in its price range, effectively addressing key pain points like audio quality, user experience, and comfort.

Reason to Buy

  • Well-balanced sound output
    • Gamers will appreciate how well-balanced the sound output on the HyperX Cloud Alpha is out-of-the-box, as there is no clear need for adjustments. However, their lows and mid-trebles may not sound as full-bodied and natural.

  • Good comfort
    • The large ear cups and generous padding on the HyperX Cloud make them ideal for long gaming sessions.

  • High-quality microphone
    • The sound produced through the microphone is clear and accurate, allowing for clear in-game conversation. As a result, it ranks in the top 30% on our certified tested list in this category.

Reason to Avoid

  • Poor noise isolation
    • Low-bass range noise like bus and plane engine rumble is not blocked. A good amount of background chatter is also picked up.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Specs

Adjustable HeadbandAdjustable HeadbandYes
Auto-Adjusting HeadbandAuto-Adjusting HeadbandNo
Battery LifeBattery LifeWired
Compatible PlatformsCompatible PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector SizeConnector Size3.5mm
Detachable MicDetachable MicYes
Driver SizeDriver Size50mm
Earcup Foam MaterialEarcup Foam MaterialMemory Foam
Headphone FitHeadphone FitOver-ear
Max Frequency ResponseMax Frequency Response27,000Hz
Min Frequency ResponseMin Frequency Response13Hz
Noise CancelingNoise CancelingNo
Product WeightProduct Weight0.74 lbs
Programmable ButtonsProgrammable ButtonsNo
WirelessWirelessWired
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityWired

All Specs

Test Results

Max Volume (dB)0
Microphone Sound Quality Rating (out of 10.0)7.25
Speech To Noise Ratio (dB)32.11
BT Latency (ms)0
Non-BT Latency (ms)0
Low End Roll Off (Hz)68.25
High End Roll Off (Hz)8,365.647

All Tests

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Product Comparison

HyperX Cloud Alpha Review

True Score

85
81
85
78
NR

Ranking

#

1

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57

#

22

/

57

#

3

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57

#

39

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57

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Market Context

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are a pair of mid-tier headphones that are available in a wide variety of colors. Introduced in late 2017, the headphones have a detachable cable and microphone, but they don’t support noise canceling, and they also don’t have Bluetooth connectivity.

There’s no app support for sound customization, but the headphones have an in-line remote, an on/off mic switch, and mute and unmute controls. Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have any call or playback controls, which is hard to miss among most top-ranking gaming headsets. The HyperX Cloud Alpha over-ear headset is compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, as well as a PC.

Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones don’t have virtual surround sound as a feature, but this is something that the HyperX Cloud 2 headphones come…

Unfortunately, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones don’t have virtual surround sound as a feature, but this is something that the HyperX Cloud 2 headphones come with. The headphones are also slightly smaller than the HyperX Cloud 2’s, making them easier to move around. Feel free to check out our HyperX Cloud 2 wireless review to learn more about them. However, if you’d prefer a wired version of the latter, we’ve also covered that in our HyperX Cloud 2 review.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones and have slightly less sound leakage. However, the Razer headphones…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones and have slightly less sound leakage. However, the Razer headphones have a companion app with a graphic equalizer plus presets, which is missing on the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are the predecessors to the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones. They miss out on a few Alpha S headphones upgrades,…

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are the predecessors to the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones. They miss out on a few Alpha S headphones upgrades, such as a USB dongle and bass sliders for on-ear bass adjustments on both ear cups. They also don’t have support for surround sound, a feature that the Alpha S headphones support. We’ve covered the Alpha S headphones in our HyperX Cloud Alpha S review, so feel free to check them out.

As their naming might suggest, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are wired, while the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones are battery-powered. Also, the HyperX Cloud…

As their naming might suggest, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones are wired, while the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headphones are battery-powered. Also, the HyperX Cloud Alpha headphones ship with a carrying pouch, while the wireless headphones do not. However, the Alpha wireless headphones have surround sound support, unlike the Cloud Alpha headphones.

Adjustable Headband

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Auto-Adjusting Headband

No

No

No

No

Battery Life

Wired

30 hrs

n/a

Compatible Platforms

Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X

Connector Size

3.5mm

USB Type-C

3.5mm

3.5mm

Detachable Mic

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Driver Size

50mm

53mm

50mm

50mm

Earcup Foam Material

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Memory Foam

Dig Deeper

HyperX Cloud 2 Wireless Review →

Razer Blackshark V2 Review →

HyperX Cloud Alpha S Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

85

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

85

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    101.8

    Category Trust Score

    75
    The HyperX Cloud Alpha are decent headphones for neutral sound listening. Their sound profile is… read more

    By:

    Sam Vafaei
  • Tom’s Guide
    62.71

    Category Trust Score

    80
    The HyperX Cloud Alpha offers cozy ear cups, a premium-looking design and impressive sound quality… read more

    By:

    Michael Andronico
  • Sound Guys
    67.47

    Category Trust Score

    71
    If you’re looking for a gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is a community favorite—for… read more

    By:

    Christian Thomas
  • Trusted Reviews
    82.27

    Category Trust Score

    100
    The best analogue gaming headset you can buy under £100 read more

    By:

    Marcus Cole
  • PCWorld
    64.12

    Category Trust Score

    90
    HyperX has released a half-dozen headsets since 2014’s original and acclaimed Cloud design, but the… read more

    By:

    Hayden Dingman
  • Techradar
    50.31

    Category Trust Score

    90
    A standout affordable gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha has the style and comfort to… read more

    By:

    Ural Garrett

Customer Score Breakdown

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