The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features are their surround sound technology, dubbed HyperX virtual 7.1 surround sound, plus adjustable bass. The wired-only headphones have bass sliders on each ear cup for quick adjustments and a special button on its audio control mixer that can activate its surround sound feature.
Unfortunately, there’s no support for noise cancellation or an EQ for sound quality adjustment, which are pretty standard features among the best gaming headsets. The Alpha S headphones are compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PCs.
Best For
HyperX
Consensus
our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S gaming headset is a winner for gamers and streamers who prioritize comfort and sound quality. The sound quality is good across games and media, and owners can wear them for extended gaming sessions without discomfort, as there are two cloth options to pick from. The microphone renders a natural-sounding voice and is great for accurate in-game communication. It also handles noise well.
The build is sturdy, and the detachable cable adds convenience. Its noise isolation is decent but won’t completely shut out external sounds. The headset’s user experience is also straightforward, but its companion software doesn’t allow for sound customization. All in all, a solid choice for its price, offering a great balance of audio quality, comfort, and durability.
Reason to Buy
Good sound quality
The Alpha S gaming headset’s sound profile slightly emphasizes bass output, but the mid-ranges are well-balanced. Its treble accuracy, however, depends on other elements of sound, as well as how the headset is worn. Unfortunately, the lack of an EQ limits customization.
Great comfort
The Alpha S ships with two cloth types, so owners will be able to choose one that is comfortable and suitable for marathon gaming sessions.
High microphone quality
The Alpha S’s sound capture is exceptional, and noise is also handled very well during team-mate chats when gaming. This clearly reflects its ranking in this category, a 7.8/10 score. Its speech-to-noise ratio is also in the top third of its category.
Reason to Avoid
Limited sound adjustability
Its companion software doesn’t have any sound adjustment features.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S Specs
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
Battery Life
n/a
Compatible Platforms
Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Connector Size
3.5mm
Detachable Mic
Yes
Driver Size
50mm
Earcup Foam Material
Memory Foam
Headphone Fit
Over-ear
Max Frequency Response
27,000Hz
Min Frequency Response
13Hz
Noise Canceling
No
Product Weight
0.68 lbs
Programmable Buttons
No
Wireless
No
Wireless Connectivity
n/a
All Specs
Test Results
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The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are an entry-level variant launched in late 2019. The gaming headphones have a detachable microphone, but their standout features are their surround sound technology, dubbed HyperX virtual 7.1 surround sound, plus adjustable bass. The wired-only headphones have bass sliders on each ear cup for quick adjustments and a special button on its audio control mixer that can activate its surround sound feature.
Unfortunately, there’s no support for noise cancellation or an EQ for sound quality adjustment, which are pretty standard features among the best gaming headsets. The Alpha S headphones are compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PCs.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones. However, owners will be able to adjust and customize…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are much more compact than the Razer BlackShark V2 headphones. However, owners will be able to adjust and customize their sound on the Razer headphones because its companion app has a graphic Eq plus presets, which is missing on the HyperX headphones. Also worth noting is that the Razer headphones have a non-detachable USB-A cable, while the cables on the HyperX headphones ship with an ⅛ inch TRRS cable and a USB-A dongle that can be interchanged because they’re both detachable.
While the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are wired, the HyperX Cloud Flight headphones are wireless and powered by a rechargeable 29.6-hour battery. The Cloud…
While the HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are wired, the HyperX Cloud Flight headphones are wireless and powered by a rechargeable 29.6-hour battery. The Cloud Flight headphones can be used while charging, but they miss out on a pouch for easy storage. See our HyperX Cloud Flight review for details on what else they have to offer.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are significantly smaller than the HyperX Cloud Revolver +7.1 headphones. The Alpha S headphones also have slightly better sound…
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S headphones are significantly smaller than the HyperX Cloud Revolver +7.1 headphones. The Alpha S headphones also have slightly better sound leakage performance, and some of their settings can be configured through their companion app. The same, however, cannot be said of the Cloud Revolver headphones. Check them out in our HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 review.
Adjustable Headband
Yes
Yes
–
–
Auto-Adjusting Headband
No
No
–
–
Battery Life
n/a
–
–
–
Compatible Platforms
Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Android, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
