A standout affordable gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha has the style and comfort to match its impressive feature set. Offering impressive audio and mic quality goes a long way in ensuring multiplatform gamers have their champion.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless’ wired version. While having slightly different ear cups, they feature the same strong construction as the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II and are just as comfortable to wear all day. They aren’t as customizable as many of the other gaming headphones we’ve tested, and they aren’t the most breathable, so they will make your ears a little warm.
These HyperX Cloud Alpha wired gaming headphones are excellent. Although they have a generally balanced sound profile, their fit, seal, and location can affect how well they reproduce sound. This is especially true if you wear glasses. These have ear cups that are well-padded and a flexible headband that isn’t as tight around the head as the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, and they feel just as comfy. They have a detachable microphone and have a premium build that makes them seem and feel well-made. You can also use them as regular headphones. Having said that, they may not be the greatest to give you serenity in the workplace or on the bus because they don’t block much background noise.
Two minute review
There are large shoes to fill for the HyperX Cloud Alpha of 2022. Its predecessor offered the level of comfort required for prolonged sessions in addition to audio and mic quality that enhanced your gaming experience. Fortunately, this year’s Cloud Alpha does a good job of filling those voids.
These headphones are among the top PC gaming headsets available, which should come as no surprise. The HyperX Cloud Alpha doesn’t innovate itself all that much, of course. The 50mm chamber drivers, well-known black and red metal chassis, and broad frequency response range of 13Hz to 27,000Hz are all still present.
There are other minor variations, like the detachable microphone’s enhanced noise cancellation. The HyperX Cloud Alpha are well worth a look for anyone seeking for a solid gaming headset compatible with a variety of platforms, especially for its asking price of $99 (£89.99, AU$159).
The Cloud Alpha blends a straightforward black and red appearance with an extraordinarily durable build, just like other headsets with which it shares its DNA, such as the Cloud Core and Cloud II Wireless headsets. The aluminum frame that supports each ear cup, for example, feels exceptionally sturdy and tough. Even though it weighs only 336g and is quite comfortable, it can withstand any abuse. In fact, after being dropped and sat on, this headset still appears to be brand new.
You may adjust the location of the removable microphone thanks to its poseable rod. And you can stow the mic in the convenient bag that is provided if you want to use your Cloud Alpha as regular headphones or aren’t participating in a multiplayer session.
Console users will be happy to learn that the 3.5mm plug is as durable as the headsets themselves and fits snugly in a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch. The braided cord can withstand all yanks without breaking. An extension cable with both stereo and mic ports is provided for PC gamers to use.
There are built-in, user-friendly in-line audio controls available. A rigid roller guarantees smooth volume adjustment. The mic on/off switch’s tiny grooves make it easy to rapidly silence your microphone.
The Cloud Alpha supports virtual 7.1 surround sound right out of the gate, which does a terrific job of enhancing the immersiveness of games. The multiplatform capabilities of the headset provide some incredible experiences for many gaming genres. During heated firefights, playing the Crossfire X or Gears 5 campaign on an Xbox Series S offered Hollywood-caliber soundtrack. Despite the headset’s limitations with spatial audio, Playstation 5 games like Sifu and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart have excellent audio. Even the Switch versions of Bayonetta 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild deliver.
To give your PC gaming audio some extra punch where it counts, use the THX or Dolby Atmos sound drivers from Razer. When playing Forza Horizon 5, there is a crazy adrenaline that is only made better by its auditory presentation, and the Cloud Alphas handle them with style.
The same holds true for Halo Infinite on PC, as the sound enhances situational awareness during Team Slayer matches while enhancing immersion during single-player.
Thanks to the superb mic, communication during multiplayer sessions runs smoothly. This also applied to other programs like Zoom and Google Meet. The HyperX Cloud Alpha has received both TeamSpeak and Discord certifications, which makes sense.
It’s all about the bass with this headset, that much is certain. For people who prefer loud modern pop and Hip Hop, The Cloud Alpha is ideal. From Bobby Shmurda’s “Shmoney” with Rowdy Rebel and Quavo to Rosala’s reggaeton-inspired “SAOKO,” the headgear is adept handling bass-heavy music.
As the bass has a propensity to drown out treble and mid-tones, this could be an issue for listeners seeking a nuanced musical experience. It sounds a little flat to listen to more soulful songs like Lady Wray’s “I Do” or Moonchild’s “You Got One” with Alex Isley.
Conclude
You want a cheap headset since you play games on multiple platforms.
A connected 3.5mm jack on the reasonably priced HyperX Cloud Alpha functions well with the Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
You require high-caliber audio and a microphone.
The headset has excellent gaming performance, and the removable mic makes conversation crystal clear. In the meantime, listening to music in general is enjoyable.
You must have a sturdy, comfy body that can withstand some abuse.
Long-lasting gaming sessions are ensured by the ear cups’ breathability, and the lightweight aluminum chassis is designed to withstand mishaps.
These HyperX Cloud Alpha wired gaming headphones are excellent. They do an excellent job of distinguishing your voice from surrounding noise and have a good microphone for recording. Unfortunately, unlike some of the most feature-rich gaming headsets we’ve tested, they lack software support for additional customization choices despite being comfortable enough to use during extended gaming marathons. Your ears could feel a little warm after playing for a while because they aren’t the most breathable.
