The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless high-end gaming headset is the wireless version of the 2017 entry-level over-ear headset, the HyperX Cloud Alpha, which works with PlayStation 4 and PC. The manufacturer claims they are the first wireless gaming headset with a battery life of more than 300 hours, which translates to more than 12 days of uninterrupted use. They also work with HyperX’s Ngenuity software, which offers customization features including visual equalization and presets exclusive to this model.
After adjusting the headband, you will notice that the HyperX Cloud Alphas form an excellent seal against your skull, which is critical for two reasons: If you play video games or work from home in a very noisy environment, it is obvious that you want good isolation, but such deep and soft ear cushions are unfortunately uncommon. It would be great for ears of all sizes if more headphones adopted this model.
Design
At first glance, the Cloud Alpha Wireless can be confused with the well-known Cloud headphones. The appearance is the same. The black and red color scheme is the same, and the red metal arches supporting each cup look cool and inspire confidence. Even the HyperX logo on each earcup and some tasteful stitching in the headband have red accents. Simple.
The power button, microphone mute button, and USB-C charging connector are all located on the left earcup with the detachable microphone. When we used the headset for the first time, we immediately knew which button was the right one just by touch, because the microphone button has a convex shape and the power button has a concave shape.
Comfort
Despite the large battery, this model in the Cloud range has always been prized for its comfort. Under the top band is a soft, thick padding. This makes for a really comfortable experience and does a great job of filtering out noise when combined with the equally soft ear cuffs.
Although the tightness of the cups is dangerously close, there is no active noise cancellation. They also do not close the ears or press on the sides of the skull. Although the Alpha is one of the most comfortable headphones one can own and can easily last for a day’s work, it can become a bit tiring after very prolonged use.
Connectivity
The convenient LED light on the headphones turns yellow when the battery level drops below 50%. You can fully charge them overnight by connecting the small USB-A to USB-C charging cable to your PC. This ingeniously designed model has a very flexible microphone with an LED indicator to distinguish between silent and active at a glance, plus the great convenience of a wireless headset that requires charging only once a month or less. If you want to get it out of the way, it can also be separated from the headset. Most importantly, the noise-canceling microphone is distortion-free and crystal clear in every game.
Noise cancelling
First of all, these gaming headphones are able to reduce external noise in a fantastic way. This has several advantages, including the fact that typical household noise will not interfere with gaming and you will not have to worry about damaging your ears too soon. The icing on the cake of a pair of headphones with effective noise isolation is the fact that you won’t disturb anyone else with the sounds coming out of the earcups.
We used Cloud Alpha without a microphone several times with my Switch while my wife slept next to me. It is by far one of the best-isolating headphones we have tried, although it cannot silence a passing train. Active noise cancellation might help you get better performance, but it would come at a cost.
Audio Performance
The battery life of the headphones is a major selling point. After taking them out of the package, we charged them once and never again, weeks later. We stopped counting when it reached 110 hours because the man in our earcups informed us that it was still at 70 percent and that we needed to get on with our life.
That’s really great, so carefully consider the Cloud Alpha Wireless if battery life is important to you. In terms of actual audio performance, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is undoubtedly one of the best sounding headphones in use today and can handle any challenge.
Battery and Charging
With 300 hours of wireless battery life as their only bet, HyperX is banking on people joining them on the journey. Not to miss the important, the battery life of these revolutionary headphones can reach 300 hours. But before purchasing, if you are a fan of this product line, you should be aware of the other changes made.
The $200 price of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless puts them in the higher price range than the rest of the headphone market. Huge battery life is its new distinguishing feature, but it still promises to retain all the charm of the traditional wired Cloud Alphas. And it almost succeeds.
Final Words
For a $99 pair of headphones, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is surprisingly high-end and offers exceptional sound and remarkably comfortable earcups in a sleek, sturdy design. The Alpha is one of the best sub-$100 headphones available, although the competition is fierce and the microphone could be improved.
If you don’t need RGB lighting, check out the Arctis 3, which cost $79 and have most of the same features. However, the Cloud Alphas offer louder and more immersive sound than the SteelSeries headsets, making them a good choice for those seeking maximum immersion in a sleek and comfortable design.
