The HyperX Cloud series of gaming headsets has almost achieved legendary status in the gaming space. They are known for their exceptional build quality and surprisingly good sound quality, and these are true for both the HyperX Cloud Alpha and HyperX Cloud 2. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a follow-up to the HyperX Cloud 2, and it offers improved build quality, comfort and sound quality, but at a higher price point. If you are choosing between these two, should you buy the pricier Cloud Alpha, or is the Cloud 2 still worth considering? To help you decide, here’s our HyperX Cloud Alpha review and comparison against the HyperX Cloud 2.
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HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud 2 Comparison Chart
Design and Build Quality
Both have excellent builds, but the HyperX Cloud Alpha can last longer due to having an easy replaceable detachable cable.
These two headsets have a similar design with a huge HyperX logo on the earcups. They have thick padded headbands that have stitches on the edges and the HyperX branding at the top. One difference here is that the HyperX logo is no longer stitched on the Cloud Alpha.
As for the ear cups, the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s are slightly deeper and larger, but they retain the oval-shaped cups of the Hyper X Cloud 2. With deeper cups, the Alpha can accommodate larger ears. The yokes are functionally the same, but on the Alpha, HyperX cut out some bits and pieces in order to lessen the weight of the headset.
Both headsets are built well with plenty of aluminum parts and minimal plastic. These are built like tanks and they feel sturdy and durable. One advantage of the HyperX Cloud Alpha in the build quality department is its detachable cable. Having a detachable cable will contribute to its longevity since it is easily replaceable.
You can get the HyperX Cloud Alpha in either black or black red. On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud 2 is available white/pink, black/red and black.
Comfort and Accessories
The HyperX Cloud Alpha has a more relaxed clamping force, deeper ear cups and a bigger headband, making it more comfortable than the HyperX Cloud 2.
For headphone users, comfort is important because no matter how good the headphones sound, it won’t matter if you can’t wear them for as long as you like. In the comfort department, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is definitely better than the HyperX Cloud 2. The HyperX Cloud 2 is not terrible here, but it is made for people with smaller heads due to a tighter clamping force and a pretty short headband.
You won’t encounter those issues with the HyperX Cloud Alpha since the headband is now bigger and the clamping force is a bit more relaxed. It also has deeper ear cups so people with larger ears can wear it comfortably without having to deal with sore spots. If you have a larger head, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is better suited for you.
Both of these headphones come with a few accessories. The HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with a carrying pouch, a detachable boom mic, a Y-split cable for PC and its detachable cable. It would have been nice if HyperX also included a pair of replacement ear pads, just like they did with the HyperX Cloud 2. The HyperX Cloud 2, in addition to the replacement ear pads, also come with a detachable boom mic, a carrying pouch and an airline adapter.
Check out our Razer Kraken X vs HyperX Cloud 2 comparison here
Sound Quality
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is an improvement over the HyperX Cloud 2 when it comes to sound quality.
The tuning of these headsets is pretty similar, but there are noticeable improvements on the HyperX Cloud Alphas, particularly in the high frequency. They both have a balanced and accurate sound profile, specifically in the bass and mids. There’s a boost on the high-bass, causing them to sound a bit boomy and slightly muddy, but overall, the bass and the mids are fairly balanced.
In the treble range, both are recessed. That said, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is not as bad as the Cloud 2 in this area. They both have recessed mid-treble, resulting in lack of clarity and detail, but the Cloud 2 is worse since it also produces sibilance in this range. Both of these headsets do not reproduce good treble, but the Alpha is considerably better.
For gaming, both the HyperX Cloud Alpha and Cloud 2 offer stereo sound. They support surround sound via Windows Sonic on Windows and Xbox, as well as PlayStation 3D audio. In addition to those, the HyperX Cloud 2 also offers simulated 7.1 surround using its USB sound card. Their surround sound performance is acceptable, but far from ideal since they hollow out the sound. For them to sound great, you’ll need to settle on stereo.
Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is an improvement over the HyperX Cloud 2 across the board.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Better sound and build quality
HyperX Cloud 2
Cheaper alternative
If you are choosing between the HyperX Cloud Alpha and Cloud 2, we recommend that you get the former as it is much improved over the latter in almost every category. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is better built with a detachable cable and it’s more comfortable due to having deeper ear cups and a more relaxed clamping force. Moreover, it sounds better than the HyperX Cloud 2. The HyperX Cloud 2 is still a decent choice if you have a tight budget, but if you have the money, you should definitely get the HyperX Cloud Alpha.
FAQs
The HyperX Cloud Alpha is better than the Hyper X Cloud 2 since it’s better built, it’s more comfortable and it sounds better.
When playing games competitively, stereo provides better imaging, and thus, better directional audio pinpointing. Surround sound, whether simulated or true, will provide a more immersive gaming experience.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a newer iteration of the Alpha. It has a USB soundcard for simulated surround sound and controls, and it has bass sliders on the headset itself for added bass.
Yes, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is better than the Alpha due to having improved sound and wireless connectivity for convenience.