More than two years ago, we reviewed the improved version of HyperX’s Cloud Alpha headset, the Cloud Alpha S, praising its additional features over the original model, comfort, build quality, and sound quality at a compelling price. Since then, we also had the chance to test several of the brand’s wireless offerings, including the Cloud Flight S, Cloud Stinger Core Wireless, and Cloud II Wireless. Most recently, the now HP-owned HyperX gave its Cloud Alpha the wireless treatment in the form of the, and yes, you have already guessed it – the Cloud Alpha Wireless. Is this wireless outing as great as its predecessor, and will it become a fan favorite as well? Let’s find out, shall we?
Battery
Aside from being wireless, the main selling point of the Cloud Alpha Wireless is its killer battery life, and let’s get one thing out of the way – the juice that this headpiece offers is unmatched. HyperX boasts that its offering lasts up to 300 hours on a single charge, and interestingly, I got even more out of the battery while playing games and listening to music on normal volume levels. A fully-charged battery lasted me roughly 319 hours, based on use over a period of approximately one month. For reference, most wireless outings offer roughly 20 to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. Granted, the auto power-off feature of HyperX’s offering helped me save battery life through my testing period, but without a doubt, this is the longest-lasting wireless gaming headset currently on the market by a fair margin.
Comfort, design, and build quality
Superb battery life alone doesn’t make a great headset, and those using headsets during longer sessions will agree that comfort might be even more important. Over the past few years, I’ve tested many headpieces that feel great at first, but after a few hours of use, the discomfort begins. Luckily, this isn’t the case with the Cloud Alpha Wireless. It might not be the lightest headset on the market, but the leatherette and memory foam on the headband and earpads make this headset one of the more comfortable wireless offerings in this segment.
Design-wise, the Cloud Alpha Wireless is similar to its wired counterpart, although it’s slightly larger. It sports the iconic black HyperX design with bright red accents. Like the normal Cloud Alpha, the new wireless model doesn’t fold and the earcups can’t be turned.
Build quality of the Cloud Alpha Wireless is what users can expect from one of HyperX’s outings a solidly build headset with durable and reliable materials. Like most of the brand’s headsets, the Cloud Alpha Wireless is a no-nonsense headset that can be easily adjusted to get the best fit.
Sound performance
Like most HyperX headsets, sound quality is pretty great, offering a varied soundscape with plenty of separation, especially when used in games. Again, the bass appears to be slightly boosted, but the lows don’t drown out the less distinct sounds. Sound isolation is what you can expect from a gaming headset in this price range and on par with offerings from other brands in this segment (except for the Epos H3Pro Hybrid with ANC). The same can be said about the headset’s microphone – it works well enough, although it’s not the clearest in this segment.
Sound customization options through the HyperX NGenuity software are decent enough, including EQ presets and a DTS Spatial sound feature, but these don’t carry over for PlayStation players, and compared to the software of some other brands, the number of customization options leave to be desired.
Closing thoughts
HyperX has always been known as the peripheral brand that offers bang for the buck. When it comes to headsets, the offered value is exceptional, often matching or beating offerings in higher price segments regarding build quality, comfort, and sound quality. Released in 2017, the wired Cloud Alpha sold for roughly $99 USD, whereas the updated Cloud Alpha S from 2019 retailed for $129.99. We now have the wireless model selling for $199,99 in a market that has changed quite a bit since 2017, especially when it comes to wireless outings. There are plenty of viable alternatives in this price range, but none can match the battery life inside HyperX’s new wireless model. Granted, some wireless offerings from the competition offer even more comfort or more versatility, but PlayStation/PC players looking for a solid all-around wireless headset with killer battery life have found a new friend.
Review unit provided by the manufacturer.
The post HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headset for PC/PS5/PS4 Review – Unmatched Endurance by Aernout van de Velde appeared first on Wccftech.
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