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If you’re an avid gamer, you understand that a great set of headphones can make or break your gaming experience. Whether you’re looking for superior sound quality or immersive gameplay, the right headphones can truly elevate your gaming sessions. In this article, we’ll be comparing two top-performing headphones from HyperX: the HyperX Cloud Alpha S and the HyperX Cloud 2.
So, which one is the best fit for your gaming needs? Let’s take a deeper look at the features and performance of both headphones to help you make an informed decision.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. HyperX Cloud 2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specs | HyperX Cloud Alpha S | HyperX Cloud 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 13Hz – 27kHz | 15Hz-25kHz for wired 15Hz-20kHz for wireless |
| Surround sound | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Impedance | 65 Ohms | 30 Ohms |
| Connection | Wired | 3.5mm Wired and Wireless |
| Drivers | 50mm | 53mm |
| Weight | 310gm | 300-350g |
| Mic Sensitivity | -30dB | –20 dBV |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Microphone | Bi-directional, noise-canceling | Detachable mic with LED mute indicator |
| Noise cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Earpads | Memory foam leather padding | Memory foam leather padding Extra fabric ear cushions |
| Controls | Bass adjustment controls on ear cups | Controls on USB sound card |
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, mobile phone | PC, PS5, PS4, and mobile phone |
| USB sound card | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $130 | $99-$150 |
HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. HyperX Cloud 2: What’s the Difference?
Though HyperX’s Alpha S and Cloud 2 have many similar qualities, there are many ways they differ. The HyperX Cloud 2 has long been a favorite among gamers due to its exceptional sound quality and comfort.
The team at HyperX has truly thought of everything, incorporating key features that are essential for an immersive gaming experience. The Alpha S is a newer addition to HyperX’s lineup, but it’s quickly gaining a reputation as a top-performing gaming headset.
Both the HyperX Cloud 2 and the Alpha S share a similar structural design and adhere to HyperX’s high-quality standards. They come equipped with a USB adapter, USB charge cable, detachable mic, and a quick start guide. However, the Alpha S takes it a step further by including extra cloth ear cushions in its package, ensuring maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Design
Both the HyperX Alpha S and Cloud 2 have an aluminum build that keeps the headphones light. Both can also be adjusted to fit your head size, making them ideal for more than just gaming. They both have the logo on the earcups and stitching on the outside of the headband.
- Custom-tuned HyperX 7.1 Surround Sound
- Bass adjustment sliders
- HyperX dual chamber drivers
- Game and chat balance
- Durable aluminum frame
- Advanced audio control mixer
- Detachable noise cancellation mic and braided cable
The Alpha S comes in black and black/blue and doesn’t deviate as much from its predecessor, the Alpha. The blue contrast on the black makes it look slicker than the fully black option. Its metal headband connectors are unique and match the headband stitches.
The Cloud 2, on the other hand, has a rustic and classic design. It comes in three colors- black, black/red, and white/pink. The ear cups are large and make the headphones look quite bulky. The metal headband connectors also match the stitching.
Comfort
HyperX gaming headsets are designed with comfort in mind, and both the Alpha S and Cloud 2 have cushioned faux leather headbands and ear pads. The pads cup the ears and fit just right, allowing you to use them for hours on end. As mentioned, both headphones are adjustable, don’t fit too tight, and are great, even for those who wear glasses.
The Cloud 2 is a bit heavier than the Alpha S, but that does not make it more uncomfortable. However, if you prefer lighter headphones, the Cloud 2 may not be such a great option. The Cloud 2 ear cups only rotate 40 degrees, which might be uncomfortable on the neck for some.
The Alpha S comes equipped with additional fabric ear cushions, although they can be a bit of a hassle to replace. As a result, you might prefer to stick with the default cushions that come with the headphones.
Sound quality
As with all other HyperX headphones, the Alpha S and Cloud 2 have superb quality. The HyperX Cloud 2 has 53mm drivers that provide an immersive gaming experience.
When playing games such as Call of Duty, everything sounds detailed, and you can hear each sound clearly. The bass is not overpowering, and everything sounds balanced. The surround system is a bit disappointing as it only makes everything louder.
The Alpha S offers a crisper sound with its 50 mm dual chamber drivers with neodymium magnets. These drivers help reduce any distortion and allow you to play your games loudly.
The ear cups have bass sliders with low, medium, and high controls. The surround sound is the same on any device, which works well for FPS games. The slight downside is that you will need to install HyperX’s Ngenuity app.
Microphone quality
The Alpha S and Cloud 2 come with a detachable cardioid microphone that offers clean sound. The mic is flexible enough to bend in any direction without destroying it. It also has noise-cancellation capabilities, muffling any keyboard and light tapping sounds.
- 15-25kKhz Frequency Response
- Designed for comfort
- Supreme audio quality
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- Passive noise cancellation
The Cloud 2 mic is clear, but its quality is not something to write home about. Even the noise cancellation is not as impressive as it only drowns out any keyboard movement but struggles to differentiate between high-pitched sounds and low voices.
The wireless Cloud 2 comes with an LED mute indicator that lets you know when your mic is on and built-in mic monitoring to hear yourself. The Alpha S mic can be quiet, especially on PC. To combat this, you will need to download the Ngenuity drivers to your PC, allowing you to adjust the controls according to your liking.
Durability
Both the Alpha S and Cloud 2 headphones boast a sturdy aluminum construction that imparts a strong and durable quality to their build. Although plastic is used on the ear cups, this does not detract from their overall robustness. You can use these headphones as much as you want without any worry of them bending or breaking under pressure.
Inputs and connections
The Cloud 2 comes with a detachable mic, and a removable, 3.2 ft braided nylon audio cable, which is the right size to avoid unnecessary tugging but shorter than other headphones. The Cloud 2 wireless has a 2.4 Ghz wireless connection that can last up to 30 hours, which is longer than similarly priced competitors. The wireless connection can reach a range of 20 meters and takes only 2.5 hours to fully charge.
The Alpha S has a detachable mic and a 3.5mm audio jack slot. It also has a detachable audio cable that you can use to connect to a console, PC, or mobile phone when connected to the USB sound card.
Both headphones have a USB audio control mixer with five buttons on the surface to control volume, input, and surround sound. It also has a mute switch on the side. The sound card is the only way you can control the headphones on the Cloud 2.
Compatibility
The Cloud 2 is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5. You can also use it with a Nintendo Switch but with one major limitation. You cannot use the mic when the switch is docked, and this is a major drawback for multiplayer games. In fact, without Bluetooth support, you may not be able to use it at all on the Switch.
Unfortunately for both headphones, you will not be able to enjoy the 7.1 surround on the USB sound card if your console is mounted. You can only connect the USB if you have an audio and mic cable extension.
Price point
The wired Cloud 2 headset has cost $99 since its release, making it a budget-friendly favorite among gamers. However, the wireless option goes for $150, which is quite pricey when compared to other wireless headsets on the market, especially when considering its features.
On the other hand, the Alpha S costs $130 and is worth it if you are gaming on a PC. If you are a console gamer, you may do better with the Cloud 2 or other headsets with better features.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. HyperX Cloud 2: 13 Must-Know Facts
- Cloud 2 is an upgrade of the original HyperX Cloud.
- Alpha S is an evolution of the Alpha version.
- Cloud 2 has remained at $99 since it joined the market 7 years ago, but you can upgrade to the wireless Cloud 2 for an extra $50.
- Both headphones lack an eyewear channel for those with glasses.
- You can buy the headphones at the official HyperX store or on Amazon.
- The leather memory pads are faux leather (fake leather made out of synthetic materials).
- You can change the ear pads when they wear out.
- The extra ear cups are made out of velour, which is a fabric similar to velvet.
- The padding on both the Alpha S and the Cloud 2 is 1/4 inch.
- There are no in-line controls for Cloud 2.
- The Cloud 2 wireless option takes half an hour to reach half charge.
- Cloud 2 and Alpha S have a similar bass, but Cloud 2 has a higher pitch frequency.
- The surround sound in both headphones can have an echo effect.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S vs. HyperX Cloud 2: Which One Is Better?
As gaming becomes more advanced, it’s crucial for headphone manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve. HyperX understands this, and with their Cloud 2 and Alpha S headsets, they’ve truly raised the bar. While both headsets offer excellent sound clarity, the Alpha S has an edge over the Cloud 2, with a crisper and clearer sound that provides an even more immersive gaming experience.
Despite the strong competition, the Cloud 2 has remained a popular choice among gamers for years, thanks to its exceptional performance and affordability. Priced at less than $100, it continues to hold its own against more expensive gaming headsets and has consistently ranked among the top options available.
Whether you opt for the wired or wireless version, you can expect top-notch sound quality that will elevate your gaming sessions. However, when compared to its predecessor, the Alpha S has made significant improvements that justify its upgrade.
It delivers superior sound quality, a more comfortable fit, and additional features that enhance the gaming experience. Overall, while both the Cloud 2 and Alpha S are top-performing gaming headsets, the HyperX Alpha S emerges as the clear winner, providing gamers with unparalleled sound and features that truly take their gameplay to the next level.
