HyperX is a HP company that provides gaming accessories for gamers and gaming events. They sponsor professional eSports teams like Team Liquid, Misfits, Silent, and others. HyperX is also quite active in sponsoring gaming events, so they’re well-known worldwide.
There are many HyperX headsets, and the Cloud Alpha model is one of the most popular headsets. However, there’s also a Cloud Alpha S version, and while both headsets look exactly the same (aside from the color), how do you know which one is better?
In today’s review, we’ll compare these two similar models, which have some hidden differences that you’ll learn more about. By the end of the article, you’ll know which model is better and which model will better meet your needs. Let’s get started!
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs. Alpha S: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cloud Alpha | Cloud Alpha S | |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Surround? | No | Yes |
| Connection | Analog wired | USB |
| Removable Microphone? | Yes | Yes |
| Channel Mixing? | No | Yes |
| Firmware? | No | Yes, 4.1.0.4 |
- A single charge lasts up to 300 hours
- Feature a groundbreaking dual-chamber driver system
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Made with a durable aluminum frame
- Frequency response 13Hz – 27kHz.Headphones fit type:Over-Ear
- Custom-tuned HyperX 7.1 surround sound
- Bass adjustment sliders
- HyperX Dual chamber drivers
- Game and chat balance
- Signature HyperX comfort
- Durable aluminum frame
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs. Alpha S: What’s the Difference?
The Cloud Alpha and Cloud Alpha S are similarly priced and identical in design and build, but the difference is in the sound. In our tests below, we compare these differences to find out which HyperX Cloud headset model is better.
Design and Controls
The design concept of the Cloud Alpha hardly differs from that of the Alpha S, the only difference being the color scheme. The Cloud Alpha is available in black and red and in three different editions:
- Itachi Edition
- Naruto Edition
- TimTheTatman Edition
The Cloud Alpha S headset, on the other hand, only comes in two colors. One is all black and is called Blackout finish, while the second color is blue. As for the design and build quality, the Cloud Alpha and Alpha S headsets are made from the same materials. Therefore, the build quality is the same.
The main difference lies in the control unit, which is integrated into the cable. The HyperX Cloud Alpha headset features a simple control unit, often found on budget headsets, and only offers the sound control wheel and a microphone mute button. The Cloud Alpha S, on the other hand, has a much better control unit that is much larger and almost looks like a remote control (a so-called USB audio mixer). It includes buttons to increase and decrease the volume, mute the microphone, activate the 7.1 surround sound (on/off), and a game/chat balance button.
The game/chat balance button is useful for competitive games, as you can adjust the sound of the audio chat and game directly to your preferences without having to do it manually in audio software like Discord.
- Chosen by TimTheTatman: Whether he’s streaming to the Tatman Army or playing ranked with his squad, TimTheTatman knows comfort and audio quality are key. That’s why he chose the Cloud Alpha as his headset and for his collab.
- HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers: The groundbreaking dual chamber driver system reduces distortion by separating bass frequencies from the mids and highs to provide more accurate, smoother in-game audio.
- Signature HyperX comfort: With plush signature HyperX memory foam and breathable leatherette, this lightweight, comfortable headset will help you stay focused during long streams or marathon gaming sessions.
- Featuring: Everything you need: Compatible with PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Also includes a carrying case and detachable noise-cancelling mic.
Bass, Mids, and Treble
The biggest difference between the Cloud Alpha and Alpha S headsets is in the bass. The Cloud Alpha S model has a bass control built into each headset cup that lets you manually adjust the bass level, while the Cloud Alpha headset doesn’t have a bass adjustment option.
However, during testing, it turned out that the Cloud Alpha actually has better bass accuracy, as it can produce more low bass than the Alpha S model. This results in more rumble in the audio which can be useful for certain purposes. On the other hand, despite the adjustable bass control, the Cloud Alpha S headset cannot produce as much low bass and its bass sound is quite neutral and can even get a bit muddy at high bass settings.
At these bass settings, the mids are a bit better on the Cloud Alpha model as the other vocals are reproduced in a balanced and even range. The Cloud Alpha S headset can make mixes sound a bit muddy due to the higher bass settings.
When it comes to treble accuracy, there is only a minimal difference that is barely noticeable. Both headsets have pretty mediocre treble delivery. If we had to choose which headset has the better trebles, we’d again choose the Cloud Alpha.
The microphone quality is mediocre and pretty similar in both headset models.
Speaker Modeling and Virtual Surround
The Cloud Alpha headset may have slightly better sound, but there are two features that this headset doesn’t offer that could still be crucial for gamers out there.
The Cloud Alpha S headset has speaker modeling and virtual surround support. These two features can provide a surround system instead of settling for a narrow stereo sound. This is ideal for users who consume audio content in multi-channel format and want a better sound experience. It’s also very important for gamers who rely on sound to improve results in their matches. So, the Cloud Alpha S definitely offers something that the Cloud Alpha model lacks.
Noise Isolation and Software Support
Neither headset has a built-in noise-canceling feature, but due to their design, they still block out a certain amount of ambient noise when you put them on. The Cloud Alpha S blocks out ambient noise a bit better than the Cloud Alpha model, but both models are pretty mediocre, so don’t expect them to block out low-bass noise. While you can count on the Cloud Alpha S headset to block out certain midrange noises, don’t expect too much from it.
As for software support, only the Cloud Alpha S headset is supported by HyperX’s NGENUITY software, which lets you connect almost all HyperX products. There you can adjust the audio and microphone volume, turn the 7.1 surround sound on and off, and adjust the balance of the gaming chat. While you can also do all of these things through the USB controller and headphones themselves, using the software isn’t necessary unless you prefer it.
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Compatibility and Price
The HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with an analog cable, while the Cloud Alpha S comes with a USB cable for increased compatibility. Both headsets are compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5, but while you can simply connect the Cloud Alpha S via USB, you’ll need an adapter to connect the Cloud Alpha headset to PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
It’s also worth noting that both headsets have a detachable microphone, so you can use them for entertainment on the go.
Considering the price, the difference between the two headsets is very small. If you’re on a budget, the Cloud Alpha is still a good choice. However, the Cloud Alpha S headset is on sale from time to time and if you’re not in a hurry, we recommend you wait because then the price difference is almost non-existent and you can get a really good deal.
HyperX Cloud Alpha VS. Alpha S: Must-Known Facts
- Both the Cloud Alpha and Cloud Alpha S have the same design with the only difference being the color.
- The Cloud Alpha S features better audio controls that come via a USB controller and button integration on the headset itself.
- While the Cloud Alpha provides a slightly better audio sound, the Cloud Alpha S features 7.1 surround sound and is a much better choice for gaming purposes.
- These headsets don’t feature noise canceling ability but the Cloud Alpha S has mediocre noise isolation you can slightly rely on.
- The Cloud Alpha S is a lot more compatible since it comes with a USB cable while Cloud Alpha comes with an analog cable.
- There isn’t a big difference in price between these two models.
- A single charge lasts up to 300 hours
- Feature a groundbreaking dual-chamber driver system
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Made with a durable aluminum frame
- Frequency response 13Hz – 27kHz.Headphones fit type:Over-Ear
- Custom-tuned HyperX 7.1 surround sound
- Bass adjustment sliders
- HyperX Dual chamber drivers
- Game and chat balance
- Signature HyperX comfort
- Durable aluminum frame
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs. Alpha S: Which One is Better?
The Cloud Alpha offers slightly better audio quality. However, the Cloud Alpha S offers a 7.1 surround system with adjustable bass buttons for each ear cup.
Cloud Alpha S is an upgraded version of Cloud Alpha, which can be seen by the number of improved features. The Alpha S headset has better audio controls, is compatible with HyperX software, and offers better sound for video games thanks to the surround system.
Even though both headsets look similar, the Alpha S is the better model (it’s also newer), and with the USB controller, better audio management, and better sound, especially for gaming, it’s definitely worth the slight price increase over its predecessor, the Cloud Alpha.
