The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are high-end gaming headphones released in 2022. They're the wireless variant of the HyperX Cloud Alpha, a basic pair of over-ears released in 2017, and are compatible with PCs and PlayStation consoles. The manufacturer advertises that they're the first gaming headphones with over 300 hours of battery life—that's over 12 days of continuous playtime, which is practically unheard of for any wireless headphones. They're also compatible with HyperX's Ngenuity software, which offers customization features like a graphic EQ and presets that are unique to this model. However, users have reported high latency when using the app's features, and you can read more about it here.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are very good for neutral sound. Out of the box, these headphones have a slightly v-shaped sound profile that delivers a touch of extra bass while sibilants like cymbals are bright. That said, vocals and lead instruments are accurately reproduced, thanks to their neutral mid range. Unfortunately, they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, so it's important to take the time to adjust their fit, positioning, and seal on your head each time you use them.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are unremarkable for commute and travel. Unfortunately, they're gaming headphones and aren't designed for this purpose. They don't support Bluetooth, so if you want to use them with your phone, you'll most likely need a USB-A adapter to use their wireless dongle. They also don't block out bass range noise, like the low rumble of bus and plane engines, which can be frustrating if you want to listen to only your audio. While they don't come with a carrying case to help protect the headphones when you're on the go, they have a comfortable and well-built design. They also have an outstandingly long continuous battery life that'll easily last through long trips.
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Exceptionally long battery life.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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No Bluetooth.
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Don't block out bass range noise.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are mediocre for sports and fitness, especially as they're not designed for this usage. They have a bulky design and can fall off your head with moderate head movements. They also don't support Bluetooth, so you need to use a device with a USB-A port or purchase an adapter separately if you want to use them with your smartphone. On the upside, they have a comfortable and well-built design. Since they don't have an audio cable, you don't have to worry about something snagging them off your head while moving.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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No Bluetooth.
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Can fall off your head with moderate movement.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are decent for office use. Although they don't support Bluetooth, and you can't use them wired, you can connect them to your PC using their USB-A wireless dongle with low latency. They have a comfortable and great build quality, and you can even remove their boom mic if you want a more casual look. They also have a long-lasting continuous battery life, so you don't need to worry about having to constantly recharge them. Although they have a disappointing overall noise isolation performance, they can still block out a decent amount of mid-range noise like ambient chatter.
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Exceptionally long battery life.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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No Bluetooth.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are good for wireless gaming, although they have a couple of big caveats. They have a comfortable fit, and their long battery life easily lasts through multiple days of gaming. Although you can customize their v-shaped sound profile using their companion software, users have experienced high latency when using the app, which is a deal-breaker if you game competitively. On the upside, their boom mic has a very good overall performance, so your voice sounds clear, even in moderately noisy environments.
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Very good boom mic performance.
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Exceptionally long battery life.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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No Bluetooth.
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Prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery.
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Many user issues experienced when using the companion app.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are wireless-only headphones, and you can't use them wired.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are satisfactory for phone calls. Unfortunately, they don't support Bluetooth, so if you want to connect them to your phone, you'll need a USB-A adapter to use their wireless dongle. That said, you can use their dongle on PCs if you have a lot of virtual meetings. Their detachable boom mic has a very good overall performance, ensuring you're heard clearly, even in a moderately noisy environment like a busy office. However, the headphones struggle to block out ambient noise, making it harder to hear your conversations.
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Very good boom mic performance.
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Comfortable and well-built.
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Don't block out bass range noise.
- 7.3 Neutral Sound
- 6.0 Commute/Travel
- 6.0 Sports/Fitness
- 7.1 Office
- 7.5 Wireless Gaming
- 5.9 Wired Gaming
- 7.1 Phone Calls
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: The following test groups have been updated following TB 1.6: Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Apr 17, 2023: Added a comparison to the Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset in the Non-Bluetooth Wirelessbox.
- Updated Mar 29, 2023: We've received user reports regarding latency and sound issues when using the companion app, and we've updated App Support and Non-Bluetooth Wireless. We've also retested Sound using the default sound profile instead of the 'Balanced' EQ, which is only accessible using the app.
- Updated Sep 08, 2022: We've added a comparison to the Logitech G735 Wireless in the Frequency Response Consistency test. Most gaming headsets are prone to inconsistencies in frequency response and the HyperX are no different from other similarly priced headphones. You can expect to have to adjust their fit, positioning and seal on your head to get a more consistent sound.
- Updated Aug 26, 2022: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless in the Noise Isolation test. The HyperX lack noise cancelling and struggle to block out background noise. However, if you want to reduce more noise around you, the Sony are gaming headphones with ANC.
- Updated May 24, 2022: We've completed our battery life test. These headphones have an outstandingly long continuous battery life that has taken several days to drain. We have updated the 'Continuous Battery Life', 'Total Battery Life', and 'Charge Time'. The scoring of the 'Battery' test has also changed.
- Updated May 09, 2022: Review published.
- Updated May 03, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 29, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 28, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 21, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless come in one color variant: 'Black/Red' and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the discussion section below and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Headphones
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are the wireless variant of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Like most headphones in this manufacturer's lineup, they have a comfortable and well-built design with simple controls. However, one thing makes them stand out from the crowd: they deliver over 300 hours of continuous battery life, which is significantly longer than other wireless headphones on the market, like the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset and the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless. You can't use them wired, and they don't support Bluetooth, limiting their versatility. While they're also compatible with HyperX's Ngenuity software, users have reported very high latency when using it.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best wireless gaming headsets, and the best headsets for PS5.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have one of the best battery life performances of all the wireless gaming headphones we've tested. Still, the HyperX Cloud III Wireless are a better overall choice for gaming. While both headphones are comfortable and well-built, the Cloud Alpha Wireless struggles with high latency when connected to the NGENUITY app. This can mean that you'll sacrifice your competitive edge as the audio content of your game struggles to keep up with the visuals. The Cloud Alpha Wireless have a more bass-heavy default sound profile, though both have some scope for tuning via the EQs in their respective companion apps.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless and the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless have different strengths. While both headphones are comfortable, well-built, and have similar overall mic performances, the Cloud Alpha have a more neutral default sound profile that you can customize to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ or presets, although users have reported that using the app's features introduces very high latency. Their passive soundstage feels wider, and they have a significantly longer continuous battery life. However, the Cloud 2's mic has a better recording quality, and their wired design avoids the issue of latency altogether.
The Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are comfortable, the Logitech headphones have a more robust companion software and a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have lower latency. Conversely, the HyperX are better built, and their battery life is significantly longer. Unfortunately, some users have reported that they have very high latency when using their companion app's features.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headsets are well-built, the SteelSeries can be used wired and wirelessly. They have an ANC unit to help block out a fair amount of ambient noise, support Bluetooth, and their wireless dock puts a lot of controls, like channel mixing and EQs, at your fingertips. Their boom mic offers better overall performance, and their app has many more customization features. The HyperX are still worth checking out if you value a significantly longer continuous battery life. They're also more comfortable. On the downside, users have reported that using the companion app's features adds high latency to your gameplay.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. You can use the SteelSeries wired or wirelessly, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their microphone offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth, which is good if you want to receive audio from your smartphone while connected to your PC. Their wireless transmitter base has a few different inputs too. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, and their continuous battery life is significantly longer. Some users have reported that using the companion app's features adds high latency though.
The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are well-built and comfortable, the Astro have more consistent audio delivery and their passive soundstage performance is better. Their boom microphone also has a better recording quality and noise-handling performance. Their base station is also console-locked, but you can get a variant that works with either your PlayStation or Xbox console. However, you may still prefer the HyperX if you prioritize a significantly longer continuous battery life and more noise isolation. Keep in mind that users have reported high latency when using their companion software's features though.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are the wired counterpart of the HyperX Cloud Alpha. While both headphones are comfortable, the wireless variant sounds more neutral, which some users may prefer, and they're more customizable, thanks to their companion software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, some people have reported experiencing very high latency when using the companion app's features. However, the original model is wired, which eliminates audio lag.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are slightly better gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020, but have a few caveats. The HyperX are more comfortable, better-built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They deliver a significantly longer continuous playback time, and their boom mic offers a better overall performance too. On the downside, users have reported high latency when using their companion app's features. However, the Razer can be wired or wireless, making them more versatile.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, you can use the SteelSeries wired or wirelessly, making them more versatile. They also have lower latency, which is great for competitive gaming. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, and their continuous battery life is significantly longer. Their boom mic also offers better overall performance. Unfortunately, if you're using their companion app, its features can introduce high latency and interrupt your game flow.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless and the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless have different strengths, so you may prefer either one. The HyperX headphones are significantly more comfortable as well as better-built. They have a more neutral overall sound profile, which some users may prefer, their passive soundstage is more immersive too, and their microphone performance is better overall. They also have a significantly longer continuous battery life. Unfortunately, users have reported high latency when using their companion app's features. Conversely, the Sony headphones support Bluetooth, which is nice if you want to connect them to your console and smartphone at the same time, and they have ANC, which can help block out background noise.
The Logitech G735 Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are well-built, the Logitech have lower latency, support Bluetooth, and you can use them wired, though keep in mind that you'll have to buy the AUX cable separately. Conversely, the HyperX are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they have an outstandingly longer continuous battery life. Their boom mic also offers a slightly better overall performance. However, users have reported high latency when using the companion app and its features.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are slightly better wireless gaming headphones than the Sony INZONE H7 Wireless. The HyperX headphones are more comfortable, significantly better-built, and have a much more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their mic also offers better overall performance, and they have a superior battery life of over 300 hours. Unfortunately, some users have experienced high latency when using their companion app's features. On the flip side, the Sony headphones support Bluetooth, meaning you can stay connected to your console and smartphone at the same time.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset. For starters, the HyperX's battery lasts over ten times longer than the Wyze, letting you use them for countless play sessions without needing a recharge. You can also fine-tune their mix via the companion app's graphic EQ and presets, which the Wyze lacks. The HyperX are also better built and more comfortable, with a higher clamping force that results in better stability during intense matches. However, the Wyze can also connect to devices via Bluetooth, making them more versatile for use on the go.
Test Results
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have a very similar look to other headphones in this manufacturer's lineup, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha. Their color scheme is identical to the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless, but the yokes are more similar to the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, which have decorative perforations. The leather headband is slightly different, as the leather grain has pebbling with red stitch detailing. These headphones are only available in this colorway.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless are comfortable headphones. The headband and cups have soft padding that feels good on the skin. They don't clamp too tightly on your head either. However, you may feel your ears get warm if you're wearing them for long gaming marathons as they can trap heat. Unlike the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, they also only come with one set of leatherette padding.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have sub-par controls. They're very simple, and since they're designed for gaming, they lack call and music management controls, so they aren't very versatile. On the left ear cup is a power on and off button. There's also a mic mute button, which is slightly raised, meaning you can tell the difference between it and the power button. The LED light on the mic will turn red when muted, and you'll hear a chime when muting and unmuting. If you hold this button for three seconds, you can turn on and off mic monitoring, which allows you to hear your own voice. There's an infinite volume wheel on the right ear cup, which has different chimes to let you know when you've reached min and max volume. Overall, there are different chimes to let you know when you've registered some commands. There are also voice prompts that you can turn on and off in the companion software.
Unfortunately, there are no DTS:X or EQ preset controls directly on the headphones, so you'll need to access these features in the companion software. There's also no audio feedback to let you know when you're selecting these features.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless aren't very portable, but this is normal for gaming headphones. They can't fold or lay flat to help reduce their footprint. They also don't come with a carrying case to help protect them when you're on the go.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have a great build quality. They have a sturdy aluminum frame with an expandable headband with red stitch trim. They also have a mic you can detach for a more casual look. While they don't support a wired connection they have a USB-C input to recharge the headphones. Overall, they feel sturdy and will survive accidental drops without taking on too much damage.
The HyperX Alpha Wireless have a fairly stable fit. You won't experience any issues if you're just gaming at your desk or couch. However, they're not designed for physical exercise, so if you use them while moving, they could fall off of your head. Luckily, they're wireless headphones, so you don't need to worry about something snagging the headphones off of your head.
- HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless headphones
- USB-A dongle
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Detachable boom microphone
- Pop filter (boom cover)
- Manual
Out of the box, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have a slightly v-shaped sound profile. They have a bit of extra bass to add thump, rumble, and boom to mixes while sibilants are bright. Dialogue and lead instruments sound present but are a bit veiled and lacking in detail.
Unlike most other HyperX products, these headphones can access a graphic EQ and presets in their companion software. However, many users have reported issues with using this software. There are several presets available, and you can see a comparison of their frequency responses here. You can use the graphic EQ or presets to help you adjust their sound profile to suit your tastes.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have okay frequency response consistency. Like most gaming headphones, they're prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery due to fit, positioning, and seal. You may especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can rupture the headphones' seal on your head.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless' bass accuracy is good. The response is slightly overemphasized across the range but isn't totally overwhelming. Sound effects like explosions in GTA 5 have a touch of extra rumble, punch, and boom.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have great mid accuracy. Dialogue and instruments are present in the mix, but due to a dip in the mid to high-mid range, they're nudged to the back of the mix and are weak.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have passable treble accuracy. The low-treble is underemphasized, resulting in veiled vocals and instruments. At the same time, sibilants like cymbals are piercing.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless' peaks and dips performance is okay. Most of the frequency range is fairly flat. However, a shallow dip in the mid to high-mid nudges vocals and instruments to the back of the mix and weakens them. An uneven low-treble also alternatingly veils and brightens these sounds. A large peak in the mid-treble turns sibilants like cymbals piercing and painful.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless' imaging performance is excellent. The group delay falls below the audibility threshold, resulting in a tight bass and clear transparent treble reproduction. The L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude and phase response, which are important for the accurate placement of objects like footsteps in the stereo image. While there are a couple of peaks in the phase response's mid-mid and high-treble, they're very minor, and audio seems very slightly louder on the left side. It's also very hard to hear with real-life content. Imaging can vary between units, though, and can indicate a manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless' passive soundstage performance is sub-par. Their passive soundstage seems wide and natural. However, the headphones struggle to create an out-of-head audio experience. Since they're closed-back headphones, their soundstage doesn't seem as open or spacious as open-back headphones.
These headphones support DTS:X Spatial Sound for a more immersive audio experience. You can only access this feature via the companion software, and the only setting available is to turn this feature on or off.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless' weighted harmonic distortion performance is good. There's a peak in the low-treble at moderate listening volumes. However, it can be hard to hear with real-life content. The rest of the response falls within mostly good levels, resulting in fairly clean and pure audio reproduction.
These are the settings used to test the HyperX Alpha Wireless. Our results are only valid when using these settings.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have disappointing noise isolation. They struggle to block out bass-range sounds like the rumble of car engines from traffic outside your window. They do a better job of cutting down ambient chatter, though, and they can effectively reduce the high-pitched hum of computer fans. If noise isolation is a top priority for you, consider the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless instead, which are gaming headphones with noise cancelling. They can block out a good amount of ambient sound.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have an okay leakage performance. It's mostly concentrated in the mid to treble range and sounds somewhat thin. That said, if you're listening to audio at high volumes in a moderately noisy environment, others around you might hear it.
The boom mic's recording quality is very good. Your voice sounds full-bodied, natural, and fairly clear. Your teammates won't have any problem understanding you.
The boom mic's noise handling performance is very good. The mic can separate your voice from moderate ambient noise. Even if you're talking in a room with an open window and traffic outside, your voice won't be drowned out.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless have an incredible battery performance. The manufacturer advertises them to last 300 hours continuously. We measured over 340 hours, which is over 14 days long, making them a solid choice if you don't want to worry about constantly recharging their battery. They also quickly recharge and can completely replenish their battery in under four hours.
These headphones have an auto-off timer in their companion app. You can also see the percentage of remaining battery life and hours left. Unfortunately, these headphones don't have an AUX port, and you can't use them wired.
Unfortunately, even though these headphones are compatible with the Ngenuity app, users have experienced high amounts of latency when using it. Users have also reported that using the EQ or DTS feature in the app can cause the audio to stop playing or break up the audio so that rear sound cues are missing. This issue would stop once the app EQ was disabled or uninstalled. This is a huge drawback if you want to use the app to customize your game experience.
This app offers a 10-band graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound to your liking. You can also access presets that create shortcuts to open particular programs and software. You can view the battery life, adjust the auto-off timer, and turn on and off the following features: volume level, mic level DTS:X, and mic monitoring.
You can't use the HyperX Cloud Alpha wired. They come with a USB-C to USB-A cable to recharge the headphones.
These headphones have great non-Bluetooth wireless performance. The included USB-A dongle allows you to connect to both PCs and PlayStation family consoles. Their low latency performance means your audio and visuals will remain in sync without significant lag. However, these headphones are still affected by an issue where latency increases significantly when they're connected to the Ngenuity app. More details on this issue can be found here.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha are only compatible with PCs via non-Bluetooth wireless. However, you have full audio and mic compatibility.
HyperX Cloud Alpha are fully compatible with PS4 and PS5 consoles when using their USB-A dongle. However, you can't connect them to these consoles in any other way.