Although the HyperX Cloud Alpha may not be as glamorous as its wireless sibling, it still represents an excellent value for what remains our preferred wired gaming headset. Allow me to highlight the reasons it continues to excel in gaming—believe me, you’ll want to give this a listen.
Thanks to the dual chamber configuration of its 50 mm neodymium drivers, the higher frequencies and mid tones are rendered with remarkable clarity—then comes the true showstopper. Plainly stated, you are unlikely to encounter such rich, thunderous bass at a similarly affordable price. It remains our top gaming headset after all this time for valid reasons—and a reduction to $80 at Amazon is just another feather in its cap.
That’s a 20% reduction from the $100 MSRP! However, in terms of substantial comfort, the HyperX Cloud Alpha truly delivers. With its aviation-style design, ample cushioning on both the ear pads and headband ensures you remain comfortable throughout lengthy gaming sessions. There’s the minor detail of the wired connection, but who would forget they are physically tethered to their gaming PC before wandering off? …Not just me, right?
That is one definite limitation of what is otherwise a thoroughly complete gaming headset package: if you happen to turn your gaming setup into a percussion ensemble, the mic’s absence of a flip-to-mute feature means that everyone on the call will hear your absent-minded wander. The removable mic provides audio clarity that ensures everyone will appreciate your impromptu drum performance, delivering a bass rhythm that is more than anyone expected.
But in all seriousness, another advantage of this wired gaming headset is its durability; should you encounter a problem with the single cable or mic arm, both can be easily detached and adequately replaced at a fair cost. Does this qualify as modular design before the term became trendy? Responses welcome on a postcard.
Now, to be fair, this is nearly seven years old tech—our original HyperX Cloud Alpha review dates back to 2018! Over the years, there have certainly been rivals to its crown, yet none have stayed as widely accessible. Such longevity is a rarity in the technology realm, and it also explains why we are still seeing price reductions worth mentioning.
While the age of this audio device means there’s little fluff to play around with, that’s just another positive aspect of the HyperX Cloud Alpha for me. While I value great sound, I’m not too keen on grappling with software before I can even immerse myself in my latest music obsession (Eartha Kitt’s disco album, anyone?). Thankfully, the Cloud Alpha is a wired gaming headset that has remembered the essence of ‘plug and play,’ providing nothing but the finest right out of the box.