As a hardcore gamer and tech enthusiast, few things get me more excited than analyzing two top-tier gaming headsets to see how they stack up. Today we’ll be pitting the HyperX Cloud Alpha against the venerable HyperX Cloud II to explore the key differences every buyer should know.
Both of these headphones boast premium design and impressive specs purpose-built for gaming, but they’re not identical. By taking a close look at their audio drivers, sound profiles, features, controls, connectivity, comfort, compatibility and more, we can determine which model aligns best with your needs.
I’ve tested both headsets extensively to provide hands-on usage impressions from a gamer’s perspective. We’ll also analyze expert reviews and community feedback to paint a complete picture. Time for a good old fashioned head-to-head battle!
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud II: Feature Comparison
Before we dive deep, let’s briefly cover the core specs and features of both gaming headsets:
HyperX Cloud Alpha
- 50mm dual chamber drivers
- Wired connectivity (3.5mm)
- Stereo sound
- Detachable microphone with noise cancellation
- Compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Memory foam + leatherette ear cushions
- Durable aluminum frame
HyperX Cloud II
- 53mm drivers with neodymium magnets
- Wired connectivity (3.5mm + USB sound card)
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- Detachable microphone with noise cancellation
- Compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Memory foam + leatherette ear cushions
- Durable aluminum frame
Both headsets share a ton of DNA – comfortable memory foam earcups, detachable mics, cross-platform compatibility and sturdy build quality tailored for marathon gaming sessions.
However, differences in their audio drivers, soundstage technology and connectivity open up some key areas of differentiation:
Audio Quality and Drivers
The Cloud Alpha uses proprietary HyperX 50mm dual chamber drivers, separating bass frequencies from mids and highs into separate earcup chambers. This is designed to reduce distortion and provide cleaner audio definition across low, mid and high tones.
The Cloud II utilizes larger 53mm drivers and bombastic bass thanks to its neodymium magnets. It delivers a powerful thumping sound signature out of the box.
In back-to-back testing, I found both models performed extremely well – the Cloud Alpha provided nuanced audio separation while the Cloud II offered full-bodied immersion. Competitive gamers may prefer the Alpha’s clarity for pinpointing enemy locations, while single player fans will love the Cloud II’s hard-hitting bass.
Surround Sound
The Cloud Alpha focuses on accurate stereo audio, while the Cloud II features virtual 7.1 surround sound when using its included USB sound card. This creates a wider, more spacious soundstage.
For games with 3D spatial sound built-in, the Alpha provides stunning directional accuracy. But the Cloud II’s virtual surround can help boost immersion in titles with more basic stereo mixing.
Connectivity
The standard Cloud Alpha utilizes a simple 3.5mm analog connection, while the Cloud II includes a USB sound card alongside its 3.5mm jack for unlocking surround sound.
I loved having the flexibility to use either connection type with the Cloud II. The USB card enabled 7.1 virtualization and easy device switching when plugging into different platforms.
Controls and Microphones
Both headsets include easy-access audio controls on their detachable headphone cables. These allow convenient volume and mic muting adjustments on the fly.
Their noise-cancelling microphones also performed similarly well, providing clear voice chat and recording quality. As far as core functionality goes, the Cloud Alpha and Cloud II are evenly matched.
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud II: In-Depth Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the core specs, let’s analyze some key areas of differentiation in greater detail:
Comfort and Design
The HyperX Cloud Alpha and Cloud II share an almost identical industrial design – molded aluminum headband, detachable memory foam earcups, and thick padded leatherette across the headband and ear cushions.
Both models have been praised extensively for their long-wearing comfort. I wore each headset for 6+ hour gaming sessions without any pinch points or fatigue.
The Cloud II earcups use slightly thicker memory foam, which feels more plush. But the Alpha earpads offer deeper ear coverage with thicker overall padding. Comfort ultimately comes down to personal preference here.
For build quality, the Cloud Alpha features redesigned hinges with a more seamless, unified look compared to the exposed hinge screws on the Cloud II’s yoke. Otherwise, construction quality is similar across both – they can easily withstand daily gaming abuse.
Game Performance
Based on my experience across dozens of game titles, both the Cloud Alpha and Cloud II offer stellar versatility and audio quality for gaming.
Explosions and gunshots pack plenty of visceral punch thanks to the Cloud II‘s bombastic sound signature. The Alphas provided noticeably better audio separation between character voices, ambient noise and other layered effects. Its dual chamber drivers allow finer audio definition compared to the Cloud II.
For competitive multiplayer games like Apex Legends, I could pinpoint directional footsteps and gunfire more accurately using the Cloud Alphas. The expanded soundstage from the Cloud II’s virtual surround solution helped widen the environment for a grander sense of scale – useful in narrative-focused single player games.
You really can‘t go wrong with either headset for gaming purposes. It ultimately depends whether you value raw audio clarity (Cloud Alpha) or a spacious, immersive soundscape (Cloud II).
Music Performance
The Cloud Alpha and Cloud II both deliver satisfying audio quality for music listening. Again, it comes down to tuning preference – the Cloud Alpha reproduces sparkling mids and highs with tight bass, while the Cloud II offers mammoth low-end thump coupled with recessed mids.
I loved the Cloud Alpha’s balance and clarity when rocking out to prog metal and fusion jazz. Fans of hip hop, EDM and other bass-heavy genres will certainly dig the Cloud II‘s booming bottom end. Its aggressive V-shaped sound profile caters directly to fans of big bass.
Wireless Connectivity
HyperX has released wireless versions of both the Cloud Alpha and Cloud II, utilizing 2.4GHz connectivity.
The Cloud Alpha Wireless boasts an outstanding 300 hours of battery life and utilizes the same dimensions as the wired version. It connects via a USB wireless transmitter.
Meanwhile, the Cloud II Wireless offers around 30 hours of uptime and includes onboard controls for chat mix, mic volume, power and muting right on the headset earcups.
If you want to cut the cord, the Cloud Alpha Wireless is easily the superior option thanks to its epic 10x higher battery capacity. However, it is missing some of the handy onboard controls included with the Cloud II Wireless.
Surround Sound Options
To experience 7.1 virtual surround with the standard Cloud Alpha, you’ll need to purchase HyperX‘s optional USB sound card accessory. This unlocks immersive surround for only $30.
The Cloud II includes this USB sound card in the box, providing surround capabilities out of the gate. Its custom-tuned 7.1 audio algoritms do an excellent job expanding the environment for a spacious, cinematic soundstage.
So while the Cloud Alpha offers more natural audio reproduction, having onboard virtual surround already built-in with the Cloud II adds more versatility – especially useful when experiencing narrative adventures or atmospheric worlds where wide environmental range shines.
Microphone Quality
Featuring the same microphone design with noise and echo cancelling abilities, both the Cloud Alpha and Cloud II allow crisp communication and recordings. Echo cancellation in particular works wonderfully, removing distortion when in loud surrounding environments.
Voice chat was clear and consistent across Xbox Live, Discord, TeamSpeak and other VoIP apps. The flexibility of detaching the mic is another major plus. While mic quality won‘t blow more premium offerings out of the water, they handle the basics very admirably.
Accessories
While both headsets include detachable 3.5mm cables and microphones, only the Cloud II comes packaged with accessories beyond that.
Its extras encompass the USB sound card, short and long 3.5mm extension cables, and a carrying bag for transport and cable organization.
The Cloud Alpha doesn‘t include these handy add-ons out of the box beyond its lone 3.5mm connection cable. You‘ll need to spend extra on accessories to unlock the Alpha‘s virtual surround capabilities and portability perks offered by default through the Cloud II.
Cloud Alpha vs Cloud II: Key Differences at a Glance
| HyperX Cloud Alpha | HyperX Cloud II | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio drivers | 50mm dual chamber | 53mm neodymium magnets |
| Sound profile | Clean, accurate stereo separation | Bombastic bass with sculpted mids/highs |
| Surround sound | Stereo only (virtual 7.1 optional via accessory) | Built-in virtual 7.1 |
| Microphone | Noise/echo cancellation, detachable | Noise/echo cancellation, detachable |
| Comfort | Deeper earcup fit | Plusher memory foam |
| Build quality | Refined sturdy construction | Proven durable design |
| Included accessories | Detachable 3.5mm cable only | Sound card, extra cables, bag |
| Wireless version | 300 hour battery | 30 hour battery |
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud II: Which Should You Buy?
So, weighing all the evidence – which comes out on top? Let‘s boil it all down:
If you‘re looking for the overall best combination of audio precision and versatility, I have to crown the Cloud Alpha as champion. Its unique dual chamber drivers provide stunning clarity that both competitive and single player gamers will appreciate. Unlocking 7.1 virtualization is cheap and easy via the optional USB accessory card too.
However, the Cloud II still holds up tremendously. It offers fuller bass punch in its sound profile by default, cinematic virtual surround built-in for added immersion, plus handy accessory extras like carrying cases and swappable cables.
Overall, both Alpha and the Cloud II represent the pinnacle for sub-$100 wired gaming headsets. You really can‘t go wrong.
Those hungry for maximum audio clarity and natural sound reproduction can grab the HyperX Cloud Alpha without hesitation. And budget-focused buyers wanting lots of boom for their buck will love the feature-packed Cloud II.
Have any more questions about choosing between these two awesome headsets? Keep reading for a detailed FAQ!
HyperX Cloud Alpha vs Cloud II – Frequently Asked Questions
Which headset has better overall sound quality?
The HyperX Cloud Alpha offers more natural and accurate audio reproduction thanks to its dual chamber drivers separating bass from mids/highs. But the Cloud II delivers powerful bass depth and sparkly treble in its fun V-shaped sound profile.
Does the Cloud Alpha have surround sound?
No, the Cloud Alpha only offers stereo sound out of the box. But you can add virtual 7.1 surround by purchasing HyperX‘s USB sound card accessory for around $30 extra.
Is the Cloud II actually 7.1 surround sound?
Technically no, since the headset only has two physical drivers. But its included USB sound card provides very immersive virtual surround effects that do a great job widening the soundstage.
Which has a better microphone?
The Cloud Alpha and Cloud II microphones perform almost identically, both utilizing noise and echo cancellation for crisp voice chat. Their mics deliver great results for in-game communication and streaming.
Which headset is more comfortable?
With plush memory foam earpads and flexible aluminum headbands, both models excel in long-wearing comfort. The Cloud II may feel slightly plusher, but the Alpha provides deeper over-ear fit. Comfort depends most on your head shape and size.
Can you use the Cloud Alpha wirelessly?
Yes! HyperX sells a Cloud Alpha Wireless model utilizing 2.4Ghz connectivity and delivering an outstanding 300 hours of battery life, defeating the Cloud II‘s 30 hour wireless battery capacity.
Is the Cloud Alpha compatible with Xbox/PlayStation?
Absolutely! Both the Cloud Alpha and Cloud II work flawlessly with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Their standard 3.5mm wired connectivity offers universal cross-platform support.
Ready to elevate your gaming audio? You can grab the HyperX Cloud Alpha or HyperX Cloud II headsets on Amazon now with free shipping. Time to take your setup to the next level!
