HyperX Cloud 2 Vs Alpha: Choose Wisely

HyperX is a renowned brand that has been able to dominate the market of gaming headphones.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha and the Cloud II both are legends in the world of gaming headsets.

Despite their age, they have still retained strong market positions and competitive price points.

In terms of that, I am here today with one of the most wanted gaming headset comparisons, which is HyperX Cloud 2 vs Alpha.

If you are a gamer, you also might be confused about these two. Which one will be more worthy!

And that’s why you are here.

Don’t worry as you are exactly at the right place.

Today I am going to clear all your confusion and help you in decision-making.

So, get ready for a head-to-head comparison.

HyperX Cloud II Vs Alpha: Killer Gaming Beasts

Here I will present a comparative discussion between these two headsets in terms of some major factors.

Let me mention an important thing before starting the main discussion.

HyperX Cloud II comes in 2 versions, one is wired, and the other is wireless.

However, except for the connectivity, other features of these two versions are totally similar to each other.

Anyway, now let’s start with the design variation.

How Is The design?

Both Cloud II and Alpha come with the standard HyperX design. So, they are quite similar in look.

The Cloud 2 features a minimalist aviation-style aesthetic that reminds you more of a studio headset than a gaming one.

The Alpha takes the same overall shape as the Cloud II while maintaining little differences.

It cuts some parts out of the metal forks. The logo on top of the headband is no longer stitched into the material like the Cloud 2. Also, the ear cups are slightly less rounded than the older model.

Though the Alpha reduced some weight from the metal fork, I don’t think they did a lot with the holes except making the design worse. I also miss the classy stitched logo on top of the headband.

So, in my opinion, Cloud 2 will be a little bit ahead of Alpha in this case.

When you are investing some bucks on a headphone, obviously, you will want a durable one.

Headphones built with cheap quality materials can break easily.

Let’s check out how durable they are.

Build Quality: Cloud 2 Vs Alpha

Both of these headsets are well-built with plenty of aluminum parts. The durable and compact aluminum frames are designed to endure rigorous daily activities.

The cables of both Could 2 and Alpha are covered with a braided cloth for increased protection and to prevent tangles. They have been made in such a way that it won’t tear apart under some forces.

Their mic is also sturdy enough.

Besides, the paddings are well-stitched so that you can rest assured for a long time without any worries of tearing.

So, overall, I think both of them come with robust build quality.

What is the use of a gaming headset if it doesn’t necessarily provide good sound quality?

We need to know about the sound quality before finalizing any decision.

I will enlighten you with it, but before that, have a glance at the table below to get a precise idea about them.

Now, let’s go for sound quality.

Sound Quality

Regarding the audio quality, the drivers of Cloud Alpha are slightly smaller than the drivers of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset. It means the drivers of the Cloud 2 headset deliver more powerful sound.

This headset features 7.1 Surround Sound, which amplifies the positional audio. You can easily detect enemies with this feature. It still requires a bit of improvement, though.

On the other hand, the Cloud Alpha has dual chamber technology. One chamber is for bass response, and the other one is for mids and highs.

With this technology, the bass is separated from the mids and highs. This adds more distinction to the sound and minimizes the distortion.

Therefore, you can enjoy a more neutral, dynamic, and clearer stereo sound with less distortion.

The frequency range of Cloud Alpha is wider than that of Cloud 2. But the impedance of Cloud 2 is lower, which makes its sound smoother.

But to be honest, I think that Cloud Alpha has a better and more immersive audio quality.

To be specific, you can even hear the exact sound of subtle footsteps and locate enemies in the game.

It has the fun bass and detailed highs of the Cloud 2 but without the slight midrange muddiness or grain in the high tones. So, it’s a plus point.

Even the soundstage and imaging of Cloud Alpha are wider and more accurate than Cloud II.

Can you concentrate on your gaming if you continuously feel discomfort?

No matter for which purpose you are using these headphones, comfortability is important.

Which Headset Is More Comfortable: Alpha Or Cloud 2?

Both of the two headsets feature Signature HyperX Comfort with 100% memory foam ear cushions and a padded leatherette headband.

Alpha is more lightweight than the Cloud II as they cut up some chunks out of the metal frame.

One thing that goes against the Cloud II is it doesn’t really fit in larger heads, where this problem vanishes with Alpha.

Cloud Alpha has expanded headband and extended adjustment forks. Therefore, it will fit perfectly in large heads along with the smaller ones.

On the other hand, the earpads of Cloud ii feel softer to me.

Anyway, as I have to pick a winner, the Cloud Alpha is the champion here.

As they are gaming headsets, the microphone should perform well to carry on in-game communication perfectly.

Right now, I will disclose which headset offers better mic performance.

Cloud Alpha Vs. Cloud 2 Microphone Quality

Both headsets have a noise-canceling microphone which is nicely designed to sound professional over in-game voice communication.

Their microphone is also detachable.

So, you can detach it whenever you don’t need it. This makes the headset more convenient to use.

The headsets come with a small rubber plug to hide the hole when you detach the mic.

Regarding the build quality, it is durable enough. The frequency response of the mic is good, too.

Moreover, it can effectively filter out the background noise also.

So, to me, it’s a tie.

This time, I will compare their control scheme and connectivity. Check it out.

Control System: Hyperx Cloud Alpha Vs Cloud 2

The HyperX Cloud 2 comes with an advanced audio control box. You can adjust the volume or switch on or off 7.1 surround sound using this sound controller.

It also includes independent audio and mic volume controls or mute function for added convenience.

Audio controls of Cloud Alpha are conveniently situated on the right side of the detachable cable for easy volume adjustment and mic muting.

So, if you consider the convenience, Cloud Alpha is the champion once again.

Connectivity

You already know that Cloud 2 is available in two versions: wired and wireless. The wired version has a 1 m undetachable cable.

For getting its wireless model, you have to spend a few more bucks.

This wireless model features a low-latency 2.4 GHz fast and stable connection.

Therefore, the connection will be quite good, and you won’t have to face any audio latency.

The Wireless HyperX Cloud II offers up to 30 hours of battery life with a full charge, and its wireless range is around 20 meters, which is quite incredible.

So, the wireless Cloud II model indeed is better than the wired Alpha headset.

Cloud Alpha comes with a 2m long cable and can connect via wire only.

As the wire is 1m in longer than Cloud 2 and is detachable, unlike Cloud II, Cloud Alpha has an advantage over the wired version of Cloud 2.

Portability

Both Cloud Alpha and Cloud II headsets are not good for portability. Both of them are not foldable. So, there is a tie between these two.

However, the Cloud 2 wired model has an extra downside here because of its fixed cable.

To use these headsets, you have to connect with a device first.

Let’s see which one can offer more options.

Compatibility

The wired version of Cloud II is compatible with PC, smartphones, Mac, and various gaming consoles such as PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.

You can enjoy 7.1 surround sound only on PC and Mac with wired HyperX Cloud 2.

The wireless version is compatible with PC, PS4, Playstation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

The Cloud Alpha headset can be used with PC, PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Mac, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, VR, and smartphones.

Both headsets have good compatibility, but as I have to pick a winner, I am picking Cloud Alpha once again.

We all love to get something extra. It’s always a pleasant feeling.

So, I am going to reveal the extra accessories that these Cloud II and Alpha come with.

Extra Accessories: HyperX Alpha Vs Cloud 2

Whether you choose HyperX Alpha over Cloud II or vice versa, it entirely depends on you personally.

Both Cloud 2 (wired) and Cloud Alpha come with a carrying pouch.

If you buy the wireless version of Cloud II, you won’t get any carrying bag with that.

Both of them have detachable microphones.

The additional thing about Cloud Alpha is it has a detachable cable, and its bag is made with more excellent material.

Apart from these basics, the Cloud 2 includes a USB sound card and an extra set of velour ear pads to let you enjoy varying sound profiles and textures.

You might appreciate the sound card that provides decent simulated 7.1 surround sound. And while the extra ear pads are really nice to have, I don’t think they are comfortable enough.

As Cloud Alpha sounds way better despite not having the USB sound card, I would rather prefer having the removable cable and nicer carrying pouch.

So, I am making Alpha the winner here.

You might totally want the things that Cloud II provides, though.

Final Verdict

So, who is the winner, Hyperx Cloud 2 Or Alpha?

I have to choose any of these two. Right?

In that case, I am picking HyperX cloud Alpha as it is a few steps ahead in most cases.

The Cloud Alpha is a successor to Cloud 2, and the Cloud Alpha inherits the same features from its predecessor along with some additional ones.

To summarize, HyperX Cloud Alpha is the better-sounding headset, and it is more cost-effective. It offers a lot of features at a reasonable price.

You might not like any of the two headsets. Do you want me to suggest some alternatives?

Then go through the following segment.

Alternative

The following two headsets will be a good alternative to our discussed Cloud II and Alpha.

1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro High Fidelity Gaming Headset
2. HyperX Cloud Alpha S

The Arctis Pro is a wired gaming headset that features next-generation DTS headphones: X v2.0 surround sound for optimal spatial imaging and complete 360-degree immersion.

Its USB chat mix dial will let you adjust the volume between your game and chat audio.

Besides, the polished steel and aluminum alloy construction offers maximum durability and a comfortable fit.

On the other side, Cloud Alpha S delivers 7.1 surround sound with adjustable bass, dual-chamber drivers, a chat mixer, breathable leatherette ear cushions, and a detachable noise-canceling microphone.

I have nothing more to say.

Conclusion

I have reviewed the headsets in detail and compared them in terms of various factors. The winner is also announced here.

However, I want to add that it entirely depends on your requirements.

If you want wireless freedom with excellent sound, you can buy the HyperX Cloud 2 wireless. The wireless headset is to provides more freedom to the user.

If you want the surround sound and do not mind having a wired headset, then you can consider the HyperX Cloud Alpha.

Keep your budget in mind too.

I hope this write-up on HyperX Cloud 2 vs Alpha will help you a lot to get the best product.