Windows Central Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless gaming headset offers comfortable cushioning and comes with an RGB Base Station for easily accessing programs and audio controls. It's worth noting that it doesn't offer ANC and that it has shorter battery life than the previous model. However, its 250-hour battery life is still impressive, and its speaker and mic quality make it a great choice for audiophiles.
Pros
- +
Excellent speaker quality for gaming and music listening
- +
Detachable mic captures clear audio in voice chat thanks to AI Noise Reduction
- +
Handy RGB Base Station makes it easy to access programs and adjust audio on the fly
- +
Compatible with PC, mobile, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5
Cons
- -
Lacks ANC
- -
Relatively expensive
- -
Shorter battery life than previous model
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I've spent two weeks using the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless gaming headset along with its accompanying RGB Base Station in order to get a feel for how well these devices work during gaming sessions.
There are a few things that could be improved upon, but by and large, the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is an excellent choice for audiophiles, as long as they are willing to spend the necessary dough to make it theirs.
Over the last few years, I've reviewed dozens of gaming headsets and headphones. Additionally, I often play multiplayer games with friends, which helps me know exactly what to look for in a gaming headset.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HyperX. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
What's in the box?
When I opened the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 box, I found the headset, a detachable microphone, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a braided audio cable, a manual, and the RGB Base Station.
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless: What I like
Overall, the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless has a sleek design with comfortable cushioning in the earphones and headband.
While many other headsets feature a thin faux leather material around the earphones, the Alpha 2 Wireless's earphones are covered in a soft cloth material. I personally find this material very comfortable against my head, but depending on how this feels to you, the material might range from feeling cozy to feeling unbreathable.
The various buttons on the headset allow me to adjust volume, mute, switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or press the multifunction button for easy control.
I always found that the speakers provided excellent audio.
Whenever I used this headset to play games, chat with friends, or listen to music, I always found that the speakers provided excellent audio. What's more, the mic captures my voice crisply and carries it to anyone I'm communicating with without any unexpected blips or robotic glitching sounds.
Within the HyperX NGENUITY app (downloaded from the HyperX website), I can even turn on additional mic settings such as AI Noise Reduction, Compressor, and Limiter to get the mic to work the way I want it to.
The headset's spatial audio helps drop me right in the middle of the action, so I can detect where sounds are coming from in my games. Once more, going into the NGENUITY app allows me to fine-tune spatial audio or EQ settings as needed.
If I don't need the mic, I can easily detach it and place it out of the way until I need it again, which is very handy. As with other HyperX headsets, when I mute the mic, a red dot appears on it and a voice states "mic off," making it easier for me to verify that sounds have indeed stopped going out.
I found the included RGB Base Station intuitive and easy to set up.
When I'm in the middle of a heart-pounding moment in my games, I love that I can just reach over to the Base Station to quickly adjust volume or other settings without having to fiddle with my headset. It keeps my hands near the keyboard and mouse so I can jump back into the action.
The RGB Base Station features a Wi-Fi chip inside of it, so I can choose to connect the headset via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi — whatever fits my needs best.
The colors on the volume dial are especially vibrant, and I can customize hues, opacity levels, effect presets, and effect speeds within the NGENUITY app. The functions of the six buttons below the dial can also be remapped in this program, but I didn't see a way to change their colors or opacity.
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless: What needs improvement
Considering the higher price of this headset, it would have been nice for them to include Active Noise Canceling (ANC). Still, I found the headset provided an over-ear experience that delivered great audio, despite this.
It's also worth noting that the previous Cloud Alpha 1 offered 300 hours of battery life while this new Cloud Alpha 2 offers only 250 hours. That said, it's still a very respectable battery life that should serve most gamers well.
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless: Should you buy it?
✅ You should buy this if ...
- You want quick access to various programs and audio controls while gaming
- The included RGB Base Station makes it incredibly easy to adjust volume, mute, open programs, or change settings without having to fiddle with the headset or your computer.
- You're looking for a headset with excellent speaker quality and mic quality
- The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless provides a crisp experience so you can accurately take in-game sounds and clearly communicate with your squad.
❌ You should not buy this if ...
- You don't need a premium wireless headset
- HyperX offers a wide range of gaming headsets to fit every budget. If you don't need an accessory of this caliber, you can always look at HyperX's wired or more economical options.
- You'd prefer headphones that support ANC
- Given the price point of this headset, it is a little strange that it doesn't offer active noise canceling. If that's an important feature for you, then consider looking at other offerings.
I've absolutely loved using the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless gaming headset and its accompanying RGB Base Station over the last two weeks. The speakers hit both bass and high tones beautifully when I'm listening to music, and the spatial audio allows me to accurately identify where sounds are coming from in my games.
On top of that, my voice carries clearly to my teammates, ensuring that we communicate effectively.
The RGB Base Station added a level of convenience that I didn't fully realize I was missing from my gaming sessions. I love how I can mute my mic, adjust volume, change settings, or open a program by quickly using the controls on this little device. Most importantly, it keeps my hands near my keyboard and mouse so I don't get caught unawares mid-game.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is a bit pricey, but if you are someone who really cares about your audio quality and wants to be able to quickly adjust it while playing your games, then you'll appreciate using this headset and its desk accessory.
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