The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 is a standout contender in the ever-crowded gaming headset market. No doubt, it is becoming more difficult to stand out. Especially for PC gamers, who have, rightly so, increasing demands for performance and features that may be difficult to satisfy. Luckily, it seems that HyperX is listening closely to its user feedback and delivering in spades. The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 headset is an exceptional headset, built to last, with plenty of features and versatility at its premium price point, despite some software and OS bloat.
Platform Compatibility// PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Mac, Mobile, Xbox (3.5mm Connection Only)
MSRP // $299.99
Release Date // August, 2025
Unboxing the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless Headset
When you first get your HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 headset out of the box, the unboxing experience is quite pristine. Immediately, you are greeted by the headset and the base station. And make no mistake, both devices are thoroughly protected, while being front and center in the unboxing.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 comes with a bunch of goodies. In the packaging, users will receive the following:
- 2 x USB Type-C cables (one braided and long, the other shorter and sturdy)
- A Detachable microphone
- A large HyperX-branded soft pouch
- A 3.5mm aux cable
However, one of the standout items in the pack is undoubtedly the USB Type-C to Type-A adapter. This will allow you to attach your cable to a standard USB Type-A input, and that option is well thought out and considerate, which continues to enhance the versatility the headset offers.
A case or a headset holder would have been a nice addition, given the price of entry. But the soft pouch is big enough for the headset and the cables, so it suffices, just would have been nice to have included a nice hard case to fit the $299.99 price point. All in all, HyperX delivered a fine unboxing experience with the Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 packaging.
Build Quality & Comfort
The build quality of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 is phenomenal to say the least. Built from aluminum and sturdy plastic, the headset weighs in at only 345 grams (0.76lbs) and is comfortable to wear. This ensures long-term wearability without fatigue.
The top portion of the headband is made of aluminum, while a memory foam cushion surrounds the headband. The inner part of the headband is made of a plastic that provides nice tactile feedback when adjusting the length. Although I would have appreciated some markings to ensure that I was adjusting the headband equally, I actually twisted the band to test its durability, and the Cloud Alpha 2 never let up. However, I advise practicing this at your own risk.
The ear cups are made of a very comfortable and breathable Microfiber material. It’s soft on the ears and won’t sweat as compared to the leather/pleather that is common in many gaming headsets. This is particularly important to me since I come from a very hot and humid country in the Middle East, and headset sweat is very common. Luckily, HyperX nailed it in the comfort department with the Cloud Alpha 2.
Powerful Drivers
The 53mm drivers deliver quite a punch to them. The headset delivers a cleaner sound profile by separating bass from mids and highs. No doubt it’ll make a difference during competitive gaming, streaming, and media content. Sounds resonate vividly, and there is also an added attention to footsteps or any other audio cues in competitive gaming. You can tweak the EQ to your liking using the Ngenuity beta software (more on that below). However, right out of the box, the headset already sounds phenomenal.
One of its most impressive features is the industry-leading battery life, offering up to 250 hours on a single charge. That’s nearly two weeks of uninterrupted gameplay, a major win for marathon gamers.
2.4 GHz & Bluetooth Connectivity Options
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 sports versatility in the connection department. Connectivity is handled via a 2.4GHz wireless base station, delivering low-latency performance and a stable connection. You have the options for 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, or simultaneous connections. That’s right, that means you can connect to your phone while gaming on PC. This is great if you like to listen to podcasts or audiobooks while gaming. It is very convenient since you won’t have to minimize your game to adjust audio options on your mobile. Though keep in mind this will take a toll on battery life, which honestly is the best in class, and it isn’t even close.
After spending a week with the Cloud Alpha 2, I used it for gaming, media content, and even taking phone calls. I only charged the header once during the review period when I first received the headset. The headset is a formidable player when it comes to battery life. It’s just like that Duracell bunny, if you remember those commercials from way back land. Of course, your mileage may vary, but you’ll be absolutely blown away by how long the battery life.
The Alpha Cloud 2 is compatible with PCs and PlayStation with the base station. However, if you’re on Xbox or Mobile, you have to use the 3.5mm cable that is provided in the box. This does mean that you’re more limited in spatial audio options. But the versatility is appreciated and important in these multiple devices we live in today.
Headset Controls
When it comes to the buttons on the headset, the Cloud Alpha 2 offers plenty of controls. On the headset, you will find the following:
- Power Button (tapping it smartly sounds off the battery percentage)
- Volume Wheel (feels very sturdy)
- Mic Mute Button
- Multi-Function Button
- 2.4GHz Wireless Mode or Dual Mode Switch (which enables both Wireless and Bluetooth mode)
- USB Type-C Charge Port
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Microphone Jack
Users will basically have almost full control directly on the headset. The only omission is the game/chat mixer, which can be adjusted on the software or the base station. Speaking of the software, this is where things get iffy.
One…Errrrmm Multiple Software to Rule Them All
The Ngenuity beta software can help dial in the spatial audio settings to your liking, or you can simply use various presets if you’re in no mood to tinker. Either way, the options are there to cater to your needs. However, the software is not the easiest to use. A lot of the microphone options (such as the AI noise cancellation) are constantly grayed out and can’t be turned on. Even with multiple tinkering attempts, I couldn’t access these features that HyperX was keen to show earlier in the summer.
Worst yet, the Ngenuity beta is only compatible with the headset. In other words, if you own other HyperX devices, you’ll need to rely on the Windows Store version of the software, instead of having an all-encompassing software to rule them all. PC gamers do not like bloat, and I didn’t appreciate having to open and use two software programs to control HyperX devices.
Not only is the software bloatware, so to speak, but the sheer options the headset opens when selecting the primary audio output device has also received a ton of new entries. While this is a minor nuisance, I don’t like to have to select the headset, which was found all the way at the bottom of the list of output devices. While these are first-world problems, they are definitely worth mentioning.
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 – All Your Base Belongs To Us
The base station is, in fact, a nifty device. First off, it looks cool, and everything on it is customizable. From the RGB colors, effects to reconfiguring the spice face buttons, there’s a lot do customization options available on hand. The default button layout includes a play/pause button. Game/chat mixer. Microphone settings.
The dial also houses a quick mic on/mute button, and you can turn the dial to adjust volume and other options from the face buttons. For instance, you can dial in the game/chat mix after you press the button. Best of all, the dial color changes to purple, and you can easily adjust it based on how full the purple circle is.
Decent Mic But Nothing Impressive
The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 headset’s mic quality falls short of expectations for streamers or content creators. It sounds slightly compressed and lacks the richness found in competing headsets. The Cloud Alpha 2 microphone output quality is decent enough for chat, but don’t expect to host multiple hour-long podcasts on it. It is serviceable for what it is, but the quality pales in comparison to other dedicated microphone devices. Additionally, the mic quality is good for Discord chats, but again, don’t expect to record ASMR videos with it any time soon.
Final Thoughts on the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless Headset
Despite its hefty price tag, HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 2 excels in audio performance, comfort, and battery longevity, making it a solid choice. However, its high asking price, average mic quality, and uninspiring Ngentuity beta software drag it down a little bit. But only a little bit, because despite all that, this is the most versatile headset HyperX has ever created and an easy recommendation.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 is available now at the HyperX official site and retail partners.
Note – The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset was provided for the purpose of this review.
Final Score: 9.0/ 10
Pros
- Well packaged and enjoyable unboxing experience
- Inclusion of a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter is very useful
- Best-in-class eternal battery (up to 250 hours)
- Strong and precise 53mm audio drivers deliver impeccable immersion
- Sturdy materials
- Microfiber cloth ear pads add immense comfort
- Useful and customizable base station
- Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connection
- Easy to replace ear pads
- Tactile headband adjustments
- Most versatile HyperX Cloud headset yet
Cons
- Uninspiring HyperX Ngenuity beta software
- The headset caused a long list of audio output devices on Windows 11
- Pricey, but within range of competitors
- Average mic performance
- Headband line indicators would be nice to ensure equilibrium
- A case or headset stand would have been nice
