Tested – Work and Gaming Headsets That Don’t Break the Bank

HyperX Cloud Alpha

This is one of the best mid-budget headsets on the market. Actually, it’s fair to say the HyperX Cloud has been one of the best gaming headsets for around ten years now. The original Cloud and the Cloud II headsets were extremely well received by gamers around the world. They had great audio and a great price, and these are values that still hold true.

Features

• HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers for more distinction and less distortion
• Signature award-winning HyperX comfort
• Durable aluminium frame with expanded headband
• Detachable braided cable with convenient in-line audio control
• Detachable noise-cancellation microphone
• Discord and TeamSpeak™ Certified
• Multi-platform compatibility

Specifications

Performance

Compared to the original versions, the hardware is a little more refined these days, with even better acoustic performance thanks to the dual-chamber ear-cup design and larger 50mm drivers

Improved build quality and materials make it more robust, but also a lot more stylish too thanks to the much more modern design.

Really, they’ve never been better! There is a more premium version available too if you wanted to step up a little further to the Hyper X Alpha S, as that has adjustable Bass EQ, surround sound and more in-line mixing controls. However, at £117 it’s pretty expensive. Albeit, both headsets look broadly the same.

If anything, the HyperX Cloud Alpha is just exceptional value for money, and you can snap one up for as little as £60 going up to around £80 depending on the colour you desire. The headset remains black, but the metal bracing at the side comes in black, red and there’s even a rare purple one still in stock at some retailers.

The acoustic performance is sublime, with a fairly flat response, but still lots of depth to the bass and clear highs thanks to the larger 50mm drivers, the soft PU-leather ear padding and a closed-back design that helps lock in the sound and block out the outside world. They’re surprisingly punchy though, so if you do want to crank your tunes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Value for Money

The real value for this headset comes not only from its award-winning performance but also from its added features. It’s not a complicated headset by design. However, it does have a very nice noise-cancellation microphone that is both TeamSpeak and Discord-certified. To be honest, it’s eTeknix Certified too now, as I’ve been using it all week for gaming and the microphone sounds fantastic.

Furthermore, with it being a 3.5mm jack, it’s broadly compatible with just about anything. It’ll work on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, your mobile phone (if you have a 3.5mm jack or adapter), or your dusty old MP3 player from years gone by. It’s also a fairly stylish headset, so you don’t feel a complete berk wearing it out in public, meaning it doubles up as your headphones when you’re sitting on the train.

Price

The HyperX Cloud Alpha is available now for just £60-80 Depending on the colour variant

What HyperX Had to Say

“HyperX™ Cloud Alpha’s ground-breaking Dual Chamber Drivers design will give your audio more distinction and clarity by reducing distortion. The dual chambers separate the bass from the mids and highs, allowing optimal tuning for cleaner, smoother sound. The Cloud Alpha headset builds upon HyperX’s foundation of signature award-winning comfort with premium red memory foam, expanded headband and softer, more pliable leatherette. The aluminium frame is built for long-lasting durability and, as requested by players, Cloud Alpha also features a tough, detachable braided cable. The detachable noise-cancellation microphone is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak™, ensuring you’ll have great team communication. It’s multi-platform compatible with in-line audio controls, so serious gamers on PC, PS4™, Xbox One™ and other platforms with a 3.5mm port will benefit from the bold sound of the Cloud Alpha evolution.” – HyperX