HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless: 250-Hour Battery & Dual Connectivity
▼ Summary
– The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is a premium gaming headset with an excellent battery life of up to 250 hours over a 2.4GHz connection, though this drops to 125 hours when using simultaneous dual-wireless connectivity.
– It features a comfortable, redesigned build similar to the Cloud III series and includes a customizable desktop base station for controls instead of a standard USB dongle.
– The headset’s audio quality is good, with strong performance for gaming and virtual surround, but it is considered only marginally better than the significantly cheaper Cloud III series.
– Its detachable boom microphone provides solid, clear communication, but its sound quality is typical for a headset mic and not exceptional.
– Customization is available through HyperX’s Ngenuity Beta software, though settings do not save directly to the headset or base station, requiring the software to be running for most features.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset builds on a strong legacy, delivering exceptional 250-hour battery life and the convenience of simultaneous dual-wireless connectivity. It’s a comfortable, well-built successor that refines the formula with a premium design and a customizable desktop base station. However, for gamers focused purely on audio and microphone performance, the more affordable Cloud III series offers remarkably similar quality, making the Alpha 2’s higher price a point of consideration.
This new model retains the core strength of its predecessor: marathon battery endurance. While the original Cloud Alpha Wireless set a nearly untouchable standard at 300 hours, the Alpha 2’s rated 250 hours on a single 2.4GHz connection still dwarfs most competitors. It’s important to note that using the simultaneous dual-wireless feature, which blends 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, reduces that estimate to about 125 hours. Even at that level, it outlasts nearly every other wireless gaming headset on the market, including HyperX’s own Cloud III S Wireless.
Priced at $299.99, the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless presents itself as a premium option. Its design aligns with the current Cloud series, featuring a streamlined, monochromatic look with a dark gray steel headband and curved aluminum forks. The build feels sturdy and premium. Comfort is a highlight, thanks to a well-padded, flexible headband and earcups that swivel and tilt. Weighing 12.16 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than some peers but remains comfortable for extended wear.
Controls are comprehensive. The left earcup houses a power button, mic mute, and ports for charging, wired audio, and the detachable microphone. The right earcup has a mode switch and a volume wheel. The standout feature is the included customizable desktop base station, which replaces a standard USB dongle. This station acts as a wireless receiver and a physical control hub, featuring a large volume wheel with a tap-to-mute function and six programmable buttons. It also offers 3.5mm line-in and line-out ports for added flexibility.
For audio, the headset uses 53mm angled dynamic drivers. Performance is solid, offering a clear upgrade over the Cloud III series with better detail and a more powerful bass response, though it may not reach the depth of some dedicated audiophile-grade gaming headsets. The soundstage is typical for a closed-back design, but virtual surround sound is impressively accurate, providing excellent directional cues in games. For music listening, the profile is competent but mid-heavy, with some compression noticeable at this price point.
The detachable boom microphone is reliable, delivering warm and clear vocals for communication, though it doesn’t significantly outperform the excellent mic found on the cheaper Cloud III models. Built-in earcup mics are available for mobile use but offer basic quality.
Customization is handled through HyperX’s Ngenuity Beta software. Users can adjust EQ settings, apply mic effects like AI noise reduction, and tweak spatial audio. The software also allows full programming of the base station’s buttons and lighting. A significant caveat is that most software settings do not save directly to the headset or base station, requiring the application to be running for those features to work, which limits utility on the go.
Included accessories are generous: the base station, a carrying bag, two USB-C cables (one short, one long with an adapter), and a braided 3.5mm audio cable.
Ultimately, the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is a feature-rich headset championed by its incredible battery life and versatile dual connectivity. The premium build, comfort, and handy base station are major benefits. Yet, its audio performance, while very good, doesn’t fully justify the price jump over the more budget-friendly Cloud III series for gamers who don’t need every advanced feature. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize longevity and convenience, but value-focused buyers have compelling alternatives.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
