HyperX Cloud Alpha 2: A $300 Beta Test
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Quick Summary
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 is wireless headset that comes with a Base Station for convenient access to extra features on PC and PS5. It has above average headphone audio, a decent mic, and a sturdy and comfortable build.
However, many of the Alpha 2’s Base Station features are reliant on the NGENUNITY 3 software which is still in very early beta with minimal functionality as of this writing.
In short, the Alpha 2 might be worth its $300 launch price eventually, but definitely not right now.
Connectivity Options
The Alpha 2 can be used wired or wirelessly. Wireless has two modes. First, there’s 2.4 GHz with the Base Station. Additionally, there’s dual audio mode: 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth.
The headset is compatible with PS5 and PC, but you can use it Xbox too if you go 3.5 mm cable only.
When you plug in the 3.5 mm cable it turns the headset's actual power off, but the headphone audio and mic still work. It will be stuck with the stock sound unless you plug that 3.5 mm cable into the Base Station where you can control the EQ in software.
The battery life is stated to get up to 250 hours with 2.4 GHz only and 125 if you have it on dual audio mode. In my experience, it’s closer to 100 hours if you have dual audio mode on.
This will still likely last you 10-14 days with heavy use at the worst.
Base Station and Controls
USB-C port, line out, and line in.
Unlike the Astro A50 series, this thing doesn't actually function as a “base”. You cannot charge the Alpha 2 or physically rest it on here.
This Alpha 2 Base Station basically has 3 main functions:
It works as the 2.4 GHz transmitter.
It can control various functions of the Alpha 2. When connected to the NGENUITY software, it can control even more.
It can be used as an amplifier or DAC allowing you to plug any headphones (including the Alpha 2) into it. Unlike the MixAmp and GameDAC Gen 2, you lose microphone functionality with wired headsets plugged into this.
This also has a fourth function which is setting up hotkeys and macros, but that's not finished yet - more on that in the software section. Out the box, here are the Base Station controls:
The big infinite scroll wheel is for volume by default. This is independent of system volume. The middle capacitive button is mic mute. The rest of the buttons are physical. Like the Elgato Stream Deck (before the clicky keys came out), they’re quite mushy. The light color of the buttons cannot be changed currently.
Starting first from the upper left is mic volume. The way these work is you tap the button then scroll the wheel to adjust the level/setting.
Next is game/chat mixer. This only works on PC. This lets you separate voice chat audio from game audio. This is extremely useful on Discord calls. Mic monitoring volume is the light blue button. Hold it to toggle on and off.
Red is headphone audio mute. Yellow is for equalizer presets. The way I think this this supposed to work is you can press the button and then scroll between 3 different presets that are saved to the hardware. In my experience, this didn't change the sound at all - PC or PS5. It also didn't toggle between my custom presets in the NGENUITY software, so this entire button is basically a work in progress.
The last media button is play/pause.
There's one more function on the side that switches the outgoing audio to either the headset using wireless connectivity or to the line out port.
Base Station tl;dr. It’s just fluff right now.
Aside from the macro functions and EQ controls that currently don't work, the Base Station simply isn’t necessary and it could have just been a USB-C dongle. The controls could be stuffed onto the headset itself or in many cases like mic mute and headphone volume, they are already on the headset.
Headset Controls
On the headset itself, starting with the left earcup, there’s the power button and mic mute. The right earcup has a 2.4 GHz and dual audio switch. There is a multi function button for media controls. Finally there's the volume wheel which is independent of system volume.
Headphone Audio Quality
Measurements taken with my miniDSP EARS (not industry standard).
The Cloud Alpha 2 has 53 mm dual chamber drivers which are supposed to separate the bass from the mids and highs. In short, these are great for competitive play, but that's about all I like them for.
The big boost to the mids in the Alpha 2 compared to the original Alpha helps give weapon fire a significant pop without being too jarring, and it gives footsteps a quick impact which helps them stand out.
In comparison to the Cloud III S, the Alpha 2 has more bass and sub-bass. There's still very little power down there, but the Cloud III S basically just punts on the low frequencies.
The treble beyond 10 kHz is toned down on the Alpha 2 to a more manageable range where it actually bumps up on the Cloud III S. The result is less of a sharp and thin sound on the Alpha 2. But don’t get it mistaken - this thing is still a very sibilant device.
The soundstage is narrow like most closed back devices, though the Alpha 2 does actually have a small amount of venting near the top.
Overall, the Alpha 2 sounds good, but definitely not $300 good to me. I find my other favorite headsets like the Astro A50 Gen 5, Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, Drop + EPOS PC38X, and Audeze Maxwell all have more capable and more versatile drivers.
Alpha 2 drivers.
Personally, I like the original Alpha's sound better. There's significantly more physical vibration in the sub-bass on that even if it doesn't reflect as a higher quantity in the measurements I took. The treble is very detailed and prominent - something the Alpha 2 can still do with EQ. However, the Alpha 2 can never replicate the same bass and sub-bass. And it doesn't get close to the A50 or PC38X bass.
Who is the Alpha 2’s sound for?
If you don't like much bass, but you're into prominent midrange and you're okay with some sibilance in vocals, the Alpha 2 is a great pick.
Microphone Audio Quality
The Alpha 2 microphone sounds very similar to the Cloud III S. It’s not as natural as the Cloud III wired and it’s not as capable overall as the Logitech G522 or Astro A50 Gen 5.
It’s just serviceable. There is a lot of processing going on which causes a bit of distortion, but the background noise rejection is a bit better than the wired Cloud III.
If you take out the boom mic, the Alpha 2’s integrated mics automatically take over. They’re not amazing, but this makes them viable on the go.
Software
This is my biggest issue with the Alpha 2. The software it uses is HyperX NGENUITY. Specifically, the beta version of the software - it doesn't even work with the older version which is now referred to as the legacy download.
As of September 2025, the overwhelming majority of features in this software are greyed out so you can use them yet. Many basic headset settings like the auto shut off timer (which I think is 5 minutes) and the voice prompt volumes cannot be changed currently.
Features like setting up macros or remapping different buttons to launch programs aren’t functioning yet. So let's look at what you actually can do in the software.
Macros and launcher controls waiting room.
The headphone equalizer is the first one. Currently there aren't any default presets, so you have to make your own. You have to have your audio playback set to “NGENUITY 8 Channel Spatial” - otherwise you won't hear any of these changes. None of these save to the headset itself currently, so the Alpha 2 is reliant on this software being open on PC.
Aside from the basic controls like the game/chat mixer which you can do with the headset/Base Station, there are three other tabs.
The spatial audio controls are interesting on the surface. The distance slider didn't really have much effect, but “immersion” definitely adds a bit of bass.
In the advanced controls, you can adjust the volume of up to 12 different audio channels. I tested - this really does get data from each one individually such as right surround or left surround. I’m not sure how it determines height, but it’s not consistent in an actual game of Black Ops 6.
In reality, the spatial audio volume leveler isn’t as useful as it seems. All the audio gets downmixed back into stereo anyway since the Alpha 2 only has one driver per ear.
There’s a tab dedicated to the volume wheel lighting.
At the end of the day, even if you fine tune all the headphone EQ, mic settings, lighting, and surround sound to perfection, it will all go to waste. Every time NGENUITY is closed and re-opened, all the settings are reset to stock. Depressing…
Comfort and Build Quality
The Alpha 2 gets an A in comfort - it’s almost perfect. HyperX switched it up. Unlike most of their headsets, this has microfiber cloth instead of pleather. I didn't think I'd like it, but it's got the perfect amount of padding and it's not scratchy.
I used this for some marathon sessions and even while working outside in 90 degree weather. Still comfortable. They trap in some heat, but much less than pleather. Faux leather also has the weakness of peeling off after years of use or storage. The detachable microphone is very flexible, but it still holds its position well. It has a small red light when muted.
The frame is made of stainless steel and that compliments the aluminum adjustment forks. The height is adjustable, and these have swivel which is also rare for HyperX. On the top of the headband is a small amount of pleather. The main reasons this gets an A instead of an S are:
#1 It's a bit too heavy. It’s 344 grams without the mic and 355 with it.
#2 The padding is nice but I still prefer pleather.
Verdict
The HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 has top 5 headset potential mainly because it's a jack of all trades, but master of none. It has detailed headphone audio and a good mic, but not it’s not the best at either. Great comfort, but there's better.
Ultimately, do I recommend this? Yes, but not yet. The software needs way more work. The price is going to keep changing on this over time, but it’s not worth $300 right now. Consider the Cloud III S Wireless or even heavy hitters like the Astro A50 Gen 5 instead.
