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HyperX Cloud Alpha Air vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless - Great overall at around $190.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Air
Sound7.5
Battery8.5
Calls6.5
Value7.0
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls8.5
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of HyperX Cloud Alpha Air vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
SpecHyperX Cloud Alpha AirSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
TypeGamingGaming
Price (USD)$150$190
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good84 / 100 · Great
Released-2022
Audio
Driverdual chamber neodymiumdynamic
Driver size50 mm40 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response20 Hz to 20 kHz10 Hz - 22,000 Hz
Impedance34 Ω38 Ω
Sensitivity97 dB/mW93 dB/mW
Sensitivity-42 dBV (0 dB=1 V/ Pa-
Wireless
Bluetooth-5
Bluetooth version-5.0
Codecs-SBC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Battery
Battery life-22 h
Battery life (ANC on)-36 h
Battery incl. case-44 h
Full charge time-15 min
Quick charge-15 min = 3 h
Wireless charging-No
Features
Active noise cancellingNoYes
ANC type-hybrid
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-No
Controls-buttons
Design
Weight272 g337 g
Water resistance-none
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones11

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud Alpha Air

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Air is a wired, open-back gaming headset that trades wireless convenience for a straightforward, lightweight design. It features a 50mm dual-chamber driver setup aimed at delivering punchy bass without active noise cancellation, plus a detachable mic and USB-C connection. This model suits gamers who prioritize simplicity and audio character over extra features like Bluetooth or multipoint pairing.

  • Pro:Lightweight at 272g for comfortable long sessions
  • Pro:Dual-chamber drivers provide clear, punchy bass
  • Pro:Detachable mic and USB-C cable for easy setup
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or Bluetooth support
  • Con:Limited feature set compared to wireless rivals
  • Con:Sensitivity of 97 dB/mW may require a bit more volume from some devices

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is a premium gaming headset that pairs solid wireless freedom with hybrid active noise cancellation and a handy hot-swappable battery setup. Its balanced sound, clear detachable mic, and strong app-based tuning make it a versatile pick for gamers, though it comes at a steep price and carries some tuning quirks. The included base station adds extra flexibility by juggling multiple audio sources and offering quick battery swaps for longer sessions.

  • Pro:Hot-swappable batteries for extended playtime
  • Pro:Versatile base station with dual audio connections
  • Pro:Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode
  • Con:Pricey compared to many rivals
  • Con:Frequency response consistency could be better
  • Con:ANC performance is decent but not class-leading

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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