Gaming
HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset
82Great
$95
Full review dataHyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset vs Skullcandy PLYR® Wireless: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset - Great overall at around $95.
Gaming
Skullcandy PLYR® Wireless
72Good
$130
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset
Sound8.5
Calls7.5
Value8.0
Skullcandy PLYR® Wireless
Sound7.0
Battery8.0
Calls6.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset | Skullcandy PLYR® Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $95 | $130 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dual-chamber driver system | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 13Hz–27kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 65 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | -43dBV (0dB=1V/Pa | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.2 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 24 h |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 1.8 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 298 g | 315 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 1 |
What reviewers said
HyperX Cloud Alpha – Gaming Headset
This wired gaming headset delivers clear, balanced stereo audio through its dual-chamber 50mm drivers, making it a solid pick for gamers who prioritize sound over extra features. It pairs a comfortable, sturdy build with a detachable boom mic and broad compatibility across platforms, though it lacks wireless connectivity and virtual surround support. At around $100, it's a dependable, no-frills option that focuses on core performance rather than bells and whistles.
- Pro:Clear, neutral audio with good detail
- Pro:Comfortable fit and durable construction
- Pro:Detachable boom mic with solid voice pickup
- Con:No active noise cancellation or virtual surround
- Con:Limited on-cable controls
- Con:Slightly heavy for some users
Skullcandy PLYR® Wireless
The Skullcandy PLYR Wireless is a comfortable, versatile gaming headset that balances solid audio performance with an impressive 24-hour battery life. It's well-suited for gaming, music, and movies, though it lacks noise cancellation and requires a separate transmitter for cross-platform wireless use, which may complicate setup for some users. Overall, it's a capable all-rounder rather than a premium audio device, with strong comfort and usability for its price point.
- Pro:Very long 24-hour battery life
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended sessions
- Pro:Good sound quality for gaming and media
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Requires separate transmitter for multi-platform wireless
- Con:Only SBC codec support limits audio quality
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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