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HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset vs Razer BlackShark V3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Razer BlackShark V3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 91. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Razer BlackShark V3 - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Razer BlackShark V3 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset
  • Razer BlackShark V3
HearWiki score
74
91
Sound
6.5
9.2
Battery
-
8.6
Calls
5.5
8.8
Value
6.5
9.2
Price (USD)
$100
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Razer BlackShark V3 is 6 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Razer BlackShark V3 adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset2019
  • BlackShark V320256 yr newer
What differsCloud Alpha S – Gaming HeadsetBlackShark V3

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Cloud Alpha S – Gaming HeadsetBlackShark V3
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$120
HearWiki score
74
91
Released
2019
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 50 mm driver
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 23 kHz
12 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance
65 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
10 ms
Battery life
-
70 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
both
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
310 g
270 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
1
1
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a wired gaming headset that prioritizes comfort and sturdy build quality, making it suitable for long sessions. Its sound is punchy and customizable via bass controls, though the tuning leans toward the mids and lacks detailed treble. The virtual surround feature is underwhelming, so the headset performs best in standard stereo mode for gaming.

  • Pro:Comfortable for extended wear
  • Pro:Sturdy build quality
  • Pro:Punchy bass with adjustable controls
  • Con:Underwhelming virtual surround sound
  • Con:Mids-heavy tuning with limited treble detail
  • Con:Poor noise isolation

Razer BlackShark V3

The Razer BlackShark V3 is a wireless gaming headset that emphasizes long-lasting performance with a 70-hour battery and 50mm drivers for robust audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs, plus multipoint connectivity for versatile use, though it omits active noise cancellation. The headset also features a noise-canceling microphone and a low-latency 10ms mode, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking extended play sessions.

  • Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable 270g lightweight build
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for multi-device use
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Lacks wireless charging support

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

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