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HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
74
86
Sound
6.5
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
5.5
8.8
Value
6.5
8.6
Price (USD)
$100
$130

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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is 5 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset2019
  • Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsCloud Alpha S – Gaming HeadsetArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

Cloud Alpha S – Gaming HeadsetArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$130
HearWiki score
74
86
Released
2019
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
2× 50 mm driver
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 23 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
65 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
310 g
265 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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming headset that prioritizes long-lasting performance, boasting a 60-hour battery and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It features a balanced sound signature from its 40mm drivers and a noise-canceling mic for clear communication, all wrapped in a comfortable design. Multipoint support allows seamless switching between gaming and mobile devices.

  • Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for easy device switching
  • Pro:Balanced sound profile suitable for various games
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for immersion
  • Con:No water resistance for durability
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

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

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New comparisonHyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming HeadsetSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5