
HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $110 | $190 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-23kHz | 10 Hz - 22,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 65 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | -38dBV (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz) | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | none | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | Yes |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | both | buttons |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 310 g | 337 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | noise-cancelling | - |
What reviewers said
HyperX Cloud Alpha S – Gaming Headset
This wired gaming headset prioritizes comfort and sturdy construction, making it a reliable pick for long sessions. Its sound is punchy and customizable via bass sliders, though the virtual surround feature is underwhelming and best left off. While it performs well for gaming, its weak noise isolation and average audio tuning limit its appeal outside that use case.
- Pro:Comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Solid build quality
- Pro:Adjustable bass response
- Con:Virtual surround sound is weak
- Con:Poor passive noise isolation
- Con:Mids-heavy tuning lacks treble detail
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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