HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 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.

Gaming

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 Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

8.2

Battery

10.0

9.3

Calls

6.7

8.8

Value

8.2

8.6

Price (USD)

$150

$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?

Half a step newer

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 (2024) against HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless (2022). The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Custom EQ and Companion app.

Cloud Alpha Wireless2022
Arctis Nova 520242 yr newer

What differsCloud Alpha WirelessArctis Nova 5

Top codec: SBC; AAC
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Cloud Alpha WirelessArctis Nova 5

Type: Gaming; Gaming
Price (USD): $150; $130
HearWiki score: 74; 86
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2× 50 mm dynamic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 50 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: 15 Hz - 21 kHz; 20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 62 Ω; 36 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Bluetooth: -; 5.3
Codecs: SBC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Wireless range: 20 m; 9 m
Battery life: 300 h; 60 h
Full charge time: 270 min; 15 min
Quick charge: none; 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: buttons; both
Voice assistant: No; -
Weight: 322 g; 265 g
Water resistance: none; none
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Model code: 4P5D4AA; -
Microphones: 1; 1
Microphone type: electret; -
Mic sensitivity: -15 dBV; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: noise-cancelling mic; -

Specification comparison of HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Spec	HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
Type	Gaming	Gaming
Price (USD)	$150	$130
HearWiki score	74 / 100 Great	86 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	2× 50 mm dynamic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	50 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	15 Hz - 21 kHz	20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	62 Ω	36 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	SBC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	No	Yes
Wireless range	20 m	9 m
Battery
Battery life	300 h	60 h
Full charge time	270 min	15 min
Quick charge	none	15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
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	buttons	both
Voice assistant	No	-
Design
Weight	322 g	265 g
Water resistance	none	none
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Model code	4P5D4AA	-
Calls
Microphones	1	1
Microphone type	electret	-
Mic sensitivity	-15 dBV	-
Call noise reduction	Yes	-
Call NR technology	noise-cancelling mic	-

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is a PC-focused wireless gaming headset that stands out primarily for its exceptionally long battery life, which can reach up to 300 hours on a single charge. It delivers a balanced, neutral sound signature through its 50mm drivers, but its feature set is minimal, with no Bluetooth, app support, or active noise cancellation. While it offers solid comfort and a detachable mic, it's best suited for gamers who prioritize endurance and simplicity over extra connectivity options.

Pro:Exceptional 300-hour battery life
Pro:Balanced, neutral sound for gaming
Pro:Comfortable over-ear design

Con:No Bluetooth or wired listening options
Con:Limited to USB wireless dongle use
Con:No active noise cancellation or EQ adjustments

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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