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HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) — Gaming · 2017 · Black
HyperX

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black)

Gaming · 2017 · Black

82
/ 100
From $99
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 13
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) lands at 82 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 13 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 vs 82).

Noise cancelling

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Long-session wearability

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on comfort (88 vs 80).

Value for money

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) more score per dollar ($99 vs $1,699).

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) 82
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black)
82
anc 70
sound 82
comfort 80
battery 86
features 82
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) Sennheiser HD 800 S
Type
Gaming headset
Open-back
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2017
—

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 13. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) worth the price? +

At $99, HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 82). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

HyperX Cloud Alpha (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.