HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against headsets at a similar price

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless scores 6.1/10 overall, ahead of the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset at 5.9/10.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset leads on sound and noise cancelling and value.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless leads on microphone and connectivity and battery.

They score the same on comfort.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless suits PC gamers who want a wireless headset that rarely needs charging. Its battery life and comfort draw the most praise from reviewers. It is a weaker fit for anyone who relies on the microphone, wants Bluetooth, or uses a console.

Typically about £91.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is for gamers who want a wireless headset that works across PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile. It suits people who play long sessions and want battery life to be a non-issue. It does not suit Xbox owners or anyone who needs noise cancelling.

Typically about £161 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Sound	25%	6/10	5/10
Microphone	20%	4/10	6/10
Comfort	20%	7/10	7/10
Connectivity and battery	20%	7/10	9/10
Noise cancelling and value	15%	5/10	3/10
Overall		5.9/10	6.1/10

Specifications

Spec	HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset	SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
Connection	Wireless USB 2.4 GHz, USB 2.0 dongle, stereo, 48 kHz / 24-bit	2.4GHz USB-C wireless dongle and Bluetooth 5.0, with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio; wired 3.5mm option
Noise cancelling	not listed	No active noise cancelling (passive isolation only)
Microphone	Detachable electret condenser, bi-directional, noise-cancelling, 50 Hz–7.2 kHz, sensitivity -15 dBFS/Pa	Fully retractable ClearCast Gen 2 boom with bidirectional noise cancelling pickup
Battery life	Up to 300 hours, 4.5-hour charge time (tested at 50% headphone volume)	38 hours claimed with USB-C fast charging (6 hours after 15 minutes); PC Gamer measured 38 hours 20 minutes
Weight	322 g headset, 335 g with microphone	325 g
Works with	PC	PC (ChatMix on Windows 10 and above), Mac, PS4/PS5, Switch, handhelds, mobile and Oculus Quest 2; not Xbox compatible

Strengths and weaknesses

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

+ Battery rated at up to 300 hours
+ Comfort praised by Tom's Guide and HotHardware
+ 2.4 GHz wireless with DTS Headphone:X included
− Microphone described as lacklustre or crackly by reviewers
− PC is the only listed platform
− Software criticised as convoluted and limited

Skip it if:

Buyers who need a headset for calls or streaming and care about microphone quality
Console or phone users, since PC is the only listed platform
Anyone wanting Bluetooth or multi-device connection, as only a 2.4 GHz dongle is listed

Read the full HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset review ›

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

+ Battery rated at 38 hours and praised by owners
+ Dongle and Bluetooth audio work together
+ Comfort praised for long sessions
− No active noise cancelling
− Sound quality reports are mixed
− Not compatible with Xbox

Skip it if:

Xbox players, who need the Nova 7X instead
Buyers who want active noise cancelling
Anyone who puts sound quality ahead of features and battery

Read the full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless review ›

More comparisons

Compare all headsets · Best headsets