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HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

Buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha if you want a wired headset with a detachable mic and a proven dual-chamber sound for PC and consoles. Buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 if you want a lighter headset with USB-C and app-based audio presets. The Arctis Nova 3 has ranged from $35.00 to $114.99 since October 31, 2026, and was $35.00 on November 5, 2026. No current price was given for the Cloud Alpha.

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HyperX
HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

5(3 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the HyperX Cloud Alpha if you want a 3.5mm wired headset with a detachable noise-cancelling mic and 50mm dual-chamber drivers for PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

Pros
  • Dual-chamber 50mm drivers separate bass from mids and highs
  • Detachable noise-cancelling mic certified for Discord and TeamSpeak
  • Works over 3.5mm on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch and mobile
  • Aluminum frame and memory foam leatherette cushions
Cons
  • Heavier at 298g, and the description says 336g
  • Wired only, with no USB-C or wireless option
  • No companion app or audio presets
SteelSeries
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset

4.4(1,200 ratings)
$79.99at WalmartVerified
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart

Choose the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 if you want a lighter 260g headset with USB-C connectivity and 200+ app audio presets.

Pros
  • Light at 260g with a dual-hinge design
  • USB-C connection with a detachable 4ft cable
  • 200+ audio presets in the SteelSeries app
  • ClearCast 2.X mic with a 32kHz/16-bit chipset
Cons
  • 40mm drivers and a narrower 20–22,000Hz range
  • USB-C only, so no 3.5mm jack for older consoles
  • Not water resistant

What separates them

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming HeadsetSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Driver50mm dynamic with neodymium magnets, dual-chamber design40mm custom neodymium magnetic drivers
Weight298g (336g listed in the description)260g
Connection3.5mm detachable cable, plus PC extension cableUSB-C wired, detachable 4ft cable
MicrophoneDetachable noise-cancelling, Discord and TeamSpeak certifiedNoise-cancelling ClearCast 2.X
Frequency response13Hz–27kHz20–22,000Hz
Impedance65 Ω36 Ω
Ear cushionsMemory foam with leatheretteAirWeave memory foam
App presetsNone200+ presets in the SteelSeries app

Price history

$114.99$35.00
Oct 31Nov 7
  • HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset: lowest $49.99 on Nov 6 at maxgaming store.
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3: lowest $35.00 on Nov 5 at bkstr.com; $99.99 on Nov 7.

Prices at every store

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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Prices and history →

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $79.99Verified
    Visit Walmart
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $130.99+ $9.99 shippingObserved at 8:53 AM
    Visit Newegg
  • Best BuyNew

    Out of stock

    $99.99Free shippingObserved at 8:53 AM
    Visit Best Buy

Also available at

  • Microless.comCheck price at Microless.com
  • bkstr.comCheck price at bkstr.com
  • Techinn.comCheck price at Techinn.com

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming HeadsetSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Frequency Response13Hz–27kHz20-22,000 Hz
Sensitivity98dBSPL/mW at 1kHz93 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion< 1%1%
DriverCustom dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets—
Impedance65 Ω—
Weight298g—
Form FactorOver ear, circumaural, closed back—
Microphone ElementElectret condenser microphone—
Microphone Polar PatternBi-directional, Noise-cancelling—
Microphone Sensitivity-43dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)—
Cable TypeDetachable headset cable, PC extension cable—
Headphone Cup Type—Over-ear
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming HeadsetSteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
Body Part Use—Head, Ears
Noise Cancellation Type—Noise-cancelling
Max Battery Life—40 hours
Recharge Time—15 minutes (for 9 hours of play time)
Connectivity Technology—Wired
Compatible Devices—PC
Ports And Interfaces—USB-C
Cable Length—4ft (USB-C to USB-C cable)
Earpad Material—AirWeave Memory Foam

What reviewers say

HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset

Owners generally rate the Cloud Alpha highly for comfort, build and clear positional audio at its price. Common complaints are the tight clamp out of the box, warm ears from the leatherette pads and a mic that is good for chat but not broadcast quality.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners say the memory-foam pads and light frame stay comfortable through long sessions.
  • BuildPraisedThe aluminum frame is widely described as tougher than most plastic headsets at this price.
  • Clamp forceCriticisedSeveral owners find the initial clamp tight and say it takes time to break in.
  • Ear heatCriticisedThe closed leatherette cushions trap heat, so ears get warm during long play.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

  • 4.4 / 51,200 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1,200 ratings, the Arctis Nova 3 is generally well received. Buyers tend to like the comfort and sound for the price, with some complaints about build feel and the software.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners say the light 260 g frame and memory foam pads stay comfortable over long sessions.
  • SoundPraisedReviewers describe the 40 mm drivers as clear and well tuned for games.
  • MicrophonePraisedThe noise-cancelling mic is reported to keep voice chat clear.

Questions and answers

Which is better for console gaming?
The Cloud Alpha, because its 3.5mm jack plugs into PS5, PS4, Xbox and Switch directly. The Arctis Nova 3 is USB-C wired and listed as PC-compatible.
Which is more comfortable for long sessions?
The Arctis Nova 3 is lighter at 260g versus 298g for the Cloud Alpha. The Cloud Alpha uses memory foam leatherette, and the Arctis uses AirWeave memory foam.
Does the Arctis Nova 3 have Bluetooth or a battery?
No. The listing shows a wired USB-C connection, though it also lists a 40-hour battery and fast charging, which conflicts with that. The Cloud Alpha is wired only.
Is the Arctis Nova 3 worth the extra over the Cloud Alpha?
The Arctis Nova 3 was $35.00 on November 5, 2026, down from a high of $114.99 on October 31, 2026. No current Cloud Alpha price was given, so compare its price against that range.
Which has the better microphone?
Both have noise-cancelling mics. The Cloud Alpha's mic is detachable and Discord and TeamSpeak certified. The Arctis Nova 3 uses the ClearCast 2.X chipset at 32kHz/16-bit.

More comparisons

  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset vs Beyerdynamic MMX 150 Wireless Gaming Headset
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Gaming Headset Wireless vs HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset
  • HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Gaming Headset

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best gaming headsets
Driver Size
—
40 mm
Headphone Impedance—36 Ohm
Sound Output—Stereo
Audio Highlights—Nova Acoustic System, Custom-designed High Fide…
Water Protection—Not Water Resistant
Waterproof—No
Water Resistant—No
Microphone Highlights—Noise-cancelling
Noise Cancelling Microphone—Yes
color—Purple
Wireless—Yes
Microphone—Yes
Bluetooth—Yes
Connector on Cable—3.5 mm, USB
NFC—No
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)—20.0
Buttons & Controls—Volume
Simulated Surround Sound—No
Weight (oz)—8.9
  • BuildMixedSome owners find the plastic frame less sturdy than expected, though the dual-hinge design holds up.