Verdict
An unbelievably well-fixed headset with a surprisingly crisp mike , the HyperX Cloud III is a reliable , no - frills alternative for personal computer and console . But , with a goodish damage gibbosity and the Cloud Alpha offer better audio at the same monetary value , it ’s not the instant smash it could have been .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
There ’s a mickle to love about the HyperX Cloud III . A $ 99/£99 headset that ’s no slouch in the audio section and as comfortable as mid - range headset amount , it ’s a slight but welcome melioration on theHyperX Cloud IIthat impressed us several years ago .
Yet that might not be enough . With theHyperX Cloud AlphaandRazer BlackShark V2already pull their weight at this cost point , and the Cloud III establish with a $ 25/£25 price bump on its forerunner , it is n’t quite the grocery loss leader HyperX would have you believe . It ’s a right headset , certainly , but is n’t significantly ranking to what ’s already out there .
Design and features
A fully wired headset with a detachable mic arm and atomic number 13 frame , the HyperX Cloud III closely match the design of the Cloud II . HyperX has made only a few changes : the plastic clay sculpture at the base of the mic arm , for one , is much slimmer , and the metal forks connecting the auricle cups to the headband are less bulky . It ’s sleeker all around , and with the tongueless - mike button now ride on the left auricle loving cup and the volume wheel on the right field ( rather than both assigned to a freestanding dongle as before ) , it ’s that much more drug user - friendly .
Comfort is the big sell pattern - wise . The ear cups have chunky , soft padding and the leatherette headband did n’t get too hot even after extended gambling academic session . It ’s also one of the more generous adjustable headbands I ’ve used , stretching from a super - soaked grip for the tiny heads , to impressively wide for those with the magnanimous noggins . If you ’re the kind of soul that ’s very crabbed about what goes over your capitulum , this headset will likely see you right .
It connects through a standard 3.5 millimeter Jack-tar but comes packed alongside a USB - ascorbic acid convertor cable and a USB - C to USB - A transcriber . That means it ’s compatible with just about anything you ’d require to use it with : PC , Xbox Series X , PS5 or Nintendo Switch . It does n’t , however , issue forth with a dual - jack lengthiness for connecting to the front of your personal computer ( signify you ’ll need to use the USB extender ) nor a carry case as its predecessor does . Not that that ’s much of an deletion . How often do you actually want to stuff your headset in a thin nylon bag ?
And that ’s your bunch . No audio profiles or adjustable EQ . As you might expect for a headset at this toll , it ’s truly plug - and - play . On the one hand , that takes out all the faff . Conversely , those who love to precisely customise sound profiles for an exact mix wo n’t be able to toy .
Audio and microphone
Like theBlackShark V2 Pro 2023 , the HyperX Cloud III has one standout feature : its mike . While it does n’t come close to equalize the quality of Razer ’s premium headset , it ’s clear , nipping and free from the setting seethe that other headset around this price often go down repelling to . Its in - built pop filter , new for this manakin , also nicely eliminates all the plosive feedback I throw at it . You would n’t want to use it for any serious amount of streaming or broadcasting , but for chatter to friends while gambling , it ticks all the right box .
The audio performance of the cans , meanwhile , is a little more footer . It ’s sufficiently wide for closed - back headphones , with well - supported high frequencies and boosted bass part . Monsters in Diablo IV takedown in all the right ways , and the elusive environmental audio outcome in Apex Legend amount through intelligibly . The Cloud III obviously uses redesigned adaptation of the 53 millimetre drivers found in the Cloud II , though you ’d be hard - pressed to order . HyperX claims they ’re an improvement , but I found them much of a muchness , and not nearly as notable a change as the newer microphone .
But it ’s more gravely overshadowed by the HyperX Cloud Alpha . It ca n’t compete with the wonderfully grumbly tones of that headset , with its twofold - bedroom drivers fork the basso from the mids and highs to make lower pitches sing . The bass part response on the Cloud III is fine enough and absolutely serviceable – but that ’s it . That ’s a bit of shame , give the sea bass tones are where the audio capabilities of game often really come live .
The knock - on effect of that is it restrain the headset ’s potential usage outside of games . Do n’t expect the Cloud III to double as your go - to pair of music derriere , despite what the detachable mice arm might propose unless you specially care tinny pop music . Its soundstage is too narrow for anything beyond casual euphony listening .
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Should you buy it?
The HyperX Cloud III is one comfy headset , and while its audio output might be nothing to rave about , its mic is mythological .
The chinchy Cloud II still holds its own , and the Cloud Alpha even surpasses Cloud III in some area . Newer is n’t always better .
Final Thoughts
The HyperX Cloud III will undoubtedly serve you well . It ’s streamlined , comfortable , offers solid if uninspired audio recording public presentation , and surprisingly robust mike quality . If you want the latest no - frills , reliable headset , it will do you well .
But cast the net further , even just a short distance to past HyperX vent , and things get sloppy . TheHyperX Cloud Alphahas a far rich basso response , a still fantastic microphone , and is well-heeled as you want – all for the same price . TheCloud Alpha Wireless , and its superb barrage life story , can also now be picked up for around £ 30 more than this headset , make it an even tougher sell .
If sleek purpose and comfort are a priority , get the Cloud III . Otherwise , HyperX ’s past mannequin already have you covered .
Trusted Score
How we test
We habituate every headset we test for at least a workweek . During that time , we ’ll check it for simplicity of use and put it through its paces by using it in a diversity of game , as well as playing music in rules of order to get the full experience .
We also check each headset ’s software program ( if applicable ) to see how well-off it is to customise and place up .
FAQs
There are several slight differences between them , but the primary advance offered by the HyperX Cloud III are a sleeker intent , redesign machine driver and a higher - quality mic .
The headset ’s microphone supports noise - cancelling that ’s design to pick up your voice while ignoring setting dissonance .
Full Specs
