A month-long review of the Cloud III gaming headset from HyperX

“A Legend Reborn” according to HyperX, the gaming peripheral manufacturer has finally released a follow-up to their popular Cloud II headset with the new Cloud III. We had the chance to use the mid-range $99 headset over the last month and see whether it lives up to HyperX’s lofty label. In short – we’re impressed.

First, let’s review the specs of the HyperX Cloud III headset.

Headphones

• Driver: Dynamic, 53mm with Neodymium magnets
• Form Factor: Over ear, circumaural, closed back.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz-21kHz
• Sensitivity: -42dBV (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
• T.H.D: < 2%
• Frame Type: Aluminum
• Ear Cushions: Memory foam and premium leatherette

Microphone 

• Element: Electret condenser microphone
• Polar Pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling
• Sensitivity: -42dBV (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)

Connections and Features

• USB Specification: USB 2.0
• Bit-Depth: 16 bit, 24 bit
• Audio Controls: Onboard audio controls

Physical Specifications

• Weight: 0.67lb; Weight with microphone: 0.70lb
• Cable Length: 3.93ft headset cable; 4.26ft USB dongle cable | USB

HyperX Cloud III comfort and durability review well

It’s hard to stand out in such a competitive market, especially one where consumers tend to only buy one version of the product every few years. This may explain the eight-year gap between the Cloud II and Cloud III, especially with durability being a key selling point for the former.

The Cloud III is also marketed as a durable headset, one that HyperX says is even resilient against “level-headed reactions to losses and defeat screens.” In our testing, we’d have to agree. The frame does feel durable and has had no issues with our constant putting on, taking off, and throwing down as I jump in and out of calls while working from home. That said, a consumer would expect to see the headset last much longer than a month in any case, and so this is a tricky area to test in full without using them for a longer period of time.

Boasting “HyperX signature memory foam” and a “plush, comfortable fit all around,” there really can be no complaints about the headset’s comfort. As a tester whose dome is on the larger side, I’ll rarely find a headset where I don’t need to have it on its largest setting to fit. The Cloud III, on the other hand, still had one extra size adjustment available beyond what I needed, which did make me feel very seen! The over-ear headphones were somewhat snug, but fit over just enough that there was never any discomfort after prolonged sessions.

Cloud III hits home on audio

Buying a non-budget headset in 2023, especially one from a known name like HyperX, means you’ll mostly know what to expect in terms of actual audio quality. We have no complaints with the Cloud III when it comes to sound and found little difference between using these and our day-to-day Corsair Virtuoso – which is double the price.

The Cloud III worked in all circumstances of our review from simple Discord calls and single-player titles to games like Counter-Strike where clear audio is of utmost importance. The latter can also benefit from the addition of angled audio drivers, adding directional clarity.

As someone with a preference for wired headsets, one small feature of the Cloud III that I really appreciated is the length of its cables. When using a USB, which requires an adapter attached to the headset’s 3.5mm jack, the entire cable measures in at a lengthy 2.5 meters. This goes some way to squashing any potential complaints about the lack of Bluetooth connection; we were able to easily walk away from the desk without needing to take the headset off.

Another plus comes with the ease of use across devices. The USB includes both USB-A and USB-C connections, which together with the 3.5mm jack means that the headset can easily be used with more or less all devices. The in-built volume and mute controls are also nice, however common.

One downside, which we accept is subjective, is the color of the headset. As someone that finds the black/red “gamer” aesthetic rather tacky, I would only find myself picking up this headset if I was able to grab the all-black version.

All in all, we’ve found ourselves more than satisfied with the HyperX Cloud III, with its color scheme really the only downside. It’s a very solid option considering its modest price point, and consumers will get their money’s worth – especially if its durability does prove to be the same as its predecessor over years-long use.