The HyperX Cloud III are the next generation of the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II. These wired gaming headphones have a USB dongle that works with PlayStation and PCs. It allows you to adjust the headphones' sound profile in the NGENUITY companion software and use DTS:X Spatial Sound for a more immersive listening experience. The flexible boom mic can be detached if you're not using it.
Our Verdict
The HyperX Cloud 3 are decent for neutral sound. They have a very neutral mid-range, so instruments and voices are clear and present, if somewhat dark. They also lack a rumbly, punchy bass. Connecting via USB allows you to adjust the sound with a graphic EQ or choose from several different presets. Unfortunately, as closed-back headphones, they don't create a very wide or natural-sounding passive soundstage. They're prone to inconsistent audio delivery, so you must adjust them on your head to get the same sound every time you use them.
- Graphic EQ and presets available.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- Sound profile lacks bass.
- Closed-off passive soundstage.
The HyperX Cloud 3 are poor for commuting and traveling, which is normal for gaming headphones. They aren't very portable and let in background noise like rumbling engines. No case or pouch is included to make it easier to carry them around. However, they have a very comfortable fit and a solid build quality.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- No carrying pouch or case.
- Poor noise isolation.
The HyperX Cloud 3 aren't intended for sports and fitness and aren't good for that purpose. They have a fairly loose fit and can slide off your head if you move around a lot. Like most over-ear headphones, they have a bulky design and lack an IP rating for dust and water resistance. Their wired design makes it more likely that something will snag the wire and yank the headphones off your head.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- Bulky design.
- Loose fit.
- Wired design.
The HyperX Cloud 3 are mediocre for office use. They're meant for gaming and don't block out much ambient sound. They also leak quite a bit, so people nearby can hear your audio if you like cranking up the volume. However, if you work at home or in a quiet office, they have a comfortable fit for long days at the office and a very good mic performance.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- Very good mic performance.
- Bulky design.
- Poor noise isolation.
The HyperX Cloud 3 are wired-only headphones; you can't use them for wireless gaming.
The HyperX Cloud 3 are good for wired gaming. They have a very comfortable fit and offer low latency regardless of your connection type, meaning your audio and video stay in sync when playing. The USB dongle works with PCs and PlayStation consoles and lets you apply changes made in the companion software to customize the sound profile. You can connect to most consoles using the analog cable, including Xbox, but can't apply changes from the companion software that way. Their detachable boom mic offers a very good overall performance, so your voice sounds clear and full-bodied, even with some noise in the background. However, their default sound profile lacks bass, making the audio less full and immersive.
- Graphic EQ and presets available.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- Low latency via USB.
- Very good mic performance.
- Sound profile lacks bass.
- Closed-off passive soundstage.
The HyperX Cloud 3 are decent for phone calls. Their boom mic has a very good overall performance, so your voice sounds full-bodied and clear over the phone. The mic's good noise handling means whoever you're talking to can hear you, even if you're calling from a noisy setting. However, the headphones don't have ANC and don't block out much background noise, so you can have trouble hearing a call you make from a loud place.
- Very sturdy and comfortable.
- Very good mic performance.
- Poor noise isolation.
Changelog
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Updated Apr 01, 2025:
We've updated App Support with information about the transferability of EQ changes made in the headphones' software.
- Updated Nov 23, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Sep 12, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Sep 05, 2023: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The HyperX Cloud 3 come in two colorways: 'Black' and 'Black/Red'. We tested them in 'Black/Red', but expect our results to be valid for the 'Black' variant too. You can see the label for the unit we tested here. There's also a similar-looking wireless version called the HyperX Cloud III Wireless, which isn't compatible with Xbox consoles and performs differently.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
Like other HyperX headsets, the HyperX Cloud 3 stand out from similarly-priced options from other brands, like the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless, for their great build quality and very comfortable fit for most people. Unlike the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II and the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, their companion software offers sound customization features. However, their default sound profile lacks bass compared to those headsets, so your game audio lacks rumble and fullness.
For more gaming headsets, check out the best PS4 headsets, the best PS5 headsets, and the best gaming headsets.
The HyperX Cloud III and the HyperX Cloud Alpha are similar headphones with slightly different strengths, so depending on your usage, you may prefer either pair. The Cloud III are compatible with the HyperX Ngenuity app, which allows you to adjust their sound to your liking, and DTS:X Spatial Sound support, if you're looking for a more immersive sound. Their boom microphone also offers a better overall performance. However, the Cloud Alpha have a better build quality since their audio cable is detachable, and their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer.
The HyperX Cloud III are a bit better than the HyperX Cloud Alpha S. The Cloud III have a better overall mic performance and offer sound customization features via their companion software. However, the Alpha S' sound profile delivers more bass, which can help make gameplay more immersive and bring out sound effects.
The Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless suit a different use case than the wired HyperX Cloud III. The HyperX are more comfortable, have a better build quality, and a better performing mic. On the other hand, the Logitech offer the freedom of wireless connectivity.
The HyperX Cloud III are better than the Astro A20 Gen 2 Wireless. The HyperX are better-built, more comfortable, and offer a better mic performance. They have sound customization features in their companion software. However, you may prefer the Astro because of their default sound profile, which packs more bass. They also create a wider, more spacious-seeming passive soundstage, which helps make gameplay more immersive.
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