HyperX Cloud III Review
HyperX Cloud III review from HyperX's own specs: angled 53 mm drivers, detachable noise-cancelling mic, aluminium frame, weight, platforms and $99.99 MSRP.
The HyperX Cloud III is the successor to the long-running Cloud II: a wired, closed-back gaming headset with angled 53 mm drivers, a detachable noise-cancelling microphone, memory foam comfort and an aluminium frame, listed at $99.99 MSRP on HyperX's US store on 30 September 2026. This review is research-led. It is built on HyperX's published specifications and on the design choices those specifications reveal; we have not run our own audio or microphone measurements, so none are quoted here.
Specifications at a glance
| HyperX Cloud III (wired) | |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Dynamic, 53 mm, neodymium magnets, angled |
| Form factor | Over-ear, circumaural, closed-back |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 21 kHz |
| Driver sensitivity | 100 dBSPL/mW at 1 kHz |
| Microphone | 10 mm electret condenser, uni-directional, noise-cancelling, detachable, LED mute indicator |
| Frame | Aluminium |
| Ear cushions | Memory foam and leatherette |
| Connections | 3.5 mm, USB-C and USB-A (USB dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box) |
| Weight | 0.67 lb (about 304 g); 0.70 lb (about 318 g) with the microphone |
| Cables | 3.93 ft (about 1.2 m) headset cable; 4.26 ft (about 1.3 m) USB dongle cable |
| Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, mobile |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $99.99 MSRP on HyperX's US store (30 September 2026) |
Source: HyperX Cloud III product page.
Build quality
HyperX builds the Cloud III on a full aluminium frame and describes it as flexible and resilient, which is the right design for a headset that gets thrown in a bag or pulled on and off all day. Metal frames generally outlast all-plastic headbands, although the headband adjustment and the cable are still the parts to check if you buy second-hand.
Comfort
Memory foam in both the headband and the ear cushions, wrapped in leatherette, is the Cloud series' signature comfort formula. Leatherette seals well for isolation and bass but can run warm in long sessions; if heat bothers you, aftermarket velour pads are a common swap. At roughly 304 g without the microphone it is a mid-weight headset. If you wear glasses, our gaming headsets for glasses wearers guide explains why clamp force matters more than pad material.
Audio
HyperX says the 53 mm drivers are angled and retuned over the Cloud II. Angling the drivers toward the ear canal is a common way to improve how natural positional cues sound, which is what you want for hearing footsteps and direction in shooters. For competitive play, stereo with a game's own positional audio is usually the safest choice; HyperX advertises additional immersive audio on PC, which some players prefer for single-player games. How the tuning sounds to you is personal, so if you can, listen before you buy.
Microphone
The detachable 10 mm microphone is an electret condenser with a uni-directional, noise-cancelling pattern and a built-in mesh filter, according to HyperX. A uni-directional capsule favours your voice over sound from the sides and rear, which helps with keyboard noise. An LED shows when the mic is muted, which saves the classic "you were muted the whole round" moment.
Controls and connectivity
Volume and microphone mute sit on the earcup rather than on an inline remote. The headset plugs in by 3.5 mm for consoles, controllers and phones, or through the included USB dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter for PCs and consoles with USB audio, so one headset covers every platform HyperX lists.
Alternatives to consider
At a similar price you will also find the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3, Corsair HS65 and Razer BlackShark V2. The right choice among them depends mostly on fit, clamp force and whether you want a detachable microphone, so compare published specifications and, if possible, try them on. Our best gaming headsets under $100 round-up covers wireless and open-back options too.
Our verdict
On its specifications, the HyperX Cloud III is a well-rounded wired headset: 53 mm angled drivers, a detachable noise-cancelling microphone with a mute LED, memory foam comfort, an aluminium frame and connections for every major platform, with a 2-year warranty. At $99.99 MSRP it sits at the top of the under-$100 bracket, so watch for discounts. If you want one wired headset for PC, console and phone that is built to last, it belongs on your shortlist.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How much does the HyperX Cloud III cost? A: HyperX's US store listed it at $99.99 MSRP on 30 September 2026. Retailer prices vary, so check on the day.
Q: What drivers does the HyperX Cloud III use? A: Dynamic 53 mm drivers with neodymium magnets, angled and tuned by HyperX, with a 10 Hz – 21 kHz frequency response.
Q: Is the HyperX Cloud III microphone detachable? A: Yes. It is a detachable 10 mm uni-directional, noise-cancelling microphone with an LED mute indicator.
Q: How heavy is the HyperX Cloud III? A: HyperX lists 0.67 lb (about 304 g), or 0.70 lb (about 318 g) with the microphone attached.
Q: Does the HyperX Cloud III work with consoles? A: Yes. HyperX lists PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac and mobile, using the 3.5 mm, USB-C or USB-A connection.
SOURCES
- HyperX Cloud III product page (hyperx.com)
