The HyperX Cloud III is a straightforward wired gaming headset with a useful mix of analog and USB connections. Its fixed cable removes charging from the routine, while the detachable microphone and supplied USB adapters let it serve several kinds of setup. This review covers the wired Cloud III, not the similarly named wireless models.
The important buying decision is how it will connect. USB provides a route to computer-based sound adjustment, while the analog plug offers broader compatibility, including an Xbox controller. Those routes do not deliver every feature in exactly the same way.
Sound
- 53 mm dynamic drivers
- Closed-back design
- USB sound adjustment
RTINGS found the wired Cloud III comfortable and sturdy, with a bass-light default sound that changed with fit.1 That balance may suit someone who dislikes excessive low-end weight, but it is not automatically ideal for every game or music library. Establish a consistent seal before deciding whether an EQ change is needed.
The USB connection allows sound adjustment through compatible NGENUITY software. Start with ordinary stereo and familiar material, then compare any spatial processing separately. Enabling several layers of surround processing in the game, operating system and headset software can make the result harder to judge.
The microphone’s noise-reduction description should not be confused with listening ANC. RTINGS documents no active cancellation for the listener and weak isolation from surrounding noise.1 A quieter room remains valuable, particularly if a television or another player is nearby.
Design and Comfort
- 320 g with microphone
- Memory-foam cushions
- Fixed 1.2 m headset cable
HP lists 308g without the microphone and 320g with it attached. The latter is the useful comparison for normal voice-chat use. Comfort depends on how the pads and headband distribute that weight, so assess a normal-length session with any glasses you wear.
The microphone detaches, but the cable leaving the headset does not. Route it where it will not catch under a chair or pull across a sharp desk edge. The supplied USB dongle adds reach, which can help a desktop setup but also leaves more cable to manage.
The box lists the headset, microphone, USB dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter; it does not include a protective case. The seven documented color configurations share this wired family. Choose the finish you want without accidentally selecting Cloud III Wireless from a neighboring listing.
Connectivity
- 3.5 mm CTIA headset plug
- USB audio and microphone
- Connection-dependent features
Use the analog plug with a compatible combined headphone-and-microphone socket. A desktop that separates those sockets may need an appropriate splitter. A USB-C port also needs audio-device support; connector shape alone is not a compatibility guarantee.
RTINGS confirms USB operation with PC and PlayStation, while Xbox uses the analog connection and does not retain the USB software adjustments through that path.1 Plan around the actual console and controller rather than a broad compatibility logo. The included adapters make connection options convenient, but they do not make every platform’s software features identical.
There is no Bluetooth pairing or battery to manage. That is useful for a headset kept beside a controller or keyboard, provided the cable reaches comfortably. A wireless model is a better fit if moving around the room during calls is a regular part of use.
Microphone and Controls
- Detachable boom microphone
- On-ear volume and mute
- Microphone mute indicator
The original RTINGS sample captured clear speech and handled background noise well.1 That supports the Cloud III’s role as a voice-chat headset, while still leaving microphone position and room noise important. Place the boom beside the mouth rather than directly in the path of breath, and make a short recording through the actual connection you will use.
Physical volume and mute controls reduce the need to interrupt a game with a settings menu. The mute indicator is a useful check, but also verify the communication app’s selected input after switching devices. A connected microphone is not necessarily the input a computer has chosen.
Alternatives
HyperX identifies the Cloud II as the predecessor. The Cloud III changes the driver arrangement, microphone and controls, but a working Cloud II should be replaced to solve a specific problem. Worn pads, a poor fit or an awkward connection may matter more than the generation number.
The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED adds wireless freedom and Bluetooth while retaining an analog option. That changes charging, connection and software considerations as well as price. For a headset that stays at the desk, the Cloud III’s wired simplicity can remain an advantage.
Verdict
The wired Cloud III is a sensible gaming and voice-chat choice when its fit works and the cable is easy to accommodate. Check the connection you will actually use, and accept the limited isolation and fixed lead. Its value comes from a practical everyday setup, not from assuming every platform receives the same features.