HyperX Cloud III

A comfy headset, but doesn't stand out in the sub-$100 gaming category

- JORGE JIMENEZ

HYPERX HAS FINALLY replaced its popular Cloud II gaming headset with… drumroll, please… the Cloud III. It’s the company’s new mid-range wired gaming headset for $99, putting itself in the middle of a very crowded field of gaming headsets that all cost less than $100. That’s a field that includes HyperX’s own headsets as well.

The HyperX Cloud III retains the overall design of its predecessor, the Cloud II, with notable upgrades to enhance comfort. The plushier headband and slightly angled ear cups give the Cloud III a nicer fit, making it perfect for wearing during long, marathon gaming sessions.

Personally, I find the plush leatherette-covered memory foam earpads to be a delight, especially when wearing glasses. I’ve worn them throughout my entire work shift for a few days now, and surprisingly I haven’t encountered any major issues. Usually, I find something to complain about when wearing headsets with bulky glasses all day long. These earpads strike the right balance, providing enough softness without exerting excessive pressure on the head while ensuring a tight fit that doesn’t compromise sound quality.

Speaking of sound, the Cloud III is still sticking with the 53mm dynamic drivers HyperX has always gone with on the standard (non-Alpha) Clouds. They provide a slightly wider frequency response than your typical 40mm driver headset at this price. I’ve been playing hours of Diablo IV, and am really vibing how ominous the background orchestral tracks play over the sounds of demon corpses exploding.