Eight years after the ever-popular HyperX Cloud II, HyperX returns with a third iteration that brings several meaningful improvements. If you’ve been recommending the Cloud II as the perfect mid-range headset, prepare to replace that with the HyperX Cloud III.

Out of the box, it’s a sleek, lightweight unit. The plush memory-foam earcups look hefty, but the headset weighs around 300 grams. The black-and-red design screams HyperX, and it looks just as good on a head as it does parked on a desk between sessions.

Comfort is excellent. Like its predecessor, the Cloud III is breathable and easy to wear for long stretches without ear fatigue. The shift from basic leatherette to memory foam is noticeable coming from a well-worn Cloud II; it’s undeniably comfy.

In the box you’ll find a detachable microphone and a 3.5 mm AUX-to-USB-C adapter, so you can plug into consoles, PC or mobile. A step up from the previous release, the Cloud III features 53 mm drivers and adds DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio support.

As you’d expect, it shines in shooters: in Battlefield 2042 and Apex Legends on PC and PS5, footsteps are easy to pick out and the mix handles everything from sliding characters to tank explosions cleanly. It’s a bit less nuanced with slower, more natural soundscapes—think After Us—or the gentle rain and café ambience of Coffee Talk Episode 2 on Switch. Not bad by any means, but—much like the Cloud II—the tuning clearly favors competitive play.

Conversely, this wouldn’t be my first choice for movies or music at this price tier. If that’s your primary use, there are better options. The HyperX Cloud III is, unapologetically, a gaming headset.

Microphone quality

The detachable 10 mm noise-cancelling mic is shockingly good without tinkering with software or console settings. In testing it nicely muted background music and softened keyboard clicks directly in front of it (they’re not gone, but far less intrusive). An internal mesh pop filter also keeps plosives in check—your squad won’t hate you when you shout “pop a shot at purple rain palace” in Fortnite.

Value

At an RRP of $159 AUD, the Cloud III sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket, and it’s easy to recommend at that price—unless you can still find the Cloud II significantly cheaper. If you’ve got the extra dollars, the Cloud III’s super-comfortable fit, strong gaming sound and surprisingly capable microphone make it an excellent pick.

(A review unit was supplied for the purposes of this article)