ConsFirst / Gaming headsets

HyperX

HyperX Cloud III: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#7 of 8
$WiredPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SScore 3.4/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)12,857 ratings.

A popular $99.99 wired headset with a steel and aluminum frame. Tom's Hardware finds it extremely comfortable with strong bass. But Wirecutter rejected it for comfort, Tom's Hardware rates the mic only 'fine', and some Amazon owners report it breaking within months.

Top complaints

  • Mic is just okay and quiet

    Tom's Hardware says the mic sounds 'fine' but records at a low volume even with gain maxed, picks up sibilance, and blips loudly when you press mute. Amazon's summary says mic feedback is mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't pick up voices.

    Source: Tom's Hardware review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Fit and comfort split opinion

    Wirecutter dismissed the Cloud III with a group of headsets it found uncomfortable for various head sizes, prone to slipping or too tight. Amazon owners disagree on fit, with some saying it doesn't sit well on their heads. Tom's Hardware, by contrast, calls it extremely comfortable.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT) best gaming headsets, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Some units break early

    Amazon's summary says durability is a concern, with some owners reporting the headset broke after three months. Owners are also mixed on sound quality.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

Good for
  • Wired play where a sturdier metal frame matters
  • Bass-forward game audio
  • A detachable mic you can remove for music

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Tom's Hardware: A good update to the Cloud II: more comfortable and better looking. The cons are mic sibilance with a loud mute button, weak virtual surround, and NGENUITY software that often doesn't recognize the headset.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed for comfort or fit problems (guide updated 2026-09-02).
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked gaming headsets whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in gaming headsetsSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless

Tom's Guide's best gaming headset overall. It's light and comfortable, with a 60-hour battery and a phone app with 100+ game presets, for about $130. But it has no ANC, Wirecutter rejected the Xbox model over comfort or fit, and Amazon owners report connection problems and some failures.

Its catch: connection issues and units that stop working#2 in gaming headsetsRazer BlackShark V3 Pro

RTINGS' best upper mid-range pick. It adds ANC, a better mic and a 3.5 mm option to the V2 Pro and keeps 70 hours of battery. But it costs about $50 more than the V2 Pro and is heavier, the ANC is only decent, and Amazon owners are split on sound and reliability.

Its catch: mixed owner reports on sound and reliability#3 in gaming headsetsRazer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox

Wirecutter's wireless upgrade pick. It's light and very comfortable with crisp sound and 48-70 hours of battery, and the Xbox version works with every platform. But there's no wired mode, Wirecutter finds the mic slightly compressed, and nearly a fifth of its small Amazon sample is 1-2 stars.

Its catch: no wired connection

See all 8 gaming headsets ranked →