The HyperX Cloud series has long been a favorite among gamers who want a balance between comfort, performance, and affordability, and the new Cloud III S Wireless continues that tradition with some noteworthy upgrades. HyperX has refined the benchmark established with the Cloud III Wireless, while adding new features like Bluetooth connectivity, improved battery life, and additional customization options. It’s a headset that tries to cover all bases, from long gaming sessions on PC or PlayStation 5 to casual use with mobile devices, and in many respects it succeeds – though not without a few caveats along the way.
One of the biggest highlights of the Cloud III S Wireless is its battery performance. While many headsets in its class hover around 30–50 hours, HyperX promises up to 120 hours over 2.4GHz wireless and an even more impressive 200 hours when used via Bluetooth (though that’s not at full volume). In practice, the headset can comfortably last weeks between charges if used moderately, and even heavy users will find themselves plugging in less often. The tradeoff here is a relatively long five-hour charging time, which can feel slow compared to some competitors, though that’s a minor inconvenience when the battery holds out this long and you plan accordingly.
Audio quality remains another strong point. The 53mm angled drivers deliver clear, punchy sound with a wide soundstage that works especially well for gaming. Positional audio cues in shooters or open-world games come through convincingly, aided by DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio on PC. The spatial effects don’t always feel as natural as high-end headsets with Dolby Atmos, but they do enhance immersion and can give players a competitive edge when it comes to hearing footsteps or distant gunfire. For music and general media playback, the sound is well-balanced if slightly bass-heavy (common for gaming headsets), which will appeal to some but may feel less neutral for audiophiles.
Comfort has always been a trademark of the Cloud line, and the Cloud III S Wireless doesn’t disappoint. The plush memory foam ear cushions and padded headband make it suitable for marathon sessions, and the aluminum frame feels both lightweight and sturdy. This headset can be worn for hours without discomfort, though the closed-back design can trap heat over longer periods. The inclusion of removable earcup plates for aesthetic customization is a fun extra, though the plates themselves are sold separately and only in certain regions, limiting their appeal.
The microphone is functional and serviceable, if not exceptional. The detachable 10mm boom mic captures clear enough audio for in-game communication, and the LED mute indicator is a helpful touch. However, voices can sound a bit compressed compared to standalone mics or premium headsets, making it more of a “good enough” solution rather than a standout feature. In Bluetooth mode, there’s also a slight dip in mic performance compared to the 2.4GHz connection, so competitive players will want to stick with the (included) wireless dongle for best results.
Ease of use is a clear strength, with intuitive on-ear controls that allow you to adjust volume, mute the mic, and switch between modes without fumbling. The headset’s compatibility is wide, spanning PC, PS5, Switch, and mobile devices, and it connects via USB-C or USB-A for flexibility. The inclusion of Instant Pair support with select OMEN laptops is a niche feature but could be a convenient option for some. The only downside in terms of controls is that switching between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes isn’t quite seamless – it requires a bit of fiddling.
Overall, the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless is a well-rounded successor that keeps what worked in the Cloud III Wireless and meaningfully expands on it. Its class-leading battery life and strong comfort make it an easy recommendation for gamers who want a dependable daily driver. The audio quality is strong, if tuned toward a gaming audience rather than pure accuracy, and while the microphone is only average, it’s perfectly fine for in-game chat and streaming. It’s not without small drawbacks, like the long charging time and minor quirks with switching modes, but it’s still one of the most versatile and comfortable wireless headsets in its price range – and thus an easy recommendation.
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