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HyperX Cloud III (Black) — Gaming · 2023 · Black
HyperX

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Gaming · 2023 · Black

84
/ 100
From $99
VS
AirPods Max wins by 4
AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HyperX Cloud III (Black) lands at 84 and AirPods Max at 88. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HyperX Cloud III (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 82).

Value for money

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HyperX Cloud III (Black) more score per dollar ($99 vs $549).

HyperX Cloud III (Black) 84
vs
88 AirPods Max

Score breakdown

HyperX Cloud III (Black)
84
anc 70
sound 84
comfort 82
battery 86
features 84
AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84

Specs side-by-side

HyperX Cloud III (Black) versus AirPods Max — full spec comparison
Spec HyperX Cloud III (Black) AirPods Max
Type
Gaming headset
Over-ear
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2023
2020

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: HyperX Cloud III (Black) vs AirPods Max

Which is better, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HyperX Cloud III (Black) worth the price? +

At $99, HyperX Cloud III (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Does HyperX Cloud III (Black) or AirPods Max last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or AirPods Max? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.