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

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Gaming · 2023 · Black

84
/ 100
From $99
VS
Focal Celestee wins by 4
Focal Celestee — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Celestee takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HyperX Cloud III (Black) lands at 84 and Focal Celestee at 88. That puts Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Focal Celestee

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Celestee leads on sound (88 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

HyperX Cloud III (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Celestee

Long-session wearability

Focal Celestee leads on comfort (88 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 $999).

HyperX Cloud III (Black) 84
vs
88 Focal Celestee

Score breakdown

HyperX Cloud III (Black)
84
anc 70
sound 84
comfort 82
battery 86
features 84
Focal Celestee
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HyperX Cloud III (Black) versus Focal Celestee — full spec comparison
Spec HyperX Cloud III (Black) Focal Celestee
Type
Gaming headset
Closed-back
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2023
—

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

Focal Celestee

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: HyperX Cloud III (Black) vs Focal Celestee

Which is better, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does HyperX Cloud III (Black) or Focal Celestee 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 Focal Celestee? +

Focal Celestee — leads on sound (88 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

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

HyperX Cloud III (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.