HyperX Cloud III (Black)
Gaming · 2023 · Black
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, HyperX Cloud III (Black) lands at 84 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 11 points — a decisive 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sennheiser HD 800 STuning, detail, and staging
Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 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
Sennheiser HD 800 SLong-session wearability
Sennheiser HD 800 S 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 $1,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HyperX Cloud III (Black) | Sennheiser HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Open-back |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2023 | — |
HyperX Cloud III (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Sennheiser HD 800 S
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: HyperX Cloud III (Black) vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Which is better, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.
Does HyperX Cloud III (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, HyperX Cloud III (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
HyperX Cloud III (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.