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Asus ROG Kithara vs HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Asus ROG Kithara comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Asus ROG Kithara - Outstanding overall at around $300.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Asus ROG Kithara leads on 3 of 5 measures.

  • Asus ROG Kithara
  • HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
HearWiki score
83
83
Sound
9.2
7.2
Calls
8.7
7.3
Value
8.4
9.0
Price (USD)
$300
$70

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Asus ROG Kithara is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • ROG Kithara20262 yr newer
  • Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset2024

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

ROG KitharaCloud III Wired Gaming Headset
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$300
$70
HearWiki score
83
83
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
100 mm planar magnetic
53 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
100 mm
53 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 55 kHz
10 Hz - 21 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
16 Ω
64 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
none
-
Weight
420 g
694 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Model code
-
727A9AA
Microphones
1
1
Microphone type
MEMS
electret
Mic sensitivity
-36 dBV
-42 dBV
Call noise reduction
No
Yes

What reviewers said

Asus ROG Kithara

The Asus ROG Kithara is a wired over-ear gaming headset built around a large 100mm planar magnetic driver, delivering a wide frequency response from 8 Hz to 55 kHz. It includes a noise-canceling MEMS microphone and RGB lighting, with broad compatibility across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Its low 16-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive, though it lacks active noise cancellation and onboard controls.

  • Pro:Large 100mm planar magnetic driver for detailed sound
  • Pro:Very low 16-ohm impedance, easy to power with most devices
  • Pro:Wide frequency response up to 55 kHz
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No onboard controls for volume or mute
  • Con:Non-foldable design may limit portability

HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset

The HyperX Cloud III is a refined wired gaming headset that builds on the Cloud II legacy with a comfortable fit, durable build, and clear sound tailored for gaming. Its 53mm angled drivers help with directional audio, while the analog and USB-C connections ensure broad compatibility across devices. At its current price, it offers solid value for gamers seeking a dependable, no-frills headset.

  • Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Low latency keeps audio in sync
  • Pro:Clear and well-balanced sound signature
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Heavier than some competitors at 694g
  • Con:Not ideal for on-the-go use

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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