Skip to content
HearWiki

ATK Mercury M1 vs HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset - Outstanding overall at around $70.

Score breakdown

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

HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset leads on 4 of 6 measures.

  • ATK Mercury M1
  • HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
HearWiki score
68
83
Sound
6.5
7.2
Battery
8.0
-
Calls
-
7.3
Value
7.0
9.0
Price (USD)
$57
$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

Both shipped in 2024. These are 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.

  • Mercury M12024
  • Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset2024

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Mercury M1Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$57
$70
HearWiki score
68
83
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
53 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
53 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
10 Hz - 21 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
64 Ω
Sensitivity
118 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Latency
13 ms
-
Battery life
60 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
360 g
694 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Model code
-
727A9AA
Microphones
1
1
Microphone type
-
electret
Mic sensitivity
-
-42 dBV
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
ENC
-

What reviewers said

ATK Mercury M1

The ATK Mercury M1 is a budget-friendly gaming headset that emphasizes marathon battery life, boasting up to 60 hours of use. It features large 50mm dynamic drivers for immersive sound and offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.3 and a low-latency mode, making it a solid choice for casual gamers on PC, PlayStation, or Switch.

  • Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life for extended gaming sessions
  • Pro:Large 50mm drivers deliver powerful, room-filling sound
  • Pro:Low 13ms latency for responsive wireless audio
  • Con:Limited to SBC codec, no advanced audio codecs
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Single microphone with no noise reduction features

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonATK Mercury M1HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset