Wired IEMs
HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S
62Average
$60
Full review dataHyperX Cloud Earbuds III S vs KZ Zenith: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Zenith comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Zenith - Great overall at around $47.
Wired IEMs
KZ Zenith
82Great
$47
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S
Sound6.5
Calls6.0
Value6.5
KZ Zenith
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S | KZ Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $60 | $47 |
| HearWiki score | 62 / 100 · Average | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | - | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | Full-range ultra-linear Dynamic Driver X |
| Driver size | 14.3 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 41 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 106.5 dB/mW | 128 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | 106.5 dB SPL/ mW at 1 kHz | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | both | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 26.7 g | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
HyperX Cloud Earbuds III S
These wired in-ear headphones are built for gamers, offering a compact and lightweight design with a single inline microphone for chat. They deliver a clear and balanced sound profile that suits gaming and calls, though they may not satisfy those seeking heavy bass. The fit can be tricky for some users, and the lack of onboard volume adjustment is a notable omission.
- Pro:Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Pro:Clear voice chat quality for gaming
- Pro:Balanced sound that works well for games
- Con:Bass response is relatively weak
- Con:No volume control on the inline remote
- Con:Fit may be unreliable for some ear shapes
KZ Zenith
The KZ Zenith is a wired, single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers a balanced, non-fatiguing sound with punchy bass, detailed mids, and smooth treble. It's highly sensitive and easy to drive, making it a versatile choice for portable use, while its build quality and fit are praised. Despite a few minor caveats, it offers strong technical performance and competes well above its modest price point.
- Pro:Balanced, non-offensive tuning with textured bass
- Pro:Clear and detailed mids with refined treble
- Pro:Very easy to drive and highly sensitive
- Con:No active noise cancellation or controls
- Con:Cable is detachable but not USB-C
- Con:Minor caveats in overall technical refinement
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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