
HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset vs JLab JBuddies Play Gaming: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset | JLab JBuddies Play Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming | Gaming |
| Price (USD) | $85 | $60 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-21kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 64 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 85 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | 100dBSPL/mW at 1kHz | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5 |
| Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Latency | - | 60 ms |
| Wireless range | - | 9.14 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 22 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 minutes = 1 hour |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 308 g | 150 g |
| Water resistance | none | IP55 |
| Foldable | - | Yes |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 1 |
| Call noise reduction | noise-cancelling microphone | - |
What reviewers said
HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset
The HyperX Cloud III is a wired gaming headset that prioritizes comfort and straightforward functionality across multiple platforms, including PC and consoles. It features a lightweight build, a detachable mic, and a USB-C DAC for wider device compatibility, delivering a reliable audio experience without extra frills like ANC or app support. Its long battery life claim refers to the wireless variant, while this wired model focuses on low-latency, sync-accurate sound for gaming.
- Pro:Very comfortable fit for long sessions
- Pro:Broad device compatibility via USB-C and 3.5mm
- Pro:Lightweight at 308g
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:No companion app or custom EQ
- Con:Lacks multipoint Bluetooth pairing
JLab JBuddies Play Gaming
These wireless gaming earbuds deliver a solid budget-friendly experience with low-latency performance and a long 22-hour battery life, making them a practical choice for casual gamers. They offer a decent feature set including Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, and an IP55 rating, though they lack premium build quality and advanced features like ANC or multipoint. Overall, they're a good value pick for gamers who prioritize responsiveness and endurance over high-end extras.
- Pro:Low latency (60ms) for gaming
- Pro:Long battery life (22 hours)
- Pro:Quick charge feature
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No multipoint connectivity
- Con:Basic build quality
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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