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HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset vs Razer BlackShark V3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Razer BlackShark V3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 91. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Razer BlackShark V3 - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Razer BlackShark V3 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset
  • Razer BlackShark V3
HearWiki score
81
91
Sound
7.2
9.2
Battery
-
8.6
Calls
7.3
8.8
Value
9.0
9.2
Price (USD)
$85
$120

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?

New platform

Razer BlackShark V3 (2025) against HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset (2023). The Razer BlackShark V3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2 and Top codec AAC against SBC. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • Cloud III – Gaming Headset2023
  • BlackShark V320252 yr newer
What differsCloud III – Gaming HeadsetBlackShark V3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Top codec
SBC
AAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Cloud III – Gaming HeadsetBlackShark V3
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$85
$120
HearWiki score
81
91
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 21 kHz
12 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance
64 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
10 ms
Wireless range
20 m
-
Battery life
120 h
70 h
Full charge time
270 min
-
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
330 g
270 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Model code
9W1Q4AA
-
Microphones
1
1
Microphone type
electret
-
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
noise-cancelling mic
-

What reviewers said

HyperX Cloud III – Gaming Headset

The HyperX Cloud III is a wired gaming headset that builds on its predecessor's strengths with improved comfort and a clean design. It offers broad compatibility through its 3.5mm jack and USB-C DAC, making it a versatile pick for consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. With a lightweight feel and clear, well-balanced sound, it's a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize practicality over extra features.

  • Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Wide device compatibility with USB-C and 3.5mm
  • Pro:Clear and balanced audio for gaming
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless option
  • Con:Only SBC codec, no multipoint
  • Con:Limited to button controls without custom EQ

Razer BlackShark V3

The Razer BlackShark V3 is a wireless gaming headset that emphasizes long-lasting performance with a 70-hour battery and 50mm drivers for robust audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs, plus multipoint connectivity for versatile use, though it omits active noise cancellation. The headset also features a noise-canceling microphone and a low-latency 10ms mode, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking extended play sessions.

  • Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable 270g lightweight build
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for multi-device use
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Lacks wireless charging support

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

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New comparisonHyperX Cloud III – Gaming HeadsetRazer BlackShark V3