Best Gaming Headsets · head-to-head

HyperX Cloud III vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. HyperX Cloud III is cheaper at $99.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the HyperX Cloud III or Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

The HyperX Cloud III wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The HyperX Cloud III is the cheaper at $99.99. The HyperX Cloud III both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec HyperX Cloud III Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
US price $99.99 MSRP $129.99
BrandHyperXRazer
Released2023-062023-07
Connection wired wireless
Driver (mm) 53 50
Battery hours 70
Surround sound Yes Yes
Mic type detachable detachable
Weight (g) 308 320
Rgb No No
Release 2023 2023

Sources — HyperX Cloud III: hp.com (verified 2026-06-15). Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023): razer.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the HyperX Cloud III and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Connection: HyperX Cloud III wired vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) wireless
  • Driver (mm): HyperX Cloud III 53 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 50
  • Weight (g): HyperX Cloud III 308 vs Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) 320

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

HyperX Cloud III

All three whitelisted testers (Tom's Hardware, TechRadar, SoundGuys) survived verification; every quote and Tom's Hardware's weight figures are verbatim in the source text. The wired HyperX Cloud III ($99.99) wins broad agreement on comfort, premium build, and wide platform connectivity (3.5mm plus USB-C/USB-A dongle). Verdicts split sharply on sound and mic: SoundGuys scored it 6.2, citing sub-bass-light audio it calls its shortest area, while TechRadar rated it 4.8/5. (3 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Comfortable, lightweight fit for hours of wear; Premium look and build quality for the price; Broad platform connectivity (3.5mm plus USB-C/USB-A dongle).

Flagged: Sound signature is divisive — recessed mids and lacking sub-bass, not a headset for music/audiophiles; DTS virtual surround is subtle-to-nonfunctional and the NGENUITY software is limited; Mic quirks: sibilance, low recording volume, and loud mute-button blips.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)

Three whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, Tom's Hardware, TechRadar) all recommend the 2023 BlackShark V2 Pro, unanimously praising its upgraded mic, big battery-life jump over the 24hr 2020 model, and lightweight comfort. Only SoundGuys ran lab measurements (55hr 3min battery vs Razer's 70hr claim, ~46dB peak isolation, ~85% of noise blocked above 1kHz); Tom's Hardware and TechRadar were hands-on but qualitative. Testers split on the low end. (3 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Upgraded HyperClear mic sounds full and clear — the standout feature; Big battery-life jump over the 24hr 2020 model; Lightweight, comfortable fit with refined clamping force.

Flagged: Off-neutral out-of-box tuning (weak/overemphasized bass, midrange-heavy); No wired/analog 3.5mm connection; Thin steel yokes still feel flimsy; travel/durability concern.

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