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The wired HyperX Cloud III works on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Start by confirming that you have the wired model—not Cloud III Wireless or Cloud III S Wireless—then use the included USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm connection that matches your device. On Windows, select HyperX Cloud III as both the playback and recording default. On Xbox, use a supported 3.5 mm connection: HyperX says the included USB adapter is not compatible with Xbox, and the included DTS license is for PC only.
Confirm which Cloud III you have
This guide is for the wired HyperX Cloud III. Its setup is different from the Cloud III Wireless and Cloud III S Wireless models, so do not apply wireless pairing or charging instructions to this headset.
HyperX lists three connection options as included with the wired headset: USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5 mm. Choose the connector that fits the port you intend to use. The manufacturer lists compatibility with Windows PCs, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
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- The wired HyperX Cloud III headset.
- The included connector that matches your computer, console, or controller port.
- A free USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm port, depending on the connection path.
- For PC users who want the bundled DTS functionality, a USB connection and a Windows computer are required; HyperX documents that license as PC-only.
The reviewed manufacturer material does not establish that you must buy an additional cable or adapter. Begin with the connectors supplied with the headset before purchasing anything else.
#1 Best Overall
- Comfort is King: Comfort’s in the Cloud III’s DNA. Built for gamers who can’t have an uncomfortable headset ruin the flow of their full-combo, disrupt their speedrun, or knocking them out of the zone.
- Audio Tuned for Your Entertainment: Angled 53mm drivers have been tuned by HyperX audio engineers to provide the optimal listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming.
- Upgraded Microphone for Clarity and Accuracy: Captures high-quality audio for clear voice chat and calls. The mic is noise-cancelling and features a built-in mesh filter to omit disruptive sounds and LED mic mute indicator lets you know when you’re muted.
- Durability, for the Toughest of Battles: The headset is flexible and features an aluminum frame so it’s resilient against travel, accidents, mishaps, and your ‘level-headed’ reactions to losses and defeat screens.
Choose the connection for your platform
| Platform | Supported wired options from HyperX | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm, using the included connection that fits the computer | The included DTS license is documented for PC use. |
| PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 | USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm, matched to the console or controller port | The available official guidance does not identify one universally preferred connection or provide a single PlayStation menu sequence. |
| Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One | Use a supported 3.5 mm connection through the available console or controller port | HyperX says the included USB adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations. DTS is not established for Xbox. |
When moving the headset between systems, the practical decision is the port available on that system. Do not assume that the USB route that works on a PC will work on every console.
Set up the Cloud III on a Windows PC
1. Connect the headset
Plug the headset into the PC with the included connector that fits. USB-A and USB-C are digital connection paths; 3.5 mm is the analog path. Use a port that is fully inserted and stable, and keep the headset’s microphone in its normal position while you configure Windows.
2. Open Windows sound controls
- Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar.
- Open Sound settings.
- Select Sound Control Panel.
This opens the classic sound-control window where Windows lists playback and recording devices separately.
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3. Make the headset the playback default
- Open the Playback tab.
- Select HyperX Cloud III.
- Set it as the default device.
After this change, Windows should route ordinary system and game audio to the headset instead of another speaker, monitor, or previously used headset.
Rank #2
- Comfort is King: Comfort’s in the Cloud III’s DNA. Built for gamers who can’t have an uncomfortable headset ruin the flow of their full-combo, disrupt their speedrun, or knocking them out of the zone.
- Audio Tuned for Your Entertainment: Angled 53mm drivers have been tuned by HyperX audio engineers to provide the optimal listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming.
- Upgraded Microphone for Clarity and Accuracy: Captures high-quality audio for clear voice chat and calls. The mic is noise-cancelling and features a built-in mesh filter to omit disruptive sounds and LED mic mute indicator lets you know when you’re muted.
- Durability, for the Toughest of Battles: The headset is flexible and features an aluminum frame so it’s resilient against travel, accidents, mishaps, and your ‘level-headed’ reactions to losses and defeat screens.
4. Make the headset the recording default
- Open the Recording tab.
- Select HyperX Cloud III.
- Set it as the default recording device.
Setting both tabs matters. Choosing the Cloud III only for playback can leave a game or voice application using a laptop microphone, webcam microphone, or another recording device.
5. Understand the DTS condition
If you connected through the included USB adapter and want to use the DTS functionality supplied with the headset, treat it as a PC feature. HyperX documents the included DTS license as PC-only. Do not expect the same license or processing to carry over when the headset is connected to a PlayStation or Xbox.
6. Perform a quick PC check
- Play a system sound or a short piece of audio and confirm that it comes from the headset.
- Speak while watching the selected recording device’s input indicator, if Windows shows one.
- Press the headset’s microphone-mute control once and check whether its LED mute indicator changes.
- Adjust the earcup volume control and verify that the listening level changes.
If the headset appears in Windows but you hear nothing, return to the Playback tab and verify that HyperX Cloud III is still the default. If other software has its own audio-device selector, choose the Cloud III there as well rather than assuming the application followed the Windows default.
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Set up the Cloud III on PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4
1. Match the connector to the available port
HyperX lists the wired Cloud III as compatible with PS5 and PS4 and lists USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5 mm connections as included. Select the connector that matches the port you plan to use on the console or controller. The official material reviewed for this guide does not establish that one of those routes is universally better for every PlayStation setup.
Rank #3
- Up to 120 Hours of Gaming on a Single Charge: Achieve up to 120 hours of gameplay on 2.4GHz. Push the limits even further with up to 200 hours in Bluetooth Mode.
- Works With PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and Mobile: Connect with the included USB-C or USB-A 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, or Instant Pair with select OMEN laptops. Not compatible with Xbox.
- Connect via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or Instant Pair: Gain the convenience and versatility of wireless freedom with 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. Instant Pair is also available with select OMEN gaming laptops, no dongle required.
- Audio Tuned for Your Entertainment: Angled 53mm drivers have been tuned by HyperX audio engineers to provide an optimized listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming.
- HyperX Signature Comfort: Comfort is in the Cloud III's DNA. HyperX signature memory foam in the headband and ear cushions wrapped in soft, premium leatherette make for a plush, comfortable fit all around.
2. Connect before checking device settings
Insert the connector fully, then open the console’s current audio-device settings if the system does not automatically send sound to the headset. Because menu names and layouts can change with PlayStation system software, use the labels shown by your installed version instead of relying on an old menu path.
3. Check both sound and microphone input
- Play a game or system sound and confirm that audio reaches both earcups.
- Use a voice-chat or microphone test available on the console to verify that the Cloud III microphone is being received.
- Check the headset’s physical mute control. A lit mute indicator means the microphone is muted at the headset.
If audio works but voice input does not, inspect the console’s currently selected microphone or audio-device setting and then check the headset mute state. If neither audio nor microphone input appears, disconnect and reconnect the chosen connector, then review the console’s current audio-device settings again.
4. Avoid assuming PC features transfer
The PC DTS license is not documented as a PlayStation feature. The headset can still be used for its ordinary wired audio and microphone functions, but do not select the USB path solely on the assumption that it will provide the PC’s DTS functionality.
Set up the Cloud III on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One
1. Use the supported wired route
HyperX lists Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One compatibility and includes a 3.5 mm connection option. Use the 3.5 mm connection with the Xbox port that accepts it, commonly the compatible controller or another supported port on your particular setup.
Rank #4
- Comfort is King Comfort’s in the Cloud III’s DNA. HyperX signature memory foam in the headband and ear cushions wrapped in soft, premium leatherette make for a plush, comfortable fit all around.
- Audio Tuned for Your Entertainment Angled 53mm drivers have been tuned by HyperX audio engineers to provide the optimal listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming.
- Upgraded Microphone for Clarity and Accuracy Captures high-quality audio for clear voice chat and calls. The mic is noise-cancelling and features a built-in mesh filter to reduce disruptive sounds. It also features an LED mic mute indicator that lets you know when you’re muted.
- Durability, for the Toughest of Battles The headset is flexible and features a full metal frame so it’s resilient against travel, accidents, mishaps, and those ‘level-headed’ reactions to losses and defeat screens.
- Quick, Convenient Audio and Mic Controls: Dodge annoying in-game and system menus. Quickly adjust the headphone volume and mute your microphone with controls right on the Cloud III’s earcup.
2. Do not use the included USB adapter on Xbox
HyperX states that the included USB adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations. It is therefore not an Xbox setup step, even if the adapter works correctly on a PC. Connect through the supported wired port instead.
3. Check the console’s current audio settings
After connecting, verify that game audio is audible and that the console receives microphone input. If either is missing, open the Xbox audio-device settings available on your current system software and confirm that the connected headset is being used. The manufacturer guidance reviewed here does not establish a universal Xbox menu sequence, so avoid relying on labels from a different dashboard version.
4. Check the physical mute state
If other players cannot hear you, press the headset mute control and observe its LED indicator. A muted headset can look correctly connected while sending no microphone signal. Also check the selected Xbox input after confirming that the physical mute control is off.
5. Set expectations about DTS
The included DTS license is documented for PC only. Xbox setup should therefore be evaluated as a wired audio-and-microphone connection, not as a way to activate the PC DTS entitlement.
Best Value
- Up to 120 Hours of Gaming on a Single Charge: Achieve up to 120 hours of gameplay on 2.4GHz. Push the limits even further with up to 200 hours in Bluetooth Mode.
- Works With PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and Mobile: Connect with the included USB-C or USB-A 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, or Instant Pair with select OMEN laptops. Not compatible with Xbox.
- Connect via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or Instant Pair: Gain the convenience and versatility of wireless freedom with 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. Instant Pair is also available with select OMEN gaming laptops, no dongle required.
- Audio Tuned for Your Entertainment: Angled 53mm drivers have been tuned by HyperX audio engineers to provide an optimized listening experience that accents the dynamic sounds of gaming.
- HyperX Signature Comfort: Comfort is in the Cloud III's DNA. HyperX signature memory foam in the headband and ear cushions wrapped in soft, premium leatherette make for a plush, comfortable fit all around.
Use the headset’s onboard controls
Volume
The product page describes an earcup volume control. Turn it while audio is playing to adjust listening level without changing the console or Windows master volume.
Microphone mute
The headset also has an earcup microphone-mute control and an LED mute indicator. If the microphone seems silent, check the indicator first. A platform can be configured correctly and still receive no voice signal when the headset is muted locally.
Microphone position
Keep the boom in its normal speaking position while testing. If you move it or change the physical mute state during a test, repeat the test after returning the headset to the intended position so that the result reflects the setup you will actually use.
Troubleshoot by symptom
No sound on a PC
- Confirm that the connector is fully inserted.
- In Sound settings > Sound Control Panel > Playback, select HyperX Cloud III and make it the default device.
- Check the earcup volume control and the Windows volume level.
- If another application has its own output selector, choose HyperX Cloud III inside that application.
No microphone input on a PC
- In the Recording tab, set HyperX Cloud III as the default recording device.
- Check the headset’s mute control and LED indicator.
- Confirm that the application is not using a different microphone.
PlayStation audio or microphone input is missing
- Confirm that the selected connector matches the port in use.
- Disconnect and reconnect the headset fully.
- Review the PlayStation’s current audio-device settings using the labels shown on that console.
- Check the physical mute indicator before changing software settings.
Xbox does not detect the headset
- Use the supported 3.5 mm connection rather than the included USB adapter.
- Confirm that the 3.5 mm plug is seated in the compatible console or controller port.
- Check the current Xbox audio settings and the headset mute indicator.
Sound works but voice chat does not
This symptom usually means the listening path is active while the recording path is muted or assigned elsewhere. Check the headset’s mute control first, then verify that the platform has the Cloud III selected as its microphone input. On Windows, repeat the Recording-tab step; on consoles, use the audio-device settings available in the installed system software.
Moving the wired Cloud III between systems
- Disconnect it from the current device.
- Choose the included connector that matches the next device’s available port.
- Reconnect it fully before opening sound settings.
- On a PC, recheck both Playback and Recording defaults because Windows may retain another device from a previous session.
- On a PlayStation or Xbox, check the current audio-device settings if automatic switching does not occur.
- Run a short audio and microphone test, then verify the headset’s mute LED.
The headset’s compatibility listing covers all three platform families, but the connection rules are not identical: PC setup includes explicit Windows default-device steps, PlayStation setup depends on the console’s current audio settings, and Xbox requires the supported wired route because the included USB adapter is excluded.
Quick Recap
Fast setup checklist
- Verify that the headset is the wired HyperX Cloud III.
- Use the included USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm connector that fits your device.
- On Windows, set HyperX Cloud III as both Playback and Recording default.
- On PlayStation, check the console’s current audio-device settings if sound or microphone input is absent.
- On Xbox, use the supported 3.5 mm connection; do not use the included USB adapter.
- Check the earcup volume control and microphone-mute LED whenever a test fails.
- Treat the included DTS license as PC-only.
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