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The wired HyperX Cloud III can connect to a Windows PC, PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, or Xbox One. Start by confirming that your headset is the wired Cloud III, not Cloud III Wireless or Cloud III S Wireless. HyperX lists USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5 mm connection options for the wired model. On a PC, select HyperX Cloud III as both the playback and recording default. On PlayStation, use the connector that matches the console or controller and verify the console’s current audio-device settings. On Xbox, use a supported wired connection—HyperX says its included USB adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations.
Confirm which HyperX Cloud III you have
These instructions apply only to the wired HyperX Cloud III. The wireless versions use different connection and pairing procedures, so do not apply this guide to Cloud III Wireless or Cloud III S Wireless.
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HyperX lists the wired Cloud III as compatible with Windows PCs, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. The manufacturer also lists USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5 mm connection options as included. The practical choice is therefore determined by the port available on your computer, console, or controller.
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| Platform | Connection options listed by HyperX | Important setup point |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm | In Windows Sound Control Panel, make “HyperX Cloud III” the default playback and recording device. DTS functionality is documented for PC when using the USB adapter. |
| PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 | USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm, matched to an available console or controller port | Use the connector that fits your equipment, then check the console’s current audio-device settings if sound or microphone input is missing. A universal preferred route is not established by the manufacturer material reviewed here. |
| Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One | 3.5 mm through a supported console or controller port | HyperX says the included USB adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations. The included DTS license is for PC only. |
What you need before connecting
- The wired HyperX Cloud III headset.
- The included connector that matches your host device: USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm.
- A free compatible port on the PC, console, or controller.
- For PC DTS functionality, the USB adapter and a Windows PC. HyperX documents that license as PC-only.
No additional adapter is established as necessary by the manufacturer information used for this setup. Do not buy a separate adapter merely because the headset has multiple connection options; first identify the port you already have.
#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.
Set up the HyperX Cloud III on a Windows PC
1. Choose and connect the port
Connect the headset with the included option that fits your computer. A USB-A or USB-C connection presents the headset as a USB audio device. A 3.5 mm connection uses the compatible analog headset port on the computer. If your PC has separate headphone and microphone jacks rather than a combined headset jack, use only a connection arrangement supported by the included hardware; do not assume a splitter is required unless your particular computer’s ports demand one.
After connecting, give Windows a moment to enumerate the device. Keep the headset’s volume control at a comfortable level and make sure the microphone mute control is not engaged before testing.
2. Make the headset the Windows playback device
- Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar.
- Open Sound settings.
- Open Sound Control Panel.
- In the Playback tab, select HyperX Cloud III.
- Set it as the default playback device.
This routes Windows system audio and applications that follow the system default to the headset. If a game or voice-chat application has its own output selector, check that selector after changing the Windows default; an application can retain a different device choice.
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.
3. Make the microphone the Windows recording device
- In the same Sound Control Panel, open the Recording tab.
- Select HyperX Cloud III.
- Set it as the default recording device.
Speak while watching the recording-level indicator in Windows or in the application you are testing. If the meter does not respond, check the headset’s physical mute control and its LED indicator, then confirm that the application is using the same Cloud III microphone rather than another input.
4. Enable the documented PC-only DTS feature when applicable
HyperX documents the included DTS license for PC use. If you want to use that functionality, connect through the USB adapter on the Windows PC and use the supplied or associated HyperX software path for activation. The license should not be treated as a console feature: the documented entitlement is PC-only, and the USB adapter is not an Xbox connection method.
5. Perform a two-minute PC test
- Play a Windows system sound or a video and confirm that audio comes from both earcups.
- Speak into the boom microphone and confirm that the Windows recording meter moves.
- Toggle the headset mute control once and observe its LED indicator so you know which state represents mute.
- Open the game or chat program you actually use and verify its input and output selectors, because application-level settings can override Windows defaults.
Set up the HyperX Cloud III on PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4
1. Match the connector to the available port
HyperX lists PS5 and PS4 compatibility and lists USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5 mm options for the wired Cloud III. Use whichever included connector matches an available port on your console or controller. A 3.5 mm route may be appropriate when the controller provides a compatible headset jack; a USB route may be appropriate when the console has a compatible USB port. The reviewed HyperX material does not establish one route as universally preferred 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. Check the console’s current audio-device settings
After connecting, open the PlayStation’s current audio-device settings and confirm that the Cloud III is selected for output and microphone input when it appears as an available device. Sony can change menu wording between system software releases, so use the labels shown on your console rather than relying on a fixed menu path. The manufacturer guidance reviewed here does not provide a PlayStation-specific wired menu sequence.
3. Test sound and voice separately
- Play a game or system sound and adjust the headset’s volume control.
- Check the headset’s mute control and LED indicator before testing chat.
- Use the console’s microphone test or a party-chat test if available on your current system software.
- If you connected through a controller, confirm that the plug is fully seated and that the controller itself is active and connected to the console.
If audio works but the microphone does not, revisit the console’s current input-device selection and the physical mute state. If neither works, disconnect and reconnect the plug, then test the other included connection route that your console supports.
Set up the HyperX Cloud III on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One
1. Use a supported wired connection
HyperX lists Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One compatibility and includes 3.5 mm among the wired connection options. Connect the headset through a compatible 3.5 mm port on the controller or other supported Xbox equipment. Follow the port’s physical design and stop if the plug does not fit; do not force a connector into a different socket.
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 says its included USB adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations. It is therefore not a troubleshooting step or an upgrade path for Xbox setup. The included DTS license is also documented for PC only, so do not expect DTS functionality from the Xbox connection.
3. Verify Xbox audio and microphone input
After connecting, open the Xbox’s current audio-device or accessory settings and check that the wired headset is recognized for game audio and voice input. Menu names can vary with Xbox system updates, so use the labels currently shown on your console. If the headset is detected but your voice is not, check the Cloud III’s physical mute control and LED, then review the active party-chat microphone setting.
4. Check the controller path
- Reseat the 3.5 mm plug until it is fully inserted.
- Confirm that the controller is the one currently assigned to your profile.
- Test game audio before joining a party, then test the microphone in party chat.
- If another controller has a compatible jack, test the headset there to separate a headset issue from a controller-port issue.
Choosing USB or 3.5 mm when more than one route is available
| Question | Use this guidance |
|---|---|
| Do you need Windows to identify the headset as a separate USB device? | Choose a USB-A or USB-C route and select “HyperX Cloud III” in Windows Playback and Recording. |
| Do you need the documented DTS functionality? | Use the USB adapter on a PC. HyperX documents the license as PC-only. |
| Are you connecting to Xbox? | Use a supported wired connection such as 3.5 mm; the included USB adapter is not supported on Xbox. |
| Are you connecting to a PlayStation controller? | Use the included 3.5 mm option if the controller has a compatible headset jack, then verify the console’s current device settings. |
| Does your computer or console have only one compatible port? | Use the included connector that matches that port. The headset’s compatibility depends on the host port and system support. |
Use the headset controls correctly
The Cloud III product information describes onboard earcup controls for volume and microphone mute, including an LED mute indicator. The volume control changes the headset’s listening level; it does not replace the operating system or console output-device selection. Similarly, unmuting the headset does not guarantee that a game or chat application has selected the Cloud III microphone.
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.
- When you hear nothing, check the earcup volume control first, then the selected playback device.
- When others cannot hear you, check the physical mute control and LED, then the selected recording or microphone device.
- When only one application fails, inspect that application’s own audio settings before changing the system-wide device.
Troubleshoot common setup failures
Windows shows no Cloud III device
- Disconnect and reconnect the selected USB or 3.5 mm connector.
- Try another compatible USB port if you are using USB.
- Return to Sound settings → Sound Control Panel and check both Playback and Recording for HyperX Cloud III.
- If you used 3.5 mm, confirm that the plug is in a combined headset port or another port that supports the headset connection you selected.
Windows has sound but no microphone
- Check the Cloud III mute control and LED indicator.
- In Sound Control Panel → Recording, select HyperX Cloud III and make it the default.
- Check the game or chat application’s microphone selector; it may be set to a different input.
- Speak while watching the application’s input meter to distinguish a device-selection problem from an application permission or configuration problem.
PlayStation has no audio or voice input
First reseat the connector and verify that you used a port supported by the chosen connection. Then open the console’s current audio-device settings and select the Cloud III for output and microphone input if it is listed. Check the headset mute control and LED. Because menu names differ by system software, do not rely on an older fixed path if your console displays different labels.
Xbox does not recognize the USB connection
This is expected when you are using the included USB adapter: HyperX says that adapter does not work on Xbox because of system limitations. Move to a supported wired connection, such as the included 3.5 mm option through a compatible controller or console port.
DTS is unavailable
The documented DTS license is for PC use. It is not an Xbox feature, and the included USB adapter is not an Xbox setup path. On PC, use the USB connection and complete the applicable HyperX activation process; on consoles, configure the headset as a standard supported wired audio device.
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Quick Recap
Audio cuts out or plays in one ear
- Stop playback and fully reseat the connector.
- Check whether the problem follows the connector route: test another included option that your host supports.
- On a console controller, test another compatible controller port if available.
- On Windows, confirm that the selected playback device remains HyperX Cloud III after reconnecting.
Final setup checklist
- You confirmed that the headset is the wired HyperX Cloud III.
- You matched USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5 mm to a port supported by the host device.
- On Windows, HyperX Cloud III is the default in both Playback and Recording.
- The earcup volume control is raised and the microphone mute LED shows the intended state.
- On PlayStation, the current audio-device settings select the headset when necessary.
- On Xbox, you used a supported wired connection rather than the included USB adapter.
- You treated DTS as a PC-only licensed feature.
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