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AirPods Max — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
AirPods Max wins by 3
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition
HyperX

HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2024 · PS5 Edition

85
/ 100
From $169
Specdex verdict

AirPods Max takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max lands at 88 and HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) at 85. That puts AirPods Max ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

AirPods Max

Tuning, detail, and staging

AirPods Max leads on sound (88 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

AirPods Max

Long-session wearability

AirPods Max leads on comfort (87 vs 83).

Value for money

HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($169 vs $549).

AirPods Max 88
vs
85 HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)
85
anc 70
sound 85
comfort 83
battery 86
features 85

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max versus HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2024
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

AirPods Max

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: AirPods Max vs HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, AirPods Max or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $169, HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Does AirPods Max or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max — leads on sound (88 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.