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Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 12
HyperX Cloud III (Black) — Gaming · 2023 · Black
HyperX

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Gaming · 2023 · Black

84
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and HyperX Cloud III (Black) at 84. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick HyperX Cloud III (Black) 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

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 84).

Noise cancelling

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

HyperX Cloud III (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Audeze LCD-5

Long-session wearability

Audeze LCD-5 leads on comfort (88 vs 82).

Value for money

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HyperX Cloud III (Black) more score per dollar ($99 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
84 HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
HyperX Cloud III (Black)
84
anc 70
sound 84
comfort 82
battery 86
features 84

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus HyperX Cloud III (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 HyperX Cloud III (Black)
Type
Planar magnetic
Gaming headset
Variant
—
Black
Release year
—
2023

Audeze LCD-5

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

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: Audeze LCD-5 vs HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Is HyperX Cloud III (Black) worth the price? +

At $99, HyperX Cloud III (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III (Black) 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, Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

HyperX Cloud III (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.