Audeze LCD-5
Planar magnetic
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)
Gaming · 2024 · Black
Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) at 85. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 11 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 Wireless (Black) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Audeze LCD-5Tuning, detail, and staging
Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 85).
Noise cancelling
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)ANC strength for commute and travel
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).
Comfort
Audeze LCD-5Long-session wearability
Audeze LCD-5 leads on comfort (88 vs 83).
Value for money
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) more score per dollar ($169 vs $4,500).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audeze LCD-5 | HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Gaming headset |
| Variant | — | Black |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
Audeze LCD-5
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)
Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)? +
Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. 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 Wireless (Black) worth the price? +
At $169, HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.
Does Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (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 Wireless (Black)? +
Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-5 or HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black)? +
HyperX Cloud III Wireless (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.