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Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 12
HyperX Cloud III (Black) — Gaming · 2023 · Black
HyperX

HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Gaming · 2023 · Black

84
/ 100
From $99
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Utopia 2022 lands at 96 and HyperX Cloud III (Black) at 84. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Utopia 2022 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

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 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

Focal Utopia 2022

Long-session wearability

Focal Utopia 2022 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 $4,999).

Focal Utopia 2022 96
vs
84 HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Score breakdown

Focal Utopia 2022
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

Focal Utopia 2022 versus HyperX Cloud III (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Utopia 2022 HyperX Cloud III (Black)
Type
Open-back
Gaming headset
Variant
—
Black
Release year
—
2023

Focal Utopia 2022

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: Focal Utopia 2022 vs HyperX Cloud III (Black)

Which is better, Focal Utopia 2022 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +

At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 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, Focal Utopia 2022 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 84). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Focal Utopia 2022 or HyperX Cloud III (Black)? +

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