HP Cloud III Gaming Headset (Black/Blue): problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-18
Summary
The standout is the microphone; the risk is comfort. Wirecutter’s September 2026 guide dismissed the Cloud III as uncomfortable across a variety of head and ear sizes, while TechRadar found it more comfortable than the older Cloud II, so fit is the thing to verify before buying. It costs nothing per year to run — no battery, no subscription, no consumables — and it is a strong buy at the $69.99 street price reported in May 2023.
Common problems and fixes
- Comfort and fit are polarizing — Wirecutter (September 2026) listed the Cloud III among headsets that are uncomfortable for a variety of head and ear sizes, adjust poorly, slide off the head or apply too much pressure, while TechRadar (May 2023) found the thicker memory-foam cushions comfortable. Try it on or buy somewhere with easy returns. [4][2]
- DTS Headphone:X spatial audio adds artifacts — IGN found it gave a slightly larger soundstage but introduced strange, disruptive artifacts and did not create useful spatial sound. Leave it off; it requires the Windows-only Ngenuity app and the USB-C DAC connection anyway. [3]
- Mic mute button is hard to use — IGN found the mute button hard to feel out and it does not lock into position. Watch the red mute indicator light near the mic tip on the analog connection, or mute at the source. [3]
- Spatial features need Windows and USB-C — DTS Headphone:X and mic monitoring require the Windows-only Ngenuity app over the USB-C DAC; the analog 3.5mm connection carries neither. No fix on other platforms. [3]
- Soundstage is ordinary — TechRadar called it good but nothing special. No fix; buy for the microphone, not the stage. [2]
Parts and consumables
No replaceable parts or consumables reported. The 10mm microphone detaches for storage [3], but no replacement ear pads, cables or spare parts are documented in the sources.
Yearly running cost
$0 per year. The Cloud III is wired and passive — no battery, no charging, no subscription, and no software is required for basic use — and no consumables or replaceable parts are documented. Owners spend nothing beyond the purchase price.
When it is a good buy
- $69.99 at Walmart, Best Buy and Newegg (May 2023, TechRadar) — strong value, mainly for the microphone. [2]
- $100 MSRP (June 2023, IGN) — fair value; IGN still recommended it but noted it is not the headset to end all headsets. [3]
- Above $100 — weak value, where wireless options and headsets with more consistent fit become competitive.