Compare Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset vs HyperX Cloud III

There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.

Reviewers do not treat the Cloud III Wireless as an ANC headset; they describe passive isolation as useful, but active noise cancellation is absent.

Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.

Android evidence is limited and mixed: one reviewer used a dongle successfully with one Android device but not another, and app support excluded Android.

Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.

NGENUITY enables useful PC controls in some reviews, but several reviewers encountered detection issues, limited features, or bugs.

Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.

Wireless reviewers who addressed sync found the 2.4GHz link kept cues aligned with on-screen action.

Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.

Bass is the most divided sound trait: some found it deep or punchy, while others thought it lacked weight, rumble, or low-end body.

Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.

Battery life is a clear strength across wireless reviews, with repeated 100-plus-hour or week-long use claims.

Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.

Most wireless reviews criticize the lack of Bluetooth, though one outlier review claims a Bluetooth mode was present.

Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.

Build quality is widely praised, especially the metal frame, aluminum forks, and sturdy feel.

Wired reviews note the included USB-C DAC or built-in sound card, with one review discussing high sample-rate support, but it is not framed as a hi-res audiophile product.

Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.

Physical controls are generally convenient, especially the volume wheel and mute button, though placement and feel get occasional criticism.

Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.

Cable impressions are mixed: some like the braided cable quality, while others complain it is non-removable or transmits noise.

The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.

Carry-case feedback is modest: wireless units may include a cloth bag, but protection is limited and wired units may omit a pouch.

USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.

Charging is straightforward over USB-C, with good battery endurance reducing charging frequency, though cable length can be a limitation.

Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.

Clamping force is usually described as light, balanced, and secure enough for long sessions.

Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.

Comfort is the strongest consensus point, with many reviewers calling the headset easy to wear for hours.

Connectivity is split by version: wired models are flexible through 3.5mm/USB-C, while wireless models are constrained by dongle-only use.

Console limitations mostly concern the wireless model, especially missing Xbox support and PC-only spatial/software features.

A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.

The design keeps the Cloud identity while looking cleaner, sleeker, and more premium to many reviewers.

Detachable cable convenience is weak on the wired model because reviewers repeatedly note the cable is fixed.

The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.

The detachable boom mic is consistently presented as convenient, though one reviewer warns detachable parts can be misplaced.

The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.

The dongle enables low-latency wireless and broad USB use, but it is also the main source of connection inflexibility.

Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.

Ear padding is broadly praised for plush memory foam, though some note pleather can get warm.

The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.

Reviewers repeatedly wish the earcups had more swivel or rotation.

Replacement-pad evidence is mixed: wired units may lack extra pads, but third-party cushions are said to fit.

A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.

EQ customization is available on PC through NGENUITY, but usefulness varies because software, console persistence, and preset quality draw complaints.

Fit and seal are generally strong, helping comfort and passive isolation.

Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.

Frequency-response comments point to a mostly neutral or safe tuning rather than an extreme gaming V-shape.

Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.

Game/chat balance is specifically called out as missing on the wireless model.

Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.

Headband adjustability is usually adequate, with notched extension, though one reviewer wanted more room for larger heads.

The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.

Hinge durability receives positive evidence from the redesigned, stronger buckle/hinge structure.

The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.

Included accessories vary by version but commonly include the detachable mic, USB dongle or DAC, adapters, charging cable, and sometimes a bag.

Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.

Instrument separation gets limited but positive support from reviewers hearing layered or separately distinguishable details.

Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.

Maximum loudness is rarely a problem for listeners, with several reviewers saying volume output is ample.

Microphone quality is generally a strength, especially for chat, though some reviewers find it merely fine or lacking depth.

Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.

Microphone noise rejection is often praised for reducing keyboard, fan, dog, or room noise.

Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.

Call and meeting evidence is positive where tested, with voice transmission described as clear and distraction-free.

Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.

Midrange clarity varies: several reviewers hear clear vocals or neutral mids, while others find mids recessed or weak.

Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.

Compatibility is broad on wired and USB-supported platforms, but wireless Xbox limitations prevent it from being universal.

Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.

Passive isolation is good for closed-back leatherette cups, though reviewers distinguish it from ANC.

Packaging evidence is limited, but one review notes the cleaner red-and-white box design.

Portability is a weak point because the wireless model does not fold flat and can lack protective travel features.

Positional audio is mixed: some reviewers hear precise localization, while others find imaging disappointing.

The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.

Preset EQ quality is divided, with some reviewers finding presets useful and others calling them poor.

Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.

Replaceable earpad evidence is positive where reviewers note removable cups or compatible aftermarket pads.

RGB customization is essentially absent because reviewers note no lighting beyond mute indicators.

Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.

Sidetone or mic monitoring is supported in software for some setups, but one reviewer says it did not work.

Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.

Setup is simple in some experiences and frustrating in others, depending on software and light-pattern/detection behavior.

Sound leakage evidence is limited and mixed, from low leakage helping immersion to some audible leakage outside the cups.

Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.

Overall sound quality is broadly good for gaming, but music and audiophile performance split reviewers sharply.

Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.

Soundstage width is often described as narrow or merely average, with a few positive takes on natural staging.

PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.

Spatial audio receives mixed reactions: some find it precise or immersive, while others find DTS subtle, PC-limited, or damaging to sound quality.

Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.

Stability evidence is positive for fit retention and wireless range/connection where discussed.

Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.

Treble clarity is mixed: several reviews like the crisp or smoother high end, while others report sharp, tinny, or overly high treble.

Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.

USB-C is well supported for dongles, adapters, charging, DAC use, or wired extension depending on version.

Value depends on version and price: wired reviews often praise the $100 value, while wireless reviews are more price-sensitive.

Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.

Volume output is generally strong, with several reviewers saying the headset gets plenty loud.

Water or sweat resistance is not a selling point; one review explicitly lists no waterproofing and others mention warm pleather.

Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.

Weight comfort is mostly positive, especially for wired units, although a few wireless reviewers find it heavier than alternatives.

Wireless latency is one of the wireless model’s clearest strengths thanks to the 2.4GHz dongle.

Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.

Xbox compatibility is the most repeated platform caveat for the wireless model, while wired analog use can work.