Share Wireless audio hardware has shifted direction. Manufacturers have stopped building “one-size-fits-all” devices and now engineer headsets for specific types of users. We placed four of the most popular mid-range contenders on the test bench: the featherweight Logitech G435, the versatile Razer Barracuda X (2022), the endurance-focused HyperX Cloud III Wireless, and the streamer-ready Logitech G733. Note: If you buy something from our links, we might earn a commission. See our affiliate disclosure statement. The specs on the box rarely tell the full story. The G435 cuts weight by ditching the boom mic, but does that ruin your voice chat? The Cloud III promises a massive 120-hour battery, but is it too heavy for long sessions? We ran these devices through frequency sweeps, isolation tests, and latency checks to separate the marketing from the reality. Here is exactly which headset belongs on your desk. Logitech G435 vs Razer Barracuda X vs HyperX Cloud III vs G733 – SoundMaxPro SOUNDMAXPRO Reviews / Audio / 2025 The Mid-Range Wireless Battle. G435, Barracuda X, Cloud III, and G733. We tested the battery life, microphones, and connectivity protocols to find the best headset for every type of gamer. By SoundMax Labs • Updated Dec 2025 Quick Recommendation Engine Select your primary use case to see our winner instantly. Mobile & Casual I play on phone/laptop. I want something light. The Hybrid User One headset for PC, Console, and Commuting. Immersion & Battery I hate charging. I want big sound. Streaming & PC I need a good mic and RGB for my stream. Wireless audio has shifted hardware engineering directions. Manufacturers no longer build one-size-fits-all devices. They now target specific demographics. We analyzed four key mid-range devices: the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED, Razer Barracuda X (2022), HyperX Cloud III Wireless, and Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED. The market is split. The G435 prioritizes weight reduction for younger users. The Barracuda X acts as a hybrid for gaming and street use. The Cloud III Wireless focuses on battery endurance. The G733 targets streamers who need software audio processing. The Latency Factor Standard Bluetooth is too slow for gaming. It creates delays of 100ms to 200ms. All four headsets here use 2.4GHz RF dongles to fix this. This brings latency under 20ms. The difference lies in how they handle other devices. Some are “Pure Wireless” (G733) while others are “Hybrid” (Barracuda X). Battery Endurance Test (Hours) HyperX Cloud III Wireless dominates with 120 hours of runtime. Sound Signature Analysis We ran frequency sweeps to determine the audio character of each headset. Toggle the buttons to see the EQ curve. G435 Barracuda X Cloud III G733 Sub-Bass Bass Mids Highs Air Select a headset above to see the breakdown. Microphone Performance Labs We tested the background noise rejection and vocal clarity of each mic in a controlled environment with 60dB of ambient noise. Logitech G435 Beamforming (No Boom) Noise Rejection 3/10 Vocal Clarity 5/10 Sounds distant and captures significant keyboard clatter. HyperX Cloud III 10mm Condenser Noise Rejection 8/10 Vocal Clarity 9/10 Class-leading clarity. Internal pop-filter works exceptionally well. Razer Barracuda X Cardioid Boom Noise Rejection 6/10 Vocal Clarity 7/10 Decent for Discord. Aggressive noise gate cuts out quiet talking. Logitech G733 Blue VO!CE Noise Rejection 7/10 Vocal Clarity 8/10 Requires G HUB software tuning to sound good. Thin out of the box. Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED The Minimalist Choice Logitech removed the bulk. The G435 weighs only 165 grams. It is one of the lightest headsets in existence. This reduces neck strain for smaller heads. It uses 22% recycled plastic. The trade-off is the microphone. It lacks a boom arm. It uses beamforming mics on the ear cup. Our analysis shows this increases background noise pickup. It sounds like a speakerphone rather than a broadcast mic. ✓ Ultralight 165g build. ✓ Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support. × No 3.5mm jack backup. × Microphone picks up room noise. Razer Barracuda X (2022) The Versatile Hybrid Razer solved the “two headset” problem. The Barracuda X (2022) works for gaming and commuting. The key feature is SmartSwitch Dual Wireless. It keeps Bluetooth and 2.4GHz active simultaneously. You can take a call while gaming. The 2022 model improved battery life to 50 hours. It includes a fully dedicated Bluetooth chip. It also keeps the 3.5mm analog jack. This is a crucial failsafe. If the battery dies, you can use a wire. The “Dongle Blocking” Dilemma The shape of the USB-C receiver matters significantly for mobile and laptop users. Barracuda X Uses a wide “T-shaped” dongle. It often blocks adjacent ports on thin laptops (like MacBook Air or Dell XPS). G435 / G733 Uses a standard USB-A stick (G733) or a narrow USB-A stick (G435). Requires an adapter for phones. Cloud III Uses a modern, angled USB-C dongle. It comes with a USB-A adapter. Best design for port clearance. HyperX Cloud III Wireless The Endurance King The Cloud III Wireless is built for comfort. It uses large 53mm angled drivers. These drivers push more air and create a wider soundstage. The bass extends down to 10 Hz. The battery lasts 120 hours. This is its main selling point. However, be careful with the models. The standard Cloud III Wireless has no Bluetooth. Only the “Cloud III S” variant includes Bluetooth. The standard model is strictly for USB devices. Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED The Streamer’s Tool The G733 is for PC users. It has no Bluetooth. It has no 3.5mm jack. It relies entirely on the USB dongle. It shines in software. It uses Blue VO!CE filters inside G HUB. You can apply noise gates and compressors to your voice. This makes the mic sound professional on stream. The front-facing RGB lights are designed for camera visibility. Build Quality Stress Test We examined the hinge mechanisms and headband flexibility to estimate long-term durability. HyperX Cloud III The Tank. Uses the classic aluminum forks. These are nearly indestructible in normal use. The headband is flexible and can twist without snapping. Razer Barracuda X The Weak Link. The rotating ear cup hinges are plastic. We have seen reports of these cracking if the headset is dropped on a hard floor. Logitech G435 The Unibody. No moving hinges to break. The ear cups slide on rails. It feels cheap and toy-like, but the simplicity actually makes it surprisingly durable against drops. Logitech G733 The Plastic Flex. The entire frame is plastic. It is very flexible but lacks a metal core. The suspension strap will lose elasticity after 1-2 years of daily use. Comfort & Isolation Analysis Materials dictate how long you can play before heat buildup occurs. Leatherette seals sound in but traps heat; Mesh breathes but leaks sound. HyperX Cloud III Leatherette High density memory foam. Excellent passive noise isolation. Ears will get warm after 2 hours. Breathability: Low Isolation: High Logitech G435 Mesh Shallow ear cups. The mesh fabric is extremely breathable but provides almost no sound isolation. Breathability: High Isolation: Low Razer Barracuda X FlowKnit A hybrid fabric that traps less heat than leather but seals better than standard mesh. Breathability: Med Isolation: Med Logitech G733 Sport Mesh Uses a suspension strap design to float the headset on your head. Very light clamping force. Breathability: High Isolation: Low-Med Software Ecosystem Hardware is only half the story. The companion app determines your ability to EQ, adjust sidetone, and update firmware. Logitech G HUB HyperX NGENUITY Razer Synapse Logitech G HUB (G733 / G435) G HUB is the most robust software of the three. Blue VO!CE: Real-time voice filters (G733 Only). Surround: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 integration. Cons: Can be resource-heavy on older PCs. HyperX NGENUITY (Cloud III) A UWP (Windows Store) app that is lightweight but barebones. DTS X: Includes a lifetime license for DTS Spatial Audio. EQ: Basic 10-band equalizer. Cons: Often fails to detect headset without firmware updates. Razer Synapse (Barracuda X) Standard Razer suite. Note: Barracuda X 2022 also has a mobile app. Mobile App: Adjust EQ and toggle “Do Not Disturb” from your phone. THX Spatial: Available as a separate purchase/addon usually. Cons: Synapse is notorious for frequent updates and pop-ups. Spatial Audio Technologies Virtual surround sound helps locate footsteps. Not all implementations are equal. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Included with G733 Excellent directional audio. Best for competitive shooters. DTS Spatial Audio Included with Cloud III Lifetime license included. Very similar performance to X 2.0. THX Spatial Audio Paid Add-on for Razer Barracuda X only supports basic 7.1. THX is a separate $20 purchase. Dolby Atmos / Tempest Universal Support All headsets support Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos (Paid), and PS5 Tempest 3D. Weight Comparison (Grams) Lighter is better for long sessions. Heavier usually means bigger batteries or metal build. Driver Size (mm) Larger drivers often provide better bass response and soundstage. Cloud III 53mm Barracuda X 40mm G733 40mm G435 40mm Interactive Buying Guide Follow the path to find your ideal headset. Technical Specifications Feature Logitech G435 Razer Barracuda X (2022) HyperX Cloud III Logitech G733 Connection 2.4GHz + BT 2.4GHz + BT (Simultaneous) 2.4GHz Only (Standard) 2.4GHz Only Battery Life ~18 Hours ~50 Hours ~120 Hours ~29 Hours Weight 165g 250g ~330g 278g Mic Type Integrated Beamforming Detachable Boom Detachable 10mm Boom Detachable Boom Wired Option None 3.5mm Jack USB Wired None Platform Compatibility Matrix Wireless protocols vary wildly between consoles. Green indicates native wireless support out of the box. Platform G435 Barracuda X Cloud III G733 PC (Windows) ● Wireless ● Wireless ● Wireless ● Wireless PlayStation 5 ● USB ● USB-C ● USB-C ● USB Nintendo Switch ● BT / USB ● USB-C ● USB-C ● Docked Only Xbox Series X|S × No ○ Wired (3.5mm) × No × No Mobile (Android/iOS) ● Bluetooth ● BT / USB-C ○ USB-C Only × No *Xbox support usually requires specific “Designed for Xbox” variants which differ from the models reviewed here. India Pricing & Value Pricing fluctuates based on import batches. The G435 is the budget leader. The Barracuda X occupies the middle ground. The Cloud III commands a premium for its build and battery. Budget Tier Logitech G435 Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Value Tier Razer Barracuda X Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Prosumer Tier Logitech G733 Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Endurance Tier HyperX Cloud III Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Final Verdict Choose based on your environment. If you are a student on a budget who plays on mobile, buy the Logitech G435. It is safe for hearing and extremely light. If you want one headset for everything (Phone, PC, Travel), buy the Razer Barracuda X (2022). It offers the highest utility per rupee. If you hate charging and want immersion in single-player games, buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless. The 120-hour battery is a luxury. If you stream from a PC, buy the Logitech G733. The Blue VO!CE software is essential for broadcast quality. Frequently Asked Questions Does the Logitech G435 have a mute button? Yes. It has a physical mute button on the left ear cup. It does not have a flip-to-mute function because it lacks a boom mic. Can I use the HyperX Cloud III Wireless with my phone? Only if you use the USB-C dongle. The standard version does not have Bluetooth. The “Cloud III S” version does have Bluetooth. Is the Razer Barracuda X good for large heads? It has moderate clamping force. The HyperX Cloud III is generally considered better for larger head sizes due to its steel frame and memory foam. What is the wireless range on these headsets? The G733 has the best range at roughly 20 meters via its large LIGHTSPEED dongle. The G435 and Barracuda X average around 10-12 meters before audio cutout. Share this: Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Like this:Like Loading... 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Wireless audio has shifted hardware engineering directions. Manufacturers no longer build one-size-fits-all devices. They now target specific demographics. We analyzed four key mid-range devices: the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED, Razer Barracuda X (2022), HyperX Cloud III Wireless, and Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED. The market is split. The G435 prioritizes weight reduction for younger users. The Barracuda X acts as a hybrid for gaming and street use. The Cloud III Wireless focuses on battery endurance. The G733 targets streamers who need software audio processing. The Latency Factor Standard Bluetooth is too slow for gaming. It creates delays of 100ms to 200ms. All four headsets here use 2.4GHz RF dongles to fix this. This brings latency under 20ms. The difference lies in how they handle other devices. Some are “Pure Wireless” (G733) while others are “Hybrid” (Barracuda X). Battery Endurance Test (Hours) HyperX Cloud III Wireless dominates with 120 hours of runtime. Sound Signature Analysis We ran frequency sweeps to determine the audio character of each headset. Toggle the buttons to see the EQ curve. G435 Barracuda X Cloud III G733 Sub-Bass Bass Mids Highs Air Select a headset above to see the breakdown. Microphone Performance Labs We tested the background noise rejection and vocal clarity of each mic in a controlled environment with 60dB of ambient noise. Logitech G435 Beamforming (No Boom) Noise Rejection 3/10 Vocal Clarity 5/10 Sounds distant and captures significant keyboard clatter. HyperX Cloud III 10mm Condenser Noise Rejection 8/10 Vocal Clarity 9/10 Class-leading clarity. Internal pop-filter works exceptionally well. Razer Barracuda X Cardioid Boom Noise Rejection 6/10 Vocal Clarity 7/10 Decent for Discord. Aggressive noise gate cuts out quiet talking. Logitech G733 Blue VO!CE Noise Rejection 7/10 Vocal Clarity 8/10 Requires G HUB software tuning to sound good. Thin out of the box. Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED The Minimalist Choice Logitech removed the bulk. The G435 weighs only 165 grams. It is one of the lightest headsets in existence. This reduces neck strain for smaller heads. It uses 22% recycled plastic. The trade-off is the microphone. It lacks a boom arm. It uses beamforming mics on the ear cup. Our analysis shows this increases background noise pickup. It sounds like a speakerphone rather than a broadcast mic. ✓ Ultralight 165g build. ✓ Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support. × No 3.5mm jack backup. × Microphone picks up room noise. Razer Barracuda X (2022) The Versatile Hybrid Razer solved the “two headset” problem. The Barracuda X (2022) works for gaming and commuting. The key feature is SmartSwitch Dual Wireless. It keeps Bluetooth and 2.4GHz active simultaneously. You can take a call while gaming. The 2022 model improved battery life to 50 hours. It includes a fully dedicated Bluetooth chip. It also keeps the 3.5mm analog jack. This is a crucial failsafe. If the battery dies, you can use a wire. The “Dongle Blocking” Dilemma The shape of the USB-C receiver matters significantly for mobile and laptop users. Barracuda X Uses a wide “T-shaped” dongle. It often blocks adjacent ports on thin laptops (like MacBook Air or Dell XPS). G435 / G733 Uses a standard USB-A stick (G733) or a narrow USB-A stick (G435). Requires an adapter for phones. Cloud III Uses a modern, angled USB-C dongle. It comes with a USB-A adapter. Best design for port clearance. HyperX Cloud III Wireless The Endurance King The Cloud III Wireless is built for comfort. It uses large 53mm angled drivers. These drivers push more air and create a wider soundstage. The bass extends down to 10 Hz. The battery lasts 120 hours. This is its main selling point. However, be careful with the models. The standard Cloud III Wireless has no Bluetooth. Only the “Cloud III S” variant includes Bluetooth. The standard model is strictly for USB devices. Logitech G733 LIGHTSPEED The Streamer’s Tool The G733 is for PC users. It has no Bluetooth. It has no 3.5mm jack. It relies entirely on the USB dongle. It shines in software. It uses Blue VO!CE filters inside G HUB. You can apply noise gates and compressors to your voice. This makes the mic sound professional on stream. The front-facing RGB lights are designed for camera visibility. Build Quality Stress Test We examined the hinge mechanisms and headband flexibility to estimate long-term durability. HyperX Cloud III The Tank. Uses the classic aluminum forks. These are nearly indestructible in normal use. The headband is flexible and can twist without snapping. Razer Barracuda X The Weak Link. The rotating ear cup hinges are plastic. We have seen reports of these cracking if the headset is dropped on a hard floor. Logitech G435 The Unibody. No moving hinges to break. The ear cups slide on rails. It feels cheap and toy-like, but the simplicity actually makes it surprisingly durable against drops. Logitech G733 The Plastic Flex. The entire frame is plastic. It is very flexible but lacks a metal core. The suspension strap will lose elasticity after 1-2 years of daily use. Comfort & Isolation Analysis Materials dictate how long you can play before heat buildup occurs. Leatherette seals sound in but traps heat; Mesh breathes but leaks sound. HyperX Cloud III Leatherette High density memory foam. Excellent passive noise isolation. Ears will get warm after 2 hours. Breathability: Low Isolation: High Logitech G435 Mesh Shallow ear cups. The mesh fabric is extremely breathable but provides almost no sound isolation. Breathability: High Isolation: Low Razer Barracuda X FlowKnit A hybrid fabric that traps less heat than leather but seals better than standard mesh. Breathability: Med Isolation: Med Logitech G733 Sport Mesh Uses a suspension strap design to float the headset on your head. Very light clamping force. Breathability: High Isolation: Low-Med Software Ecosystem Hardware is only half the story. The companion app determines your ability to EQ, adjust sidetone, and update firmware. Logitech G HUB HyperX NGENUITY Razer Synapse Logitech G HUB (G733 / G435) G HUB is the most robust software of the three. Blue VO!CE: Real-time voice filters (G733 Only). Surround: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 integration. Cons: Can be resource-heavy on older PCs. HyperX NGENUITY (Cloud III) A UWP (Windows Store) app that is lightweight but barebones. DTS X: Includes a lifetime license for DTS Spatial Audio. EQ: Basic 10-band equalizer. Cons: Often fails to detect headset without firmware updates. Razer Synapse (Barracuda X) Standard Razer suite. Note: Barracuda X 2022 also has a mobile app. Mobile App: Adjust EQ and toggle “Do Not Disturb” from your phone. THX Spatial: Available as a separate purchase/addon usually. Cons: Synapse is notorious for frequent updates and pop-ups. Spatial Audio Technologies Virtual surround sound helps locate footsteps. Not all implementations are equal. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Included with G733 Excellent directional audio. Best for competitive shooters. DTS Spatial Audio Included with Cloud III Lifetime license included. Very similar performance to X 2.0. THX Spatial Audio Paid Add-on for Razer Barracuda X only supports basic 7.1. THX is a separate $20 purchase. Dolby Atmos / Tempest Universal Support All headsets support Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos (Paid), and PS5 Tempest 3D. Weight Comparison (Grams) Lighter is better for long sessions. Heavier usually means bigger batteries or metal build. Driver Size (mm) Larger drivers often provide better bass response and soundstage. Cloud III 53mm Barracuda X 40mm G733 40mm G435 40mm Interactive Buying Guide Follow the path to find your ideal headset. Technical Specifications Feature Logitech G435 Razer Barracuda X (2022) HyperX Cloud III Logitech G733 Connection 2.4GHz + BT 2.4GHz + BT (Simultaneous) 2.4GHz Only (Standard) 2.4GHz Only Battery Life ~18 Hours ~50 Hours ~120 Hours ~29 Hours Weight 165g 250g ~330g 278g Mic Type Integrated Beamforming Detachable Boom Detachable 10mm Boom Detachable Boom Wired Option None 3.5mm Jack USB Wired None Platform Compatibility Matrix Wireless protocols vary wildly between consoles. Green indicates native wireless support out of the box. Platform G435 Barracuda X Cloud III G733 PC (Windows) ● Wireless ● Wireless ● Wireless ● Wireless PlayStation 5 ● USB ● USB-C ● USB-C ● USB Nintendo Switch ● BT / USB ● USB-C ● USB-C ● Docked Only Xbox Series X|S × No ○ Wired (3.5mm) × No × No Mobile (Android/iOS) ● Bluetooth ● BT / USB-C ○ USB-C Only × No *Xbox support usually requires specific “Designed for Xbox” variants which differ from the models reviewed here. India Pricing & Value Pricing fluctuates based on import batches. The G435 is the budget leader. The Barracuda X occupies the middle ground. The Cloud III commands a premium for its build and battery. Budget Tier Logitech G435 Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Value Tier Razer Barracuda X Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Prosumer Tier Logitech G733 Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Endurance Tier HyperX Cloud III Check Latest Price Check on Amazon Final Verdict Choose based on your environment. If you are a student on a budget who plays on mobile, buy the Logitech G435. It is safe for hearing and extremely light. If you want one headset for everything (Phone, PC, Travel), buy the Razer Barracuda X (2022). It offers the highest utility per rupee. If you hate charging and want immersion in single-player games, buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless. The 120-hour battery is a luxury. If you stream from a PC, buy the Logitech G733. The Blue VO!CE software is essential for broadcast quality.
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