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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize gaming and don't mind a wired connection, the HyperX Cloud II headphones offer exceptional mic quality and are more suitable for immersive gaming experiences at a lower price. They're noted for comfort and build quality but aren't ideal for exercise due to their size and lack of sweatproof features. In contrast, the JBL Live Buds 3 are a premium, truly wireless option with smart features like touch control on the Smart Charging Case and active noise cancelling for undisturbed listening, making them great for travel and exercise, although they may not excel for gaming or long calls. Both have very good overall sound quality, yet the JBL Live Buds 3 offer the convenience of wireless use and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the HyperX Cloud II
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Live Buds 3
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.6
5.4
The HyperX Cloud II is very good for gaming, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.5
5.2
The HyperX Cloud II is good for phone calls, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
5.9
The HyperX Cloud II is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The HyperX Cloud II is good for TV and video, while the JBL Live Buds 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
8.3
The JBL Live Buds 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the HyperX Cloud II is only fair.
Battery
N/A
10.0 Hours
The HyperX Cloud II does not have a battery. The JBL Live Buds 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Cost
$64
$216
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The HyperX Cloud II has a price of $64 and the JBL Live Buds 3 costs $216.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The HyperX Cloud II has best in class build quality, while the JBL Live Buds 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.8
The JBL Live Buds 3 and HyperX Cloud II are both good for music.
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How the HyperX Cloud II and the JBL Live Buds 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HyperX Cloud II | JBL Live Buds 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$64 | $216 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HyperX | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2015 | June 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 10 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 317.5 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
HyperX Cloud II
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Rhys McIntyre | December 2022
"My overall impression of the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset is overwhelmingly positive. In my opinion, this is one of the best mid-priced gaming headsets currently on the market.Solid sound quality, superior comfort, and a sleek, lightweight design – this headset delivers all of the important aspects that a gaming headset should."
Get a great deal on the HyperX Cloud II or the JBL Live Buds 3
About HyperX
Starting originally as a high-performance and gaming line of memory modules within Kingston and later acquired by HP, HyperX is a dedicated esports and gaming division focused on developing peripherals, microphones and headsets. Providing budget-friendly, comfortable and highly functional products, HyperX has become the go-to for many gamers around the world, resulting in sales of over 20 million headsets throughout the years.
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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