Short answer: the HyperX Cloud III. It ranks #170 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $57.99. The AKG K240 Studio ranks #274, rated 3.4/5, at $52.95, $5.04 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The HyperX Cloud III is the better-sounding option. A low priced closed back gaming headset with a built in microphone that still scores 77 on the preference scale in squig.link hobbyist measurements. Watch for: The 3 to 6 kHz presence range sits about 3 dB below target, which softens footsteps, vocal edges and detail cues.
What the AKG K240 Studio does well: A preference score of 68 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it in the middle of the pack, with a fairly even tilt and bass within about 1.4 dB of target from 60 to 200 Hz. The tradeoff: Sub-bass from 20 to 60 Hz sits about 13.7 dB below target, so kick drums and synth bass lack rumble and weight.
Buy the HyperX Cloud III. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $5.04 saving on the AKG K240 Studio is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A low priced closed back gaming headset with a built in microphone that still scores 77 on the preference scale in squig.link hobbyist measurements.
Amazon $57.99 eBay
A preference score of 68 in oratory1990’s measurement puts it in the middle of the pack, with a fairly even tilt and bass within about 1.4 dB of target from 60 to 200 Hz.
Amazon $52.95 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| HyperX Cloud III | AKG K240 Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $57.99 | $52.95 |
| Ranked | #170 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #274 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 77 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 68 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.16 dB standard deviation | 3.33 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.55 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 84 Hz (-17.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Semi-open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x 30mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 64 ohms | 55 ohms |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (308 g) | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 15Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 104 dB SPL/V |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for HyperX Cloud III: