EPOS H3 Hybrid Review: Is it worth buying?

EPOS H3 HYBRID REVIEW.

EPOS is dorsum again with a new gaming headset and, overall, information technology's been a treat to utilize. With a solid combination of features, the EPOS H3 Hybrid has many tricks up its sleeve that help information technology to stand out from the oversupply. Chief among these features is the ability to simultaneously utilize a wired USB connection for high-quality PC and console audio, while also using Bluetooth v.ii to connect to a telephone. It'due south what puts the "Hybrid" in the proper noun and I've constitute it to be a existent game-changer when it comes to cantankerous-play gaming with friends. Of course, there are other features that make this headset great, also as one spec that lets information technology down a bit. This is the GameRevolution EPOS H3 Hybrid Review.

Impressing from the get-become

EPOS H3 Hybrid Review

As seen with the EPOS B20 microphone that I reviewed recently, this visitor knows there is value in making a good first impression during the unboxing experience. It's a sleek and secure home for the headset, which is kept in place by soft foam. Instructions, the USB-C and "console" three.5 mm cables, and an optional lilliputian disk to encompass the mic port when removed are all found in a little box. It's all very minimal, tidy, and makes a keen impression.

Setting up the EPOS H3 Hybrid is super uncomplicated, especially if you're not into virtual environs sound. The USB-C cable plugs correct into a PC or panel and it just starts working. Using the "Smart Button's" default function of activating the Bluetooth connection then allows the user to pair with a phone or other Bluetooth device. For my first testing phase, I booted up Deathloop on my PS5 and then channeled through a podcast to listen to as I grinded through some upgrades. The add-on of simultaneous Bluetooth makes it possible to talk in Discord or on the phone, all while hearing the game sound. This will come in clutch for games that have subpar in-game chat systems like Call of Duty: Black Ops Common cold War, which can totally ruin a cross-play session.

Optimal audio

EPOS H3 Hybrid Review

Sound quality is top-tier as expected from an EPOS wired headset. Though airtight back and therefore great at isolating noise, the headset has a wide-enough soundstage for competitive play in games similar Call of Duty: Warzone. The 5-shape frequency curve is common for a gaming headset and the EPOS H3 Hybrid delivers tight bass and crisp highs at an impressively high book. I'm very sensitive to overbearing bass and harsh treble, which is a common upshot for closed back designs, just the H3 Hybrid is tuned superbly well. I can't fault the audio quality.

The fantastic audio quality extends to the master microphone. It kicks out a tremendous sound that stands high above most of the other gaming headsets out there. It'south good enough for entry-level livestreaming, even, and won't offend the listener. The lift to mute part is also very welcome and works well. What'southward more than, the primary mic is removable. A petty disk is included in the box to cover the mic port, making for a very clean headphone look. When the primary mic is removed, the secondary kicks in. Yep, there's an boosted mic for those moments where the boom mic is either forgotten or left behind! This maintains that hybrid functionality at all times.

Hybrid quirks

EPOS H3 Hybrid Review

It can take a little time to get used to the H3 Hybrid's multiple functions. There'due south USB for the optimal sound quality from PC and panel. This can then be combined with Bluetooth for supplementary sound. However, there'southward as well the ability to apply the "panel cable" for a wired connection to a PlayStation or Xbox controller. In this way, and also when Bluetooth is enabled, the headset relies on an internal battery. That means the H3 Hybrid does demand charging upwards. Thankfully, the charging time is quick and battery life is long, and users will probable charge the headset without consciously having to recall about information technology as it volition often be plugged in, but it's a quirk that's worth noting.

For my long hours of testing, comfort was never an result. While feeling premium, the H3 Hybrid is relatively lightweight. The earcups experience dandy, though their material may suffer over years of use. Happily, they are easily replaceable. The headband has a good level of padding and is forced to sit in a particular position on the head. This is a footling more forward than I commonly wear my headphones, simply it helps avert a common hurting point for many users. The subtle but nowadays clamping strength keeps the headset in place. The adjustable headband has numbered measurements which makes information technology piece of cake to set the headset dorsum into the correct position. I know to set up mine to "05" later someone has borrowed them.

Turn it up

The only downside of the build is the volume wheel, which is a downgrade over the Sennheiser headsets I've owned. It's a shame that this is a stride backward. I'd similar to encounter a picayune dimple that's easy to become a finger on, as fighting with the volume wheel isn't a good experience.

At the fourth dimension of writing, the volume wheel is too inconsistent in utilize. All the same, EPOS is working to double the amount of volume steps "for an fifty-fifty smoother and improve audio experience," so that should hopefully brand it better. This firmware update will exist installed via the EPOS Gaming Suite, which tin also be used for Smart Push button customization and EPOS' ain vii.one virtual surroundings sound solution. (EPOS' VSS is only available through this PC software and so console users won't be able to utilise it.)

EPOS H3 Hybrid Review: The final verdict

EPOS H3 Hybrid Review

The EPOS H3 Hybrid headset has been an accented joy to apply and is a triple threat in design. The sound quality for gaming and music is exactly the manner I like it and this is paired with a acme-tier boom mic. The additional Bluetooth connectivity is a game-changer for those of usa with friends on different platforms, equally it allows for easy Discord integration. I truly believe that a Bluetooth connection is the next phase in gaming headset development and I'yard happy to see EPOS join the fight here. Bluetooth comes in seriously clutch by giving console players the flexibility and freedom to use tertiary-party VOIP solutions as a mode of escaping poor in-game and console chat.

This is one of the most comfy headsets I own, too, without being overly bulky or "gamery" in style. I also beloved the modularity on display here, with the boom mic, earcups, and cables all being detachable and, therefore, repairable and replaceable. It's a combination that should make the EPOS H3 Hybrid a huge success.

At $179, however, this headset is targeting higher-end competition that it'due south going to take trouble beating. While the original H3 headset was already a piddling premium in price at launch, the H3 Hybrid is even cheekier in its asking cost. Don't go me wrong, in that location is a hell of a lot to like hither, but that toll needs to drop a little.

For those who can stomach the cost tag — or for those who wait for a decent discount — I know the EPOS H3 Hybrid will make a lot of gamers happy.

Rating: 8/10

EPOS H3 Hybrid review unit was provided past EPOS.