Two-minute evaluate
The EPOS H3 are barely dearer than similarly-specced gaming headsets, however they ship on three core areas that make them a compelling buy: they’re extremely snug to put on, geared up with a superb microphone and ship a pleasingly wealthy and detailed sound signature that’s excellent for spatial audio.
There are a couple of design quirks that we don’t like, nonetheless. The non-detachable microphone prevents these headphones from being something however an “in-home” pair, and the flush quantity dial isn’t probably the most intuitive methodology we’ve ever used. The low-end frequencies is likely to be a contact too gentle for some, too.
The competitors from wi-fi headphones additionally signifies that wired headphones aren’t as a lot of a no brainer as they have been earlier than. Nonetheless, the flexibility provided by with the ability to connect with something with a 3.5mm headphone jack – Nintendo Swap, PS5, Xbox Sequence X and extra – is actually welcome.
The EPOS H3 are a effective pair of headphones, then, and one more prime contender for avid gamers to mull over in a market that has improved considerably in high quality and choice in recent times.
EPOS H3 worth and launch date
The EPOS H3 value $119 / £109 / AU$179 and was launched on April 20, 2021. It sits simply above the candy spot of being beneath $100, however it’s an awesome all-rounder for many who need a gaming headset that additionally excels in different areas.
Sadly for the EPOS H3, competitors is fierce at this worth level with extra wi-fi headsets providing nice sound high quality and fascinating options, reminiscent of Bluetooth connectivity with two units. The Xbox Wi-fi Headset continues to be our decide for Xbox Sequence X and Xbox Sequence S house owners, however the EPOS H3 has the benefit of engaged on each platform.
Design
An evolution of the GSP 300 collection, the EPOS H3 sports activities an all-black design (a white variant can be out there) and is fabricated from premium supplies that give it a sturdy really feel and cozy match. The earcups initially appeared somewhat small once we first unboxed the headset, however as soon as they have been on, they match snugly round our somewhat massive ears with none ache or stress being utilized. We additionally discovered that the highest headband didn’t trigger any discomfort, even after sporting them for hours when grinding by means of Outriders.
It’s simple to get an excellent match with the EPOS H3 headset, too. The chrome steel slider within the headband has a satisfying click on everytime you alter it to a brand new notch, and the earcups have a dual-axis hinge that helps create an excellent seal over your ears irrespective of your head or face form. We significantly loved the leatherette and softer materials discovered on the earcups, that are created from good and responsive reminiscence foam. These options make the EPOS H3 one of many comfiest gaming headphones we’ve worn for fairly a while, and we had no qualms about being a bit tough with them as a result of headphone’s strong development.
A big microphone sits on the left-hand aspect of the EPOS H3 headset, and there’s a quantity dial on the surface of the proper earcup. The amount dial is flush with the housing, which implies you’ll want to make use of your index and center fingers to show it correctly. It’s simple sufficient to regulate, however it’s exhausting to seek out precisely the proper degree as a result of design. We additionally seen that when the quantity wheel is turned all the best way down, the sound nonetheless comes by means of, which is odd and fairly annoying for those who simply need full silence.
Audio efficiency
So the EPOS H3 are pretty to put on, however how do they sound? In a phrase: clear. That may sound like a boring description, however audiophiles will know that headphones that ship a “flat” sound current the supply materials because it’s meant, which is what we wish. The issue is, relating to gaming specifically, having a flat sound will be counterintuitive.
The EPOS H3 have been designed with a customized speaker system that takes full benefit of sound design in video games that depends on delivering a difficult mixture of low frequencies for explosions and spectacular set items, however with out masking the midrange and better frequencies that give life to the digital world’s we like to get misplaced in. The top result’s a sound signature that actually hones in on each element, however fortunately packs sufficient of a punch that makes you sit again and smile when the on-screen motion will get significantly hectic.
We have been noticeably impressed by the best way the EPOS H3 dealt with spatial audio, which at all times advantages from headphones that don’t muddy the upper frequencies with an excessive amount of bass. When enjoying Grime 5, which has native Dolby Atmos assist, we have been genuinely shocked when the exhaust backfired throughout a gear change, because it sounded as if it actually occurred behind us. We have been additionally regularly reminded about finer audio particulars that we regularly forgot about in a few of our favourite video games, like listening to the convincing sound of rainfall in Forza Motorsport 7 or the creak of wood boards in Sea of Thieves because the waves crash towards the hull.
With an impedance of solely 20 Ohms, the EPOS H3 headset can be simple to drive, which implies you must have loads of quantity to work with. We did discover that the quantity dial, which we weren’t the most important followers of, solely actually had a tangible impact in the direction of the highest finish, so it may be a bit fiddly to seek out the proper quantity degree you need.
Microphone high quality and compatibility
One other space the place the EPOS H3 excels is communication. The headset’s bi-directional microphone works admirably, and we have been instructed we constantly sounded clear when in a celebration chat, with background noise not often interfering.
The microphone is easy to make use of, too: merely pull it right down to activate, which is made clear because of a delicate click on, and flip it again as much as mute. There’s a slight flex to the increase arm, however we discovered that in contrast to some microphones we didn’t must waste any time attempting to find out the very best place for our voice to be heard clearly.
Regardless of the superb efficiency, we do want the microphone was barely extra discrete, although. It dominates the profile of what’s a somewhat smooth and fetching pair of headphones and places us off from ever sporting these cans outdoors. We’d like to see if EPOS can enhance the design in future fashions however maintain the standard we’ve come to count on.
The benefits of being a wired headset means the EPOS H3 works on mainly something with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The 2-meter-long braided cable is the best size if you’re plugged into the PS5 DualSense or Xbox Sequence X controller, and also you additionally get a splitter cable for PC.
Ought to I purchase the EPOS H3?
Purchase it if…
You need one thing that’s versatile
The EPOS H3 headset works on any gadget with a 3.5mm headphone jack, however crucially, they sound nice it doesn’t matter what you’re utilizing them for. Whether or not it’s hardcore gaming, listening to music or watching your favourite movies, we have been impressed by how the EPOS H3 dealt with each sort of media.
You don’t wish to compromise on consolation
We discovered the EPOS H3 headset to be some of the snug pairs of headphones we’ve worn in fairly a while. They’re gentle, have a slight little bit of flexibility on the earcups, and don’t clamp onto your head too firmly. The headscarf additionally by no means felt prefer it was digging in or placing stress on the highest of our head, even after hours of use.
You want a dependable microphone
The EPOS H3 might have a non-detachable microphone, however it works exceptionally nicely. You received’t be misheard if you’re speaking together with your workforce whereas sporting this headset, irrespective of how heated issues get.
Don’t purchase it if…
Bass is your precedence
Although the EPOS H3 delivers a adequate quantity of low-end thump, we do want there was a contact extra bass. Nonetheless, this might threat muddying the remainder of the sound, which we wouldn’t be ready to surrender.
You’re uninterested in wires
For those who’re able to ditch the wires for good, then EPOS H3 isn’t for you. Although having a wired headset avoids any connection points, audio lag and allows you to apply it to all kinds of units, the very fact there’s an ever current cable will be annoying at occasions.
You need one thing you’ll be able to put on outdoors
Whereas the EPOS H3 is a handsome pair of headphones, the non-detachable microphone is a little bit of an eyesore. It additionally makes the opportunity of sporting these cans outdoors of the house a no-go, except you don’t thoughts the odd confused look from passers-by.