EPOS H3Pro Hybrid Review – Low Latency Gaming Headset with ANC

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I reviewed the EPOS H3 hybrid gaming headset in 2021, and now I finally managed to get my hands on the EPOS H3Pro.

This takes the H3 Hybrid’s winning formula and improves it with low-latency wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation.

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feature

• Latency-free wireless networking with low-latency dongles
• Enhanced Noise Cancellation with ANC
• EPOS Engineering Audio​
• Audio mixing between wired connection and Bluetooth®
• Dual microphones with detachable boom
• Intuitive built-in volume control
• Lightweight adjustable fit
• Long battery life​
• Multi-Platform Compatibility

EPOS H3PRO Hybrid vs H3 Hybrid vs H3

Basically, the difference between these three products is connectivity (and ANC):

• H3 – Simulation
• H3 Hybrid – Digital wired with Bluetooth and audio mixing
• H3PRO Hybrid – Wireless Headphones, Low Latency Wireless PC and PS5 Gaming with Bluetooth, ANC, Smart Buttons and more.

The driver of the H3 headphones is the same as the DAC.

Design and Comfort

The overall design and comfort of the earphones are about the same as the H3 Hybrid. I received the new racing green colorway with copper accents. I prefer the color scheme to the usually boring black or white options, which I think makes the headphones look more premium.

Aside from the new color scheme, the only real difference is the ANC switch on the right earcup.

The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the thick, soft earcups, but like most headphones, they can heat your ears.

EPOS Game Kit

If you install the EPOS Gaming Kit, you’ll get the most out of the H3Pro. One annoying quirk is that the software is slow to recognize the headphones when connected wirelessly. It takes about 20 seconds for it to recognize that the H3Pro is connected and I can adjust the settings.

All settings are the same as the H3 Hybrid, including 7.1 audio. A new addition is the ability to control the ANC level.

If gaming on PC, I would personally say spatial audio or Dolby Atmos for headphones is better.

sound quality

Sound quality is nearly identical to other H3 models, but ANC does make a difference. With ANC enabled, the soundstage is lowered, the bass feels more pronounced, and the treble is slightly recessed. Active noise cancellation altering the sound profile of headphones is an unavoidable thing about headphones.

For PC gaming, you also have the option to customize the EQ to your liking through the Gaming Kit.

Wireless connection and dual connection

EPOS has two wireless connection methods, Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless dongle. I thought the dongle might just be an aptX low-latency adapter like the GTW 270 Hybrid, but it’s actually a 2.4 GHz wireless.

The dongle is compatible with PC, PS5/PS4 and Nintendo Switch. The dongle is automatically paired with the headset, so just plug it into the PC and it will automatically connect to the headset when powered on.

The 2.4 GHz was as good as you’d expect, with the connection remaining stable with no perceptible lag. As long as you’re in the same room as the device you’re using, range shouldn’t be an issue.

Just like the H3 Hybrid, you have a dual-connection option, but this time you can activate a 2.4Ghz wireless connection with your PC/PS5, then a Bluetooth connection with your phone to use Discord and other apps.

One negative I found is that the bluetooth connection is limited to SBC. It would be nice to have aptX Adaptive or something similar.

Noise reduction

Noise cancellation is good, but it’s still a long way from being top-notch. Playing my standard cabin noise and max volume through my PC speakers, the headphones cut out a ton of noise and still get through. Usually I find that the headphones are good at blocking out all the low end and leaving plenty of high end, but these still get through some low end rumble.

Subjectively I’d say they offer about 70% of the performance of my Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which is not bad. They’re a £300 pair of headphones that lack all the other features of the H3Pro.

For me, I’m not sure about the importance of ANC on a gaming headset, I mostly use ANC when I’m outdoors or commuting, not when I’m wearing a gaming headset. However, the detachable microphone means they convert well into a pair of commuter headphones.

Battery Life

Battery life won’t give you too many problems. The only problem is that even with the 3.5mm connected and ANC turned off, these will drain some battery and let you play for 29 hours.

With the dongle and ANC turned off, you get 30 hours.

ANC saves a lot of time, down to 19 hours when using the dongle.

At worst, I found that I could use a long USB cable to charge the headphones and still use them on a wireless connection. Or you can connect USB directly to your PC and switch to wired gaming.

Price and Alternatives

this EPOS H3PRO £239making it one of the most expensive options on the market, few options have this exact feature set.

I think the JBL Quantum 800 is the closest, with 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth and ANC. With an MSRP of £180, they are cheaper but have some middling reviews.

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT are well-received premium headphones with a wide range of connectivity options but lacks ANC

Both the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 and Razer Opus X are very affordable and have ANC, but the wireless connection is only via Bluetooth.

overall

The EPOS H3PRO is the most expensive headset EPOS offers, usually on the pricier side of gaming headsets.

However, few other gaming headsets can match the H3PRO’s feature set. If low-latency wireless gaming and active noise cancellation are important to you, this is the best option for you.

Last updated on 2022-04-26 / Affiliate Links / Image from Amazon Product Advertising API