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VPNs for ad-blocking Unfortunately for the Epos H3Pro Hybrid, that list of contenders that have fallen short now has a new entry. Still, the Epos H3Pro Hybrid has value in its versatility, including the option to easily ditch the microphone and use the headset as headphones, even if they still look like a gaming headset without the mic. Admittedly, the inclusion of active noise-cancelling switch does add versatile appeal for non-gaming applications. But after multiple extended-use sessions, the Epos H3Pro Hybrid became painfully uncomfortable, particularly on my right ear for some reason. A quick adjustment mostly reset the comfort but it was still a literal pain to consistently deal with. Speaking of comfort, be careful with starting out on higher volume as these cans get loud, even if there isn’t a physical volume button for main/chat audio balance. I’ve lamented excessive volume-limiting in the past, so consider that a big tick for the Epos H3Pro Hybrid, even if it comes with some provisos of its own. For starters, while there’s a rich soundscape in terms of highs and middles, the lows pack the kind of punch I’m used to. It means the bass is comparatively weaker when alternating between multiple headsets in explosives-rich shooters, bass-heavy music or blockbuster movie trailers. It doesn’t help that I had multiple instances where the sound sporadically dropped out, sometimes for a second and once permanently (I had to power cycle the headset to get it back). The other volume detractor is, though the right-earcup volume dial is low-profile and easy to find every time, it feels plasticky and flimsy for a headset of this price point. You’ll get fuller sound out of the Epos H3Pro Hybrid in 2.0 mode compared to 7.1 surround when shifting between the music, esports, movie and flat (best avoided) presets. For the record, these headset tests were performed with the latest available firmware installed, which took multiple attempts to even install via the unhelpful Epos Gaming Suite software (more on that later). Speaking of, that has to be one of the least favourite software companions I’ve used in a long time. Unhelpfully, even on a full charge, the Epos H3Pro Hybrid will claim it has more than 80% available, which is technically true but also not as heartening to hear 100% battery, which is more in line with what you get from other active noise-cancelling headphones, like the terribly named but admittedly incredible Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. You’d think the Epos Gaming Suite software would offer some guidance on battery life, and it does albeit in a squint-to-see-it kind of way. There aren’t any percentages on offer, and you’re forced to peer at a thin blue battery line against a blue background. My eyes! Admittedly, the 30-hours of battery life rings true for low-latency PC use, but the lack of transparency on actual battery levels had me reaching for the USB-C charging cable just in case. As for the rest of the Epos Gaming Suite, there’s not a lot going on here. The headphones tab has those aforementioned four presets, plus you can add your own, as well as the option to flick between 2.0 or 7.1 soundscapes. I wish there was a physical button for this as I regularly forgot to switch to 7.1 for gaming and/or back to 2.0 for everyday audio playback. The microphone tab has more options, but I was still unable to find a setting that made the microphone sound anything beyond the kind of average fare you accept as part and parcel of a gaming headset. While the Epos H3Pro Hybrid does a good job of passive noise cancelling, it also has active noise cancelling, which is activated via a simple switch on the right earcup. The thing is, I play my music and games loud enough that passive noise cancelling effectively limits outside noises, and the active noise cancelling felt more subtle than profound in my day-to-day tests. While it’s a nice add-on, it doesn’t compete with the kind of noise cancelling you might expect from Bose or Sony. Everyday testing includes video calls and music playback, and we favour headsets that are more than single-function devices. In fact, the headsets that tend to score the highest are those that marry big sound (including oomph-tastic bass) with all-day comfort. Wired and wireless gaming headsets are generally more closely compared in their respective connectivity categories, except where there’s crossover for things like comfort and sound performance. Then we take a look at the nice-to-haves. Companion software isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker if it’s average, but it can help elevate the usefulness of a headset. We also appreciate easy-to-reach physical controls for the main functions on a headset.
