Epos H3 Hybrid Review: convincing, but leaves many doubts

8/10

Editor's rating

Where to buy at the best price ?

£ 49.99 on Amazon

GOOD POINTS

Manufacturing quality
High comfort
Extensive compatibility
Simple and efficient ergonomics
Mixing of sources

NEGATIVE POINTS

Equalization can be improved
Dedicated equalizer only on PC via USB
No passive mode
Saturation when voice volume increases

Summary

Design

The H3 Hybryd is almost identical to the wired H3. It is a well designed headset with quality materials, with a slight difference in the band and the microphone.

The headband is covered with two materials (leatherette on the bottom and mesh fabric for the rest), whereas the H3 was only made of synthetic leather. The microphone, on the other hand, is now removable, which improves its practicality.

However, we found the ear pads (velour and faux leather) to be identical to the wired version, but with better breathability.

These headsets adapt to all morphologies thanks to the flexibility of the headband, the presence of articulated arms for the auricles and enough space for the ears.

The actual controls are rather limited, but sufficient for a gamer model with a power button, a button to pair the headset with the PC or console and the classic wheel to adjust the volume. The microphone has a switch that cuts it off when folded along the length of the headset.

Performance

In terms of audio, unlike the wired model, which generally works quite well, there is a slight lack of balance between the frequencies (high and medium), especially at high volume.

The result is a lack of sharpness/smoothness (due to the receding bass) which makes it not very suitable for listening to music. This does not create problems for gaming, but the immersion is less pronounced.

Luckily, whether on a PC or smartphone, it is possible to influence the equalisation by reversing the trend to achieve a convincing result, even if the brand’s software can only be used via USB on a PC. But on a console… you’ll have to deal with it.

In contrast to the classic H3, this model features 7.1 surround. After a little fine-tuning, we can tell you that its performance is more than convincing.

In Surround 7.1, the results are improved with even more precise positioning for the benefit of immersion (for racing or FPS games, for example). In fact, it is possible to locate enemies by ear and therefore anticipate their movements.

The performance of the microphones is quite good.

The main microphone restores the voice correctly despite a slight lack of bass and treble. Fortunately, the latter can be remedied after running it through the brand’s software (Epos Gaming Suite).

Main microphone performance:

It manages to filter out background noise in quiet environments, but does not achieve the same result in noisy conditions. It also shows a certain sensitivity as soon as the volume of the voice increases, with a sound that tends to become saturated.

The secondary microphone managed to surprise us. In fact, we didn’t expect much from the latter, but in our tests it achieved quite convincing results. In addition, it can be used for making calls.

Secondary microphone performance:

Noise filtration is also good, but not in very noisy environments.

Compatibility

Compatibility is one of the aspects where the H3 Hybryd shines. It combines wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) with USB and auxiliary. So, in theory, it offers universal compatibility and incorporates a very practical feature: signal mixing.

This system allows you, for example, to connect the H3 Hybrid to your PC via USB while it is paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This will allow you to make calls via your smartphone while enjoying your gaming sessions, for example.

However, we did not like the fact that, even with a cable, it still uses its battery. So you can forget about passive use. It’s a pity, because even if it has a battery life of about 30 hours on Bluetooth (20 on jack, 15 on Bluetooth/jack mix), it’s always a good idea to have a backup solution.

The brand’s software is only compatible with Windows PCs via USB, which prevents access to equalisation on any other device. Nevertheless, it is still a practical solution for controlling the microphone equaliser and audio.

Conclusion

8/10

In summary, the results of the H3 Hybrid are rather mixed. While it is practical thanks to its extensive connectivity and comfortable with its neat features, it fails to convince in audio where a passage through the equalizer is necessary, when it is possible.

We therefore recommend opting for the classic H3 instead if you don’t need wireless connectivity as its price/performance ratio is much more interesting, especially on a console.