EPOS H3 Gaming Headset Review – It Sets A New Standard - Android

First, let me start by saying that I really love the H3 gaming headset from EPOS. Which I think is a pretty glowing statement considering I am not really fond of wired gaming headsets. Being tethered to your PC or console, the cable brushing up against your arm constantly. It’s all just, a little less [...]

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The post EPOS H3 Gaming Headset Review – It Sets A New Standard appeared first on Android Headlines.

First, let me start by saying that I really love the H3 gaming headset from EPOS. Which I think is a pretty glowing statement considering I am not really fond of wired gaming headsets. Being tethered to your PC or console, the cable brushing up against your arm constantly. It’s all just, a little less enjoyable.

But none of that crossed my mind too much when using the H3. That is, for the most part, probably because I used this with the PS5. My biggest complaint with wired headsets in the past has been the cable brushing up against my arm while I play. It ends up irritating my skin just enough to make it itch. And that would be a constant feeling. But that would happen because the cable was plugged into my PC, which was to my side.

With the H3 headset, the cable plugs into the DualSense controller. So it never really had the opportunity to brush up against my skin with the controller in my hands. This might be a strange complaint about a wired gaming headset, I know. But it’s one that for me personally, contributes to the comfort, or lack there of, in most cases. So it’s a valid one. And thankfully, I never had that issue here.

Putting the cable aside, the H3 has many other traits that make it a worthwhile headset for gaming.

The EPOS H3 focuses on two main things: Great audio & value

There are two things that the EPOS H3 really excels at. The sound quality, and the value offered by the headset. First let’s talk about the audio. EPOS essentially comes from Sennheiser, who has been an audio leader for decades.

I’ve used multiple EPOS gaming headsets over the past year and a half. And the audio is always on point. That doesn’t change here. The H3 delivers excellent audio quality with just enough bass so things are enhanced but not distorted. Though I will admit that my first time using it, I wasn’t impressed.

This isn’t because the audio isn’t good, however I did perceive that to be the case. Rather, it was because the detachable cable requires the strength of Thor to plug into the headset. So naturally, being my first time using it I was unaware of this and didn’t plug the cable in all the way.

Audio was muffled and it was almost as if there was a sound vacuum. Luckily the headset wasn’t broken. And after I figured out the cable just needed another little push, it sounded amazing. And was what I expected of something from EPOS.

Incredible value for a gaming headset

The second really big focus of this headset is value. It retails for $119. So it’s not the least expensive you can buy. But it’s nowhere near the most expensive either. And it’s a whole lot less than my favorite gaming headset, the GSP 670.

EPOS managed to cram really good audio into an affordable headset option and make it easy to keep the headset for a very long time. The ear cups are replaceable should they ever end up with too much wear and tear. And because the cable is detachable, it can easily be replaced as well.

It will probably be a while before you reach that point though. The cable is braided and a lot more durable than you might think. Add to those two things a lift-to-mute boom microphone and a revamped headband from the GSP 300 series, and you have a very well-rounded gaming headset to add to your setup for a reasonable price.

The volume dial needs improvement

There’s nothing I really dislike about the H3. But it could still use a couple of improvements. One of those is the volume dial. Though it does carry the same general design as some of EPOS’ older headsets, it’s been downgraded a little.

On something like the GSP 670, you can actually grip the dial with your fingers for adjusting the volume. On the H3 the dial has the same physical design but the part you can grip doesn’t turn at all. Instead the volume dial is the wheel on the inside of that part and has to be turned with your fingertip.

This is easy enough to do but it’s not quite as simple as EPOS’ previous design. And I feel like it takes away some of the precision you got with the other headsets when choosing your volume levels.

While it doesn’t worsen the headset overall, it’s definitely an inferior design to what EPOS has offered before. Though if you’ve never used any other EPOS headsets you’d probably never know that.

No worries about latency

Since this is wired you don’t have to worry about charging it. But there’s another thing you don’t have to worry about because of its wired nature, and that’s latency.

In wireless headsets even if the latency is so small that it’s nigh unrecognizable, it’s still there. And it may crop up from time to time. This does happen for me with the GSP 670 every once in a while, even with the 2.4GHz USB dongle that wirelessly connects the headset to the audio source.

The EPOS H3 though plugs directly into your audio source so you can toss any worries about latency out the window. I tested the headset with a range of different games on the PS5 and PC and never once experienced it. Even during online gaming where it would pop up for me more often.

And thanks to a lack of latency you can focus more on the game rather than audio cutouts or delayed noises.

Lighter than air for super comfortable, long gaming sessions

Next to sound, another really important factor in a gaming headset, or any headset really, is comfort. The H3 offers has that in spades. I briefly mentioned it before, but the headband on the H3 is basically a revamp of what’s offered on the GSP 300 series.

EPOS says it’s the evolution of that headband, which means the company will probably use this style on future headsets too. It puts less pressure on the head so it doesn’t feel too snug. And although you won’t find premium materials like lambskin, the headband is made of a soft, durable material that won’t immediately break down.

The ear cups are made with the same material around the edges, but they use a pillowy soft micro suede-style fabric on the part that makes contact with your ears and your head. And without all that extra technology inside, it comes together as super lightweight design that I was able to wear for hours without feeling any discomfort.

If you ever play games for hours on end, you want a gaming headset that won’t feel heavy and irritating after a couple hours. You’ll definitely get that with the H3.

Is this thing on?

Out of all the different gaming headsets I’ve been using for the past year, none have had a mic that sounded as good as the GSP 670. That is until now. Truthfully the GSP 670 might still be slightly better as it is more advanced. The H3 offers the same microphone technology though so it’s the closest I’ve come to finding a headset that where my voice comes through almost as clearly.

This is made all the better by the same lift-to-mute boom arm. So I can seamlessly go from talking to being silent. While not everyone is going to need a mic for voice chat, having a good one is important if you do need it. You want your teammates to hear you.

Should I buy the EPOS H3?

At the very least, it should be in your list of considerations, if you’re looking to buy. And as long as you’re not entirely set on something that’s wireless.

For the money, the EPOS H3 provides a very good value thanks to the durable build and excellent sound. It’s comfortable, you can replace the parts that may wear down, and it won’t cost an arm and a leg. Not to mention it’s multi-platform and works with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Basically anything with a 3.5mm audio port.

If you want advanced acoustic features, wireless connectivity, and companion software to boost and tune the sound further, this isn’t the headset for you. But if you just want something that’s good quality, this serves that purpose.

EPOS H3 Gaming Headset

The post EPOS H3 Gaming Headset Review – It Sets A New Standard appeared first on Android Headlines.