EPOS H3Pro Hybrid Gaming Headset - PC Headphones with Microphone - Noise-Cancellation, Adjustable, Smart Button Audio Mixing, Bluetooth, Gaming Suite, Surround Sound - Racing Green

Even though I paid for a *new* product, I received the headset in used condition. The manual was folded against the creases, nothing was wrapped in plastic, and there were several accessories un-banded. Regardless, I was anxious to see if the headset would work so I plugged in the USB dongle and started setting it up in Windows 11 Pro.I immediately ran into issues connecting to the EPOS Gaming Suite software, but I expected as much, based on the reviews. Plus, I own an older Sennheiser Game One headset with driver issues (Sennheiser and EPOS gaming headsets used to be the same brand).The driver issues with this headset are pretty much the same as my older headset. You can get audio to come through fine with plug and play (legacy drivers) but if you want to connect to the EPOS Gaming Suite, you’ll need their proper drivers. It’s also worth noting that the EPOS Gaming Suite software worked when I connected the included USB-A to USB-C cable to the headset… but who wants to use a cord with a wireless headset?So, I needed to get the USB dongle working or I was going to return the headset. I screwed around for a couple hours updating firmware, uninstalling/reinstalling drivers and software, until I was about ready to print the return labels. Then finally I made one simple change, and everything worked. I went to Device Manager -> Audio Inputs and Outputs -> Headset (EPOS H3PRO Dongle) -> Update Driver.Boom. Everything worked.I admit this hassle isn’t ideal for the average consumer; however, I’m glad I stuck with it and got it working. As far as the actual hardware is concerned, I'm totally satisfied. It sounds and feels better than my old headset. It has a snug fit that only slips when you tilt your head too far forward. The ear cups are firm, but cushioned, and do well to form a good seal. The volume limit could stand to be a little louder, but the clarity is very good. You aren't going to get thumping bass or anything, but frequencies are well separated and clear. The software also has an equalizer to play with. There are 2 surround modes - 2.0 does well for louder stereo music, and 7.1 is good for most games/movies. The noise cancelling is kind of strange as it only seems to cancel lows - like the sound of my voice, but it’s not bad. The wireless aspect is amazing and battery life is an absolute non-issue. I plug it in whenever I’m done using it (usually 14-hour sessions), and I’ve never had it reach less than 60% charge. You can also attach it to the USB-A to USB-C cable which is about 6 feet long if the battery dies. I haven't used Bluetooth so I can't comment on that.Overall, the hardware is great, the software isn't bad, and the driver support is lacking. If you use the USB dongle like me, just update the drivers in Windows and you should be good to go.

Update 4/21/2023 - Headset mic now makes insane crackling when lowering. Replacing this headset. Lasted 3 months of heavy use (8 - 12 hours / day).Update 2/2/2023 - Dropping to 1 star. Headset constantly loses wireless connection even when sitting right next to the dongle. I bought this to be wireless, not wired to a desk. AVOID THIS HEADSETTL;DR - These look pretty, but the performance & software leaves a lot to be desired. For $200 less, you can get G935s that come with G-Hub which is wayyyyyyyyy better than "Epos Gaming Suite", they're not as good looking (IMO) but they perform way better than these.This review is as of Software version 1.11.0.1102, should future updates correct any of the issues I mentioned, I'll update my review.Looks - 5/5, A very gorgeous headset. I have the Matte Green / Gold combo. Detachable mic for public spaces make it more socially acceptable.Comfort - 4/5, Very comfy, you know you're wearing them, but by no means are they heavy like some. No digging into the top of the head or anything like that. Sticks to my head great, I've worn them to work out a couple times.Build quality - 5/5, seem sturdy, no complaints here.Sound quality 4/5 - With ANC off, it sounds great. Turn on ANC, and you hear this constant "white noise" static.Connectivity - 2/5, From time to time, the head set will get crackly for no reason after an extended period of use. When starting my day there are times where sound will not come through the head set unless I restart it once or twice. For some reason, the headset has trouble switching from PC to smartphone when making a call. Its 2023, why is this an issue? Bluetooth has been around for a while now... Lastly the dongle range is pretty bad. 10 feet and I get a lot of static and/or cutting in and out of audio. Much worse that my old G935's. Only edge they have here is that you can stream sound sources from bluetooth and the dongle at the same time (As long as its not a phone call).Software - 2/5. for $300, I expect to know exactly what my battery level is. The app simply tells you if its 80% or 40%. No exact %'s. my old G935's were able to, why is this even an issue? A whopping 4 sound presets. Movie, Esports, Music and Flat. You're able to select 2.0 or 7.1 surround effect and add reverb (why?). Otherwise still a lot to be desired from the software point of view.Battery life - 4/5, No complaints here other than what I mentioned about about the battery level indicator. Still has ~40% battery after a 10 hour work day with music playing all day.Microphone - 3/5 For some reason, after a long session I'll need to restart the headset because the mic feedback becomes 'roboty'. Incredibly annoying.Noise cancellation - 0/5, "ANC" as they call it here. Does absolutely nothing. If anything it seems to enhance the outside sound and create a "white noise" static in the background.Volume control - 2/5, annoying to say the least. Its a circle on the side of the headset that annoyingly difficult to adjust. Just make it a scroller wheel, much easier.Past headsets I've owned--Beyerdynaic MM150 (Best Mic & Noise Cancelling)-HyperX Cloud Stinger-Logitech G935 (Best software & sound)-Logitech G933-Corsair Void Pro RGB-Turtle Beach Ear Force XO

I used to have a Drop Sennheiser pc37x that were fantastic for 5 years, so when I finally replaced them I wanted another Sennheiser headset (Epos is Sennheiser but rebranded for gaming). That was a mistake, I have had nothing but issues with this headset.For the positives. Sound quality and comfort are good but not outstanding. Additionally the mic is kind of neat but being detachable is kind of gimicky.For the issues.After owning it for about 2 months, the wireless dongle started dropping randomly. Every 5~10 minutes it would drop connection for ~10 seconds.The sound quality on the bluetooth is awful and it also had issues with random drop outs.Currently I use it wired but that still has issues. Often the mic is super muffled and I have to remove it/reconnect it to fix that issue.I have tried updating the drivers through pretty much every fix available out there to no success. I would reconmend avoiding these unless you like spending a lot of money for endless issues and wireless headphones that don't work wirelessly.