You can find this review in full at GBAtemp.net:
https://gbatemp.net/review/epos-h3-hybrid-gaming-headset.1919/

When I took a look at EPOS’ wired H3 headset earlier this year, I praised it as one of the most comfortable headsets I’d used to date. Thanks to its oval earcups and incredibly lightweight design, it proudly sat atop my head for hours at a time with no strain or pain. I still think the H3 is a fantastic and worthwhile choice if you’re looking for a wired headset, but what if you want something more? It’s time to look at the hybrid option.

At a glance it really doesn’t look like much has changed. Outside of the fact this review unit is black, while my original H3 review unit was white (both models are available in both colours), everything looks quite similar. You have the same oval earcups, the same bulky microphone, and the same overall aesthetic. There are some changes though. The headband feels far more premium, featuring some sort of mesh-like fabric on the outside. The inside of the headband still has that same comfortable padding that moulds to even the most dome-like of heads too, providing what is still one of the nicest headphone experiences I’ve come across when worn for an extended period.

Across the casing of the earcups, you may notice there are a few additional ports and buttons. Where the original H3 was very much plug and play, the Hybrid gives you a range of options worthy of its moniker, these largely housed on the left earcup. You have a USB C port, the same assumedly proprietary jack that gives you a 3.5mm plug on the other end, and a power button. The main drawback of the headset to me comes from the power button and the necessity for the device to always be turned on to be used, even if you’re indulging in a wired connection. This isn’t so much a problem if connecting to a PC using the USB C port, since the headset will be charging at the same time. With a 3.5mm jack though, it just feels odd. There’s some solace to be found here in the 24 hour battery life advertised. As long as you remember to charge the headset every so often, you’re unlikely to run into issues.

As mentioned, you have two wired options when wanting to use the H3 Hybrid in a 3.5mm and USB C connection. On top of these, you’re also able to use Bluetooth to wirelessly pair to your device of choice. It all sounds quite standard on paper, but the Hybrid headset takes my favourite feature from my time using the LucidSound LS50X: the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. It’s marvellous, even if it isn’t implemented quite as seamlessly as in the LS50X. Unlike the LS50X, one of the devices has to be wired, and the other has to be Bluetooth. On top of this, the more limited controls makes it a little more difficult to balance the audio of both devices when compared to the earcup dials of the LS50X. Having said that though, it’s a great feature for any wireless headset, and something that would be essential to me if I didn’t already own a mixer.

The out of box sound quality itself doesn’t seem to have changed all that much from the original H3 headset to my untrained ear, and that’s not a terrible thing. As previously said, it sounds fine, and ticks my box of game audio just sounding as I expect it to. No enhancements, no fancy AI manipulating it, just normal. If you are somebody interested in tweaking though, EPOS has their own Gaming Suite software with plenty to play with. Outside of the EQ, you also have a number of settings for the microphone, including a side tone slider. While I’m really not a fan of side tone, this is a headset I can at least acknowledge a use of it thanks to just how well the earcups isolate you from external sound. As with the H3, there’s no active noise cancelling, but I definitely wouldn’t hear somebody knocking on the front door if I were wearing these.

One final change from the original H3 headset is in the Hybrid’s detachable microphone and dual-microphone setup. Now the microphone in itself looks and feels just as it did before. A point I didn’t note in my original review is the interesting build of it, featuring a rigid base and end, with the central part being adjustable. It’s a really great design that allows you to get the microphone how you like it without making it a challenge to twist back up when you’re done. What makes the detachable nature of the microphone such a game changer for me is in the value it adds to the package in terms of versatility. While the headset still remains somewhat bulky, without the microphone attached I’d consider it at least viable to take with you on the go, and because of the microphone lurking within the earcup you’d still be able to take calls should the need arise.

All in all the H3 Hybrid is a fantastic upgrade from the original H3 model, but these upgrades do come at a cost. Jumping up from £89 to £149, you move into a far more competitive market of premium devices. Can the H3 Hybrid hold its own among this crowd? To an extent I believe so, and I largely think it’s propped up by its ability to connect to multiple devices at one time. They sound great and feel great, and if you’re looking for a more versatile way to enjoy what made the H3 so great, the extra £60 is more than worth it. If wireless connectivity and additional versatility isn’t so much of a requirement for you though, the original H3 is still available and still something I’d recommend.