EPOS’ recently-released H6PRO Open and Closed gaming headsets are a treat to look at. Being a prominent name in the audio industry, EPOS has always produced performance-driven peripherals. However, their products weren’t quite known for their aesthetics, especially when the brand was in collaboration with Sennheiser. Following 2020, when EPOS began to function as a separate brand, we have seen a considerable improvement in not just performance but aesthetics as well.
We have previously reviewed their GSP 370, GSP 601, and GSP 670 among a couple of others, out of which the GSP 670 was slightly better in terms of looks but still not what you would call sleek. Their Game One headset was rather bulky for our taste, and so was the Game Zero. Their chunky bodies along with non-detachable mics made for unattractive headsets. The H6PRO versions are miles ahead of the aforementioned headsets in terms of aesthetics. The two versions look exactly the same, and differ only in terms of being open and closed back.
Accessories
Both headsets offer the same accessories. You get a 2 x 3.5mm cable for PC, a 1 x 3.5mm cable for consoles, and a pair of boom arm cover plates, along with some necessary paperwork. EPOS’ attempt to facilitate multi-device connectivity by providing a bunch of cables in the package is appreciated. The H6PRO versions are compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and Mac. The cables are made of woven nylon and exude sophistication.
The boom arm cover plates are another accessory we became immediate fans of. The headsets feature a detachable mic that is magnetically attached to the exterior of the left earcup. Thankfully, EPOS’ headsets have gone a long way from featuring non-detachable mics to not just featuring detachable ones, but also making sure the gaping hole they leave behind is filled by a decent-looking cover.
Aesthetics
The headband of the H6PRO versions is made of rubber and features sufficient padding of memory foam. One major difference between the two headsets, apart from the open and closed back, is their earcups. The H6PRO open features earcups coated with cloth, while the H6PRO closed sports leatherette and suede cups.
The headband offers plenty of adjustability options and is good to suit a variety of head types. Extending the headband all the way reveals a metal headband inside the rubber one that adds a little bling to the headset. The rest of the body is all-plastic with a little inclusion of metal here and there. The plastic used is pretty sturdy and it looks as well as feels good. All in all, the H6PRO versions are visually stunning.
Comfort
My favorite feature of the H6PRO headsets’ fit is that they’re both extremely glasses-friendly. Apart from Roccat, I haven’t ever seen a brand take this feature seriously. The headset sat comfortably atop my noggin giving my glasses quite a lot of space on both sides. The headsets hugged my head pretty well, and the earcups provided a tight seal around my ears. Overall, the comfort levels on both headsets are pretty similar. The sufficiently wide headband lightly rests on your head and provides a generous amount of cushioning.
The only difference lies in the seal. The open-back cups provide a more breathable and airier fit, while the closed-back ones deliver a more sealed fit with a higher degree of passive noise isolation. Padding-wise, both headsets feature more or less the same amount of padding, though I can imagine the suede and leatherette cups heating up faster than the cloth ones.
Controls
The controls on the headsets are pretty straightforward. On the right earcup, there is one huge volume dial with markings on it. The left earcup only hosts the mic arm along with a 3.5mm port. What I like about the volume dial is that it is well-sized, and thus, easy to locate in the middle of an intense game of Call of Duty. It is intuitively designed; hence, my fingers don’t have to spend a few seconds looking for it.
Sound and Mic
There is a very clear difference between the sound on both headsets. The H6PRO closed headset was brilliant in canceling out the sound of my roommate cooking in the kitchen, while I could hear every single pot and pan when I was wearing the H6PRO open. The closed-back headset really goes the extra mile in making you feel disconnected from your surroundings. The passive noise isolation is pretty strong.
The H6PRO open keeps things light and casual. It allowed me to stay connected with what was going on around me. People have various preferences in terms of how much noise cancellation they want. If you’re someone who wants to only hear game sounds when you’re gaming, definitely go for the closed-back headset.
In terms of sound quality, the headsets sound pretty much the same. Both prioritize bass over treble. The low end has the kind of oomph to it that is absent in the high end. The mids are pretty balanced and spacious. The soundstage is wide enough for you to discern where the sound of, for instance, your enemy’s footsteps is coming from.
We loved the mic on the H6PRO headsets. It delivers your voice sharply and clearly. Thankfully, it doesn’t make you sound excessively tinny. Furthermore, it reduces background noise to some extent. Don’t expect it to completely mute your surroundings, though.
Verdict
Considering that the H6PRO headsets are available at a reasonable price of $179, they’re definitely recommendable by us. They are stunning to look at, feature a comfortable fit, and pretty balanced sound. Their midrange price tag suits their looks and performance really well.
Is It Hardcore?
For sure.
The H6PRO versions didn’t blow our minds, but they’re pretty great headsets considering their price. You get a beautiful body, a comfortable fit, powerful bass and an excellent mic. We don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t go for either of them.