FOR some years, I have been using an open-backed headset as my “daily driver” PC headset, and that trend is set to continue following my time with the EPOS H6PRO open-backed headset.
Mid-last year I reviewed the EPOS-Sennheiser GSP 500 which I described as “the monarch of gaming headsets”, and pretty much every single PC game I have reviewed since then has been with that headset.
That is set to change now I’ve had a chance to use the H6 Pros, though.
Like the GSP500, it is an open-backed headset, but it’s been extensively redesigned and now takes its design cues from the other recent headsets like the H3 and H3 Hybrid.
From a design standpoint, the chunky volume knob on the right-hand earcup has been replaced with a flush dial, and the flip-to-mute boom mic follows the same style as on the H3s. it also has the same magnetic attachment/detachment feature, which will appeal for people intending to use them purely for listening.
The audio quality on the H6 Pro is absolutely brilliant, helped by its 42mm drivers, and even a bit clearer than on the already outstanding GSP500, but I found I got the best results on my PC paired with a Sennheiser GSX1000 amp.
The sound on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 was crystal clear with great range, but lacked bass depth. That’s partly due to the open-backed design, but still something to keep in mind if you’re primarily considering these for a console rather than a PC.
While I prefer my headsets to have more metal in them, there’s no denying the H6 Pro is incredibly comfortable to wear and the reduced weight means I have been able to wear it for hours on end with no issues, which has been invaluable given all the games I’ve been reviewing lately.
The construction is mostly plastic, but there is a metal headband and the overall build quality is solid; it doesn’t feel cheap or plasticky at all. The earcup padding is comfortable, too, and the design is stylish as well. How a headset looks is increasingly important for streamers, V-loggers and content creators, so the three different colours (blue-black, white-grey and green-gold) as well as the sleek aesthetic will add to the appeal for many users as well.
The microphone sound quality isn’t anything remarkable – it’s fine for general game chat, Discord/Zoom/Teams meetings and so on, but I wouldn’t try and use it for professional content creation either.
While I prefer the open-backed design for gaming, it’s not great from a noise cancellation perspective and means you can’t “block out” external sound – so whether it’s the GPU fans spinning up or the kids arguing over Lego in the next room, you’re going to hear a lot more of that than with a closed-back set. It doesn’t bother me, but is something to keep in mind for someone wanting a more immersive, focussed experience.
It can also result in sound bleed, whereby other people can hear what’s coming through the headset – not an issue if you’re gaming alone, but not optimal in a shared space; so something to keep in mind if that reflects your gaming space arrangements.
As well as providing a wider soundscape, the open-backed design also helps avoid hot ears, which is an important consideration for anyone in warmer parts of the country, especially as we head into summer.
The only real complaint I have about the H6 Pro is the lack of wireless and USB support – the H3 Hybrid is the same price and has Bluetooth connectivity as well as 3.5mm and USB-C support so I was surprised neither of those features are present, given the price.
If you’re looking for a wired PC battlestation headset, the H6 Pro is excellent and I am happy to recommend them to anyone wanting a premium gaming audio experience for their computer.
Having said that, if you’ve got a set of GSP500s that are still giving you good service I wouldn’t be rushing out to replace them with H6 Pros just yet, and if you are a multiplatform gamer who wants wireless connectivity for smartphones and tablets, then the H3 Hyrbid may be a better investment – albeit with a different sound profile.
