After the convincing H3 Hybrid (our review), EPOS follows up with another premium headset. The H6PRO wants to achieve a high-fidelity sound with especially large drivers and inspire in terms of workmanship and quality in the premium segment. Our test reveals how well this endeavor succeeds and how good the EPOS H6PRO Open sounds.
Technical data
| Design | Over-ear |
| Driver | 42 mm |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 28 Ohm |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm jack plug |
| Microphone type | bi-directional, with noise reduction |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100 – 10,000 Hz |
| Weight | 309 g (without cable) |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Price | € 134.41 * |
Scope of delivery of the EPOS H6PRO
The packaging of the EPOS H6PRO gaming headset reflects the current design language that the audio professionals have been speaking for all their products since the split from Sennheiser. Accordingly, the new premium headset also comes in a matte black cardboard box that features contrasting white and petrol-green elements.
Inside, Epos does without unnecessary frills and presents the H6PRO headset in a secure foam sleeve. Underneath is a small cardboard box with the inscription “The Power of Audio”, which houses the rest of the scope of delivery.
In addition to the usual manuals and safety instructions, there are two cables: EPOS includes a 3.5 mm jack cable for connecting the headset to the PC (length: 2.5 meters), as well as a normal jack cable (length: 1.4 meters) for connecting the headset to consoles or other audio sources. There are also two plastic covers in the box to hide the contacts of the detachable microphone, in case you want to use the H6PRO as normal headphones.
Design and finish
In terms of design, the EPOS H6PRO is reminiscent of a mix between the manufacturer’s H3 and the design of the almost legendary EPOS | Sennheiser GSP 600. Accordingly, the premium gaming headset turns out relatively bulky, but relies on curved edges including more filigree details.
Even at first glance, the design looks very classy and high-quality. Especially the color scheme of our test model (called Sebring Black) sets skilful accents with its combination of dark blue elements and black details. Compared to the GSP 600, the headband is also much narrower, which is especially good for the wearing comfort, but also for the looks. It is covered with soft and very comfortable leather.
Strangely, the EPOS H6PRO doesn’t have a designation for the left or right side, as you’re usually used to from headsets. However, when you put the headphones on, it quickly becomes obvious which side belongs where due to the design.
On the left is the detachable microphone boom on the outside, which is attached to the headset via a magnetic resolution. Below that, you place the connector for the jack cable. On the other hand, EPOS consistently does without further buttons.
The volume wheel, which we already know from the H3 Hybrid in the same form, is located on the right outer side. It once again has small, easy-grip teeth for fine adjustment, but acts a tad too smoothly.
The workmanship of the EPOS H6PRO Open
In terms of build quality, the EPOS H6PRO more than lives up to its premium price tag. All the materials used feel very high-quality and solid. Only the mounts from the ear cups to the headband feel a bit rickety. Otherwise, the gaming headset presents itself impeccably manufactured.
The headband is supported by a high-quality metal bracket that can be minimally rotated outwards and inwards. However, the ear cups cannot be folded or fully rotated. The headband itself leaves an excellent impression and is made of a solid metal bracket with a noticeable 7-step adjustment, which does not yield even under strong pressure.
The ear cups also leave a very good impression and rest comfortably over the ears thanks to their large dimensions. 7.5 cm x 3.8 cm (length x width) inside are very good values.
Carrying comfort of the H6PRO Open
The positive first impression also extends over the wearing comfort, which we liked very much in the test. Although the headset already weighs around 309 grams without the cable, it turns out to be very comfortable. In comparison, the closed H6PRO Closed model weighs around 322 grams.
On the one hand, this is due to the lushly proportioned ear cups, which impress with a soft foam padding (24 mm thickness). On the other hand, the EPOS H6PRO’s headband, which is also very soft, rests comfortably on the head without pressing, even during long gaming sessions.
Interesting: EPOS offers the H6PRO in an open and closed design. The materials of the ear pads also differ. The H6PRO Closed headset uses a combination of fabric and leather, while the Open model only uses fabric.
The shape of the ear pads, however, remains unchanged. Once again, the manufacturer uses a unique shape that is neither completely round nor oval. The result is a fairly tight yet always comfortable fit of the headset, where the ears are completely enclosed, but the EPOS H6PRO still always remains securely in position.
Like the H3 HYBRID, the new headset features a convenient microphone with a flip-up mute function that automatically mutes the mic when we flip it up. If we move the arm back towards the mouth, voice playback is automatically enabled. A soft clacking sound signals that the microphone is ready for use. This works flawlessly in practice.
However, EPOS does without a wireless connection for the H6PRO. Nevertheless, the gaming headset is a real all-rounder and can be used on PC and notebook as well as on all current consoles such as PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
Sound quality of the EPOS H6PRO gaming headset
The EPOS H6PRO follows the motto of delivering the highest possible sound quality out-of-the-box. It is a true plug-and-play headset that does not require any software even on a PC. Unlike the H3 Hybrid, the EPOS Gaming Suite software is not used. Accordingly, however, no fine adjustments or different operating modes such as 7.1 surround sound are possible.
Once again, the H6PRO reproduces the typical frequency band from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, an impedance of 28 ohms is used, which results in a higher maximum volume. At the same time, the dynamic drivers with a diameter of 42 mm are somewhat larger than is typical for gaming headsets. But how does the H6PRO sound?
The short answer: Excellent. Okay, of course that could be more detailed. What is already positively noticeable in the first notes is the enormous dynamics in the sound, which (also due to the open design) has an excellent airiness.
Especially the mids and trebles present themselves extremely precisely, which is especially good for dialogues or vocals when enjoying music, but also for instrumentalization. The normal, like deep basses are also reproduced voluminously and clearly, but are more in the center compared to the other frequencies – a typical phenomenon for gaming headsets that are supposed to provide proper pressure and fun.
The EPOS H6PRO Open succeeds excellently, whereby the gaming headset itself reveals an enormous three-dimensionality in the sound image despite stereo sound. Footsteps or creeping opponents can be located very well, especially in combination with Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio on the PlayStation 5.
Nevertheless, the pleasing mix ensures that the bass is a bit too prominent for me, but that is simply a matter of taste. Especially compared to other headphones with an open design, the EPOS H6PRO can score points in bass reproduction and soundstage and put an exclamation mark.
Accordingly, however, the passive noise cancellation is also significantly lower than is the case with closed headphones. At the same time, the heat development of the ears is better regulated by the opening. Not a point of criticism, but you should know what you are getting into. Streamers, YouTubers and competitive gamers are provided with the EPOS H6PRO Closed in any case with a similarly good sound image.
EPOS H6PRO: This is how good the microphone sounds
In terms of the microphone, the EPOS H6PRO also relies on the built-in hardware due to its analog design. Compared to the H3 Hybrid, no software settings are possible here. Only the level and microphone gain can be fine-tuned in the Windows 10 sound options, and the maximum recording quality is 48,000 Hz in 2-channel mode.
The premium gaming headset achieves a frequency range of 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz and offers a sensitivity of -35 +/- 4 dB at 1 kHz & 1 Pa. The bidirectional microphone works as you would expect from a gaming headset and achieves a good, but by no means outstanding sound.
The own voice is reproduced clearly and reaches a decent dynamic. However, the microphone shows weaknesses especially with quieter sounds and therefore cuts off some syllables unintentionally. The noise suppression is also only on a mediocre level. While traffic noise is still suppressed relatively well, mouse and keyboard clicks, for example, are still quite audible.
This is a pity, because the microphone marks the only weakness of the EPOS H6PRO. Unfortunately, it cannot keep up with similarly priced devices like the Corsair HS80 or the H3 Hybrid from our own company. However, the H6 easily beats significantly cheaper headset microphones and does not have to hide from inexpensive desktop microphones either.
Conclusion
With the EPOS H6PRO gaming headset, the manufacturer delivers a really good representative of its guild, which can score especially in terms of first-class build quality and wearing comfort. The somewhat clunky design is a matter of taste, but I personally like it very much.
At the same time, the sound quality is also convincing, at least if you don’t mind a little extra bass – which is reproduced precisely and clearly. Thanks to the open design, the acoustics are provided with a much larger sound stage, which results in a broader and richer sound. Gamers or users in louder environments should, however, rather go for the closed version. Unfortunately, the quality of the built-in microphone cannot quite keep up, while the price is simply too high for the features offered. Other headsets simply offer a more coherent overall package.
Nevertheless, we can recommend the EPOS H6PRO gaming headset. If you are looking for a high-quality and versatile headset, you will be very well served here.
EPOS H6PRO Open
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
87/100
The H6PRO features excellent workmanship, a classy design and a very good sound. However, the feature set and microphone quality do not live up to the high price.
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