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JBL Quantum 910P review – a must-have premium PS5 headset with a price tag to match
5:00 pm | April 1, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

If you’re on the hunt for a high-end PlayStation 5-compatible headset, you’d do well to have the JBL Quantum 910P in your sights. Offering wireless connectivity for Sony’s PS5 and PS4 consoles (as well as PC), it’s a masterclass in almost every respect and has earned a place in our guide to the best PS5 headsets.

From its superb build quality - including the easily adjustable headband and luxurious leatherette ear cups - to all-round phenomenal sound, spatial audio, and active noise canceling, the JBL Quantum 910P is easy to recommend. That is, of course, provided you can afford its high price tag of $299.99 / £218.99.

Design and features

JBL Quantum 910P

(Image credit: Future)

The JBL Quantum 910P certainly looks the part of a premium gaming headset. Its sleek white chassis is complemented nicely by customizable lighting that illuminates the circumference of the ear cups and the JBL logo found on each. There’s some lovely texture work on the ear cups and headband too, showing that a good deal of thought has gone into the headset’s aesthetics.

It also helps that this is an exceptionally comfortable headset that’s well-suited to long sessions of play. The inner headband and ear cups feature thick leatherette padding that snugly secures the headset in place. The adjustable headband ensures the JBL Quantum 910P is suitable for a wide range of head sizes.

There’s a selection of on-headset buttons and dials for various functions. At first, these can appear quite busy, but thankfully their layout is intuitive. The right ear cup houses the on/off switch (which also allows for the switching from 2.4GHz to Bluetooth wireless connectivity) and a button that enables spatial audio and head tracking. The left ear cup features dials for volume and game/chat audio balance. There’s also a noise-canceling toggle button, a mic mute button, and a 3.5mm port for multiplatform wired connectivity (you can use the headset with Xbox and Nintendo Switch this way).

While the microphone isn’t detachable, it swivels into its on or off positions with ease and a subtle click lets the user know when it’s been adjusted as such. It’s also somewhat flexible, allowing you to slightly bend it towards or away from your head depending on your preferences.

Performance and battery life

JBL Quantum 910P

(Image credit: Future)

The JBL Quantum 910P has the audio chops to back up its near-immaculate design. It’s absolutely remarkable for gaming, and right from the get-go, JBL’s proprietary QuantumSphere 360 surround sound excelled with some of the best PS5 games.

The headset is a superb fit for recently-released titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2. The bustling cities of Vernworth and Bakbattahl really come alive with the 910P’s spatial sound, especially when set to a wide dynamic range in the game’s audio settings. Directional audio here has pinpoint accuracy, able to register both close and distant noises without sounding overly muddy. It’s worth noting that the spatial audio does give spoken voices a bit of an echoey property, though I found this easy to get used to overall.

Naturally, the headset’s directional audio is a wonderful fit for online multiplayer games. In Gran Turismo 7, I was impressed with its accuracy in picking up cars approaching my flank. This made it much easier to give way, avoid collisions, and prepare for overtakes more efficiently. You’ll get similar performance in shooters like PUBG: Battlegrounds; the headset is able to pick up on footsteps, bullet whizzes, and approaching vehicles, allowing you to respond in a much more advanced manner.

The JBL Quantum 910P is excellent for music, too. By default, the headset provides a balanced, full-bodied soundscape that complements all genres. The thunderous power metal ballads of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and the more atmospheric, period-appropriate score found in Rise of the Ronin both shone here. Furthermore, robust EQ settings found in the PC app features presets for bass boost and cutting, a high-end focus, and more. You can also fully customize the equalizer to your liking should you prefer, and the settings carry over when you move from PC to PS5.

The microphone is similarly excellent, providing crystal clear and responsive voice chat for friends in your party. I did encounter an infrequent issue where the mic failed to turn on, though this was quickly remedied by simply turning the headset off and on again. Plus, this was only an issue on PC.

Lastly, another area where the JBL Quantum 910P impresses is its battery life. You’ll get roughly 40 hours of playtime (or 45 hours via Bluetooth) before needing to recharge. Be aware that the use of the headset’s lighting or spatial audio features will affect battery life, too, but I was still able to use it for an impressively long time with all these ancillary features enabled; around 25-30 hours give or take.

Should I buy the JBL Quantum 910P?

JBL Quantum 910P

(Image credit: Future)

If your budget can stretch to it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better PS5 headset than the JBL Quantum 910P. Its high-quality feature set, sublime design, and near-immaculate audio quality mean it rivals some of the best PS5 headsets around, including the SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ and the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. 

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How we tested the JBL Quantum 910P

A sample was provided to TechRadar Gaming by JBL for review. I tested the headset over the course of two weeks across a variety of PS5 and PC games, ensuring that I put it through its paces with titles featuring excellent sound design such as Gran Turismo 7, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and Rise of the Ronin.

I also aimed to test the headset’s various customization features, setting custom EQ and lighting profiles for various titles to ensure I was always getting the most fitting audio possible for a given game. In doing this, I found the JBL Quantum 910P to be an impressively robust headset that’s well-suited to a diverse range of games.

Nacon Evol-X Pro controller review – you get what you pay for
2:40 pm | December 1, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Consoles & PC Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Nacon Evol-X Pro controller for Xbox marks the first time I’ve been seriously disappointed in the brand’s hardware. While Nacon controllers like the Revolution X often strike a balance between quality and affordability, the Evol-X Pro strays into the latter without offering much of the former.

Problems are initially apparent when you hold the controller in your hands for the first time. The Evol-X Pro is relatively large compared to the likes of the Xbox Wireless Controller and the GameSir T4 Kaleid, so unless you’ve got bigger-than-average hands, longer play sessions with the Evol-X Pro can be quite demanding.

Other design issues come to light when actually playing with the Evol-X Pro. Its analog sticks feel quite sensitive, and the triggers are rendered a bit slippery thanks to their large and sloped design. These problems did contribute to an unsatisfying play experience, despite the face and shoulder buttons feeling sturdy.

Price and availability

The Nacon Evol-X Pro controller is available to buy now from Nacon’s store for £27.99. At the time of writing, the gamepad isn’t available for purchase in the US or Australia; availability is currently limited to the UK and Europe.

At surface level, this is an exceptionally affordable price point, being among the cheapest controllers that are officially licensed by Xbox. The controller is also available in three distinct colorways: standard black, carbon black and LED Pro.

The Evol-X Pro’s price point may be tempting, but we recommend looking at other officially licensed Xbox controllers in this price range. Chief among those being the HyperX Clutch Gladiate, which sits in our best Xbox controllers guide and costs just $34.99 / £29.99 and offers an overall higher quality experience compared to the Evol-X Pro.

Design and features

Nacon Evol-X Pro

(Image credit: Future)

It’s easy to raise an eyebrow at the Evol-X Pro out of the box, given its relatively large size when compared to most other official Xbox pads. For my average-sized hands, it was difficult to rest my palms against the controller’s grips, making my thumbs hover awkwardly in the space between the grips and the analog sticks.

And it’s not just the controller’s chassis that’s a little on the XL side; the triggers are questionably massive, wrapping under my index fingers almost in their entirety. Again, if your hands are on the larger side, this may make a degree of sense; I can imagine them fitting snugly under the fingers of such users. But for me, they felt as uncomfortable to rest on as the controller’s grips.

Things do improve in other aspects of the controller’s design, thankfully. Its face and shoulder buttons, as well as the d-pad, all feel perfectly fine and are of adequate size and quality. The central Home, Menu and Share buttons are also appropriately placed and I didn’t need to overly extend my thumbs to reach them.

Ancillary features include a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the controller - between the grips as standard - as well as two programmable buttons on the back that can be easily assigned by holding the rear Function button and your desired input on the front of the pad.

Now, I reviewed the LED Pro model of the Evol-X Pro, and I would strongly advise you to opt for one of the other color options available if you’re planning on buying. That’s because, while the translucent shell is quite nice, the LEDs inside are placed rather randomly, and no effort has been made to hide the fact that these are straight up just LEDs attached to the circuit board. It just looks rather cheap and cobbled together. 

For comparison’s sake, check out how the GameSir T4 Kaleid approaches the same design philosophy: its gorgeous gold-on-black circuit board is flanked by RGB strips that look utterly fantastic and aren’t overly bright like they are on the Evol-X Pro. You can hit a button on the front of the pad to change the Evol-X Pro’s lighting patterns, but it really doesn’t affect the overall brightness too much.

Performance

Nacon Evol-X Pro

(Image credit: Future)

If the Evol-X Pro felt adequately nice to play games with, I could forgive its design shortcomings. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case here. With the Evol-X Pro, the overall cheap-feeling design extends to its modules and in turn their overall performance.

The controller’s analog sticks feel a touch too sensitive. They rest in the deadzone just fine, and I didn’t encounter any stick drift in my time playing, but they do feel a little slippery during play, with even the slightest movements registering as inputs in-game. 

This can be a problem in titles that require quite precise movement and/or dodging, such as Lies of P or platformers like A Hat in Time. And I would not recommend the Evol-X Pro for games that use the sticks as a means to input commands; that includes some of the best fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive.

The triggers, meanwhile, feel very mushy when pressed inwards. I found this to be an issue in shooters, especially, like PUBG: Battlegrounds and Remnant 2 with weapons that required single shot or semi-auto fire. The Evol-X Pro doesn’t feature trigger stops, either, so you’ll often need a full press of the trigger in order to shoot, creating a degree of unresponsiveness while playing such games. 

Should I buy the Nacon Evol-X Pro controller?

Nacon Evol-X Pro

(Image credit: Future)

While the Evol-X Pro has its high points when it comes to the quality of its face buttons, shoulder buttons and d-pad, I find very little reason to recommend it beyond its affordability. And even then, similarly priced gamepads - like the HyperX Clutch Gladiate and 8BitDo Pro 2 - outclass it in almost every way. 

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we reviewed the Nacon Evol-X Pro controller

I tested the Evol-X Pro over the course of about a week, going back and forth between playing games on Xbox Series X and PC. I ensured to test the controller across a range of titles, from more casual offerings like Fall Guys and Stardew Valley, to more demanding games like Lies of P, Elden Ring and PUBG: Battlegrounds. 

For alternative controller and accessory recommendations on Xbox, consider checking out our guides to the best Xbox Series X and Series S accessories. 

PDP Realmz wired headset review – more than its gimmick suggests
3:46 pm | September 4, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Even if you’re used to wearing one of the best wired gaming headsets on the market, PDP’s Realmz wired gaming headset for Nintendo Switch may surprise you, as it did me. Technically a collectible, with its Sonic the Hedgehog branded aesthetic and figurine embedded in the translucent right ear cup, it’s also a highly competent gaming headset boasting solid build quality.

It’s also sitting at a very agreeable price point, making the Realmz headset one of the more affordable wired options for Nintendo Switch. Perfect, then, if you primarily play in portable mode, or own one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers that features a 3.5mm headphone port.

What surprised me most, though, is the Realmz’s relatively high audio quality. Yes, it’s not quite on par with pricier wired headsets like the EPOS H6Pro, but its 40mm drivers deliver competent audio without sacrificing much clarity. Its microphone is also decent, making for a well-rounded gaming headset.

PDP Realmz wired headset - price and availability

The PDP Nintendo Switch Realmz wired gaming headset is available to buy right now for $39.99 / £34.99 (around AU$61.99). US buyers can pick the headset up directly from the manufacturer’s website, though do keep in mind that as it’s under $50 / £50, additional shipping costs will be added. UK shoppers, however, will need to go to online retailers like Smyths Toys to get their hands on one.

PDP Realmz wired headset - design and features

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

One of my favorite things about the PDP Realmz headset is that despite bearing a popular third-party brand, it deftly avoids the trap of looking overdesigned. There’s an even mix of blue, red, and white colors here which all complement each other well, giving the headset a rather sporty look that’s in line with Sonic the Hedgehog stylings. And if you’re not overly keen on Sega’s mascot, fear not, as PDP confirmed to me at Gamescom 2023 that more Realmz products featuring other popular gaming icons are on the way.

The keystone of the headset's design, though, has to be the Sonic the Hedgehog figurine embedded in the right ear cup. The figure itself is only about the size of a Kinder Egg toy, but it’s of good quality and certainly helps the Realmz headset stand out from the pack. It’s purely aesthetic and doesn’t impact its performance in any way, but I can’t help but love it.

The padded headband and cups also provide a high level of comfort, and it’s certainly one of the comfier sets at its budget price point. A flexible mic arm and on-board volume control complete the feature set, though I do wish there were some additional settings here, like a mic monitoring slider or an EQ toggle. It’s a fairly basic setup, then, but that's to be expected for this price.

PDP Realmz wired headset - performance

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

The PDP Realmz gaming headset’s audio output is surprisingly solid, too. It features 40mm audio drivers that deliver a clear sound profile. Vocals are the standout winner here, making the Realmz a good choice for listening to music. The overall sound profile is a touch on the flatter side, without much clear distinction between lows and highs. Thankfully, though, audio doesn’t sound muddy through the headset, though it’s tough to recommend to those wanting a wider dynamic range for online games like Fortnite or PUBG: Battlegrounds.

That said, it’s a great fit for the best Nintendo Switch games, many of which are single-player focused. Games like Super Mario Odyssey, Astral Chain, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, all have their stellar soundtracks and audio design that shines through the Realmz headset. As such, it’s a solid choice for playing the best single-player games on the market right now.

If you do decide to jump online, though, know that the PDP Realmz headset also boasts pretty decent microphone quality, too. You shouldn’t expect peak clarity here, but mic output does get the job done, and you should sound clear enough to your friends and teammates. It was a great fit for Fall Guys, for example, which hardly requires anything in the way of advanced team strategy or the need for rounded, dynamic audio.

Should I buy the PDP Realmz wired headset?

PDP Realmz wired headset

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Want to shop for alternative headsets for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED? Consider browsing our best Nintendo Switch headsets guide to find the right fit for you.

Victrix Gambit review – one of the most customizable Xbox Series X controllers
1:48 pm | August 17, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

The Victrix Gambit is an Xbox Series X|S controller manufactured with tournament and Esports players in mind. PDP’s official website states that it’s the “world’s fastest licensed Xbox controller,” and the pad itself puts a strong case forward to support that lofty claim.

For one, the Victrix Gambit is a wired controller. That may be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for a wireless option, however, it does help to significantly reduce input lag in multiplayer environments, particularly when playing online. Its modules are designed with speed in mind, too; face and shoulder buttons, as well as the triggers, all of which have remarkably short travel time. More so for the triggers if you’re making use of the locks found on the rear of the controller.

My biggest takeaway from the Victrix Gambit is in how broadly customizable it is. And the package doesn’t short change you here; in total, there’s 14 different swappable parts, allowing owners to mix and match modules until you get your setup just right. In terms of sheer customizability, the Victrix Gambit is one of the best Xbox controllers around.

Victrix Gambit - price and availability

The Victrix Gambit controller is available to buy right now for $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149. Availability in the US is broad; in that region, it can be bought directly from PDP’s website, or via big box retailers like Amazon. UK buyers will need to rely on Amazon and Game to purchase the controller. 

Victrix Gambit - design and features

Victrix Gambit

(Image credit: Future)

The Victrix Gambit has a strikingly similar form factor to that of the Xbox Wireless Controller. If you’re familiar with Microsoft’s pack-in option, then you should feel comfortable when holding the Gambit in your hands. The controller sits snugly when held with your thumbs on both analog sticks. Meanwhile, your index and middle fingers will rest easily on the triggers and back paddles respectively.

Now, if you haven’t used a controller like this before, you may be a little overwhelmed when you first open up that slick black carry case. It contains all the swappable modules for the Gambit, which includes two faceplates (a plastic white plate with a textured front, and a purple plate made of rubber), two extra thumbsticks, a swappable back paddle plate, two sets of thumbstick gates (two circular, two octagonal), an extra D-pad featuring a diamond-shaped design and a 3m cable for connecting the Gambit to your console or PC.

The modularity here is about on par with the Xbox Elite Series 2 wireless controller, which features more or less the same amount of swappable parts. The Gambit’s parts aren’t quite as high quality as those for the Elite Series 2, but I found swapping modules to be slightly easier and more intuitive with the Gambit.

If you’re at a bit of a loss, fear not. The Victrix Gambit is already set up with recommended modules, although swapping parts is exceptionally easy. The faceplates magnetically snap into place, and are easily removed by simply lifting the bottom part with your finger. Similarly, the thumbsticks slide out and lock into place with ease, but are secure enough that they’re in no danger of dislodging during play.

All in all, the Victrix Gambit is smartly designed, comfortable to hold and its modules can be swapped quickly. It won’t take long before changing parts based on your preferred titles becomes second nature.

Victrix Gambit - performance

Victrix Gambit

(Image credit: Future)

As a wired controller, expect minimal input lag while playing the best Xbox Series X games. You can expect faster inputs overall, too, especially from those clicky and tactile face buttons that feature a remarkably short travel time, reminding me of the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate controller for Nintendo Switch.

I did find the analog sticks to be a little stiff in comparison to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, but not so much that it hindered my play time across a variety of titles. In fairness, this is perhaps to be expected given the Series 2 higher price point of $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95; it’s going to have higher quality parts. However, the Gambit is still more than serviceable here, and the sticks’ relative stiffness was easy to get used to. By comparison, the Gambit’s sticks are of a quality on par with the cheaper Xbox Wireless Controller; what you’re paying extra for, essentially, is that extra modularity compared to Microsoft’s base pad.

The triggers have the opposite problem, at least by default. Out of the box, both triggers feel a little too sensitive, and I found inputs to be registering if I moved my index fingers even slightly. The trigger lock switches on the rear of the pad help circumvent this, thankfully. Simply hold the trigger at your desired rest point, then move the switch to lock the trigger at that length, preventing it from moving beyond. Sensitivity for triggers and sticks can further be customized in the downloadable Victrix app. However, this will only be applicable to PC players.

Overall, though, the Victrix Gambit is an impressively responsive controller, and feels well-suited to the best FPS games and best fighting games thanks to low input lag, fast button inputs and robust trigger lock settings.

Should I buy the Victrix Gambit?

Victrix Gambit

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Victrix Gambit

We tested the Victrix Gambit for review over the course of about a week, ensuring to play a wide range of titles, including online shooters like Halo Infinite and PUBG, as well as competitive fighting games like Guilty Gear Strive and Killer Instinct. Such genres are where we felt the Gambit was best suited. However, it’s still an excellent choice for gaming of any kind. 

Considering other Xbox controllers? Be sure to read our review of the excellent Nacon Revolution X Pro, as well as the budget-friendly 8BitDo Pro 2. For more Xbox peripherals, our best Xbox Series X accessories guide has some excellent suggestions, too.

Epos H6Pro wired headset review
7:35 pm | April 6, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

It’s tough to compete with the Epos H6Pro in its mid-range price bracket. With its crystal clear, punchy audio, a high quality microphone and plush ear cups, the H6Pro nails the fundamentals of what makes a great gaming headset. If you’re interested in buying the H6Pro for yourself, however, you’ll have one key choice to make.

That’s because the Epos H6Pro has two variants: open and closed. The former boasts a clearer and more accurate sound, with a tradeoff of leaking more audio. That means folks in your vicinity will likely be able to hear what you’re listening to, and you’ll hear your surroundings much clearer. Meanwhile, the closed variant has slightly muddier audio, but does a much better job of blocking out ambient noise and leaks far less. That makes it a great choice for outdoor listening, commuting or for busy households.

More great news: the Epos H6Pro supports all platforms. Whether you’re on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, last-gen consoles or PC, the wired headset will work perfectly. No need to worry about buying a version of the headset that supports your system of choice.

Epos H6Pro: price and availability

You can buy the Epos H6Pro for $179 / £149, either directly from Epos’ online store or from most big box retailers. That’s significantly cheaper than wireless Epos H3Pro Hybrid, and puts it in the ballpark of the Nacon RIG 800 Pro HX. That price point goes for both open and closed variants of the headset, as each share the same build and specs, with the only difference being in acoustics. 

Epos H6Pro: design and features

Epos H6Pro

(Image credit: Future)
  • Very comfy
  • Good build quality for the price
  • Sturdy, adjustable mic

The Epos H6Pro has an unassuming, yet rather pleasing design upon closer inspection. Both open and closed back variants come in three distinct colorways: Green, White and Black (which is actually closer to an indigo shade). Your choice of color purely comes down to aesthetic, with no technical differences here. As a result, feel free to choose a headset based on your favorite color, or one that matches your system of choice.

Both versions of the Epos H6Pro have a near-identical silhouette. The only major difference is the ventilated pads added to the open back variant. These help to keep your ears cooler over long term use. Though as mentioned, this has the tradeoff of leaking audio to your surroundings, as well as making background noise more audible.

The closed back variant doesn’t feature this additional ventilation. That both keeps in and blocks out audio, but your ears will feel warmer – perhaps uncomfortably so for some – during longer sessions. If comfort is a priority for you, then, you may be better served with the open back headset. However, both are perfectly comfortable for shorter listening of gaming sessions.

Both headsets include two separate 3.5mm headphone jack cables. A shorter one for controller use (or for plugging into the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck handhelds), and a longer cable with a splitter that separates audio and microphone input. This can be a little irksome for PC gaming with friends, but it’s certainly nice to have the option available.

One last thing to comment on is the quality of the microphone. Featuring a sturdy, flexible design similar to the H3Pro Hybrid, it’s impressively durable. That’s a good thing, as the mic can be removed from its magnetic attachment if you’re taking the headset out and about, or simply have no need for online voice communication. The headset also comes with protective magnetic plates that fit over the mic slot, so you won’t need to worry about damaging its port.

Epos H6Pro: audio quality

Epos H6Pro

(Image credit: Future)
  • Crystal clear, punchy audio profile
  • Both variants offer slightly different sound
  • Audio leaking makes the open back variant limited in use

Regardless of whether you choose the open or closed back variant, the Epos H6Pro delivers a joyful audio experience that’s richly detailed. Audio is incredibly clear, and also offers accentuating lows for a punchier, impactful sound. The open back H6Pro offers a nice balance here, but as mentioned above, is best enjoyed in an isolated environment due to that leaking audio.

By comparison, the closed back H6Pro offers slightly bassier audio, really leaning into the lows of any given track. This helps certain genres of music, like metal and EDM, absolutely shine. It can lead to an overall muddier soundscape, though; those lows often risk drowning out the mids and trebles. 

Still, the closed back variant does a great job of locking sound into the headset, leaking far less than its open counterpart. It’s the one to buy if you’re after a headset to take out and about as a result.

Having an audio profile of such clarity means the H6Pro is a fantastic headset for gaming, too. Wearing a top-notch headset is a great way to improve your online multiplayer experience, as they can help you become more aware of your surroundings by highlighting distant footsteps, vehicles and gunshots. I found this to be the case in PUBG: Battlegrounds. Over in Gran Turismo 7, the H6Pro helped me listen out for rival motorists trying to cut me off at the apex, and I was able to defend my position much more effectively as a result.

Overall, besides the differences with each variant that’ll come down to personal preference, there’s very little to complain about when it comes to the H6Pro’s sound design. It’s simply one of the best in this department at its mid-range price point.

The only real drawback is that the headset is wired only. However, this does eliminate the possibility of latency or disconnections.

Should I buy the Epos H6Pro?

Epos H6Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You like to have options
Two distinct variants of the H6Pro mean that you can buy the one that suits your preferences. And both sport the exact same price tag.

You’re after fantastic audio
The H6Pro excels in providing a high quality listening experience, no matter which variant you opt for.

You have a mid-range budget
While not exactly cheap, the H6Pro has a competitive price point in its region.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for something cheaper
If the H6Pro is a little out of your price range, consider the Sony Inzone H3, another excellent wired headset that comes in under $100 / £100.

You’d prefer a wireless headset
The H6Pro is wired only, so you may wish to consider the brilliant RIG 800 Pro HX or the Epos H3Pro Hybrid if you want to go wireless.

Epos H3Pro Hybrid headset review
12:50 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

There’s very little that the Epos H3Pro Hybrid gets wrong. It delivers on its relatively high price bracket with a suite of high-end features that you typically won’t find with cheaper gaming headsets. It nails the fundamentals, offering superb audio quality, backed up by 7.1 surround sound support, strong active noise canceling and an acoustic seal to blot out unwanted background noise.

If you prize immersion from the best wireless gaming headsets, and indeed the best PS5 headsets, the H3Pro Hybrid is a frontrunner in this regard. It’s supportive of long gaming sessions, too, thanks to cushioned cups and adjustable headband resting snugly on heads of various sizes. Battery life is a standout here as well, offering up to 38-40 hours depending on connection type and features enabled.

Add in a detachable mic that offers crisp vocal output and you’ve got a headset that justifies its asking price. The H3Pro is so good that its only real drawback is that it’s slightly lacking in overall build quality, which is apparent when stacked up against more affordable headsets like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or the SteelSeries Arctis 9. Even still, the H3Pro Hybrid won’t easily break under normal circumstances, and is serviceable in this area.

Epos H3Pro Hybrid: price and availability

The Epos H3Pro Hybrid will run you $279 / £239 / AU$399 at retail price, and is available from Epos’ official store page. Separate versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S compatibility are available to buy, and both also work with Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth connectivity as well as PC and mobile.

Epos H3Pro Hybrid: design and features

Epos H3Pro Hybrid

(Image credit: Future)
  • Slightly above average build quality
  • Extremely comfy
  • Robust, yet simple button layout

Out of the box, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Epos H3Pro Hybrid isn’t much to write home about. Build quality isn’t quite up to par with competing headsets, and its lightweight nature lends an initial feeling of cheapness. That weightlessness ends up working in the headset’s favor, though, as it rests gently on your head and never irritates. That’s also helped by the cushioned cups and adjustable headband, providing a supreme level of comfort that’s hard to beat.

The box also contains a USB dongle for wireless connectivity, a USB cable, USB-A extension cable and a 3.5mm jack for wired play. It’s a no-nonsense package offering a variety of methods of connectivity that should suit both wireless and wired preferences.

On-headset features aren’t particularly busy, which is great for those looking for a plug-and-play headset. You have the power button, a circular volume slider, ANC (active noise canceling) toggle and ports for wired connectivity. Most interesting is the Bluetooth connectivity button, which doubles as a smart button. By pressing instead of holding, you can switch between multiple EQs. Downloading the Epos Gaming Suite app will also let you switch the smart button’s behavior to a surround sound toggle.

Lastly, the detachable mic can be removed and reconnected magnetically, and an included cover plate will hide the port, keeping the headset looking presentable when you want to go micless. The mic itself is durable and adjustable, making it versatile and doesn’t obscure your view when not in use.

Epos H3Pro Hybrid: audio quality

Epos H3Pro Hybrid

(Image credit: Future)
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • 7.1 surround sound support
  • Top-shelf ANC

Sound quality is certainly the chief reason to buy the Epos H3Pro Hybrid. Not only is the overall auditory experience fantastic, the amount of options the headset grants is seriously impressive.

Typically, my first port of call with any headset is to get a feel for its soundscape. I put the headset through its paces with a few tracks before jumping into a game. I’m happy to say that the H3Pro Hybrid excels for general music listening. The rich, multi-layered electronic sound of mobile game Punishing: Gray Raven sounds divine here, with the headset able to pick up on even the subtlest notes. Similarly, the sweeping overworld melodies of Genshin Impact feel vibrant and alive; the headset’s spatial audio lending an embracing layer of immersion.

The H3Pro Hybrid’s ability to pick up on even the faintest notes works wonders in-game, too. It’s a fantastic headset for absorbing yourself in the hustle and bustle of Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City; its busy streets and back alleys benefiting greatly from 7.1 surround sound. Over to Resident Evil 4’s remake, I’ve never felt more placed into the action than here with the H3Pro Hybrid. The dread-filled ambience of the castle and subtly menacing village sections really come alive here.

Of course, a solid gaming headset is practically a requirement in more competitive environments. And once again, the H3Pro Hybrid is an excellent pick here. The headset’s bespoke BrainAdapt technology hones in on quieter, distant sound effects like footsteps and gunfire. It’s excellent for games like PUBG: Battlegrounds and Warzone 2 where situational awareness is paramount to success.

During use, you may want to enable ANC , too. This helps to almost completely eliminate ambient background noise, allowing you to focus on gaming or listening to music. The feature is excellent on the H3Pro Hybrid, and well worth using if you’re looking to maximize your immersion.

EPOS H3Pro Hybrid: Performance

Epos H3Pro Hybrid

(Image credit: Future)
  • Strong battery life in all modes
  • Near-instant connectivity
  • ANC battery life could be slightly better

The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid puts on yet another strong front in regards to battery life. Via Bluetooth connection with no extras enabled, you’ll get roughly 35-40 hours on a full charge. If you’re using the dongle instead, that drops slightly to around 30-35 hours.

If you want to enable active noise canceling while using the headset, you’ll incur a pretty steep hit to overall battery life, but you’ll still get around 20-25 hours via Bluetooth and approximately 18 hours with the dongle. Overall, battery life is very impressive, but I do wish the headset could squeeze a little more with ANC enabled.

Via both dongle and Bluetooth, I was impressed by the headset’s ability to pair and connect quickly in both scenarios. Headsets like the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Max and the RIG 800 Pro can take a good few moments to recognize the pairing. But the process was close to instantaneous on the H3Pro Hybrid.

I found that you’re able to walk a good distance away from your connection without audio cutting out, too. A good barometer for me is to walk to my kitchen and make a coffee with the headset on, as it’s a few rooms apart from my home office. Thankfully, the H3 Pro Hybrid maintained connection throughout this process, without cutting out even slightly. I’d say that makes the headset an excellent choice if, say, you’re doing other things at home like chores or preparing food.

Should I buy the EPOS H3Pro Hybrid?

Epos H3Pro Hybrid

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re after a seriously powerful gaming headset
The H3Pro Hybrid sounds fantastic, has a good quality mic and a strong wireless connection.

You want an immersive multiplayer experience
With a crystal clear mic and strong directional audio performance, the H3Pro Hybrid works wonders in online multiplayer environments.

You like ANC
The headset’s active noise canceling is some of the best in the business, cutting out unwelcome background noise almost completely.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
The H3 Pro Hybrid is an expensive bit of kit. You’ll certainly get your money’s worth, but you may wish to look for a cheaper option if money is an object.

Sony Inzone H3 headset review – Strong sound, flawed design
6:45 pm | March 27, 2023
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

If you’re after an affordable, workhorse gaming headset then the Sony Inzone H3 is well worth considering. But you will have to do a bit of work to witness the headset at its best. That’s because the Inzone H3’s default sound profile is flat straight out of the box; its lows, mids and highs blending together for an unsatisfying output.

However, when paired with the brilliant Inzone Hub app or the PS5’s 3D audio, the Inzone H3 starts to come alive. The headset boasts fantastic spatial audio for its relatively low price. And the app’s EQ settings, like bass boost and music/video focus, add some much-needed punch for general music listening or immersion and awareness while gaming. Combine that with a crystal clear mic and the Sony Inzone H3 becomes a sound choice for online multiplayer with friends.

It’s a shame that Sony hasn’t sent its best in regards to overall build quality. The headset’s plastic shell feels cheaply made, and the cups dangle in sway in a rather flimsy fashion when not worn. On the flipside, the Inzone H3 does offer a high level of comfort thanks to its headband cushion and soft padding around the cups. Overall, then, the Inzone H3 is a flawed headset that nonetheless continues Sony’s penchant for seriously good sound quality under the right conditions.

Sony Inzone H3: price and availability

The Sony Inzone H3 wired headset can be bought right now for $99 / £89 (around AU$149) either directly from Sony’s website or at most big box retailers. However, the headset is getting close to being a year on the market, initially launching in June 2022. As a result, you may be able to find the Inzone H3 at decent discounts during big sales periods. 

Sony Inzone H3: Design

Sony Inzone H3

(Image credit: Future)
  • Comfy fit
  • Decently long cable
  • Slightly cheap look and feel

You’d be forgiven for feeling a bit let down by the Sony Inzone H3 out of the box. The headset’s off-white plastic feels cheap, and the cups have a habit of swaying flimsily when not being worn. It creates the feel of a headset that requires a delicate touch to avoid wear, tear and breakages.

Thankfully, wearing the headset is a much better experience than its appearance lets on. The Inzone H3 is very comfortable to wear, owing to its cushioned headband and smooth nylon lined cups. The lightweight design also means you’ll barely feel its presence during immersive gaming sessions.

The package keeps things relatively simple. The wired headset can be connected to various devices via 3.5mm headphone jack or, preferably, can be connected to the included audio box for connection via USB. This has the added benefit of extending the cable, too.

The headset’s microphone is a mixed bag, in terms of design. Its build quality is solid, and flips up and down with ease. The mic is automatically muted when in the upright position; a nice touch that saves you from fiddling with settings on your device. Unfortunately, the mic isn’t detachable, making it tough to recommend for outdoor use if you just want to listen to music.

I would’ve liked to see some on-headset functionality with the Inzone H3, but you’re only getting a single volume slider here. Buttons for quick access to EQ selection and spatial audio toggle would’ve been great additions to the headset.

Sony Inzone H3: Performance

Sony Inzone H3

(Image credit: Future)
  • Fantastic spatial audio
  • Punchy EQs
  • Default sound profile falls flat

The Sony Inzone H3 can be used on a wide variety of devices, including PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. However, you’ll likely want to stick to PC and PS5 here, as the headset’s default sound profile is extremely flat. Lows, mids and highs all blend together rather unsatisfyingly without its more bespoke features enabled.

Thankfully, the Inzone Hub app on PC really allows the headset to shine thanks to spatial audio and EQ sliders that come with a variety of presets. Over on PS5, the Inzone H3 is aided greatly by the console’s proprietary 3D audio setting, lending spatial audio to the headset without needing the app.

Of particular note are the Music/Video and Bass Boost EQ presets. The former provides an overall richer sound. It’s excellent for listening to multi-layered, high production soundtracks. I took this EQ for a spin listening to some of my favorite records, including Bjork’s Debut and Silversun Pickups’ Carnavas – two albums featuring layered and unique soundscapes. The H3 was simply wonderful here, able to bring out the subtleties in each albums’ high quality track list.

The Bass Boost equalizer preset is superb at emphasizing lows, adding some much-needed punch to the Inzone H3’s output. Sonic Frontiers’ thumping drum and bass tracks really shine here, making blasting through those Cyber Space stages all the more enjoyable.

I’m pleased to report that the Inzone H3’s spatial audio settings work brilliantly, especially for gaming purposes. For atmospheric single player titles like Elden Ring and Returnal, the added layer of immersion the Inzone H3’s spatial audio is able to create is palpable.

Taking the action online, spatial audio does a great job in heightening the awareness of the player, isolating footfalls and bullet trajectory with pinpoint accuracy in games like PUBG: Battlegrounds. The Inzone H3’s mic shines in this environment, too, outputting your voice with a high level of clarity. 

Should I buy the Sony Inzone H3?

Sony Inzone H3

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re after a workhorse gaming headset
The Sony Inzone H3’s comfort and excellent mic make it a top choice if you’re looking for a gaming headset for long term use.

You want strong and robust sound settings
If you’re on PC or PS5, you’ll benefit greatly from the Inzone H3’s superb spatial audio and immersive equalizer presets.

You have a mid-range budget
The headset is a solid choice if you’re buying at a mid-range price point.

Don't buy it if...

You want a wireless headset
You’ll want to look elsewhere if you’d prefer a wireless connection, as the Inzone H3 is strictly wired.

You’re after better build quality
The Inzone H3 does lack slightly in the build quality department, with cheap feeling plastic somewhat dampening the experience.