The EPOS H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset is a well-designed piece of hardware, which offers an impressive level of audio quality and ease of use for a sensible price. For $179 plus any applicable sales tax, players can purchase a headset that performs admirably, and by all accounts appears durable, with the only drawbacks being unfortunate side effects of its design.
In an attempt to offer a product for competitive and focused gaming, EPOS created the H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset to drown out any distractions. The ear cups are tightly sealed to keep game audio in, and outside distractions out. It stands in contrast to the EPOS H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset, which has open cups that allow more free movement of sound. The H6PRO Closed does a stellar job of isolating game sounds, which it delivers on a wide audio range while keeping out interference from other sources of noise in the vicinity. Even with a game at a relatively low volume, the H6PRO Closed makes it very difficult to hear, much less understand, someone else in the room speaking.
The rest of the headset is similarly competent at delivering its intended features. Attached to the left ear cup is a removable boom microphone, held in place by magnets. The microphone can be muted by pushing it up into a vertical position, or easily detached and replaced with an aesthetic cap when not needed. The other ear cup contains a master volume dial, also cleverly disguised aesthetically to provide an easy and intuitive way to quickly adjust the volume. Both cups pivot along multiple axes to conform to the wearer's head shape, and the band similarly adjusts to provide universal sizing.
Despite all the moving parts, the EPOS H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset seems rather durable. The boom mic remains firmly in place while in use, but would seemingly detach before breaking under enough stress. The extendable headband and moveable cups also feel as though they would hold up under significant strain. Even the detachable 3.5mm cable has a deep well around its port in the left cup to keep it secure.
This cable is, however, responsible for one of the few grievances to be had with the EPOS H6PRO Closed. Unlike the EPOS H3 Hybrid gaming headset, there is no wireless option in the EPOS H6PRO Closed. The lack of an internal battery means it has to rely on the power supply of whatever it's plugged into, and this leads to a noticeable hit to controller battery life. On the other hand, the headset being exclusively wired contributes greatly to ease of use, and it worked seamlessly upon being plugged in with every device tested (PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, laptop, and smart phone).
Another issue with the EPOS H6PRO Closed is similarly a symptom of the headset's design, which it can hardly be faulted for. It was clearly designed for comfort, and to accommodate longer playing sessions, but the ear cups are so tightly sealed to prevent audio leakage that it's possible for them to become uncomfortably warm. That's about as uncomfortable as the headset will get, though, which is a very minor complaint, and it never seriously aggravates any part of the head even during longer play sessions.
The important takeaway is that the H6PRO Closed accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do. It was designed for a core gaming experience for those who are potentially playing competitive games or looking to be immersed in a title's soundscape. Outside noise is reduced to almost nothing as the H6PRO Closed delivers crisp game audio in convincing and rich binaural surround sound. With a reasonable price tag for hobbyists, the EPOS H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset should receive legitimate consideration for those looking to buy a new headset.
The EPOS H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset is available now for $179. Screen Rant was provided a unit from EPOS for the purpose of this review.