EPOS Impact 500 Hybrid ANC Headset: A Comprehensive Review

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I started a new job in IT support a bit over a year ago, and now I spend a lot of my day taking support calls from clients. In the past year, I have reviewed the budget EPOS Impact 100 and the mid-range EPOS Impact 400.

I had previously been using an EPOS gaming headset for work, and it worked reasonably well, but I found it wasn’t ideal in a busy office environment. Voice clarity was not as good, and the lack of sidetone meant I was a bit shouty when on the phone, which I am sure annoyed my colleagues.

So, for almost a year, I have been using the Impact 400, and it has performed well, even if it isn’t quite as advanced as I’d like.

EPOS has now launched the Impact 500, which is a Bluetooth hybrid ANC headset. I don’t have the official RRP, but at the time of writing, Balilicom had already listed it at £200, with a discount to £150.

This makes it a more affordable alternative to the Impact 1000 series, which has an RRP of £258 and is available for around £230.

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Features

• BrainAdapt Technology: Reduces cognitive fatigue and listening effort by enhancing audio clarity and lowering background distractions.
• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Minimises background noise during calls or when focusing in open offices.
• Voice Pick-up and Clarity: Dual microphones and EPOS AI-assisted tuning ensure clear voice transmission while filtering unwanted noise.
• Certified Compatibility: Certified for Microsoft Teams (including Open Office standard), Zoom, and Google Meet.
• Teams Over Bluetooth Support: A forthcoming firmware update will enable native Teams functionality via Bluetooth without needing a dongle.
• Talk-Through Mode: Allows users to have quick, in-person conversations without removing the headset.
• Busy Light Indicator: Single-sided LED to show availability status.
• Call Control via Boom Arm: Tilt down to answer and lift up to mute calls effortlessly.
• EPOS ActiveGard: Protects users against sudden bursts of sound to prevent acoustic shock.
• EPOS EU Noise Limiter: Keeps daily exposure below 85 dB for hearing safety.

Connectivity

• Wireless Range: Up to 30 metres (98 ft) using the included BTD 900c USB-C dongle.
• Native Bluetooth: Connects directly to laptops, tablets, and smartphones without a dongle.
• Multi-Point Connection: Supports connection to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
• Device Pairing: Pairs with up to eight devices for easy switching between workstations.
• Dongle & Adapter: Includes BTD 900c dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter for universal use.
• Microsoft Swift Pair: Enables rapid, hassle-free connection with Windows devices via Bluetooth.

Audio and Performance

• Battery Life: Over 35 hours of active talk time per charge.
• Hybrid ANC System: Custom-tuned for open office scenarios to reduce ambient sound.
• Speech Enhancement: Optimised microphone array for natural voice reproduction.
• EPOS AIT (AI Technology): Adaptive noise suppression to maintain a balanced voice tone across varied environments.

Design

The Impact 500 model I was sent is the dual-sided model and adopts a similar design to the Impact 400, but with a few more on-ear controls and a wireless design.

The boom arm can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing you to switch it from left to right. You can have the arm set to answer the call when pulled down from a vertical position.

You then have volume buttons and the power/dongle/Bluetooth switch, and USB-C port on the arm side.

On the opposite side is the ANC button. As I switched this on and off throughout the day, I found it handy having it by itself on one side, as it was easier to find when I wanted to enable it.

You then get the BTD 900c dongle, which includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter.

The headset is pre-paired, so it can be used immediately without the need for pairing or software.

EPOS App

The EPOS app is simple but allows for firmware upgrades and tweaking settings not available on the headset itself.

Adjustable settings include sidetone, talk-through disabling during calls, media mode, and audio limiter.

Performance

The Impact 500 has performed exceptionally well during testing. The wireless design provides flexibility and comfort, allowing movement without the inconvenience of wires.

Active Noise Cancelling

The standout feature for me was the ANC functionality. It effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to focus and hear clearly, especially in noisy environments.

The ANC performance is good, but not as effective as in-ear or over-ear headphones that fully seal the ear canal.

There is a slight disorienting sensation with ANC, likely due to ambient noise leakage, which can be noticeable when taking the headset on or off frequently.

Despite this, the ANC significantly reduces ambient noise, making it easier to communicate on phone calls in loud environments.

Call Quality

Call quality on the Impact 500 is excellent, although slightly better on the wired Impact 400. The headset’s volume is higher, which can be beneficial for users with hearing issues or quiet audio systems.

The microphone quality is also excellent, with a built-in sidetone feature to help regulate speaking volume.

Battery Life

The battery provides over 35 hours of talk time per charge, ideal for daily use. The ANC feature may affect battery life, but it should last a full workweek without needing a recharge.

Price and Alternative Options

The EPOS Impact 500 is priced around £200, with alternatives like the EPOS Impact 1060T ANC available for £230.

Other options include the Poly Voyager Focus 2 for £135, or the Jabra Evolve2 55 for a similar price.

For users looking for over-ear ANC headsets, the Jabra Evolve2 85 is a recommended option, albeit at a higher price of £300.

Overall

The Impact 500 is a significant upgrade from the Impact 400, offering wireless convenience, excellent battery life, and impressive volume levels. While the ANC feature is beneficial, it may not be needed at all times.

Overall, the Impact 500 provides excellent call quality and comfort, making it a solid choice for office use. The EPOS Impact 500 Hybrid ANC Headset is a crucial component of any professional’s toolkit, and it is definitely worth investing a bit more for the enhanced performance it provides.

Personally, I find the soft on-ear cup design of the Impact 500 to be more preferable compared to the flat, harder style offered by competing brands. This makes the Impact 500 a superior choice for me over similarly priced options in the market.

In conclusion, I believe that the EPOS Impact 500 is an outstanding headset that I highly recommend. It strikes a perfect balance between comfort, functionality, and price, making it ideal for long hours of calls. While the active noise cancellation (ANC) may not be as strong as consumer-grade headphones, the headset excels in other areas such as wireless range, battery life, microphone performance, and overall comfort. It is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Impact 400, and stands out as one of the top choices for office and remote support work.

Pros of the EPOS Impact 500 include a comfortable on-ear design with soft earcups, excellent wireless range, long battery life, strong microphone performance, and effective ANC for a business headset. On the other hand, cons include ANC not being as strong as other consumer models, occasional wireless crackle compared to wired versions, and limited features in the companion app.

Overall, the EPOS Impact 500 is a fantastic choice for professionals looking for a high-quality headset that delivers on comfort, functionality, and performance. I can’t do it.