REVIEW – The Drop + EPO H3X gaming headset is a collaboration between the e-commerce company Drop and EPOS Audio, formerly known as Sennheiser Communications. The two teamed up to build a multipurpose headset that would “redefine entry-level” options. Having drooled over items on Drop numerous times and trusting the name Sennheiser, I was excited to see what the H3X was all about.
What is it?
The Drop + EPO H3X gaming headset is a budget gaming headset in the sub $100 range that performs better than some twice its price.
What’s in the box?
- The Drop + EPOS H3X Headset
- 1 – Y cable with separate TRS connections for headphones and mic
- 1 – straight cable with TRRS connection
- User Manual
- Carry bag
Hardware specs
Headset
- Drop + EPOS
- Form factor: Over-ear
- Transducer principle: Dynamic, closed
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 kHz
- Impedance: 25 ohms
- Sound Pressure level / Sensitivity: 111 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 0.7 V
RMS
- Cables: 6.6 ft (2 m) 3-pole PC-cable (2 x 3.5 mm with split TRS connector), 4.9 ft (1.5 m) console cable (1 x 3.5 mm TRRS connector)
- Headband: H3 Hybrid headband
- Weight (without cable): 9.5 oz (270 g)
- Weight (with cable): 10.2 oz (290 g)
Microphone
- Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
- Sensitivity: -39 dBV/PA
- Type: Electret condenser
- Pickup pattern: Bi-directional
Design and features
The Drop + EPO H3X headset is touted as a “gaming” headset which to me explains the futuristic military design. Slap some olive-green paint on them and they look like something a space marine would wear. Currently, they’re offered in the Meteorite colorway only. And thankfully, they aren’t bedazzled with RGB or neon accents anywhere so even the overgrown man-child that I am, won’t look ridiculous wearing them.
They are constructed mostly of plastic which is no surprise to anyone. This makes for a very lightweight set of cans. Together with the padded, breathable headband, stainless steel slider, and thick cushioned ear cups they are comfortable enough to wear all day.
The Drop + EPOS H3X gaming headset has a closed-back design to keep your audio IN and outside noises out. Handy if you see yourself using these while traveling, commuting, or in virtual meetings.
There’s a feature on both cables that confused me. The end that connects to the headset itself has a red stripe around it. It’s the same for both cables. What were Drop and EPOS telling me? Come to find out, if the cable isn’t fully seated, the red stripe is still visible. You know it’s connected properly when the red stripe disappears. The cables themselves are braided and supple so they don’t get all tangled up.
The mic is an electret condenser which means it’s electrostatic capacitor-based that works on low voltages. To use it, you flip the boom down for on and flip it up for mute. The boom also has a flexible section allowing you to position it where you need it.
There’s a volume dial on the right ear cup which is great when gaming. No need to go through all the menus on your console to reach your desired level.
Setup
The Drop + EPOS H3X is just as easy to use as one would expect. Plug the cable into the headset and your audio source, adjust the boom, set the volume, and go get yourself pummeled by 10-year-olds in your preferred battle royale.
Performance
The Drop + EPO H3X performed surprisingly well for its price. I used it for listening to music, watching videos, and endless online meetings. I got no complaints from coworkers. They all said they heard me just fine with no difference from my usual setup. I let one of my boys use it to play online games with his friends, so now he wants to use them instead of his Hyper X.
Sound quality is good. Highs and mids are clear and the bass is enough to serve its purpose. These cans won’t knock your socks off until you see the price. You get a lot for the money. When I first received them, there was no information on Drop’s website about them including the price. So when I started using them, I thought, yeah these are pretty good. Once I knew they were only $79, I said OK these are great at that price point.
The H3X gaming headset is very comfortable with its padded headband and thick cushioned cups. I can wear them all day while working with just a little discomfort towards the end.
The only thing I can find that I don’t like about them is the volume dial. It doesn’t feel very sturdy, and it spins up to LOUD too quickly. The slightest turn of the dial reaches MIN or MAX making it a little difficult to set. I resulted to using the media controls on my keyboard.
What I like
- The price
- The sound
- The mic
- Very comfortable
What I’d change
- The volume dial
Final thoughts
I think Drop and EPOS have a budget-friendly winner on their hands. For the price, they sound great to me, look good, and feel great. If you’re looking for a headset that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and can go from the office to the war room, check out the Drop + EPOS H3X gaming headset. I think they’re more than worthy of the sticker price.
Price: $79.00
Where to buy: Drop
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Drop.
