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After starting a new job in IT support over a year ago, I found myself handling support calls from clients on a daily basis. During the past year, I had the opportunity to review the budget-friendly EPOS Impact 100 as well as the mid-range EPOS Impact 400.
Having used an EPOS gaming headset for work previously, I realized that it didn’t quite meet my needs in a busy office environment. The voice clarity was lacking, and the absence of sidetone made me unintentionally loud on calls, much to the annoyance of my colleagues.
For almost a year now, I have been using the Impact 400, which has served me well, even though it may not be as advanced as I would prefer.
EPOS recently introduced the Impact 500, a Bluetooth hybrid ANC headset. While the official retail price is yet to be confirmed, Balilicom has already listed it at £200, with a discounted price of £150 at the time of writing.
This makes it a more cost-effective alternative to the Impact 1000 series, which has a retail price of £258 and is typically available for around £230.
**Related Reviews**
**Features**
– BrainAdapt Technology: Enhances audio clarity and reduces cognitive fatigue.
– Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Minimizes background noise during calls.
– Voice Pick-up and Clarity: Ensures clear voice transmission.
– Certified Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
– Teams Over Bluetooth Support: Enables native Teams functionality via Bluetooth.
– Talk-Through Mode: Allows quick in-person conversations without removing the headset.
– Busy Light Indicator: Shows availability status with a single-sided LED.
– Call Control via Boom Arm: Effortlessly answer or mute calls.
– EPOS ActiveGard: Protects against sudden bursts of sound.
– EPOS EU Noise Limiter: Ensures safe hearing levels.
**Connectivity**
– Wireless Range: Up to 30 meters with the included BTD 900c USB-C dongle.
– Native Bluetooth: Direct connection to laptops, tablets, and smartphones without a dongle.
– Multi-Point Connection: Connects to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
– Device Pairing: Supports pairing with up to eight devices.
– Dongle & Adapter: Includes BTD 900c dongle and USB-C to USB-A adapter.
– Microsoft Swift Pair: Enables 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.
– Speech Enhancement: Optimized microphone array for natural voice reproduction.
– EPOS AIT (AI Technology): Adaptive noise suppression for balanced voice tone.
**Design**
The Impact 500 model I received is the dual-sided version, similar to the Impact 400 but with additional on-ear controls and a wireless design. The rotatable boom arm allows for versatile use, and the ANC button placement makes it easy to access.
The package includes the BTD 900c dongle pre-paired with the headset for immediate use without additional setup.
**EPOS App**
The EPOS app allows for firmware updates and customization of settings such as sidetone adjustment, talk-through disabling, media mode, and audio limiter.
**Performance**
The Impact 500 excelled in performance during my review period, offering the flexibility of a wireless design and impressive battery life. The ANC feature was particularly beneficial, though not as robust as high-end consumer headphones.
**Active Noise Cancelling**
While the ANC function was effective, it didn’t match the performance of in-ear or over-ear consumer models. The on-ear design inherently limited its noise reduction capabilities.
**Call Quality**
Call quality on the Impact 500 was excellent, though slightly inferior to wired models like the Impact 400. The headset’s volume was noticeably higher, which was advantageous for dealing with quiet callers or low-volume systems.
**Battery Life**
The Impact 500’s battery life exceeded expectations, offering over 35 hours of talk time per charge. This made it suitable for extended use throughout the workweek.
**Price and Alternative Options**
While the official retail price is pending confirmation, the Impact 500 is expected to be priced around £200, with discounts available. Comparable models like the EPOS Impact 1060T ANC and competing brands like Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Jabra Evolve2 series offer similar features at varying price points.
**Overall**
In conclusion, the EPOS Impact 500 is a top-notch professional headset that strikes a balance between comfort, functionality, and price. Its wireless design, extended battery life, and on-ear comfort make it an ideal choice for long call sessions. While the ANC performance may not match high-end consumer headphones, the Impact 500 offers excellent call quality and convenient controls. It is a significant upgrade from the Impact 400 and a competitive option for office and remote support work.
**Pros**
– Comfortable on-ear design with soft ear cushions
– Excellent wireless range and battery life
– Strong microphone performance with effective sidetone
– Convenient controls and Teams certification
– Good ANC for a business headset
**Cons**
– ANC performance falls short compared to consumer-grade headphones
– Occasional wireless crackling issues
– Limited features in the companion app
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*Review by James, Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget*
