The EPOS IMPACT 500 is a professional wireless headset designed for modern hybrid work environments, and it delivers where it matters most: crystal-clear voice quality and intelligent noise cancellation. After testing this headset through countless meetings and calls, it’s clear that EPOS has prioritised communication clarity above all else, making this an excellent choice for professionals who spend their days on video calls or someone who works remotely and from home like myself.
EPOS IMPACT 500 REVIEW – UNBOXING AND PACKAGING CONTENTS
EPOS IMPACT 500 REVIEW – DESIGN AND FEATURES
The EPOS IMPACT 500 has an exceptional voice pickup. During my daily standup meetings with colleagues, everyone sounds remarkably clear and easily heard. When I tested my own voice through the system settings, it came through bold, close, and clear without any background distractions. The difference is immediately noticeable compared to using my laptop for both audio input and output.
The secret behind this clarity is EPOS’ adaptive beamforming microphone technology, which scans the environment 32,000 times per second to intelligently detect and suppress background noise. I have a noisy air purifier standing not far from my desk that usually forces me to turn it off during laptop-based Slack Huddle meetings because colleagues complain about the buzzing noise. With the EPOS IMPACT 500, no one complained even with the air purifier running. That’s a significant practical improvement that makes daily meetings far more convenient.
The IMPACT 500 is Microsoft Teams certified and meets Open Office requirements for noise suppression and voice pickup. A future software release will also add support for Teams over native Bluetooth, enabling dongle-free calls. This positions the headset as future-proof for evolving workplace communication standards.
The hybrid active noise cancellation on the EPOS IMPACT 500 strikes a smart balance between blocking distractions and maintaining environmental awareness. The system uses microphones both inside and outside the earcups to detect and cancel ambient noise across all frequencies.
In practice, the ANC performs admirably. I’m not in an open office environment so I can’t tell you anything on that front, but I can barely hear my noisy toddler outside my room once ANC is activated. That’s impressive noise reduction without creating the uncomfortable pressure sensation that some aggressive ANC implementations produce.
EPOS has taken an interesting approach to ANC design based on insights into how the brain processes sound. Rather than attempting to block everything, the system is carefully optimised to block just the right amount of background noise to help you concentrate. This creates what EPOS calls BrainAdapt technology, which aims to reduce cognitive load caused by poor audio and distracting noise, protecting against listening fatigue during long work sessions.
The TalkThrough mode is a practical addition for quick conversations. Simply toggle it on using a button on the earcup, and you can chat with colleagues without removing the headset. This is particularly useful during meetings when you need to ask someone nearby a quick question.
The EPOS IMPACT 500 features an on-ear design rather than full over-ear cups, meaning your entire ear isn’t completely covered. This design choice will appeal to different users depending on preference. Full ear cup designs provide better passive noise isolation, but at the expense of environmental awareness and possibly warmer ears. The IMPACT 500’s on-ear design combined with active noise cancelling creates a balanced approach – you can focus on meetings but still hear if someone calls you in the office.
At just 139 grams, the headset is lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. The design feels professional without being boring, striking a good balance for workplace use.
The boom arm includes smart call control – lift it up to automatically mute yourself. This physical muting method is reliable and intuitive. When using in-app mute functions, a red LED indicator at the boom tip provides visual confirmation of mute status that’s visible from the corner of your eye. This is a thoughtful touch that prevents those awkward moments of talking on mute.
The volume controls take some adjustment if you’re coming from gaming headsets. On most gaming headsets, the increase volume button sits towards the front (closer to the microphone boom). The IMPACT 500 reverses this placement. It’s not a deal breaker, just something that requires adaptation for users accustomed to different layouts.
Battery performance is exceptional, with up to 36 hours of talk time and 89 hours of listening time. This means the headset easily handles multiple days of back-to-back meetings without requiring a charge. The charging time is reasonable at 1 hour 30 minutes, and fast charging provides 310 minutes of listening time from just 10 minutes of charging.
The wireless range extends to 30 metres, providing plenty of freedom to move around your workspace like grabbing coffee from the kitchen without dropping connection.
The IMPACT 500 offers flexible connectivity supporting both dongle and native Bluetooth connections. Whether you prefer the reliable stability and broad compatibility of a dongle or the convenience of native Bluetooth, the headset accommodates both approaches. This flexibility benefits both IT managers looking for consistent deployment options and users who want connection convenience.
EPOS IMPACT 500 REVIEW CONCLUSION
The EPOS IMPACT 500 is a professional wireless headset that excels at what matters most for hybrid work: exceptional voice clarity and intelligent noise cancellation. The adaptive beamforming microphone technology demonstrably suppresses background noise without compromising voice quality, making meetings more productive and less stressful for everyone involved.
The hybrid ANC implementation is designed to reduce distractions without completely isolating you from your environment, and features like TalkThrough mode and boom arm mute add practical convenience to daily workflows. Battery life is outstanding, easily handling multiple days of intensive use, and the lightweight design ensures comfort during extended wear.
At A$359.00, the EPOS IMPACT 500 sits at a premium price point, but the investment is justified for professionals who spend significant time on calls and need reliable, high-quality communication tools. The Microsoft Teams certification and promised native Bluetooth support position this headset as a forward-thinking choice for evolving workplace requirements.
For professionals seeking a headset that prioritises voice quality and smart noise management over entertainment features, the EPOS IMPACT 500 delivers exactly what’s needed without unnecessary complexity.
Disclosure: EPOS IMPACT 500 review sample was supplied for reviewing
