With the GTW 270 Hybrid, EPOS has introduced a set of in-ear headphones for 200 euros. MeinMMO tests to see what you get for the money. While music listeners and commuters get a great device, MMORPG and MMO players may be disappointed. Why the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid is still a strong all-rounder is covered in our review.
The most important points at a glance:
- The EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid is a pair of wireless in-ear headphones. The hybrid version includes a wireless adapter for PC and console.
- Thanks to the dongle, the GTW 270 Hybrid offers a universal solution for console, smartphone, and PC. Additionally, equalizer software can be used on the PC.
- The manufacturer charges 199.99 euros for their high-quality device on Amazon and other providers.
- Sound and build quality are convincing. The microphone is disappointing for gamers, especially those playing multiplayer games, but the positioning of opponents works well. Single-player gamers will find the hybrid a strong but pricey all-rounder.
What kind of device is it? The device is a pair of in-ear gaming headphones. They are designed not just for music but also for gaming.
In terms of price, the manufacturer confidently positions itself in the upper price range. Because for headphones with a charging case and dongle, EPOS demands a hefty 200 euros. That’s quite a bit of money, as you can already get good in-ear headphones for less.
In the 100-euro range, there’s the Razer Hammerhead True Wireless for just over 100 euros, aimed at gamers. The Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro from Anker is available for 129 euros and is for users who enjoy music and are often on the go. For 200 euros, you can also get the Galaxy Buds Pro from Samsung or the Apple AirPods Pro.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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EPOS GTW 270 Kabellose Hybrid-Gaming Bluetooth Kopfhörer In Ear, USB-C-Dongle,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Unlike the previously mentioned devices, with EPOS you also get a dongle, allowing you to use the headphones with a console, PC, or Switch. You can also use quite an extensive equalizer software on the PC to further adjust the sound.
MeinMMO has reviewed the in-ear headphones and reveals what you get for 200 euros.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review: How did we test?
How long did we test the device? We were able to test the device extensively and took a closer look at it:
- Overall, we were able to test the in-ear headphones for about 3 months.
- We tested the device on a desktop PC under Windows, on the PlayStation 4, on an Android smartphone, and on the Nintendo Switch.
This is how we proceeded: To draw a meaningful comparison, we compared the device in practical tests with several other Bluetooth in-ear headphones. This way, the sound, build quality, and ergonomics of the headphones can be well compared.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid in Detail
What’s included: EPOS provides everything important to use the device right away. The headphones are already about 70 percent charged, so you can use them immediately:
- Charging case with headphones
- USB-C to USB-A cable for charging the charging case
- USB-A to USB-C adapter for the dongle
- three interchangeable ear tips for the headphones
- dongle and protective case for the dongle
How are the headphones built? Basically, the headphones do not look very different from other wireless models.
The two headphones sit in a charging case, through which they can also be charged. The case itself can be easily charged via USB port. This way, you can charge the case even while listening to music or gaming.
The headphones fit into the ear like other in-ear headphones and are then slightly twisted. This way they sit snugly in the ear, and outside noises are only dampened.
The included ear tips also ensure that every user finds a suitable size for their ears. Because the sound is significantly better when the headphones fit tightly and securely in the ear.
What is special about the headphones? While most wireless in-ear headphones only offer a Bluetooth function, the EPOS device also provides dongle functionality.
This makes it possible to use the device on the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation. The dongle connects directly to the Nintendo Switch, while an adapter cable is needed for the PlayStation. Afterward, the headphones connect automatically.
On PC, you also have access to extensive software called “EPOS Gaming Suite.” This provides typical equalizer settings and allows you to adjust highs and lows.
At this point, you can find the technical details of the headphones:
| EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| Build | Dynamic, closed, in-ear |
| Connection | Low latency and Bluetooth |
| Compatibility | Dongle: Nintendo Switch, Android, PC, and PS4 Without: Bluetooth devices |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20 – 20000 Hz |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100 – 7500 Hz |
| Battery life | 5 hours |
| Package contents | Charging case, dongle, USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A extension cable, silicone ear tips, quick start guide, and safety information |
Build Quality
What we like: At first glance, the in-ear headphones from EPOS make a good impression. EPOS uses high-quality materials in the build. Thus, the charging case with the headphones also feels good in the hand.
The metallic surface and reinforced interior look premium. This is no comparison to other less expensive models that mainly use plastic.
The backside with USB-C connection 
The inside with charging position
What we don’t like: The small box for the in-ear headphones is not scratch-resistant. Care needs to be taken when packing the box into luggage. The aluminum is sensitive.
Another issue is the dongle. This dongle cannot be stored properly, as the charging box for the dongle does not provide any storage space. We then switched to simply leaving the dongle on the USB extension cable. Because it sits firmly enough there and doesn’t get lost.
Ergonomics/Feel
According to the manufacturer EPOS, the team had a database of ears available during the development of its headphones to ensure the best ergonomics.
The small devices are placed in the ear and then slightly twisted. This ensures that they stay securely in place and do not fall out.
In our tests, we can confirm that the headphones sit very well in the ears. Even after a long train ride or a longer session at the console, the tips do not press into the ears and are hardly noticeable. Additionally, the small devices stay firmly in the ears and do not slip out when we quickly move our head or reposition our glasses on our nose.
The dongle is about the same size as the headphones. 
The headphones are about the size of a 2-euro coin.
The difference is especially noticeable compared to other models. Very inexpensive models from discount stores or even gaming headphones from Razer rely on hard plastic, not on interchangeable rubbers that adapt to the ear canal. Here, our ears start to hurt after just a good hour. The headphones from EPOS fit much more comfortably.
Performance/Sound
We tested the headphones on three different systems:
- On desktop PC with Windows with dongle
- On PlayStation 4 with dongle
- On Android smartphone via Bluetooth without dongle
How good is the sound? Overall, the sound is balanced. Speech is clearly understandable. The bass range has enough strength, and the treble range has enough sharpness.
The headphones are also useful for multiplayer games. For example, in Overwatch, we can accurately locate the footsteps of opponents and assess from which direction the opponent is approaching. Footsteps and shots are well identifiable in the sound profile. Thus, we can tell if the opponent is above us on the roof or fighting a competitor a few meters away.
Additionally, many sound details can be recognized. Plucky bass has strength, while piano background music is clearly distinguishable from other details. Vocals are also easily recognizable, with solo voices markedly distinguishable from the overall sound. The sound is also balanced on the Nintendo Switch.
Compared to cheaper devices, the sound does not feel dull and cramped, and remains quite airy. However, the sound cannot be compared to open gaming headsets due to the construction of the small devices.
Compared to over-ear headsets, you also get relatively little bass as you would typically expect from gaming devices. As a result, explosions or shots do not feel quite as powerful, but enemy footsteps are better recognizable in the sound profile. Overall, the sound from Razer’s Hammerhead True Wireless still has a bit more bass than the headphones from EPOS.
Thanks to the dongle, the sound on PC can be adjusted via the “EPOS Gaming Suite” if needed. As with any equalizer software, you can fine-tune here. Surround sound is also available through the software, but it does not convince us as it sounds too artificial.
Microphone
What we like: When making calls with the headphones, we are easily understandable, and our conversation partner can hear us well.
The microphone transmits part of our voice to the headphones, allowing us to hear ourselves as well. This feels strange at first but helps avoid shouting into the headphones.
What we don’t like: The microphone filters out very few distracting background noises. Our conversation partner can tell whether we are on a noisy street or walking in a park. However, our voice remains clearly audible despite background noise.
The microphone cannot be used when you use the dongle. Therefore, the microphone has no function on the console or PC; you can only use the sound. This way, the in-ear headphones are limited in use on PC and console, while the microphone can be used on smartphones via Bluetooth. This is also intentional, as EPOS explains in its official FAQ (via eposaudio.com):
AptX with low latency only supports the playback channel. Therefore, the GTW 270 Hybrid is not suitable for competitive/online multiplayer games like Fortnite or CS:GO.
With the GTW 270 Hybrid, we aimed for complete immersion in the gaming experience. This is only possible through the aptX codec, which has a higher bandwidth
Official FAQ of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid, via eposaudio.com
This dual-wireless function is helpful if you are gaming and suddenly receive a call on your phone and want to take the call directly without hearing your game.
Battery Life
What we like: Generally, the battery life of in-ear headphones is lower than that of large wireless headsets. This is primarily due to size, as there is no space for a large battery in the tiny devices.
The battery life is quite satisfactory. We can easily listen to music for several hours at once or pass the time on a long train ride. The in-ear headphones last about 4 – 6 hours.
Once we put the devices back in the charging case, they charge quickly and can be used again without issues.
What could be improved: The battery life of the headphones cannot be displayed directly on the PC. There is no option for that in the software. On Android, there is generally a charging display, but the battery display cannot be shown separately for each headphone.
Conclusion: Strong sound, but limited for online gaming
What do the headphones offer? In terms of sound, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid performs excellently, and the build quality is also impressive. We have had very few in-ear headphones sit as comfortably as the EPOS device.
As gaming headphones, however, they are somewhat disappointing. Because the functionality of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid for gaming is limited in one respect: the microphone cannot be used with the dongle.
Users who primarily play multiplayer games and want to communicate with other players will find this a downside. And this is a tough compromise for the price of 200 euros, which probably no player of multiplayer games and MMOs will be willing to make.
On the other hand, the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid with the dongle is a great all-rounder, as you can use the device without hassle on virtually any device. Whether on PlayStation, desktop PC, or Nintendo Switch, there are no limits.
For whom is the device recommended? Whether the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid is worth it for you depends entirely on what you want to play. If you mainly play multiplayer games, you will ultimately be bothered by the lack of microphone on PC and console. Alternatively, you would need to buy an external microphone.
If you instead play a lot of single-player games or game on the Nintendo Switch and are looking for excellent headphones, then EPOS offers a strong headphone set with great sound. With their very low weight of under 10 grams, they are also easier to wear than regular headsets.
If you are looking for excellent sound quality, exceptional build quality, and the ability to use in-ear headphones via dongle on console or PC, then you should check out the EPOS in-ears. Because with the dongle, the headphones are a true all-rounder for anyone using different devices for gaming. The good ergonomics are also a point in favor of the EPOS device.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
EPOS GTW 270 Kabellose Hybrid-Gaming Bluetooth Kopfhörer In Ear, USB-C-Dongle,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
If you are only looking for decent sound, can forgo the dongle and equalizer, then there are many significantly cheaper alternatives available for which you currently pay only half.
For instance, you can get Razer’s Hammerhead True Wireless with a slightly bassier sound for about 100 euros. And with the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro from Anker, you already get very good sound quality for 129 euros. The build quality is similarly high, but you won’t get a microphone for calls and slightly lower battery performance.
Other headsets on MeinMMO: Are you looking for headsets that you can use on PC or with your new Xbox Series X|S or PS5? Then check out our MeinMMO buying guide. Here we present you the best gaming headsets you can buy right now.
