Hands-on Review: EPOS Impact 1000 headset game-changer for at home setups

Review: Right out of the box, I knew the EPOS Impact 1000 headset was going to be a huge game-changer in my work life.

Over the past few weeks, I've been using the EPOS Impact 1000 headset daily - at home and occasionally on the move.

What became quickly apparent is that this headset was built with the realities of modern work firmly in mind. Whether it's constant video meetings, needing to drown out background noise, or switching between multiple devices, the Impact 1000 handles it all with polished ease.

The headset has a modern, understated look that fits perfectly into a professional setup.

It's lightweight, but not flimsy - just the right balance that suggests long-term durability.

The headband, while featuring an unusual cutout, makes perfect sense once you use the charging stand. That cutout aligns with the dock for wireless induction charging, and it's the sort of detail that makes everyday use feel seamless. Instead of plugging in cables or worrying about charge levels, I just set it on the stand between calls and meetings. It's always ready to go.

Wearing the Impact 1000 for hours at a time wasn't an issue. The memory foam ear cups were soft and breathable, and the adjustable headband made it easy to find a comfortable fit.

I did notice the top of the band initially due to the charging cutout, but after a short time, I didn't think about it again.

The headset is thoughtfully designed to be worn with the mic on either the left or right side. I settled on the right, which put the ANC and TalkThrough button on the left ear cup and volume controls on the right. It took a few uses to build the muscle memory, but once I did, the controls felt natural.

What impressed me most was how the headset adapted to my working environments.

At home, the usual distractions - my dog whining, the neighbour mowing their lawn, and the occasional clatter of dishes in the kitchen - were largely erased once I switched on ANC.

The noise cancelling is genuinely effective, especially given it's using hybrid adaptive ANC.

This means the headset listens to both internal and external noise and adjusts in real time. I found it surprisingly calming and helpful in staying focused. When someone did approach me to talk, pressing the TalkThrough button instantly let me hear them clearly without taking the headset off, and pressing it again brought me back into silence.

Calls sounded excellent. I regularly use Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and each time I asked colleagues about my microphone quality, the feedback was consistently positive. I also tested the mic locally, recording short clips, and I could hear how well the noise cancelling filtered out background sounds while keeping my voice clear.

It's fitted with four digital MEMS microphones that use beamforming and AI algorithms to isolate voice, and I genuinely noticed the difference compared to other headsets I've used.

Another standout feature was its ability to connect to three devices at once.

I had it paired with my laptop and phone, and I could move between them with minimal interruption. Bluetooth range was excellent too - I could walk across the house to grab a drink or let the dog out and stay connected without a single dropout.

Switching from my laptop back to my phone's Bluetooth audio did introduce a few seconds of delay, but once connected, it was stable.

Battery life was never a concern. My typical use was three to five hours a day, and every time I returned it to the dock, it topped itself up.

On days I worked longer hours, it still had plenty of charge left. I appreciated that I could plug it in via USB-C and continue using it while charging - something not all wireless headsets allow.

The sound quality for listening was solid - great clarity in mids and highs, though bass was a little underwhelming if you're expecting the depth of a dedicated music headset. Still, for voice, video, and even the occasional playlist, it delivered more than enough richness.

A few small gripes emerged during use. The volume rocker operates in a forward/backward motion, which wasn't always intuitive - I had to pause and think which way increased or decreased the volume. Also, while the wireless dongle is included, it's USB-A rather than USB-C, which feels a bit outdated given how many laptops now favour USB-C ports.

Overall, using the EPOS Impact 1000 was a consistently positive experience.

It's the rare headset that disappears into your workflow - you just wear it, press a few buttons, and it works. It handled my hybrid working life beautifully, keeping me sounding clear, helping me concentrate, and seamlessly moving with me between devices and locations.

If you're looking for a long-term investment in clarity, comfort and reliability, this headset absolutely delivers.