What we have today is our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review which discusses the GTW 270 Hybrid. The GTW 270 Hybrid is the first solo earbuds from the company after EPOS and Sennheiser went their separate ways.
It sports a USB-C for low-latency audio to provide you with on-the-go gaming. These buds are excellent for casual use because of their sturdy and durable construction. Plus, EPOS ensured to keep them comfortable with a well-balanced sound profile and stable fit.
These are the first wireless buds for consoles, PC, and mobile platforms, but do these elements make it worth purchasing? Continue reading our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review to see if its offerings compensate for its cost.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Packaging
When we got our hands on the product, we immediately unboxed it for our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review. But before we get into what is inside the package, let us check the packaging.
It arrived in a sleek-looking black box that gave off a premium vibe. An image of the earbuds is in front, along with its name and company branding. EPOS also showcased the selling features of the GTW 270 Hybrid.
Inside, everything is well-protected to avoid any unwanted damage during shipping. The box includes GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds and its charging case. You will also find a GSA 70 USB-C, an extension cable, silicone ear tips, and a dongle carry case.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review – Design and Functionality
Our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review will discuss its design and functions. The GTW 270 Hybrid sports a premium exterior with an enclosure that sports a distinct squared-off form. You will easily find the EPOS logo on the outer surface of the earbuds.
Wearing these earbuds is extremely comfy since they sit in your ears without discomfort. These do not have a deep fit which is perfect. Plus, utilising the left bud controls does not push the bud deeper into the ear canal.
However, the GTW 270 Hybrid is slightly bulky for wireless earbuds and protrudes from your ears. Despite that, these are stable, so they will not fall out of your ears during activities like workouts, etc. However, we think these would do even better in staying in place if there were stability fins.
Overall, the well-built GTW 270 Hybrid earbuds feel durable since they use high-grade plastic. They also feel good and can survive several bumps and drops.
Additionally, the detachable ear tips feel sturdy and will not tear easily.
Connectivity Options
A significant selection of connectivity options is available with the GTW 270 Hybrid. Plus, these earbuds provide SBC and aptX codec compatibility for connection.
For Android users searching for high-quality wireless audio, the presence of aptX is fantastic. Though for Apple users, the absence of AAC means you are stuck using the SBC codec. The reason is that iOS does not support aptX.
Also, the product dongle utilises the aptX low latency. It is to link to platforms like the PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5. Additionally, the earbuds work with mobile devices supporting audio over USB-C.
Moreover, the GTW 270 Hybrid includes new features that receive firmware updates. It now has Bluetooth multipoint support, allowing you to pair it with multiple devices simultaneously via the dongle. You can connect via Bluetooth, though you can toggle back and forth via the dongle button.
To access updates, you will need to utilise the EPOS gaming suite desktop application, which we think is still spotty.
Charging Case of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
The GTW 270 Hybrid charging case is excellent since it does not take up too much space. It also uses anodised aluminium.
The case has five LED lights representing the battery life available. There is also a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button, though it only functions when the earbuds are in their cradles.
Key Features of the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
What makes this product one of the best earbuds on the market? Know the answer as we discuss its key features in our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review.
Versatile Design
The GTW 270 Hybrid allows switching seamlessly between gaming and calls. You can use the earbuds for gaming, calls, streaming, and podcasts as you enjoy wireless freedom.
Also, the GTW 270 Hybrid has an ergonomic shape. The earbuds are also soft and flexible, allowing them to adjust to your ear naturally while forming a comfortable acoustic seal.
Compatibility with Multiple Devices
The GSA 70 USB-C EPOS Low-latency dongle allows compatibility with Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4 and Android. It also uses Bluetooth 5.1 connection for any Bluetooth-compatible device.
True Wireless Low-latency Gaming
The GTW 270 Hybrid has a USB-C dongle with EPOS Low-latency technology, which offers high-performance single-channel audio playback. With the standard Bluetooth 5.1 connection, the earbuds allow dual-channel transmission for the speaker and microphone.
EPOS Gaming Suite to Tweak Your Audio
Use the EPOS Gaming Suite to customise audio settings on your PC. Adjust the recording and playback EQ, including voice enhancer, reverb, gain, and noise gate levels. Through the software, you can also toggle between 2.0 stereo and 7.1 surround with the GTW 270 Hybrid connected.
EPOS BrainAdapt Technology
The noise-isolating custom-designed GTW 270 Hybrid offers the EPOS signature sound without compromise. It delivers unparalleled aural clarity for expansive audio for a realistic gaming experience. The sound profile of these earbuds offers deep bass with natural mids and sparkling highs.
Compact Form Factor and Ergonomic Shape
The GTW 270 Hybrid is a pair of closed acoustic earbuds that are compact and lightweight, offering long-lasting comfort. The unique ergonomic shape of this product allows it to adjust to your ear naturally while staying secure.
High-quality Mobile Audio
Even when using mobile, you can enjoy immersive music with the GTW 270 Hybrid. The earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable wireless connection.
IPX 5 Water Resistance
Do not worry about sweat and light rain damaging your earbuds since they have the IPX 5 rating.
Specifications
You need to know if the earbuds work with your devices before you purchase them. So, we listed its specifications here in our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review.
The earbuds have a frequency response of 20 to 20000Hz and a 100dB sound pressure level. This product has a dynamic closed transducer principle with a 2% harmonic distortion.
It also connects via low latency and Bluetooth, which we find convenient.
The earbuds connect with a 1.4m USB cable and use a USB-C connector plug. Its charge time takes the GTW 270 Hybrid one hour and 30 minutes to complete.
The earbuds’ microphone has a 100 to 7500Hz frequency response, an omnidirectional pick-up pattern, and -22 dBV/Pa sensitivity.
The GTW 270 Hybrid works with the PS4 & PS5, tablets, and the Nintendo Switch. It even works with your PC/softphone and mobile phone.
Lastly, EPOS included a 2-year warranty for the GTW 270 Hybrid.
Hands-on with the EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid
We tested the product for our EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review to let you know how well it performed. What impressed us were the excellent music listening and virtual surround sound experiences. When gaming, the earbuds did not boost explosions and gunshots pointlessly, which often happens in gaming-tuned audio gear.
The sound profile had a bass-heavy sound profile. It was boomy with an emphasised bass response, making it suitable for all genres of music.
The boosted bass enhanced in-game sound effects without being too overwhelming. Thanks to the even and flat mid-range, it did not overpower vocals and instruments. However, the uneven treble generated a somewhat veiled, dark sound, reducing the audio clarity in some delicate genres.
Despite having minor audio flaws, we had no complaints about the product since the companion app has a customisable EQ. It allowed us to choose from four presets or adjust the nine-band EQ sound based on our liking.
The overall audio of the GTW 270 Hybrid was accurate. However, its virtual sound experience could be a hit or miss.
We discovered that enabling 7.1 audio added more depth when utilising the earbuds on our PC. So, we received increased immersion during gaming, movie-watching, and gaming.
The connectivity of the GTW 270 Hybrid was solid and stable. We did not experience any issues like crackling noises and disconnection.
Both USB-C dongle and Bluetooth offered a lag-free experience. We did not notice any delay when we played several mobile games, and everything was snappy.
For PC gaming, the GTW 270 Hybrid also performed excellently and without lag. We heard all the sounds in real time, which was excellent.
The integrated microphone of the GTW 270 Hybrid delivered good recording quality. Our voices were thin but natural, clear, and easy to understand.
EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review Summary
The GTW 270 Hybrid is a pair of wireless headphones with a flawless wireless connection. It is an excellent product for low-latency audio. It is ideal for casual use since it offers comfort, a stable fit, sturdy construction, and a well-balanced sound profile.
What makes the GTW 270 Hybrid even better is its customisable options via the EPOS Gaming Suite. But based on our tests for this EPOS GTW 270 Hybrid Review, it delivers excellent sound by default.
We highly recommend this product for gamers who want low-profile earbuds that offer high-quality audio with low latency. It is also suitable for at-home workers who wish to pair their earbuds with a microphone. The GTW 270 is ideal for multiple applications, making it one of the best choices today.
To learn more about the GTW 270 Hybrid, visit the official website of EPOS.
