EPOS are known for its extensive range of headphones and audio devices, generally geared towards business and professional use. Their newest addition, however, the EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds, feels like a more straightforward attempt to break into the everyday market, with some rather premium features like hybrid ANC, fantastic battery life and premium audio quality.
While certain aspects of the experience hold it back at times, like its rather basic EPOS Connect companion app and sometimes inconsistent ANC, there’s still plenty to like about EPOS’ newest pair of premium earbuds.
Design
From a design perspective, the EPOS ADAPT E1 earphones are relatively sleek and stylish. The buds themselves are a little larger than some others, like the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2, but I like the way the build itself fits into my ear. The buds also utilise a feature known as EPOS IntelligentFit™, which automatically adjusts the audio experience based on the fit and position within the ear.
While that’s a little tricky to determine just how effective the audio experience can vary based on ear shapes and sizes, EPOS include four interchangeable eartips in the package, being XS, S, M and L.
The ADAPT E1 earbuds come in a standard charging case, and while it’s a little wider than most earbud charging cases, it does include a USB-C adapter that fits in the middle between the buds. Available in either black or white, the matte finish is nice, and the minimal design plays into its overall style.
Around the front, you’ll find a single button used for device paring, and a standard USB-C charging port can be found around the back, to charge along with an included USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
The earbuds themselves also have button controls so that you don’t have to pick up your device, but the results feel a little mixed. These are, unfortunately not touch controls, meaning you’ll have to push the panel in. I could never quite gauge how hard to push, meaning I usually overshot it, pushing the earbud further into my ear canal. It’s not to say these are uncomfortable; they’re quite the opposite, but I found these moments to be a tad jarring.
Overall, while nothing jumps out in terms of its design, the EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds are certainly comfortable to wear, even over long periods, be it a busy workday or a short break.
Perfromance & Functionality
As far as the audio experience goes, the EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds are pretty damn good. The soundstage generally feels wide and grand, while bass levels are consistently punchy and deep. It’s probably the hardest thing to get right in a pair of earbuds, given the smaller design, so I must commend EPOS here.
The ADAPT E1 earbuds also come with hybrid ANC and an ambient mode, which essentially uses microphones on both the inside and outside of the earbuds to block out or let in surrounding noise.
The ANC is commendable, but you will find better noise cancelling in something like the AirPods Pro Gen 2, for example. It does a great job at blocking out white noise and sounds further than a couple of meters away, but up close, you’re generally going to hear a little bit of everything.
Battery life through is undoubtedly fantastic. Users can get up to 6 hours of talk time or 14 hours of listening time on a full charge and up to 50 hours with the charge case. That’s better than almost any other pair of wireless earbuds on the market and should not go unnoticed. While I’m sure ANC or listening volume will play a factor, I can’t imagine it’s enough to drastically impact or alter that crazy battery life. I’ve been using these consistently for a couple of weeks now and have not yet had to recharge the charging case.
While most people could potentially use these for both personal and professional use, EPOS still makes it clear that it’s geared towards the latter purpose. With no mention of sweat, dust or water resistance of any kind, I wouldn’t go as far to recommend these beyond anything outside of a brisk walk. But when in the office or at work, for example, microphone quality shines. Even taking calls outside in some strong winds rarely caused an issue for people on the other end of my calls.
The EPOS ADAPT E1 also includes a wireless USB-C dongle, which can be plugged into desktop and laptop computers for low-latency audio. EPOS do not recommend this dongle be used on USB-C phones or tablets, as it can affect the intended experience.
Finally, users can also take advantage of multi-point Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can seamlessly switch on the fly between working on your laptop and answering a call on your phone.
Software
Users can also pair the ADAPT E1 earbuds EPOS Connect app to customise and tailor their listening experience, but there’s unfortunately not much to it. I appreciate the clean design and easy-to-navigate tabs, but I just wish there was more.
There are six presets on offer, with EPOS Signature (the default listening experience), Voice Enhancement, Bass Boost, Treble Boost and finally, Bass & Treble Boost. The last of these presets is what I spent the most time with, as I feel it did a great job at boosting the overall soundstage. Beyond this, you can also choose to switch between ANC and ambient modes or turn everything off altogether. You can also check for new firmware updates here, adjust your audio feedback during a call, and clear previously paired devices.
Verdict & Value
The EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds are a decent competitor for anyone who is looking to get into the premium earbud space with professional use in mind. With fantastic audio and microphone quality, battery life and stylish design, there’s plenty to love about this newest addition.
While I wouldn’t recommend these for workouts, they are still incredibly comfortable to wear, even over longer periods throughout the day. With multiple ways to connect to multiple devices as well, it’s also great for working on the go.
While the ANC is commendable, it probably doesn’t compete as strongly with similarly priced earbuds. The EPOS Connect app, unfortunately doesn’t provide much beyond a few preset options, even if it looks lovely.
But when all is said and done, the EPOS ADAPT E1 earbuds get it right where it counts, making it a decent overall contender in the premium earbud space.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Decent audio quality and sound stage; Fantastic battery life; Comfortable and customisable fit with interchangeable tips
Lowlights: Hybrid ANC can feel a little lacklustre in certain situations; EPOS Connect app is a little barebones
Manufacturer: EPOS
Price: A$365
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by EPOS.
