So, it’s November 4th, 2025, and EPOS just dropped the IMPACT 500 headset on us. And honestly? This one has me excited in a way that business headsets really shouldn’t. But hear me out.

Finding That Sweet Spot

Here’s the thing: choosing a headset from the EPOS IMPACT lineup has always been a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The IMPACT 100 is too basic, the IMPACT 1000 is gorgeous but maybe too much for most of us, and everything in between has its own quirks. The IMPACT 500 fills that gap so perfectly, I’m wondering why it took this long.

But it’s not just about filling a gap—this headset brings some genuinely clever innovations that actually make sense for how we work today.

Your Brain Will Thank You

Let’s talk about EPOS BrainAdapt™ technology for a second. I know, I know—it sounds like marketing speak. But stay with me. This isn’t about making your voice sound marginally better on Zoom calls. It’s about protecting your brain from the constant cognitive drain of background noise and dodgy audio quality.

The science checks out: the technology actively reduces “listening effort.” That means you can actually concentrate better and remember more of what people said in those marathon meetings. Combined with ridiculously light construction—just 139 grams—and breathable leatherette ear pads, this headset basically disappears on your head. No more finishing your workday with sore ears and a fried brain.

The Battery Life That Makes You Forget About Charging

Now here’s where things get interesting. The IMPACT 1000 gives you about 20 hours of talk time with ANC off. Impressive, right? The IMPACT 500 laughs at that and delivers up to 36 hours. With the Busylight on. Nearly double.

For music? Get this: 89 hours with ANC off, 51 hours with it on. I mean, at that point you’re charging it because you feel like you should, not because you actually need to. And that’s the brilliance of where this sits in the lineup—you get wireless freedom without the daily charging anxiety that usually comes with it.

Quick charge when you do need it? 10 minutes gives you five hours of talk time. Perfect for those “oh crap, I have a call in fifteen minutes” moments.

The Bluetooth Thing (Which Is Actually a Big Deal)

Here’s something that even the IMPACT 1000 doesn’t do: native Bluetooth support for Microsoft Teams. Okay, it needs a software update that’s coming soon, but when it arrives, you can ditch the dongle entirely if you want. It ships with the BTD 900c dongle for maximum compatibility, but having the option to go dongle-free? That’s huge for anyone with limited USB ports or who just wants a cleaner desk setup.

Plus, it’s got Microsoft Swift Pair, which means connecting to Windows devices is actually painless. Novel concept, I know.

The dual connectivity (multi-point) lets you connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously—your phone and computer, for example. The IMPACT 1000 does three devices, but honestly, when do you really need more than two?

The Microphone Situation Is Quietly Impressive

Six microphones. The IMPACT 500 has six microphones, with three dedicated to voice capture. Even the flagship IMPACT 1000 doesn’t have that. These aren’t just sitting there looking pretty—they’re powered by EPOS AI™ and Adaptive Beamforming, using this advanced intelligence to continuously and precisely isolate your voice from everything else.

Barking dogs? Gone. Crying babies? Silenced. Someone running a blender during your call because they have no regard for office etiquette? The headset handles it.

It’s got Microsoft Teams Open Office certification, which is the gold standard for noise suppression in challenging environments. And there’s a little LED on the microphone arm that blinks if you try to talk while muted—a small feature that will save you from so many embarrassing moments.

The super wideband audio (20 Hz – 20 kHz) delivers natural voice quality that actually sounds like you’re in the room. You know, the way calls should sound but usually don’t.

Talk Through, ANC, Hybrid ANC and AI-based ENC: When do I need which mode?

Let me clarify why the “dual defense” system may matter to you:

Hybrid ANC: This is the defense system for you, the wearer, blocking ambient noise so your brain can focus.  

• When you need it: When you are trying to concentrate in a busy open office environment, the Hybrid ANC is specifically tuned to suppress the common background noises that cause cognitive fatigue.  

AI-based ENC (6-Mic Array): This is the defense system for the listener on the other end, using Adaptive Beamforming to strip away your background noise (dogs, blenders) so their brain doesn’t have to strain.  

• When you need it: Every time you speak. The 6-microphone array (with three dedicated to voice capture) provides Ultra Noise Cancelling for the far end, ensuring your voice is crisp and clear, meeting the rigorous Microsoft Teams Open Office certification.  

The Convenience Mode: Talk Through The ability to control your acoustic environment is crucial. The IMPACT 500 includes the Talk Through mode. This allows you to have short, quick conversations with colleagues nearby without having to remove the headset or interrupt the protection offered by the ANC.

And what happens when you are busy and in a meeting? Two red Busylights are signaling that you do not want to be disturbed or interrupted:

Music, Movies, and the Stuff Between Calls

Look, the IMPACT 500 isn’t trying to be Bose or Sony (or my latest catch: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3). It’s a business headset first. But it does surprisingly well for music and movies. I listened to “Dracula” by Tame Impala .The highs and mids are bright and sharp, though the bass is admittedly a bit thin. If you’re an audiophile, you might want to tweak the EQ settings. But for most of us? It’s more than fine.

One thing I really appreciate: unlike typical Bluetooth headsets that noticeably drop audio quality the second you activate the microphone, the IMPACT 500 maintains consistent quality when switching between listening and talking. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference in daily use.

And the maximum volume could be a bit higher—but that’s honestly my only real complaint. You are going to understand in one second why this is not a disadvantage.

The IT & Compliance Folks Will Love This Too

For companies deploying these at scale, there’s a lot to like. The EPOS Manager platform gives IT teams centralized control for remote asset management, configuration, and firmware updates. There’s even dedicated support for Thin Client environments like Dell Wyse, Linux, IGEL, and eLux which can be seen as a direct reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and operational risk.  TCO Benefit: Remote asset management and centralized firmware updates mean fewer IT support tickets, saving money and time.

Plus, it’s got a comprehensive acoustic safety suite—EPOS ActiveGard®, EU Noise-Limiter (85 dB average), and Australia G616 compliance—so you’re covered on hearing protection regulations globally – and prevent fines and litigation risks.

So Who’s This For?

Hybrid workers who refuse to live with charging anxiety. Knowledge workers in noisy open offices who need their concentration back. IT teams managing fleets of headsets across multiple platforms. Budget-conscious organizations that want flagship features without flagship prices. Anyone who values a lightweight design (did I mention 139 grams?) and the freedom to go dongle-free.

My Take

The IMPACT 500 isn’t just another headset release. It’s EPOS being strategic—taking the best parts of the IMPACT 1000, exceeding them in battery life and microphone capability, and delivering it all at a more accessible price point.

Whether you’re upgrading from wired models or looking for wireless performance that actually lasts, the IMPACT 500 feels like the evolution we’ve been waiting for. It’s professional audio done right, without the compromises we’ve all learned to accept.

And honestly? That’s kind of refreshing.

You can purchase EPOS IMPACT 500 (and others EPOS devices) directly in our Bechtle Shop:
without USB-C/USB-A Dongle (155 EUR) or with Dongle (178 EUR)