The GTW 270 Hybrid from EPOS makes a positive first impression. The earbuds feature a compact and sleek design, and the included case functions as both a charger and a synchronization point, a common feature in True Wireless earbuds. The all-metal construction of the case provides a solid and premium feel, while its size remains pocket-friendly.
Following the quick start guide, I fully charged the earbuds. After approximately one hour, a simple button press on the case confirms they are ready. The initial connection to my phone via Bluetooth was straightforward. A three-second press of the case button initiates a red and blue flashing sequence, after which the phone readily discovers and pairs with the earbuds. The syncing process is seamless and intuitive.
The in-ear fit of the EPOS GTW 270 is comfortable and secure. The earbuds slide easily into place. The left earbud houses a control button, functioning similarly to those found on other hands-free headphones. The button is easily accessible when the earbud is properly seated, offering convenient control.
Testing commenced with familiar music tracks to evaluate the GTW 270 Hybrid’s audio performance. As is typical with many TWS earbuds, the bass response is relatively subdued. While some models offer enhanced bass (such as the Nero-TX and Outlier Gold), the GTW 270 Hybrid provides a clean and clear sound profile with impressive range and consistent timbre.
Activating Siri via the earbud button to initiate a call yielded impressive results. The clarity of the incoming voice was exceptional. More significantly, feedback from the recipient regarding my outgoing voice quality was overwhelmingly positive, describing it as “better than ever!” This is particularly noteworthy given previous tests with numerous other earbuds. Consequently, the GTW 270 Hybrid from Epos has become my preferred hands-free solution. The manufacturer specifies a battery life of five hours, though testing under sub-zero outdoor conditions yielded slightly shorter runtimes. The charging case incorporates an internal battery, providing up to four additional charges for the earbuds, a standard feature for TWS devices, resulting in a total listening time of approximately 20 hours, which is more than adequate.
The “hybrid” aspect of the GTW 270 Hybrid refers to its ability to connect wirelessly to your computer, Playstation 4, or Nintendo Switch via a USB-C dongle for gaming. This provides low-latency wireless audio with impressive fidelity. Testing with Inside on Switch and Spider-Man on Playstation 4 delivered excellent results. The audio detail was superb, quickly leading to a completely immersive experience. A minor drawback is the dongle’s limited range and the lack of microphone support when connected via the dongle, precluding chat functionality. The relatively short range likely explains the dongle’s extended cable, allowing for close proximity during gameplay. Bluetooth range was observed to be greater.
Are there any drawbacks to the GTW 270 Hybrid from EPOS? A minor issue – possibly specific to my physiology – was slight discomfort in my right inner ear after several hours of use. While the earbuds are lightweight and smooth, their noise-isolating design, combined with the prevalence of plexiglass screens in current environments, can necessitate occasional removal to hear conversations clearly.
In conclusion, the GTW 270 Hybrid from EPOS is a highly impressive product. Despite its premium price point, it earns a clear recommendation as a must-have device and a new reference in its price category.
Footnote: The EPOS GTW 270 is also available without the USB-C dongle, as a pure TWS headphone solution for music, at a slightly lower price.
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