EPOMAKER GX1 Review - Open-Back Wireless Gaming Headset with 70-Hour Battery Life

What is the EPOMAKER GX1?

The EPOMAKER GX1 is an over-ear open-back gaming headset with 50mm dynamic drivers, virtual 7.1 surround sound, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth and wired connectivity. It also includes a detachable boom microphone with environmental noise cancellation (ENC), RGB ear-cup lighting and a 2,000mAh battery rated for up to 70 hours with RGB disabled.

EPOMAKER is best known for its mechanical keyboards, but the company is now expanding into gaming audio with the GX1. This affordable wireless headset combines 2.4GHz connectivity, Bluetooth, wired operation, virtual 7.1 surround sound and an unusual open-back design, making this EPOMAKER GX1 review relevant to PC, console and mobile gamers.

At around $49.99, the GX1 offers an impressive feature list. Its biggest selling point is arguably its flexibility: it can be used with a gaming PC, console, phone or tablet, and its detachable boom microphone makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. This EPOMAKER GX1 review examines whether those features add up to a practical budget headset.

EPOMAKER GX1 specifications

Specification	EPOMAKER GX1
Type	Over-ear open-back gaming headset
Drivers	50mm dynamic
Frequency response	20Hz–20kHz
THD	≤3%
Channel balance	≤5dB
Surround sound	Virtual 7.1
Wireless connections	2.4GHz and Bluetooth
Wired connection	USB-C to 3.5mm and USB-A to USB-C
Wireless latency	25ms via 2.4GHz; 34–200ms via Bluetooth
Microphones	Built-in microphone and detachable boom microphone with ENC
Battery	2,000mAh
Battery life	Up to 70 hours with RGB disabled; approximately 30 hours with RGB enabled
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
Lighting	RGB lighting on the ear cups
Headband adjustment	7 levels
Weight	Approximately 320g
Compatibility	PC, Mac, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Android and Xbox via cable
Surface finish	Oil-sprayed and electroplated
Software	EPOMAKER app
Price	Approximately $49.99

What's in the box

Inside the packaging, EPOMAKER includes everything required to get the GX1 connected to a range of devices. The contents include:

• EPOMAKER GX1 wireless gaming headset
• Detachable noise-cancelling microphone
• USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• 2.4GHz wireless dongle
• Multilingual user manual

The inclusion of both a 3.5mm audio cable and USB cable means the GX1 can continue to be used even when the battery is depleted, while the wireless dongle provides the low-latency connection intended for gaming. That complete connection package is one of the practical strengths highlighted in this EPOMAKER GX1 review.

Design and comfort

The EPOMAKER GX1 has a distinctive Y2K-inspired appearance, with rounded ear cups, visible honeycomb-style detailing and RGB lighting. It is available in black/grey, pink and white, giving it a more playful appearance than many budget gaming headsets.

Unlike most closed-back gaming headsets, the EPOMAKER GX1 uses an open-back acoustic design. This allows some sound to escape and also lets external sound reach the listener. The result should be a more spacious and natural presentation, although it means the headset is not ideal for noisy environments or situations where you need to avoid disturbing others.

The headset weighs approximately 320g. That is not particularly light, especially once the large battery and wireless hardware are taken into account, but the adjustable headband and over-ear design should make it reasonably comfortable for longer sessions. The headband provides seven adjustment positions, while the ear cups are designed to sit around the ears rather than directly on them.

The ear cushions use a breathable leather-style material, while the headset features an oil-sprayed and electroplated surface finish.

The open-back construction also helps prevent the boxed-in feeling that some closed gaming headsets can produce. However, comfort will depend on the fit of the ear cushions and the amount of clamp force. As with any headset, users who wear glasses may experience a different result from those without them. In this EPOMAKER GX1 review, the open-back construction is therefore both a comfort-related advantage and an isolation-related compromise.

Sound quality

The EPOMAKER GX1 uses 50mm dynamic drivers with a stated frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. That is the conventional audible range, and the larger drivers give EPOMAKER plenty of scope to deliver a substantial sound for games, films and music.

EPOMAKER also specifies total harmonic distortion of 3% or less and channel balance within 5dB. Channel balance is relevant to stereo imaging, as excessive differences between the left and right channels can affect how accurately sounds are positioned.

The open-back design is the more interesting part of the audio system. Rather than concentrating all sound inside a sealed ear cup, the design creates a more open presentation with improved awareness of the surrounding environment. This can be particularly useful for single-player games, adventure titles and general desktop use, and it is the defining audio characteristic of this EPOMAKER GX1 review.

For competitive gaming, the EPOMAKER GX1 supports virtual 7.1 surround sound. This is intended to make positional effects easier to identify, such as footsteps, gunfire and nearby vehicles. Virtual surround should not be treated as a replacement for a true multi-speaker system, and some players may prefer the cleaner sound of stereo, but it is a useful option at this price.

The 2.4GHz wireless connection is the best choice for gaming. EPOMAKER quotes latency of 25ms via 2.4GHz, which should provide a noticeably more responsive experience than Bluetooth in most games. Bluetooth latency is specified at between 34ms and 200ms, making it more appropriate for phones, tablets and casual listening where latency is less important.

A key compromise is sound leakage. The open-back design provides the wider presentation, but anyone sitting nearby may hear what is playing. External noise will also be more noticeable, so the EPOMAKER GX1 will work best in a relatively quiet room. This is the most important limitation to consider before buying after reading this EPOMAKER GX1 review.

Microphones

The headset includes two microphone options: an integrated microphone and a detachable boom microphone with environmental noise cancellation.

The boom microphone is the better choice for multiplayer gaming, voice chat and online meetings. Its position closer to the mouth should provide clearer and more consistent speech, while ENC is designed to reduce some surrounding noise before the signal reaches other people.

When the boom microphone is removed, the built-in microphone keeps the headset useful for quick calls or portable use. This is a practical touch, particularly if you want to use the EPOMAKER GX1 away from a gaming desk.

As always with software-based noise cancellation, results will depend on the room and the type of background noise. It is intended to reduce environmental sound, not eliminate a loud television, mechanical keyboard or nearby conversation completely.

Connectivity

The EPOMAKER GX1 supports three connection methods:

• 2.4GHz wireless: the preferred option for low-latency gaming on PC and supported consoles.
• Bluetooth: convenient for phones, tablets, laptops and general listening.
• Wired: useful when the battery is empty or when connecting to hardware that does not support the wireless modes.

The 2.4GHz dongle supports PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, while Xbox Series consoles require a wired connection. This is an important limitation for Xbox owners, particularly if wireless gaming is a priority. The EPOMAKER GX1 review conclusion should therefore be different for Xbox buyers than for PC or PlayStation buyers.

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 also do not support Bluetooth audio with the EPOMAKER GX1, so PlayStation users should use the 2.4GHz wireless dongle or a wired connection instead.

The headset supports both USB-C to 3.5mm audio and USB-A to USB-C wired connections, giving users several ways to connect it depending on their hardware.

USB-C is also used for charging, and the GX1 supports use while charging. That means a depleted battery does not necessarily have to end a gaming session, provided a suitable cable is available.

Battery life and RGB lighting

EPOMAKER rates the GX1 2,000mAh battery for up to 70 hours with RGB lighting disabled. With the lighting enabled, the quoted figure drops to approximately 30 hours.

That is a substantial difference, but it is typical for RGB lighting to reduce battery life. Volume level, connection method and microphone use will also affect the real-world result. The 70-hour figure should therefore be viewed as a best-case estimate rather than a guarantee of continuous use.

A full charge takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. The charging time is fairly long, but the claimed runtime with RGB disabled means most users should only need to charge the headset occasionally.

The RGB lighting adds visual appeal, particularly in a dark gaming setup. However, it is largely decorative, and disabling it is likely to be worthwhile if maximum battery life is more important than appearance. For buyers comparing budget models, the battery figures are a strong reason this EPOMAKER GX1 review gives the headset serious consideration.

Software and controls

The EPOMAKER app made Xear One by provides access to additional headset features, including equaliser settings, surround sound controls and microphone adjustments. This allows users to tune the headset to their own preferences rather than relying only on the default sound profile.

An equaliser can be useful for adjusting the headset for different tasks. For example, reducing bass may make footsteps and dialogue easier to hear, while increasing low frequencies can give explosions and music more impact. There options to enable/disable various audio settings including Surround Sound, Audio brilliance and smart volume. And for the microphone there is a voice changer and noise reduction settings that does a decent job of cancelling fan noise for example.

The headset also provides physical controls for everyday adjustments such as volume, microphone muting and connection or lighting functions. Physical controls are preferable during a game because they can be used without switching to another application.

Gaming performance

The EPOMAKER GX1′s most suitable gaming connection is its 2.4GHz wireless mode. The low quoted latency should make it a better choice than Bluetooth for fast-paced games, and the lack of a cable makes it more convenient for PC and console gaming.

The open-back sound should also appeal to players who prefer a wider, less enclosed presentation. It may be particularly enjoyable in atmospheric games, racing titles and single-player adventures where a spacious soundstage adds to immersion.

Competitive players may appreciate the ability to switch between stereo and virtual 7.1, although the best setting will depend on the game and personal preference. Some players find virtual surround improves positional awareness, while others prefer the more direct imaging of stereo.

The main limitation is isolation. The EPOMAKER GX1 is not the headset to choose for gaming next to a noisy PC, television or family members. In a quiet room, however, the open-back design is a welcome change from the heavily sealed sound of many affordable wireless headsets. That quiet-room requirement is central to the buying advice in this EPOMAKER GX1 review.

Verdict

The EPOMAKER GX1 is an ambitious first gaming headset from a company better known for mechanical keyboards. Its open-back design makes it unusual at this price, while the combination of 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth and wired connectivity gives it broad appeal.

The GX1 is best suited to PC and console gamers who play in a relatively quiet room and want a flexible wireless headset without spending a large amount of money. It is also a good option for anyone who prefers an open, spacious sound over the enclosed presentation of a conventional closed-back headset. On the evidence supplied for this EPOMAKER GX1 review, its strongest value comes from the combination of open-back audio and three connection methods.

It is not the right choice for noisy environments, shared rooms or Xbox users who specifically require wireless connectivity. For everyone else, the EPOMAKER GX1 offers a generous feature set and a distinctive alternative to the typical budget gaming headset.

Our verdict - is the EPOMAKER GX1 worth buying?

Short answer: Yes, if you want an affordable open-back wireless headset for use in a quiet room and do not need wireless Xbox compatibility.

Best for: PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch gamers who value a spacious presentation, low quoted 2.4GHz latency and flexible connectivity.

Not ideal for: Noisy environments, shared rooms, users who need strong isolation, and Xbox Series owners who require wireless audio.

Frequently asked questions

Is the EPOMAKER GX1 good for gaming?

The EPOMAKER GX1 is suitable for gaming when used over its 2.4GHz wireless connection in a relatively quiet room. Its quoted 25ms latency, open-back presentation and optional virtual 7.1 surround sound suit PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch gaming, while sound leakage limits its usefulness in shared spaces.

Does the EPOMAKER GX1 work wirelessly with Xbox Series consoles?

The EPOMAKER GX1 requires a wired connection with Xbox Series consoles. The supplied compatibility information does not support 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth audio for Xbox Series, so Xbox buyers should treat wired operation as a requirement.

Does the EPOMAKER GX1 support PS5 wireless audio?

The EPOMAKER GX1 supports PS5 audio wirelessly through its 2.4GHz dongle, but PS4 and PS5 do not support Bluetooth audio with the headset. PlayStation users should use the included dongle or a wired connection.

How long does the EPOMAKER GX1 battery last?

The EPOMAKER GX1 battery is rated for up to 70 hours with RGB lighting disabled and approximately 30 hours with RGB enabled. EPOMAKER specifies a 2,000mAh battery and an approximate charging time of 3 hours 20 minutes; actual runtime can vary with volume, connection method, lighting and microphone use.

Is the EPOMAKER GX1 open-back?

The EPOMAKER GX1 uses an over-ear open-back acoustic design. This can create a more spacious and natural presentation, but it also allows sound to escape and external noise to enter, so it is best used in a quiet room.