TL;DR
The Epomaker GX1 is a budget wireless gaming headset costing 495 kr. It provides comfortable extended wear, an entertaining and spacious soundstage, and up to 70 hours of battery life with RGB disabled. However, its open-back design leaks audio, the microphone sounds boxy, and there is no mobile companion app. It suits budget-conscious gamers who do not require pristine microphone quality or noise isolation.
EPO Maker GX1 – budget headphones that surprise. It is easy to be skeptical when a gaming headset is positioned in the budget class. Somewhere, the manufacturer must have cut corners, and it usually shows quite quickly – either in sound, comfort, or build quality. EPO Maker GX1, however, manages to surprise on several points and delivers a package that feels significantly better than the price tag suggests.
Design & comfort
From a design perspective, I think the GX1 hits the mark quite well. The headset has a modern and relatively sleek appearance, while EPO Maker hasn’t been able to resist adding the mandatory gaming detail: RGB lighting on the outside of the earcups. It’s hardly something that improves the gaming experience, but it actually looks really good and gives the headset that classic “gamer look” without the design feeling too over-the-top. The comfort is also a positive surprise. The GX1 sits comfortably even during longer gaming sessions, and I haven’t experienced the headphones becoming bothersome after a few hours of use. For a headset in this price range, it’s definitely a plus.
Soundstage
The biggest surprise, however, is the sound. The GX1 delivers a really pleasant soundstage and works well for games, music, and other entertainment. In games, there are plenty of details, and the soundstage feels spacious enough that it’s easy to distinguish what’s happening around you. At the same time, there’s enough punch for explosions, music, and effects to be entertaining. This is, of course, not a headset that should be compared with models costing several times more, but considering the price, the sound quality is impressive. There is one disadvantage, however. The GX1 leaks some sound outwards; this is due to its open construction (Open-back), so if you play at a slightly higher volume, people sitting next to you will be able to hear what you’re listening to relatively clearly. At home by the computer, it might not be a major problem, but if you’re sitting near other people, it’s worth knowing.
Microphone
The microphone is more of a mixed story. It absolutely works for Discord, game chat, and simple calls, and your teammates will hear what you’re saying. However, I perceive the voice as somewhat “boxy.” For regular gaming, it’s nothing that would make me opt out of the headset, but if you stream, record a lot of material, or simply prioritize really good microphone sound, there are better alternatives. This was also something I brought up during the test of Steelseries Arctis Nova 3P Wireless. On the other hand, I would still claim that the GX1 does a better job overall on all fronts, and we should simultaneously keep in mind that these headphones are half the price of the Arctis Nova 3; that in itself is impressive in my book.
Usage & connectivity
One of the GX1’s strongest features is the battery life. Here, you don’t have to feel like the charging cable must always be within reach, because the fact is that with RGB on, you get around 30 hours of use, and up to 70 hours with the RGB turned off! For me, battery life is one of those features that might not sound particularly exciting on the specification sheet but makes a big difference in everyday life. The combination of wireless freedom, good comfort, and long battery life makes the GX1 a headset you can simply use without having to think much about it. Connection to your console is easily done with the included dongle, which can be connected via both USB-A and USB-C, as well as to your mobile devices via Bluetooth. The headphones completely lack a dedicated mobile app where you can easily adjust settings. That would have made the GX1 a more complete package and given the user a greater opportunity to customize the headset to their own preferences. There is a “Companion app” for the computer but unfortunately nothing so I can control it via mobile.
Summary
The EPO Maker GX1 is above all a headset that surprises. Expectations for a pair of budget headphones are rarely sky-high, but here you get good sound, an impressive soundstage, a stylish RGB design, high comfort, and above all, really good battery life. The sound leakage, the somewhat boxy microphone, and the lack of a dedicated mobile app drag down the overall impression slightly. None of that, however, changes the fact that the GX1 offers a lot of headset for the money. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming headset and can live with a few minor compromises, the EPO Maker GX1 is definitely a pair of headphones that deserves to be on your list.
EPOMAKER sent review units for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.
Review Highlights: Q&A
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The Epomaker GX1 lasts around 30 hours of use with the RGB lighting turned on, and it provides up to 70 hours of battery life when the RGB lighting is switched off.
How does the headset connect to gaming systems and mobile devices?
Console connection uses an included dongle compatible with both USB-A and USB-C ports. For mobile devices, the headset connects wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Is the microphone suitable for streaming and content creation?
The microphone works for Discord, game chat, and basic calls, but voice capture sounds somewhat boxy. Those who stream, record content, or prioritize high-quality voice audio will want a better alternative.
Does the headset leak sound to people nearby?
Yes, the open-back construction causes audio to leak outwards, allowing people sitting nearby to clearly hear playback at higher volumes.
Can audio settings be adjusted using a smartphone app?
No, the headset completely lacks a dedicated mobile app for adjusting settings. A companion app is only available for computers.
