EPOMAKER GX1 Review: Open Back Gaming Headset for Streamers

Verdict: A Studio-Like Soundstage for Budget-Conscious Streamers

The EPOMAKER GX1 is an open back gaming headset that combines 50mm drivers, virtual 7.1 surround sound, and triple wireless or wired connectivity in a lightweight, streaming-friendly design aimed at users who prefer a spacious, studio-style soundstage over tight isolation for long gaming and content creation sessions. From the first hour of use, the bottom line is clear: this is a budget headset that sounds bigger than its price, provided you accept the inherent trade-offs of an open back design. Positional cues are easier to follow than on many closed-back gaming headsets, and the soundstage suits both competitive play and casual media listening. However, the zero passive noise isolation and noticeable audio leakage mean it is a poor fit for noisy environments or co-living spaces. If you stream from a relatively quiet room and want comfort plus flexibility over absolute isolation, the GX1 is a convincing alternative to typical closed-back “streamer” cans.

Design, Comfort, and the Open Back Trade-Off

The defining feature of the GX1 is its open back acoustic architecture: the earcups use rear grilles that let air and sound waves pass freely instead of sealing your ears like closed headphones. According to one review source, “Featuring an open-back design, it provides a wider and more natural soundstage than traditional closed-back gaming headsets, making it suitable for both competitive gaming and everyday media consumption.” In practice, that means a more speaker-like feel with audio that extends beyond your head, which many streamers prefer when monitoring their own voice and game mix. The headset itself looks clean and understated, with a flexible headband, smooth sliders and slightly rotating earcups that help the memory foam cushions sit comfortably around the ears rather than clamp them. At 320 grams, it is light enough for multi-hour streams, and the breathable pads plus open construction keep heat build-up low. The downside is complete lack of passive noise isolation and clear audio leakage into your room, so anyone nearby will hear your game audio.

Audio Performance and Virtual Surround Sound

With its 50mm dynamic drivers and total harmonic distortion kept under 3%, the GX1 aims for clear highs, solid mids and satisfying bass without obvious muddiness. The open back earcups expand the soundstage, making directional cues in shooters and action titles easier to pick out than on many budget closed-back gaming headsets. Virtual 7.1 surround sound processing adds another layer, enhancing spatial awareness so you can better judge where footsteps, gunshots or spell effects originate during gameplay and stream monitoring. For music and films, this wide presentation lends a pleasant, roomier character that suits cinematic soundtracks and live recordings. There is companion software with basic EQ controls and surround adjustments, so you can tailor the sound toward competitive clarity or a warmer entertainment profile. That said, virtual surround remains processing on top of stereo drivers, so expectations should stay grounded: it helps with positional hints but does not match dedicated multi-driver systems or high-end open back audiophile headphones.

Connectivity, Streaming Use, and Overall Value

As a wireless gaming headset, the GX1 stands out for its triple-mode connectivity. It supports low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C, so you can move between PC, laptops, phones, tablets and consoles with minimal fuss. Xbox users are limited to wired USB-C, while PlayStation and Nintendo Switch can use the wireless modes, giving console streamers solid flexibility. On-headset controls provide quick access to volume, mute and mode switching, reducing the need to hunt for software sliders mid-stream. The 2,000mAh battery delivers up to 70 hours of use with RGB lighting off, dropping to about 30 hours when the lighting is enabled, and a full charge takes around three hours and twenty minutes. For streamers focused on comfort, “Comfort has been a major focus of the GX1, with a lightweight construction, adjustable headband and soft memory foam ear cushions helping to reduce fatigue during extended gaming sessions.” Taken together—open soundstage, reliable wireless options, and all-day comfort—the GX1 offers strong value as an alternative to closed-back isolation headsets popular among streamers, as long as you operate in a controlled, quiet room.

Buy if / Skip if

• Buy the EPOMAKER GX1 if you want an open back gaming headset with a wider, more natural soundstage than typical closed-back models for both competitive play and everyday media.
• Skip the EPOMAKER GX1 if you need strong noise isolation or must keep game audio from leaking into a shared or noisy environment.
• Buy the EPOMAKER GX1 if you stream for long periods and prioritise lightweight comfort, breathable earcups and an adjustable headband to avoid fatigue.
• Skip the EPOMAKER GX1 if you dislike software-based virtual surround sound and expect high-end spatial precision beyond what 7.1 processing on stereo drivers can offer.
• Buy the EPOMAKER GX1 if you want a wireless gaming headset with triple connectivity—2.4GHz, Bluetooth and USB-C—for easy switching between PC, consoles and mobile devices.
• Skip the EPOMAKER GX1 if you rely heavily on RGB lighting but cannot accept the reduced battery life from about 70 hours to 30 hours when the lights are on.