Logitech has dubbed the all-new G522 LIGHTSPEED headset an ‘extension of your gaming self’, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve had a couple of weeks with this stellar device, and every time I put it on, I’m reminded of the sheer amount of innovation Logitech has poured into the G522.
From being one of the most eco-friendly devices around to providing genuinely impressive audio quality and long-lasting comfort, the G522 is everything I ask for in a premium gaming headset.
Read on to check out my full Logitech G522 review and learn why it’s a must-buy for any dedicated gamer.
Space-Age Optimism
During an exclusive press briefing, I learned that the aesthetic for the Logitech G522 headset came from a desire to build something with a ‘space-age optimism’ theme. That has certainly been delivered with the G522, which boasts attractive LIGHTSYNC RGB panels, a sleek, lightweight design, and an otherworldly level of comfort that encourages hours of gaming.
Let’s start with the build of the thing.
Despite being extremely light at just 290 grams, the G522 feels durable, and a few drop tests and twists revealed no fragile spots or insecurities in the structure of the headset. It’s built to sit on your head for many hours, and even if you wear glasses, you’ll find that nothing pinches or pins you uncomfortably anywhere.
Even the side-firing RGB panels have been designed with glasses wearers in mind, as the angle of the light panels refuses to cast a glare that disrupts your vision.
The adjustable, replaceable headstrap is comfortable and breathable, the earcups are wider than preceding headsets, and there’s a neat layer of memory foam in there to provide further cushioning.
I was pleased to see that the onboard control functions are intuitive and well-placed, so that you don’t need to be immensely dexterous to adjust the audio or hit the mute button. Also, there’s a neat red LED light that pops up in the microphone tip when you’re muted, just as a nice reminder to those of us who forget we’re silenced.
As I pieced together this G522 review, I was so pleased to see that this is a headset designed to go the distance. The batteries, earpads, and the strap are all replaceable.
Tech First Thinking
It’s not all about the build, of course. You’re probably more interested in what’s under the hood of the Logitech G522 headset, and why shouldn’t you be?
This headset has an MSRP of $159.99, so you want to know if you’re getting your money’s worth.
Fortunately, I can say that the G522 is worth every penny. It’s just so capable – the tri-mode LIGHTSPEED inclusion means it can pair with almost everything, and the 30-meter wireless range allows you to stay connected while you pop into the kitchen for a refreshing beverage – and then some.
Without the RGB switched on (use G-Hub to do that), you’ve got a 70-hour average battery life on the G522. That drops to 30 hours with RGB. It also depends on which connectivity model you use: wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, or wired.
I tried and tested the microphone both in game chat and in call software on platforms like Microsoft Teams, and had solid feedback. It’s a 48 kHz, broadcast-quality boom microphone that’s detachable, which makes it modular. It’s the same microphone featured on the Astro A50, and that’s a $300 piece of equipment.
To facilitate the headset being lighter and more compact, the PCB is 20% smaller than the G733 (predecessor of sorts), the wireless dongle has been shrunken down, and elements like power draw have been reduced. If you’re worried about the power aspects, you can charge the battery to a maximum of 80% to prevent overcharging, if that’s your thing.
The drivers in the Logitech G522 are sweet. You’ve got synchronised, isolated 40mm drivers, and this headset is the first in the Logitech lineup to feature self-contained acoustic modules that ensure best-in-class audio symmetry. With the G522, you get better spatial accuracy, audio layering, and bass mechanics.
I played everything from Escape from Tarkov to Assassin’s Creed, and from Grand Theft Auto 5 to Days Gone Remastered with the G522, and I was thoroughly impressed with every session. The battery life was remarkable throughout, the comfort levels unparalleled, and the sound quality superb.
An Easy Buy
I’ll wrap this Logitech G522 review by stressing again how much of an easy buy this is. The Logitech G522 is a stellar headset that has been designed with the enthusiast in mind. It ticks every box that I look for in a gaming headset, and although the price point might be too high for some, it’s well worth the investment.
Paired with G-Hub software, the G522 is a capable powerhouse of a peripheral that sets a new bar for gaming headsets.
For more Logitech reviews, check out my coverage of the G915 X LIGHTSPEED keyboard
Grant's adoration for gaming started on the Amstrad CPC in 1996. Now, he's a multi-platform expert gamer with a deep love for the industry, a passion for esports, and more…
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