Introduction: A Mid-Range Powerhouse with All‑Around Capabilities
Logitech continues its long-standing tradition of reliable PC gaming gear with the G522 Lightspeed, a mid-range wireless headset that slots in between the esports‑focused Pro X and the more console‑friendly Astro models. Priced at a $299 list, the G522 promises comfort for long sessions, flexible connectivity, and a sound profile that can be tuned to fit gaming, music, and calls. It’s a jack‑of‑all‑trades, but as with any mid‑range device, the key question is whether those trade‑offs are acceptable for your priorities.
Design and Comfort: Lightweight, Thoughtful, Not Premium-Polished
Weighing in at roughly 290 grams, the G522 wears light and feels balanced on the head. The headband distributes weight well, and memory‑foam earcups keep pressure comfortable during marathon sessions. Breathable mesh helps with heat buildup, a welcome feature for long play hours. The build leans heavily on plastic, but Logitech notes that the headset contains about 27% recycled material. While the finish isn’t as premium as high‑end rivals, the weight and materials contribute to a pleasantly light feel that doesn’t fatigue the ears over time.
Craftwise, adjustability is modest—about 2 cm of cup travel—yet once you dial in a fit, it stays put. The detachable microphone is a standout, offering broadcast‑quality VO with Blue VO!CE presets inside G Hub. The flip side is its somewhat awkward physical design: the mic is detachable but not easily stowed, and repositioning can be fiddly. If you prefer a stowaway mic, this may be the G522’s compromise point.
Sound and Tuning: PRO‑G Drivers Reward EQ Tuning
Out of the box, the G522 presents a balanced, neutral sound signature with bass that isn’t overpowering and mids that can feel a touch restrained. Treble clarity benefits from tuning in Logitech’s G Hub, where you can apply presets like Bass Boost or Media for energy, or dive into more precise EQ adjustments. DTS Headphone: X 2.0 provides meaningful improvements in positional audio for gaming, helping you pinpoint enemies and footsteps with greater certainty.
With proper EQ, the PRO‑G 40 mm drivers reveal their strengths: a wide, airy soundstage with clear instrument separation. Music playback benefits from the ability to distinguish intricate layers, and tabletop games feel immersive thanks to clearer environmental cues. Vocals remain present without crowding other elements, while the bass remains controlled, avoiding a muddy bottom end.
In action games such as Company of Heroes 3, the headset performs admirably: voices and ambient cues stay intelligible, explosions and gunfire preserve impact, and Discord chat remains clear. The G Hub FPS preset emphasizes gunfire and footfalls, but users can sculpt profiles to suit their taste, making the G522 a flexible listening tool for both competition and casual play.
Connectivity and Battery Life: Tri‑Mode Convenience
The G522 shines with its tri‑mode approach: Lightspeed wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB‑C wired. Lightspeed wireless is the default choice for PC and PS5 gaming, delivering ultra‑low latency through the bundled USB dongle. Bluetooth enables everyday multimedia use—calls, podcasts, or music—on phones and tablets, though you can’t game over Lightspeed and answer calls via Bluetooth simultaneously. USB‑C wired mode guarantees zero battery anxiety and can even charge the headset while in use.
Logitech quotes up to 90 hours of playback with RGB lighting off in wireless mode, and roughly 40 hours with lighting enabled. Real‑world results hinge on usage patterns, but the headset generally offers multiple days of mixed use per charge, with a short recharge period when needed.
Software and Customization: G Hub Unlocks the Full Potential
Central to the G522 experience is Logitech’s G Hub software. It unlocks EQ customization, DTS spatial audio, mic filters, and RGB control. The ability to download and apply community presets is a strong plus, letting you quickly tailor sound profiles for music, movies, or specific games. Mic filters (like FM and AM options) add a bit of extra versatility to voice capture. Firmware updates are straightforward and typically quick, keeping the headset up to date with the latest improvements.
Final Verdict: A Solid All‑Rounder with Minor Quirks
The Logitech G522 Lightspeed presents a compelling package for its price. It is comfortable enough for long sessions, offers excellent battery life, and delivers sound quality that benefits enormously from G Hub EQ tuning. Its detachable mic is easy to use and provides strong voice clarity when configured properly, though its lack of a stowable mic is a notable drawback for some users.
If your priorities are all‑day comfort, versatility across gaming and daily media, and a reliable wireless experience, the G522 stands out in its price bracket. It may not be the absolute best value in every category, but it’s a well‑rounded headset that should serve you well for years of gaming, streaming, and listening.
DRN wishes to thank Logitech for providing the G522 for review.
