Review: The Affordable Logitech G435 Wireless Headset is a Multi-Tasking Wonder
It’s not every day a gaming headset surprises you. When the Logitech G435 Wireless Headset first landed on my desk, I really wasn’t expecting much. With its frugal sub-R1,500 price point, I expected the accessory to be suitable at best. But, after spending a few weeks with the headset, it really surprised me in the best way possible. This affordable gem is punching way above its weight for an entry-level headset and is sure to be a huge success for Logitech in the coming months.
While having a kick-ass, feature-loaded headset with all the bells and whistles is beyond great for any gamer, most people just want something that will get the job done without bankrupting them in the process. Something that delivers great sound, is super comfortable, and that can be used for multiple purposes beyond gaming. Well, praise be to the gods of audio because the Logitech G435 Wireless Headset ticks all those boxes and then some!
For its price point, the G435 offers all the features you could want in a multi-tasking gaming headset. Firstly, it’s important to mention just how comfortable this headset is. The G435 offers a great fit, not too snug around the noggin, and feels just right. The headset won’t go flying off your head if you make any sudden wild head movements, but it also won’t give you a tension headache from holding on too tight.
It also boasts really deep earcups and the ear cushioning is very plush and soft thanks to the sound-isolating memory foam cushioning. The cups are fairly large and are angled in such a way to naturally fit your ears in the most comfortable position. They’re a bit deeper at the back of the cups to make way for your ears and fit accommodatingly over each ear. The headphone cups can also move up or down to give you a better fit. The result is a really unobtrusive experience and excellent comfort for long periods of listening pleasure.
Plus, it has an adjustable headband design, which also greatly contributes to the overall comfort of the headset. The headband doesn’t have any cushioning, but rather is covered with stretchy material. At first glance, I thought the lack of padding would prove to be uncomfortable with extended wear, but it’s actually not an issue at all. I didn’t find bothersome on my head, and I managed to wear the headset for long periods of time without any irritation or discomfort.
The G435 is also incredibly lightweight, so it’s easy to forget it’s even there most of the time. Coming in at just 165 grams, you barely notice it on your head when you’re wearing it. This Logitech gem also features impressive build quality for such an affordable accessory — it doesn’t look or feel cheap and has a solid construction. Even more impressive is that the G435 is made from recycled plastic, giving you a feel-good factor that you’re not contributing to the world’s pollution problem with your gaming headset.
On the sound front, the Logitech G435 Wireless Headset delivers some really rich sound, good quality bass, and an overall good listening experience. The sound quality from these headphones is very solid considering the very affordable price tag, and I was particularly struck by how punchy they were when listening to music. It’s a stereo headset with very little frills, but boy does it perform.
With the G435, Logitech is very much leaning into the plug-and-play features, so you won’t get the option to make any software tweaks through Logitech’s G-Hub. You do however have the option of virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic sound.
While you can’t play around with the sound preferences, the headset’s no-frills nature does have its advantages in that it makes the G435 a lot more versatile in its usage. The G435 is compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and most iOS and Android smartphones, making it ideal for everything from gaming to listening to music on the go, watching series, or even hanging out online with your friends via video call.
With built-in dual beamforming microphones hidden away in the earcups, the G435 drops the mic arm for a more streamlined look without compromising on performance too much. The microphone quality is also pretty impressive for the price you’re paying, and while some gamers love a boom mic, I much prefer the less obtrusive beamform mic.
Of course, the sound capture quality isn’t as good as with a boom mic, but if the microphone isn’t that important to you, then the built-in microphones on the Logitech G435 will prove to be more than sufficient for occasional online play and video calling. In terms of onboard controls, the left earcup features a set of buttons within thumb reach to control volume, power, and to mute the mic.
Looking at the specs and features, the Logitech G435 Wireless Headset has a number of features highlights to it as well. Logitech re-inforces the G435’s easy-to-use plug-and-play set-up with connectivity via wireless connection or Bluetooth. There was a bit of a learning curve with this headset for me, and I struggled to toggle between the Bluetooth mode and wireless connectivity at first, but after a quick read of the instruction pamphlet included in the box (which you would think would have been my first port of call), it was smooth sailing from there.
The G435 doesn’t offer dual connectivity, so you can’t use both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity at the same time. But, at this price point, you wouldn’t expect a headset that is capable of both wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s easy to let the dual-connectivity issue slide.
Activating wireless mode, the headset connects to your PC via lightspeed wireless dongle connectivity, giving you about 10 metres of range, which is perfect for sitting at your PC while gaming. Connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth is also super simple and the connection is smooth with little to no lag or drop off.
The G435 is available in a variety of colours, ranging from bold and bright to understated, so you’re sure to find a colour to match your style. It’s a great-looking headset and has a super fun modern design and aesthetic.
In terms of charging, the headset charges via a USB C charging cable that comes in the box. Logitech says you’ll get about 18 hours of playtime on a single charge, whether you’re gaming or listening to music. The headset’s long battery life is largely thanks to its simple design and paired-down features. With an average use of around 4 hours per day, I found the battery would last me a good 4 or 5 days before I had to recharge the headset.
At a price of just R1,499, the Logitech G435 Wireless Headset will easily fit into your budget and is a great choice for novice to mid-level gamers. This is my favourite headset of 2021; it’s comfortable, lightweight, simple to use, and offers great sound quality with an ultra-affordable price tag.
How do I get my hands on one of these? Thought they were being released Oct but still nothing 🙁