Logitech G522 Wireless Gaming Headset Review: A Feature-Rich Contender Hampered by Audio Flaws

The wireless gaming headset market continues to evolve with manufacturers pushing boundaries in audio fidelity, comfort, and feature integration. Logitech’s G522 enters this competitive landscape as a premium offering priced at $160, promising high-bandwidth wireless connectivity, marathon battery life, and professional-grade microphone performance. On paper, the specifications suggest a compelling package for serious gamers seeking a wireless solution without compromise.

Our comprehensive evaluation reveals a product of contradictions-where the G522 excels in several key areas, it simultaneously disappoints in the most fundamental aspect of any audio device: sound quality. This review examines whether the headset’s strengths outweigh its significant audio shortcomings for the discerning gamer.

Design and Comfort: A Noticeable Upgrade

Logitech has made substantial improvements to the physical design compared to previous models in their gaming lineup. The G522 features:

• Ergonomic ear-shaped pads: Large memory foam cushions covered in breathable fabric that fully encompass the ears without excessive pressure
• Suspension headband system: A well-contoured headband with adjustable tension and sliding ear cups that distribute weight evenly across the head
• Balanced clamping force: Secure enough for active gaming sessions without causing discomfort during extended wear
• Durable construction: Primarily plastic build with metal reinforcement at key stress points, though some test units exhibited minor hinge creaking

During testing sessions lasting 4-6 hours, the G522 maintained exceptional comfort levels, with no noticeable hotspots or pressure points developing. The suspension system effectively minimizes weight perception, making this one of the most comfortable gaming headsets in its price category for marathon gaming sessions.

Microphone Performance: Professional-Grade Clarity

High-Bandwidth Wireless Advantage

The G522’s microphone represents one of its standout features, utilizing Logitech’s proprietary high-bandwidth wireless technology to deliver audio quality that rivals dedicated USB microphones. Key microphone specifications include:

In practical testing across Discord, TeamSpeak, and in-game chat systems, the microphone delivered crisp, production-ready audio without requiring software enhancement. The cardioid pickup pattern effectively minimized keyboard clicks and ambient room noise, while the high-bandwidth wireless connection prevented the tinny, compressed quality common in many wireless headsets.

On-Device Memory: A Game-Changing Feature

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the G522 is its ability to save all settings-including microphone gain, sidetone level, and EQ adjustments-directly to the headset’s internal memory. This means:

1. Settings persist when moving between different gaming platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)
2. No requirement for persistent software running in the background
3. Consistent audio experience regardless of the connected device

This feature alone sets the G522 apart from most competitors and addresses a common frustration with gaming peripherals that require software configuration for optimal performance.

Wireless Performance and Battery Life

Logitech claims up to 90 hours of battery life on a single charge, and our testing largely confirms this impressive figure. Under typical gaming conditions with microphone active and volume at 50%, we achieved:

• 85-90 hours with RGB lighting disabled
• 70-75 hours with RGB lighting at medium brightness
• Rapid charging: 15 minutes provides approximately 8 hours of playback

The wireless connection proved exceptionally stable throughout testing, with no dropouts or interference issues even in crowded 2.4GHz environments. Range extended to approximately 15 meters through walls before signal degradation became noticeable.

Notably, the G522 includes a battery protection mode that limits maximum charge to 80% when the headset will be stored for extended periods, potentially extending the overall battery lifespan-a thoughtful addition for a premium product.

Audio Quality: The Critical Shortcoming

Default Tuning Issues

Despite its many strengths, the G522’s audio performance out of the box represents its most significant flaw. The default sound signature exhibits several problematic characteristics:

• Undercooked upper midrange: Critical frequencies for voice clarity and instrument definition lack presence and detail
• Recessed treble: High-frequency extension feels rolled off, reducing audio sparkle and airiness
• Bland overall presentation: Music and game audio lack refinement and excitement expected at this price point
• Bass emphasis: While bass response is adequate, it doesn’t compensate for deficiencies elsewhere in the frequency spectrum

In direct A/B testing against competitors like the Sony Pulse Elite ($150) and Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 ($100), the G522’s default audio quality falls noticeably short. Even Logitech’s own G435 ($80) delivers more balanced and engaging sound straight out of the box.

EQ Customization and Limitations

Logitech provides several options to address the audio shortcomings:

1. Built-in EQ presets: Available through Logitech G Hub software
2. Custom EQ creation: Ten-band equalizer for fine-tuning
3. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 license: Bundled for spatial audio enhancement

While these tools can improve the listening experience, they introduce their own issues:

“The necessity for extensive EQ tuning contradicts the expectation of premium, ready-to-use performance at a $160 price point. When users pay this much for a gaming headset, they reasonably expect excellent sound quality without requiring software intervention.”

Furthermore, aggressive EQ adjustments often introduce audible artifacts, including distortion at higher volumes and phase issues that degrade positional audio accuracy in games. The DTS spatial audio implementation, while competent, cannot fully compensate for the fundamental tuning deficiencies.

Platform Compatibility and Minor Issues

The G522 offers broad platform support with some notable considerations:

• PC (Windows/macOS): Full feature access through Logitech G Hub software
• PlayStation 5/4: Complete functionality including microphone and audio controls
• Xbox Series X/S: Full compatibility via USB wireless adapter
• Nintendo Switch: Basic audio functionality works, but some users report occasional compatibility quirks with the Switch 2’s updated Bluetooth stack
• Mobile devices: Works via Bluetooth with standard headset profile limitations

During our durability testing, one of three review units developed a slight creaking noise from the right hinge during adjustment. While this didn’t affect functionality, it raises questions about long-term build quality at this price point.

Competitive Landscape and Value Proposition

At $160, the G522 occupies a competitive segment where alternatives offer different strengths:

The G522’s value proposition hinges entirely on how much weight users assign to its exceptional microphone quality and comfort features versus the audio performance they can obtain from competitors at similar or lower price points.

Conclusion: A Near-Miss with Specific Appeal

The Logitech G522 wireless gaming headset represents a product of frustrating contradictions. Its microphone performance is genuinely exceptional, rivaling dedicated USB microphones and surpassing virtually all gaming headset competitors. The comfort design represents a significant advancement over previous Logitech models, and the 90-hour battery life with on-device memory for settings are genuinely impressive features that enhance daily usability.

However, the fundamental audio quality deficiency cannot be overlooked at this price point. Gamers who prioritize voice chat clarity and marathon comfort over immersive game audio may find the G522 compelling, particularly if they’re willing to invest time in EQ customization. For those seeking premium, ready-to-use audio performance, alternatives like the Sony Pulse Elite or even Logitech’s own more affordable models offer better value.

Final Verdict: The Logitech G522 excels in specific areas but falls short as a complete package. It’s recommended primarily for streamers and competitive gamers who prioritize microphone quality above all else, with the understanding that game audio will require software adjustment to reach acceptable levels.