Be sure to visit IGN Tech for all the latest comprehensive hands-on reviews and best-of roundups. Note that if you click on one of these links to buy the product, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, read our Terms of Use.
The Logitech G533 Gaming Headset (See it on Amazon) / (See it on Amazon UK) is the company's newest high-end PC headset, designed as a more subdued follow-up to the much-lauded G933 Artemis Spectrum headset, which was released back in the summer of 2015. The G533 shares some features with its predecessor including 7.1 surround sound and wireless operation, but in general it's a more toned-down version that (gasp) eschews RGB lighting and other features in favor of a simpler, more streamlined design, which is reflected in its lower price. Unlike the previous model however the G533 is not multi-platform and is compatible only with PCs, so you can't use it on the go, or with a tablet or smartphone.
label=Design%20and%20Features
The G533 offers a very similar overall design to the G933, though it looks like someone at Logitech told the design department to redo it with "less gaming." The design is more elegant, less angular and of course, sans fancy lighting. The result is a headset that looks more like something you'd see in a recording studio than a man cave. The update will certainly appeal to a wider swath of PC gamers since it's less aggressive, but gamers that want their headset lighting to match their keyboard might feel it's a step backwards.
Aside from ditching the RGB lighting, the G533 also reduces the number of programmable G buttons from three to one, and you can program it to perform a variety of functions like a G key on any Logitech device.The button is in the same spot as the previous model; on the left earcup next to the volume wheel and power switch. All these controls were easily reachable with my left hand, allowing me to keep my right hand on the mouse. It's also handy to be able to adjust the volume on them while listening to music while not at my PC.
The big change in the audio department is whereas the previous model offered both Dolby or DTS 7.1 Surround Sound, the G533 only offers DTS Headphone: X. From what I've read it's not necessarily better than Dolby's surround sound tech since it does the same thing, but obviously Logitech thinks it's better. Regardless, it is a unique feature in the world of wireless headsets. Audio is delivered via the same Pro-G mesh audio drivers from the previous model, which are made with flexible fabric designed to limit distortion.
The G533's noise canceling microphone's slick design is largely untouched from before, as the boom still folds up and disappears into the left earcup when not in use. Also, folding it up automatically mutes it; a nice touch. The microphone itself is on a bendable tip for precise positioning. Logitech's also removed the bulk from the microphone's pop filter by making it a 5mm long piece of fabric instead of the chunkier version used previously.
Every part of the G533 is plastic, which helps keep weight down to just under a pound. They felt light on my head, and even after several hours of wearing them they still felt comfortable. Adding to the comfort are the soft square over-ear mesh pads. While the ear pads use a hybrid mesh that's meant to be breathable and moisture wicking, they did feel a bit warm after wearing them for a while, since they covered my ears completely. This closed design helps to block ambient noise, however, and also prevents people around you from hearing them, which is handy in a coffee shop. The mesh ear pads are removable and hand-washable, and they slip off pretty effortlessly; I just grabbed a corner and it popped right off. Putting it back on is nearly as easy; it attaches to the headset with an elastic band that fits around a plastic lip. The headset offers a wide range of lengths, so it can be adjusted to fit around your noggin securely, and it uses a "clamping force" that's designed to keep it from putting pressure on a gamer's head.
title=More%20Expert%20Tech%20Roundups&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-roundup&count=6&columnCount=6&theme=article
The headset comes with a USB receiver that's about the same exact size as a USB key. Logitech says the wireless connection is guaranteed up to 15 meters, and I certainly had no issues walking around my apartment while using them. Battery life is claimed at 15 hours, which is about average for wireless headsets, and three hours longer than the previous model, or seven hours longer if you're comparing the time it could run with its RGB lighting in effect.
label=Software
In order to get the most out of the headset, including the 7.1 surround sound, you'll need the free Logitech Gaming Software. You can use it to set up sound profiles for specific games, check the battery level of the headset (which is helpfully expressed in hours), and program the G key. By default, the G key on the headset mutes and unmutes the microphone, which is a bit redundant since you can mute it by flipping it up. You can change its function to a wide range of tasks though, including mute/unmute speakers, turn surround sound on and off, and more. It's easy to do, and any changes I made were activated within a few seconds.
Firing up Logitech's software provides access to an equalizer, surround sound settings, and sidetone and microphone levels. The equalizer has six profiles: FPS, MOBA, FLAT, Drop the Bass, Cinematic, and Communication. It's easy to toggle between the profiles to choose the best option for the game you're playing or the audio you're listening to. There's also an option to power down the headset after a certain period of inactivity (lack of audio), which is a way to save battery life. It ranges from one to 30 minutes; there's also a "never" option, in case you like to live dangerously.
When surround sound is enabled, the software displays each of the seven channels, which can be tuned individually volume-wise in order to amplify or dampen sound from different directions. For example, you can amplify the rear and side channels to hear enemies approaching, while dampening the sounds of explosions right in front of you. By default, each channel is set to eleven (Nigel Tufnel would be proud), but you can adjust them all down to as low as zero. The software also has a helpful demo with a voice identifying each channel, followed by simulated gameplay sounds and music for fine tuning.
title=More%20Comprehensive%20Headset%20Reviews&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-fancyheadset-review&count=6&columnCount=6&theme=article
label=Gaming
Voice quality using the built-in mic was great on both ends; I didn't experience any issues in my tests, and those on the other end of a call had no trouble hearing my voice. I expected that my voice might sound tinny or compressed, but everyone reported that I sounded as natural as if I were on a cell phone or landline. Even when chatting with a TV blaring in the background, callers had no trouble hearing me due to the mic's noise canceling abilities and the excellent pop filter, which reduces interference from the wind and breathing.
Music sounds great on the G533 headset too. When playing anything from Pink Floyd to Lady Gaga, the audio never sounded compressed as is common with wireless headphones. Instead it was well balanced with full, bombastic bass, and bright sounding treble. When playing Marvel Heroes on the PC, not only was the sound fantastic, but I could hear the exact direction sounds were coming from and respond accordingly. When interacting with other characters voices were clear and distinct, and during battles or when destroying property, the sound was punchy and enhanced the gameplay.
label=Purchasing%20Guide
The Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset has an MSRP of $149.99, and like a lot of hardware it can occasionally be nabbed for a decent discount. On very rare occasions the headset can be found for $100, but an online asking price of $130 is more common:
