Quick take
The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is a lightweight, budget gaming headset with a smaller form factor geared toward kids and those with smaller heads. The headset can connect via Bluetooth or low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless and is compatible with almost every device except for Xbox consoles. Considering its price, I was impressed with what the G435 offers. The headset produces good audio for gaming, and it’s very comfortable thanks to squishy memory foam ear cushions and a feather-like weight of only 165 grams. The G435’s all-plastic frame raises concerns about the headset’s long-term durability, and the audio mix can sometimes become muddled. Still, we’d recommend this headset for entry-level gamers seeking a good budget wireless option.
- Lightweight
- Lightspeed wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
- Comfortable fit
- Economical build quality
- Not compatible with Logitech G-Hub
Table of Contents
Headset specs
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Design: Closed-back
- Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Switch (docked)
- Drivers: 40mm
- Weight: 165 grams
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz
- Microphone: Integrated
- Battery life: 18 hours
Alternative headsets
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a budget wired headset with large 50mm drivers and excellent directional audio. The Cloud Stinger 2 is a good alternative to the G435 for players who want an Xbox-compatible headset.
HyperX Cloud 2
The HyperX Cloud 2 is one of the most popular gaming headsets with a winning combination of ergonomics and audio quality. The Cloud 2 is better all-around for gaming than the G435, but it’s also more expensive and doesn’t have wireless functionality.
Razer Blackshark V2
The Razer Blackshark V2 is a lightweight wired headset that can be worn all day thanks to thick memory foam padding in the headband and ear cushions. The Blackshark V2 has superior comfort and gaming audio to the G435 at a higher price point.
Ergonomics
Ear cups
The G435 ear cups utilize a closed-back design with synthetic weave memory foam ear cushions and rigid plastic back plates. The overall profile of the ear cups is streamlined, which, combined with Bluetooth functionality, makes the G435 a solid option for listening on the go.
I’m a fan of the G435’s ear cushions. The oval-shaped pads are big enough to fit around my ears comfortably, and the soft memory foam creates an ample seal, even if you’re wearing glasses. The synthetic weave material the ear cushions are made from helps facilitate a more open soundstage than leatherette and does a better job of preventing heat buildup.
Headband
The G435 features an ultra-lightweight headband with two thin plastic arms covered with stretchy fabric. The headband is as bare-bones as it gets, but since the G435 only weighs 165 grams, there isn’t a need for tons of cushioning as you’d find on most gaming headsets.
Plastic arms extending from the headband hold each ear cup in place, and the arms glide smoothly when adjusting the headset’s length. The plastic-on-plastic joints of the headset raise concerns about long-term durability, but that’s to be expected, given the price.
Clamping Force
The Logitech G435 has an ideal clamping force that makes the headset feel secure without being overly tight. I like how the ear cups clamp to support the headset’s weight; it takes the pressure off the headband and reduces top-down strain.
Audio
| Driver Size (mm) | Wired Frequency Range (Hz) | Wireless Frequency Range (Hz) | Nominal Impedance (ohms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | n/a | 20-20,000 | 45 |
Gaming
The G435 has serviceable audio for gaming thanks to an open soundstage and good directional audio. When playing competitive games like Fortnite and Warzone 2, I had no problem determining where sounds originated from, even if I couldn’t hear footsteps from as far away as some more expensive headsets.
The G435’s sound mix can become muddled when many audio cues happen simultaneously, making isolating vital sounds like footsteps challenging. Still, for the price, I was pleased with the overall gaming audio experience, and I never felt like I was at a disadvantage while using the headset.
Music
The G435 is lightweight, features a streamlined design, and has Bluetooth functionality, making it a good candidate for listening to music on the go. Unfortunately, the G435’s 40mm drivers don’t pack much punch when listening to tunes, so these probably won’t replace your regular pair of listening headphones.
Features
Tech
The G435 has a decibel limiting feature that reduces the max volume of sounds to 100 dB or 85 dB. This feature can be toggled on/off with the onboard controls and is especially useful for kids due to their increased risk of long-term hearing damage if they’re not careful with their listening volume.
Software
The Logitech G435 is not compatible with the Logitech G HUB companion software, so you won’t be able to control any options like EQ tuning or audio mixing.
Carrying case
The G435 does not include a carry case.
Controls
The G435 features easy-to-use controls on the left ear cup that manage the headset’s functions. The headset has a power button, volume up and down, and mute buttons. These controls adjust the functions you would expect, and users can additionally press combinations of each button to control functions like Bluetooth pairing, decibel limiting, sidetone, and battery status.
Connectivity
Connections
| 3.5mm (wired) | USB (wired) | Bluetooth (wireless) | 2.4 GHz (wireless) | Dual Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
The G435 is a strictly-wireless headset with Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless. 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless is the better option for gaming, and I didn’t notice any latency between game visuals and audio while using it. The wireless range of each connection type was good enough that I could walk all around my apartment without hearing any interference in the connection.
Pro tip
If you want more wireless PC peripherals to pair with the G435, check out our guide on the 11 best gaming keyboards in 2023.
Compatibility
| PC | Mac | PS4 | PS5 | Xbox One | Xbox Series X/S | Switch | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
The G435 is compatible with most devices except for Xbox consoles. Check out the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 if you want a budget headset compatible with Xbox consoles.
A recent update for the G435 allows the headset and microphone to connect to the Nintendo Switch over Bluetooth, so make sure to check that your firmware is up to date if you plan to use the headset for Switch.
Battery life
The G435 advertises an 18-hour battery life which should be good enough for multiple gaming sessions without recharging. The headset also has a built-in auto-off battery timer that shuts off the headset after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Microphone
The Logitech G435 features a unique integrated microphone with dual beamforming mics that are built into the side of the left ear cup. The microphone barely protrudes from the ear cup, which maintains a streamlined look and is a welcomed departure from bulky boom microphones.
The integrated microphone is suitable for communicating with teammates or taking phone calls, although the sound is slightly muffled. We recorded a speech test with the G435’s microphone, listen below and judge the audio recording quality for yourself.
In the box
- G435 Headset
- LIGHTSPEED wireless USB-A receiver
- USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- User Documentation
