Hey there! Looking for some advice on whether the veteran Logitech G933 wireless headset is still a smart buy in 2023? Over the past few weeks, I‘ve tested out this RGB-lit Artemis Spectrum model to see how it holds up versus more recent offerings when it comes to design, sound and overall value.
In this hands-on review, I‘ll compare the G933 against the nearly identical 2019 G935 successor. I‘ll also reference various new wireless gaming headsets to highlight where the Logitech option still shines…and what buyers may be missing out on by purchasing this 5+ year old model.
Let‘s jump in!
Comparing the Veteren G933 to the Newcomers
First, what exactly has Logitech upgraded with their G935 headset that came out years after the G933? Frankly, not a whole lot! Here‘s a quick specs rundown:
| Specs | Logitech G933 | Logitech G935 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Drivers | 40mm Neodymium | 40mm Pro-G |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20KHz | 20Hz – 20KHz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (lights off) | 10 hours (lights off) |
| Wireless Range | 15 meters | 12 meters |
| Wireless Latency | 24ms | 34ms |
| Surround Sound | DTS Headphone:X 2.0 | DTS Headphone:X 2.0 |
| Weight | 375 grams | 370 grams |
As you can see, core performance characteristics like sound quality, battery life and wireless stability are extremely similar. The incremental upgrades equate to a 3% lighter headset with sightly better audio drivers…but also reduced wireless range and higher latency. Oh, and typically a $50+ price premium.
For the average gamer or music listener, those G935 enhancements simply aren‘t worthwhile. And compared to even newer wireless headsets boasting Bluetooth compatibility, 30+ hour battery life and lossless 2.4Ghz transmission, both these Logitech models lack key modern conveniences.
Still, I‘ll be focusing this review on the G933 since it delivers equivalent functionality as the G935 while costing less. Let‘s examine how the G933‘s design, features and sound stack up against today‘s wireless headset competition.
Big, Bold Design…But Lacking Comfort
The Logitech G933 doesn‘t try hiding its gaming persona – this headset is decorated with glossy chrome accents, angular ear cups, and flashy RGB lighting. If you want something subtle for the office or streetwear, look elsewhere!
Constructed mostly from thick plastic, both the headband and earcups feel very solid. I don‘t worry about breaking them even when tossing the headset on desks or stuffing them in bags. However, the sturdy build comes at the cost of weight – at nearly 400 grams, heavier headsets do start feeling uncomfortable during longer gaming sessions.
Speaking of comfort, the snug cloth earpads are decently breathable for keeping your ears cool. But the oval shapes didn‘t properly fit around my smaller ears. Even after adjusting the band size down, I still experienced slight slippage when quickly looking side to side in action games. Bigger head shapes will find a more secure fit.
Finally, while the G933 works great wirelessly with PC and PlayStation consoles, you can only use it wired with Xbox and Switch. This limits the freedom you get from cutting the cord compared to new models supporting Bluetooth on all platforms.
Still, if you primarily play PC games, the versatile G933 plays, sounds and functions great overall…just don‘t expect optimal ergonomic accommodations. Now let‘s jump into the exciting stuff – those RGB lights!
Customize Away With Plentiful Personalization Options
A signature highlight of the Logitech G933 is the RGB light ring wrapping around each earcup. Available colors and effects span the rainbow spectrum from subtle breathing hues to prismatic rainbow waves. While not the flashiest lighting out there, the diffused glow creates tasteful ambiance.
Toggling through lighting presets is conveniently done by tapping the illumination button on the headset‘s left cup. But downloading Logitech G Hub software really lets imagination run wild.
You can not only program custom RGB effects, but also adjust surround sound modes and equalizer profiles. G Hub even unlocks handy extras like displaying headset battery level on your desktop.
Speaking of custom controls, don‘t overlook the trio of handy programmable G-keys. By default, these allow quick access to adjusting EQ, surround profiles and RGB brightness levels. But reprogramming them is a snap within the software.
Whether you create G-key macros to buy items more quickly in DOTA 2 or want to instantly mute streams in OBS Studio while broadcasting, the shortcuts keep your attention focused on the game.
So for those wanting ample ways to tweak performance and aesthetics to their personal taste, the Logitech G933 really overdelivers. Next let‘s examine how the headset brings immersive sound to match its flashy looks.
Audio Quality That Can Keep Up With Modern Games
Packing large 40mm drivers and amplified bass resonance chambers, the G933 pumps out highly engaging sound right out of the box. Firing up Doom Eternal, my shotgun packed thunderous punch punctuated with crystal clear demon shrieks. Subtler effects like debris falling around me sounded cleanly spatially rendered as well thanks to the DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround processing.
But the bass-forward tuning isn‘t one-dimensional. Orchestral scores soared beautifully in Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla while acoustic tracks like John Butler‘s Ocean sounded balanced despite the weaker mid-range reproduction. Ultimately most gamers and casual listeners will really enjoy the lively sonic character.
Only discerning audiophiles may notice lacking detail and soundstage width compared to open-back wired options from Beyerdynamic, HiFiMan or other high-end brands. Then again, surround sound, universal device use and lag-free wireless operation are bigger priorities for enjoying interactive entertainment. And in these experiential aspects, the aged G933 keeps up with satisfaction.
Speaking of microphone performance for interactive chat, let‘s see whether teammates can hear you clearly over the gunfire.
Clear Comms for Coordinating With Your Squad
Crisp microphone quality for communicating with teammates keeps you immersed in multiplayer games. Here the G933 does reasonably well lifting voices above the headphone cacophony thanks to the unidirectional boom mic design. Noise cancellation could be more effective but friends mentioned my voice sounded slightly compressed yet perfectly understandable during Discord chats.
So content creators seeking silky smooth vocal reproduction may want to utilize a dedicated XLR or USB mic instead. But for casual gaming conversations or Zoom calls, the built-in mic clarity is fine. Just don‘t expect the noise isolation levels provided from more advanced headsets or dedicated microphones.
Alright, with all the flashy lights, buttons and booming audio, how long can we expect the internal battery to last?
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
Officially, Logitech promises 12 hours of wireless usage with RGB lighting disabled or 8 hours with the pretty colors flowing. From my testing, these numbers are reasonably accurate for medium volume levels. With bass-heavy music pumping at max loudness, I squeezed out nearly 10 hours before needing to recharge.
Fully reviving the battery takes about 3 hours connected via the included microUSB cable. This recharge time feels rather slow by modern USB-C standards. However, you CAN use the headset in wired mode while charging so there‘s technically no downtime!
Handily, the headset also auto-sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity for saving precious juice. This prevents you from accidentally leaving the G933 powered on overnight and arriving to work with a dead battery. Finally, an audible low power tone and dimming lights provide battery level warnings as you get close to empty.
So overall, the stamina afforded by the G933 allows all-day gaming freedom away from wires. Just budget in charging time overnight while you sleep!
The Verdict: The G933 Deserves Your Attention
After over 15 hours of hands-on testing and comparison against various modern competitors, I can safely say…
The veteran Logitech G933 wireless gaming headset STILL brings tremendous value in 2023 for PC-focused gamers.
Sure, the flashy sci-fi looks and chunky fit may not suit working professionals. And features like Bluetooth support, 30+ hour battery life or lossless 2.4GHz transmission are certainly missing.
However, in terms of sheer customization flexibility, great virtual surround performance and lively audio immersion, the G933 remains incredibly hard to beat at its sub $150 pricing. Considering the extremely similar G935 successor demands $50+ more with negligible upgrades, this Editor‘s Choice Logitech option keeps wallet happiness high.
So if your goal is amplifying gaming thrills on desktops affordably with wireless convenience, the battle-tested G933 should absolutely land on your shopping list. Let me know if any other questions pop up!
FAQ
Q: Wait, so the G933 isn‘t Bluetooth?
A: Correct, the Logitech G933 uses a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle instead of Bluetooth. So no directly connecting to your phone. But it still works great with PlayStation consoles and PC.
Q: Can I use this headset wirelessly with Xbox?
A: Unfortunately Xbox consoles don‘t support the USB wireless dongle. You‘ll need to connect via the included 3.5mm audio cable to use the G933 with Xbox.
Q: Why did the lights start flashing red suddenly?
A: Flashing red means the battery level is extremely low. Time to charge back up via USB! The headset will become unusable soon once the battery fully drains.
Q: Help, how do I pair the headset with the wireless dongle!?
A: First plug the wireless dongle into your PC or PlayStation. Next press and HOLD the G933‘s mic mute button for 15 seconds until the logo starts blinking rapidly. This resets and pairs the headset after which audio should start playing.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
