Logitech Wireless G435 vs G535 (Lightspeed)

Which is better Logitech Lightspeed G435 or G535?

After the June 2021 release of the Logitech G535 (236g or 8.3 ounces) and the September 2021 release of the Logitech G435 (165 grams or 5.8 ounces), both headsets have continued to be compared over the last 2 years, and continue to be at low price points for mid-range headsets. They also work very well with Microsoft Teams.

Both headsets are very light, however the G435 (165g) seems weightless (ultra-light) and can be worn for long periods of time without any discomfort. The G535 is slightly heavier (236g) but still very comfortable and not as heavy as other headsets. Both headsets are amazing, affordable, and fun to use.

I personally own both the G435 and G535. I tested both thoroughly with different types of phone calls (Microsoft Teams and Mobile), music, and gaming. Both headsets are great, however if you want a mic that can turn off and on automatically by flipping the mic up and down, a better mic sound and cancellation, and speaker sound, then the G535 would be the better choice.

If you want both Bluetooth and Lightspeed in the same headset to use with 2 different devices and it's own mute button for the Mic, then go with the G435. However, having both headsets is great for different scenarios. Read on to see the differences between the 2 headsets and why you would want both or just one of them.

Lightspeed vs Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is not as good as Logitech's Lightspeed. This is because Bluetooth has longer latency when compared to Logitech's Lightspeed. If you want less interference from other devices, better battery life, less latency, and higher speeds, you want Lightspeed. Both the G435 and G535 come with Lightspeed, however the G535 only has Lightspeed and not Bluetooth.

This is just the first example of the differences between the two headsets, but very important to cover why the G435 has Bluetooth and the G535 doesn't have Bluetooth. But first, why would you want to have both Bluetooth and Lightspeed on the G435?

The G435 has both Lightspeed and Bluetooth. This allows you to switch between Lightspeed and Bluetooth only on the G435. I repeat, why would you want both Lightspeed and Bluetooth on the same headset? Well for example, let's say you are on a work call using the USB (type A) Lightspeed on a Windows PC (or Mac). With the G435, when you end the work call, you can switch to Bluetooth on the headset and listen to music on your mobile phone (Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube, etc.). When you want to switch from music via Bluetooth mobile, back to Windows PC (or Mac) which uses the USB Type A for Lightspeed, you can do that with the G435. Basically the G435 allows you to use 2 different devices, one device using Lightspeed (USB type A) and the other device using just Bluetooth.

This isn't the case with the G535 since it only comes with Logitech's Lightspeed. Since mobile devices have Bluetooth and the G535 doesn't, you can't utilize Bluetooth with the G535. If you have a USB type A multi-port for your mobile device you could use the provided USB type A that comes with the G535 and connect that to your mobile device. But you will need to use the USB (type A) since that is how the Lightspeed connects to a device. So if you want to be able to switch between 2 devices while at work, then go with the G435. If you only want a reliable connection with a PC and don't need to seamlessly switch back and forth between 2 devices then go with the G535.

Does the G435 and G535 work with Microsoft Teams?

I tested both headsets and can confirm they both work with Microsoft Teams, as well as the mics worked very well considering their price points. People on the other end of the calls could hear me just fine with a clear voice. I also did recorded tests on PC and the playbacks were impressive from the mics on both the G435 and G535. 

How about the microphones on the G535 vs G435?

As mentioned, the mics are impressive on both headsets. Both the mics on the G435 and G535 even sounded much better than the Sony XM4 which has five built-in mics, which was surprising when tested on a Windows 10 PC.

The mics on both the G435 (dual embedded Beam-forming microphones) and the G535 which has a mic Boom with Cardioid (Unidirectional) don't come with noise cancelling, however they do block out some background noise. Noises like a fan, lawnmower, or background music in the distance. However, if someone is in the same room screaming the mics will pickup that noise. I did notice that the G535 had a little bit better background noise cancelling than the G435.

The G535 comes with a mic boom that flips up and down and mutes automatically when flipped up, which is another big difference between the two headsets. Compared to the G435, the mic and speakers definitely sounded much better on the G535.

How do the G435 and G535 work with gaming?

G535 (Discord Certified) has Dolby Atmos stereo 7.1 surround sound and the G435 has Dolby Atmos, Tempest 3D AudioTech. Even though both the G435 and the G535 have the same 1.57 (40 mm) audio drivers, the G535 headset speakers seem to provide a bit more bass and surround sound. That makes the G535 probably a little better for sound than the G435. Therefore the G535 seems better for calls, music, and gaming (PS4/PS5, W10, macOS X10.14 or later).

Which one has better battery life?

G435 = 18 hours, however it seems shorter than that. If not charged for 18 hours (for the next day) it will need to be charged. I would recommend charging the G435 at the end of everyday if you want to make it through the next day.

G535 = 33 hours, it might make it 2 days before needing a charge. I still recommend charging it at the end of every day to be safe. The G535 seems to have a better battery life after each charge.

Final thoughts, which one would you pick?

Both the G435 and the G535 work surprisingly well with Microsoft Teams. The G535 (usually around $99) seems to be the clear winner here if your'e looking to pick between the two since it has a little better speaker sound, mic, and battery life. However, with the G435 at $49, you will have both Lightspeed and Bluetooth available, and are able to switch between 2 devices with a single headset. The G435 also has seamless mics without a mic boom that won't get in the way or need to be moved up and down like the G535. However, with the G435 the battery won't last as long as the G535. 

Even after both the G435 and G535 were released about 2 years ago, both headsets are even more affordable today and still competitive when compared to other mid level headsets on the market.