Edifier G5 Max review flags sound and microphone compromises

PC Gamer’s October 30 review of the Edifier G5 Max finds a comfortable wireless headset with unusually long battery life, but criticises its default sound and microphones. Reviewer Andy Edser also questions whether the build and audio experience justify its roughly US$150 price.

The distinction is useful because the G5 Max has a spec sheet that looks particularly attractive for long sessions. Edifier lists 53 mm drivers, a 305 g weight, a detachable boom microphone and support for Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz USB receivers and a wired connection. That gives it several ways to move between a desk, console and phone without buying a separate headset for each device.

Battery claims need to be read by connection mode. Edifier’s maximum 305 hours applies to Bluetooth with the lighting switched off. Its stated maximum for 2.4 GHz is 227 hours, also with the lighting off; both figures come from testing at 50% volume. Those are manufacturer figures, rather than a guarantee that every game session will reproduce them.

Edser’s main complaint is the sound before adjustment. He describes the default tuning as boxy and says the software’s presets do little to solve it, although manual equaliser changes help. He also finds the microphone performance disappointing. The review therefore makes a different buying case from the battery headline: comfort and endurance are strengths, but voice quality and out-of-box tuning deserve attention.

For Southeast Asian squads spending evenings on voice chat, that is the practical takeaway. Before buying, compare a microphone sample and check the connection you intend to use. A headset that lasts between charges still needs to make teammates understandable, while players who switch between mobile and PC should distinguish Bluetooth endurance from the separate 2.4 GHz figure.

Source: PC Gamer; Edifier.