Edifier are experts when it comes to audio equipment; headphones, earbuds, speaker systems and soundbars. They are not only created with excellent sound quality in mind, but they also always look stylish, and some are very unique looking. Over the years I have tried out and reviewed a number of Edifier speakers, headphones and earbuds and have always been very impressed (if you want to read my reviews of the Edifier products I have tried out, click here).
With gaming on systems such as Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo as well as PC gaming becoming more and more popular year after year, a good set of gaming headphones is a must. In May last year (2020) I was lucky enough to try out Edifier’s GM3 SE Gaming Earbuds and really liked them, they are “lightweight, comfortable, have excellent sound, bass and vibration.” I prefer earbuds more than their over ear counterparts as I find most of the time that headphones are too heavy and bulky when wearing for longer periods of time, especially when gaming, I just get uncomfortable wearing them the extended periods. Edifier have now sent me their Edifier G2 II Gaming Headset (over the ear headphones) and I think I am going to be giving up my GM3 earbuds and using the G2 II from now on, they are comfortable and lightweight, even after extended use (it is just a pity that they don’t work with the Xbox) and the sound is just perfect.
The Edifier G2 II Gaming Headset features:
- 7.1 surround sound: 360° surround sound effect
- Professional software provided by Edifier allows 7.1 virtual speaker shifter, equalizer, environment effect for customized setting, and other functions like surround max, microphone echo, magic voice, microphone boost etc.
- Large 50mm NdFeB drivers deliver high ultra-clear audio precision which allow you to hear everything on the battlefield, while 7.1 surround sound effect recreates all the subtle and explosive parts of a precise 3D soundscape in a premium sound.
- RGB light effects with soft varied colours
- High-performance detachable noise cancelling microphone that reduces background and ambient noises for crystal-clear communication and delivers studio quality voice clarity
- Adjustable, flexible padded headband with an ergonomic frame, perfect for providing long-lasting comfort for hours of gameplay
- Compact design of soft leatherette earmuffs
- Comfortable and lightweight fit, weighting only 266g (9.38 ounces)
- Available in black, white and pink
- Multi-platform compatible with PC, PS4, Mac, Laptop, Desktop with USB connection, not for XBOX.
Overall, the Edifier G2 II USB Wired Gaming Headphones with 7.1 Surround Sound are the perfect pair of budget-friendly lightweight gaming headphones. Comfort and sound quality are just prefect.
To use them is simple. Unlike headphones that you might use on your television, the G2 II uses a USB connection rather than a 3.5mm jack so are designed for gaming systems including PC’s (unfortunately the don’t work with the Xbox). Just plug them in to an available USB port and off you go (if using on a PC or laptop you will have to wait a moment or two for them to complete driver install). On PC’s and laptops you can also download software to enhance sound features.
I generally don’t like wearing headphones for too long as the weight starts to irritate my head but with the Edifier G2 II Gaming Headset I found that I was wearing them a lot longer and didn’t have to remove them for any comfort reasons. The padded adjustable headband cushions quite nicely over the head whilst the soft leatherette earmuffs cup the ears perfectly without any overheating of my ears or pressure discomfort. Being only 266g they are ultra-lightweight and you really don’t know that you are wearing them most of the time.
As for the sound quality, well, for me, they were perfect. The sound is crystal clear, even at their loudest volume. The 7.1 surround sound when playing games is sublime, delivering gaming details in superb sound quality, all in 360° sphere around you. The accurate sound positioning ensures that you can make out exactly which direction the sound (gunfire, footsteps etc.) is coming from, which in complex gaming is a must.
The microphone is detachable, which I much prefer as it allows the headphones to be much more versatile than gaming headphones with a fixed mic. These are also equipped with a nice little safety feature to prevent loss – with other headphones with detachable microphones that I have used the mic just plugs in using a 3.5mm jack, with the Edifier G2 II the mic works the same way but after plugging the mic in you rotate it to lock it into place to prevent loss. The microphone can be turned on and off from the in-line control unit on the cable (there is a red LED to let you know if it is on or off). The sound is perfect and very clear, using noise cancellation to eliminate as much background noise as possible for a better experience.
Also, on the in-line control unit you will find a button for lights, each earcup features dynamic RGB light effects with gradually changing soft varied colours. The lights add a tranquil atmosphere to gaming and each light is covered by a woven metal mesh, providing good protection and style.
The volume can also be easily controlled from the in-line control unit as it has a wheel on the side to adjust the sound level up and down with speed and ease.
The sound quality from the Edifier G2 II is just excellent. The built-in sound card with 7.1 surround sound makes gaming a far superior experience.
For such good quality of build, design, style and sound these gaming headphones must be expensive but they aren’t and are budget-friendly enough to suit all pockets at under £60.
They are available in different colour options of black or white and there is also a pink version available. The pink version is slightly different as they also feature cat ears on the headband.
The Edifier G2 II USB Gaming Headphones are an excellent quality comfortable pair of gaming headphones with crystal clear sound. The price may be budget-friendly, but the quality is far superior. I would rate them 4.5 out of 5, it would have been 5 out of 5 if they had worked with my Xbox.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £59.99
For more information, visit www.edifier.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
Disclosure: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
