As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast who has gone through countless gaming headsets over the years, I wholeheartedly endorse the Astro A50 (Gen 5) for multi-platform gaming. This headset is an exceptional blend of versatility, convenience, and high-quality audio that truly sets it apart from the rest.
As a longtime devotee of the Astro A50 series, having utilized each incarnation since its debut, my anticipation was palpable when given the opportunity to test the latest generation – the Astro A50 (Gen 5) for this review. Launched in September 2024, I eagerly delved into this assessment with a single burning question in mind: Would the Gen 5 live up to my expectations and deliver an unparalleled gaming experience?
I currently rely on the Astro A50 (Gen 4) model from 2019 as my main headset. I’ve tailored my gaming setup around this headset, primarily because its SPDIF optical-in feature is hard to find in top-tier Xbox and PC gaming headsets. Despite having numerous alternatives and countless reviews of other options, I haven’t upgraded it yet. However, the reason for this may surprise you.
After using the Astro A50 Gen 4 for quite some time due to its dual audio mixing SPDIF feature, which allows me to combine TV sound (and consequently Xbox audio) while keeping the headset in PC USB mode for Discord and live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Now that the Astro A50 Gen 5 is out and available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for $299, could it be time to retire my trusty but aged 5-year-old headset?
The Astro A50 (Gen 5) isn’t the same as the Astro A50 X, which features HDMI audio pass-through. Instead, the A50 (Gen 5) is a more standard version that replaces the expensive triple-HDMI setup with something more traditional. It comes equipped with three USB-C ports: one for PC use, another for Nintendo Switch and PS5, and a third for Xbox One and Series X|S consoles. You can effortlessly transition between them using a convenient button on the headset. Additionally, it offers dual sound source mixing via Bluetooth for added versatility.
I’ve had my hands on quite a few headsets with similar features, but let me tell you, the Astro A50 Gen 5 truly outshines its predecessors in practical use. Here’s my personal review after extensively testing this model, having been an avid user of every previous version.
Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Specs & Price
Initially, the Astro A50 Gen 5 appears strikingly similar to its previous version in terms of both design and technical specifications. However, upon closer inspection, there are some differences worth noting. The audio range remains standard at 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with the drivers still being 40mm, though they’re now made of graphene. One significant change is the absence of SPDIF optical audio sockets, which were previously used to link the base station to a TV or sound system. Instead, it now features three USB-C ports.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that this device allows me to connect my PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox One/Series X|S all at once (even though it’s important to note that the cables for each platform are not provided). However, the good news is we’ve now got Bluetooth support with dual-source mixing, giving us true multi-modal flexibility.
The design of the headset remains largely unchanged, as it continues to utilize the same plastic casings that the company has been using for some time. Interestingly, if you own a leatherette modification kit from an earlier generation, it can also be compatible with the Gen 5 model. Notably, the base station now features a Logitech logo, signifying that Logitech recently acquired Astro.
In the U.S., the price for the headset remains at $299, and it can be purchased from a variety of stores such as Amazon and Logitech G directly.
Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Build Quality and Comfort
The Astro A50 (Generation 5) maintains the tradition of producing robust, durable products, and it’s clear this headset follows suit, as I’ve subjected its predecessor, the Astro A50 (Gen 4), to intense use for five years without any major issues. Given my rough treatment of the previous model, I am confident that the new version will deliver the same longevity and resilience to users. Despite some minor wear on certain parts from extensive use, the Astro A50 (Gen 4) has stood up remarkably well, giving me faith that the next generation will continue this trend.
This headset features adjustable ear pieces on both sides, secured by distinctive clips atop an aluminum tube. While it may not be considered stylish, its lack of a detachable microphone makes it less suitable for daily commute use, even with Bluetooth capabilities. From a design perspective, it’s presentable and now comes with red accents as opposed to the bronze tone of its previous version, which I find more appealing, at least in my opinion. However, design preferences can vary greatly among individuals.
What I would say is less subjective is how comfortable it is. I’m grateful to report that the Astro A50 (Gen 5) delivers there too. It sports exactly the same design as its predecessor for the most part, which I find to be among the more comfortable headsets I’ve used as someone with a disproportionately large head and thick hair to boot (I don’t think I’ve ever found a hat that actually fits comfortably). The wide degree of customization should ensure that it fits you pretty well, too, regardless of your cranial requirements.
One aspect of the Astro A50 that I’ve generally not been a fan of is the fabric earcups. They’re not exactly uncomfortable, but I feel like they get warm on the skin over time, and the headband, in particular, is perhaps not as cushioned as it could be. Astro apparently agrees, given that it sells a $50 leatherette A50 mod kit on its website. I picked this up twice because it genuinely makes a big difference to the feel of the headset. In a perfect world, I feel like the leather cushions should come as standard, but it was undoubtedly done to keep costs down on Astro’s end. And to be fair, there is a ton on offer here.
The Astro A50 (Gen 5) offers up to 24 hours of battery life per charge, and the base station has been significantly improved for easier use. Previously, I found it challenging to place the headset in and attach the charging connectors on the base station without issues. However, Astro has enhanced the ergonomics of the base station, making it more convenient to set up and go. The base station now features a series of LED lights to indicate charge status and mode, but I typically dislike such features as they can create a distracting light show in my shared living space, especially when the base station now requires a separate power source (provided with the product). Fortunately, you can turn off these lights using the Logitech G software application, which is quite effective.
In essence, the new version of the Astro A50 headset now needs a separate power source, which could pose a challenge based on your current setup. However, it offers numerous extra features compared to its previous model, making it one of the most versatile headsets available today. No other headset on the market can rival the raw adaptability of the Astro A50, and it appears that this crown will continue to be worn by the Gen 5 version.
With the help of Logitech G Hub application, you can effortlessly adjust side tone, noise gate on the microphone and create EQ profiles tailored for various situations. Although a Bluetooth mobile app offers comparable (yet more restricted) functionality if you lack a PC access, both applications provide essential controls. I hope to see additional configuration options added to these apps in the future, as they are still relatively new compared to the old Astro Command Center application. However, considering their freshness, it’s reasonable to expect improvements over time.
Discussing the Bluetooth headset, its standout attribute is its compatibility with nearly everything available. In the audio segment, I’ll delve deeper into signal strength, but essentially, Astro is further emphasizing what sets this headset apart. The versatility and convenience of the Astro A50 are major attractions, and switching between PlayStation, PC, and Xbox USB connections using a single button on the headset is delightful. However, do bear in mind that the Astro A50 (Gen 5) only includes enough USB-C cables to support a single connected device. It might be time for those black wires you’ve been hoarding “for later use” to finally come into play.
An additional audio input option via Bluetooth is available too, enabling you to incorporate a second sound source. This feature is particularly advantageous for live streamers, as it allows them to capture audio from a gaming console while simultaneously managing audio settings and communications through their computer.
Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Audio and Features
The Astro A50 series hasn’t been exceptionally impressive in terms of sound quality, and I believe this is a trade-off Astro has had to make to ensure the headsets remain versatile across various platforms. It’s not uncommon for headsets at this price range to lag behind the Astro A50’s feature set while maintaining the same cost, so it’s understandable that some minor compromises have been made.
While the Astro A50 (Gen 5) certainly doesn’t have subpar audio, it might not be the best choice if you prioritize immersive, cinematic sound above all else. However, it performs exceptionally well overall and should definitely be considered, just not for the highest accolades.
The Astro A50 Gen 5 headset features Logitech G Hub software, allowing you to customize the equalizer settings to your liking, but I found it challenging to achieve an awe-inspiring soundscape. Nevertheless, it performs well, delivering strong and powerful bass when required, along with good highs and bass highs for situational awareness. In terms of gaming, particularly Valorant where footstep sounds are vital, this headset functioned exceptionally well, never leaving me at a disadvantage due to the equipment.
The Logitech G provides a harmonious wave design, along with profiles tailored for media and gaming. If you prefer not to adjust settings more, the media preset might be ideal for immersive, single-player movie experiences.
In terms of strategic gameplay, the Astro A50 Gen 5 headset performs well, but it may not offer the full cinematic immersion you might expect, especially when it comes to music and soundstage separation. The bass is strong in these scenarios, which I mentioned, and an improvement over previous Astro headsets. However, the treatment of treble and mids can sometimes diminish detail in specific areas. For instance, guitars in rock music don’t always sound as dynamic as they could, and the limited sound stage might not fully capture cinematic moments that would benefit from a different audio setup. That being said, I need to stress that I’m really picking nits here. If you’re not overly particular about your audio experience, the Astro A50 Gen 5 exceeds expectations, as its predecessors do. And when it comes to sound quality, opinions can vary greatly, so you might find them to be perfect, especially if you appreciate a robust, detailed bass sound.
One area of the sound experience that is exceptionally impressive is the signal isolation between Bluetooth and the standard 2.4 GHz RF frequencies used by the base station. One pitfall I often struggle with in headsets that try to do dual-source mixing between Bluetooth and their onboard wireless is corruption between the two. I find myself using dual sound sources often as a streamer, feeding comms through my PC while grabbing audio from my Xbox either via SPDIF or Bluetooth, which is one reason I’ve stuck with the Astro A50 (Gen 4) for so long. Most headsets that incorporate Bluetooth over SPDIF to achieve dual source mixing seem to do a poor job of shielding the signal from interference. Not here, though. I played on Xbox for several hours with the Astro A50 (Gen 5), which was connected directly to my TV with Bluetooth while connected via USB to my PC for Discord. Therein, I didn’t experience a single pixel of performance degradation. Top marks there.
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One impressive feature of this headset is its exceptional microphone quality. The Logitech G hub offers adjustable options for side-tone mic monitoring and noise gate settings, allowing you to customize them to your preference (although it seems strange that these features are found under settings rather than directly within the microphone settings). Furthermore, it includes a built-in flip-to-mute function.
The Astro A50 (Gen 5) performs all usual tasks effectively, but listen to the sample provided (you might need to disable ad blockers if it’s not visible), and you’ll be astounded by its sound quality for a gaming headset. Many manufacturers often cut corners on microphone quality, but the Astro A50 (Gen 5) is exceptional in this regard, ranking among the best I’ve tried. In fact, it could even be suitable for content creation, which is not something I usually recommend. Therefore, more praise goes to the Astro A50 (Gen 5).
In essence, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) offers a reliable audio performance that may not stand out with accolades but undeniably fulfills its purpose effectively. For gaming enthusiasts, particularly those playing Valorant or Call of Duty, this headset won’t hinder your strategic gameplay. Although other options might provide a superior experience for cinematic games and music, the overall experience you’ll encounter remains gratifying.
Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Competition
Compared to others, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) stands out uniquely with its built-in battery charging dock. So far, there aren’t many devices in this category that provide a comparable feature, and those that do often make significant sacrifices in other aspects of their design.
In terms of multi-platform gaming headsets within this price bracket, another viable choice is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro wireless, which I frequently utilize myself. Unlike some other models, it doesn’t come with a traditional charging stand, but it does include a battery charge dock as part of its LED digital audio controller. This feature ensures you rarely run out of battery power. Sonically, it’s comparable to the Astro A50 Gen 5, though it might have a slight advantage. It offers Bluetooth dual-source mixing, albeit with only two USB device connections at once, as opposed to the A50’s three. However, it also includes active noise canceling (ANC), which could make it more appealing for those seeking additional immersion. The drawback is that one of its ANC microphones protrudes from the left ear cup and may cause discomfort for individuals with specific ear shapes. Additionally, it’s $50 pricier.
Personally, I lean towards suggesting the Astro A50 (Gen 5) over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, considering the latter is a bit older and might need an update to iron out some issues. That said, it’s worth looking into the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro as well. In my opinion, this headset delivers superior sound quality compared to both contenders, though it falls short in terms of multi-USB device compatibility. However, its microphone leaves something to be desired when compared to the other two options.
The Astro A50 (Gen 5) is all about versatility and convenience, and in that arena, it has no equal.
Astro A50 (Gen 5, 2024): Should you buy?
In simpler terms, the Astro A50 (Gen 5) is exceptional because it excels in multiple areas without any significant drawbacks, making it almost a “master of all trades” headset. To further improve its versatility and adaptability to different lifestyles, it might be beneficial for Astro to consider redesigning the headset’s appearance while incorporating a detachable microphone. However, these suggestions are for future improvements.
Currently, when it comes to multi-platform gaming, I can confidently say that there’s no other headset quite like the Astro A50 (Gen 5). It truly stands out in its class.
You should buy the Astro A50 (Gen 5) if:
As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I prioritize adaptability and ease across multiple platforms. My quest is for an exceptional microphone that not only elevates my communication in team-based scenarios but also empowers me to create top-tier content. Furthermore, I seek a robust audio experience tailored specifically for immersive tactical multiplayer games, ensuring every footstep and gunshot resonates with precision.
You should not buy the Astro A50 (Gen 5) if:
✖️ You’re aiming for an exceptional, immersive audio experience ideal for cinematic gaming.
Although the sound quality could be improved, and I’m not particularly fond of the plushy earcup material that comes with Astro’s standard design, there’s a lot about this headset that makes it almost worthy of a perfect score. When I previously reviewed earlier versions of the Astro A50, I was hesitant about the $300 price tag, but that headset has served me reliably for five years, despite my frequent and rough handling. Now, I wholeheartedly believe the price is justified, even with a few minor trade-offs – but if you value comfort and convenience as much as I do, then I’m certain you’ll appreciate the Astro A50 (Gen 5).
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2024-10-28 16:40