Astro A40 vs A50: Which Is Really Better?
Among the top contenders in the gaming audio realm are the Astro A40 and A50 gaming headsets, both renowned for their exceptional sound quality and comfort. But how do these two titans of gaming audio stack up against each other?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the intricate details of the Astro A40 vs. A50 headsets, comparing their features, performance, and value for money. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which headset suits your gaming preferences and budget, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to take on any virtual battlefield or immersive gaming world that comes your way. Let’s embark on this sonic showdown and discover which Astro headset reigns supreme in the gaming audio arena.
Table of Contents
Astro A40 vs A50 Gaming Headsets Comparison
Astro Gaming is renowned for delivering premium audio experiences, and their A40 and A50 headsets are no exception. In this quick comparison, we dive into the key differences between the two, helping you decide which Astro headset best suits your gaming needs.
Astro A40:
- Wired headset with exceptional audio quality.
- Highly customizable with mod kits for personalized style.
- Ideal for e-sports and competitive gaming with precise sound positioning.
- MixAmp compatibility for audio control.
Astro A50:
- Wireless freedom with high-quality audio.
- Dolby Audio for immersive 3D sound.
- Convenient docking station for charging and storage.
- Ideal for gamers who prioritize wireless convenience and immersive audio.
Your choice between the Astro A40 and A50 depends on whether you prioritize wired precision and customization or wireless freedom with immersive audio.
Astro Gaming A40 TR vs Astro Gaming A50 Specs
Specs | Astro A40 TR | Astro A50 |
Drivers | Dynamic, 40 mm sound driver | 40 mm Neodymium magnet |
Frequency response | 20Hz – 20,000Hz | 20Hz – 20,000Hz |
Connection | 3.5 mm mini-stereo and PC splitter | USB Micro-B (2.0), AUX in/Mic out (3.5 mm) |
Microphone | 6.0 mm uni-directional | 6.0 mm uni-directional, voice isolating |
Pickup | Unidirectional | Unidirectional |
Weight | 369 g | 370 g (without cable) |
Price | $129.99 | $279.99 |
Price |
Astro A40 Pros and Cons
- Exceptional Audio Quality: The Astro A40 delivers high-quality audio, allowing you to hear every detail in your games.
- Customizability: These headsets are highly customizable, with mod kits available for personalized style and function.
- Precise Sound Positioning: Ideal for e-sports and competitive gaming, the A40 provides precise sound positioning, giving you an edge in gameplay.
- MixAmp Compatibility: You can pair the A40 with Astro’s MixAmp for advanced audio control and customization.
- Wired Connectivity: Being a wired headset may limit your freedom of movement compared to wireless alternatives.
- Price: The A40, while offering excellent quality, is on the pricier side of gaming headsets.
- External MixAmp Required: To access its full range of features, you need to purchase the MixAmp separately, which adds to the overall cost.
- Limited Noise Isolation: The A40 doesn’t offer the same level of noise isolation as some other headsets, potentially allowing external sounds to interfere with your gaming experience.
[amazon box=”B07NSPPQFZ” title=”Astro A40″ template=”list”]
Astro A50 Pros and Cons
- Wireless Freedom: The Astro A50 provides wireless convenience, eliminating the need for tangled cables and offering greater mobility.
- Immersive 3D Sound: With Dolby Audio support, the A50 delivers immersive 3D sound, enhancing your gaming experience.
- Convenient Docking Station: The included docking station not only charges the headset but also provides a handy storage solution.
- Comfortable Fit: The A50 is known for its comfortable design, allowing for extended gaming sessions without discomfort.
- Higher Price: The A50 typically comes at a higher price point compared to wired alternatives, making it a more significant investment.
- Battery Dependency: As a wireless headset, the A50 relies on a rechargeable battery, which means you’ll need to manage charging to avoid interruptions.
- Limited Compatibility: While compatible with multiple platforms, the A50 may require additional accessories or configurations for certain devices.
[amazon box=”B07R4Q8FQY” title=”Astro A50″ template=”list”]
Main Differences Between the Astro A40 vs Astro A50
- Wired vs. Wireless: The Astro A40 is a wired headset, while the Astro A50 offers wireless convenience.
- Customizability vs. Immersion: The A40 is highly customizable with mod kits, ideal for competitive gaming. The A50 prioritizes immersive 3D sound and wireless freedom.
- Price vs. Convenience: The A40 tends to be more budget-friendly, while the A50 comes at a higher price point due to its wireless features and enhanced audio experience.
- MixAmp vs. Docking Station: The A40 can be paired with a MixAmp for audio control, whereas the A50 includes a docking station for charging and storage.
Comparing Features of Astro A40 and A50 Headsets
Let’s Explore the distinctions between the Astro A40 and A50 gaming headsets.
Common sound quality characteristics:
- Both the Astro A40 and Astro A50 feature 40mm drivers and share an identical frequency response range, spanning from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- In terms of sound quality, the A40 and A50 are nearly identical, offering excellent audio with the ability to reproduce both high and low-frequency tones effectively.
- Both headsets support Dolby Atmos, providing 7.1 surround sound for an immersive listening experience.
- Surround sound is valuable for competitive gaming, aiding in precise enemy location detection, and enhancing immersion in music and movies with dynamic audio.
Advantages of Astro A50:
- The Astro A50 has a built-in MixAmp Pro within its charging base, offering remote control capabilities.
- In contrast, the Astro A40 requires a separate purchase of the MixAmp Pro for remote headset management.
[amazon box=”B07R4Q8FQY” title=”Astro A50″ template=”list”]
Astro A40 MixAmp Pro TR
The Astro A40 comes with an external Gaming MixAmp Pro TR, tailored to the requirements of dedicated gamers and streamers who require advanced audio control. This external MixAmp offers precise adjustment of sound volume, customization of EQ presets, and the ability to fine-tune the balance between in-game audio and voice communication, providing a comprehensive audio management solution..
[amazon box=”B07NSPPQFZ” title=”Astro A40″ template=”list”]
Design and Build: Astro A40 and A50
Astro A40:
- Futuristic Look: The Astro A40 boasts a futuristic design that seamlessly complements stylish PC builds and console setups, exuding a premium appearance.
- Pivot Ear Cups: The A40 features pivot ear cups, allowing them to rest on your shoulders when not in use.
- Long-Term Comfort: Designed for extended gaming sessions, the A40 incorporates comfortable foam padding and fabric ear cups, preventing issues like sweaty ears and discomfort. Users can wear them for up to 10-11 hours without irritation.
- Adjustable Sliders: Adjustable sliders on the A40 ensure a comfortable fit for various head sizes, including larger heads.
- Clamping Power: The ear cup clamping force of the A40 may initially be tight but gradually loosens up after a few hours of use, enhancing comfort.
You can find out the detailed video review of Astro A40 here:
[amazon box=”B07NSPPQFZ” title=”Astro A40″ template=”list”]
Astro A50:
- Wireless Convenience: The Astro A50 offers wireless freedom, eliminating the need for cables and enhancing mobility.
- Docking Station: It includes a docking station for charging and storage, providing added convenience.
- Dolby Atmos Support: The A50 supports Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive 3D sound.
- Comfortable Fit: The A50 allows for extended gaming sessions without discomfort.
- Integrated MixAmp Pro: The A50 integrates the MixAmp Pro into its charging base, enabling remote control and advanced audio management, while the A40 requires a separate MixAmp Pro purchase for these features.
Wired vs. Wireless Headset
Astro A40 Connectivity:
- The Astro A40 offers a wired connection, delivering a reliable and consistent link for gamers who prioritize stability and reliability.
[amazon box=”B07NSPPQFZ” title=”Astro A40″ template=”list”]
Astro A50 Connectivity:
- In contrast, the Astro A50 offers wireless connectivity, providing users with the freedom to move without the inconvenience of cords.
[amazon box=”B07R4Q8FQY” title=”Astro A50″ template=”list”]
Astro A50 Battery and Range:
- The Astro A50 features a battery life of around 15 hours per charge, although not exceptional, it remains manageable. Additionally, the headset boasts a wireless range of up to 49 feet, enabling users to move freely between rooms without audio disruptions.
The choice between these headsets boils down to whether you prioritize the convenience of wireless audio or the dependable reliability of a wired connection for your gaming or listening needs.
You can find out the detailed video review of Astro 50 here:
[amazon box=”B07R4Q8FQY” title=”Astro A50″ template=”list”]
Compatibility
Both the Astro A50 and Astro A40 offer compatibility with a range of platforms, including PC, Xbox, Mac, and PlayStation. However, it’s worth noting that to use the Astro A50 with a PlayStation 5, an external adapter is required, which can be obtained from the Astro website for seamless PS5 compatibility.
Controls
Astro A40 Audio Control:
- The Astro A40 is equipped with an external and versatile Mixamp Pro, featuring digital Dolby surround sound capabilities.
- This Mixamp Pro allows users to finely adjust audio settings, providing a high level of control over their sound experience.
Astro A50 Audio Control:
- Conversely, the Astro A50 features a built-in mix amplifier directly integrated into the headset.
- This onboard mix amplifier provides convenient and immediate control over audio settings.
Astro A40 and A50 Software Control:
- Both headsets offer user-friendly control through the intuitive Astro Command Center Software.
- This software simplifies tasks such as muting/unmuting the headset, adjusting sound decibel levels, and fine-tuning frequencies.
- Additionally, both headsets include common functions like volume control and channel mixing options for enhanced audio management.
Comfort
Regarding comfort, the Astro A50 offers an advantage due to its wireless nature, allowing users to lean back comfortably during gaming sessions.
While the Astro A40 is slightly lighter than the A50, both headsets feature comfortable ear padding that can be rotated and tilted, ensuring a comfortable gaming experience with no discomfort.
Sound Customization
Both headsets, the Astro A40 and A50, are compatible with the Astro Command Center software, which provides the flexibility to customize presets and sound effects. Users can easily modify EQ presets, fine-tune microphone sidetone levels, and customize streaming audio to achieve their desired volume levels. The inclusion of an advanced equalizer further expands the range of customization options available for these headsets.
Color and Style Customization
Astro A40 Customization Options:
For gamers seeking a unique aesthetic, Astro offers excellent customization options for the Astro A40 headset. The A40 is available in three distinct color schemes:
- Black with Blue Accents
- Black with Red Accents
- X-Edition: Featuring a sporty red design on the headband and earcups with black accents.
Additionally, the A40 features magnetic Speaker Tags, which allow users to choose from special editions or create custom designs when purchasing from the website. These tags can be easily swapped out since they securely snap onto the headset.
Astro A50 Customization Options:
Similarly, the Astro A50 offers customization choices, albeit in a more limited range. It is available in two styles:
- Black with Gold Accents
- Black with Grey Accents
The Microphone
Astro A40 Microphone:
For gamers who frequently engage in competitive play or online streaming, opting for a separate microphone often yields superior recording and clarity compared to headset mics.
[amazon box=”B07NSPPQFZ” title=”Astro A40″ template=”list”]
- The A40 features a removable microphone with exceptional clarity and sound quality, surpassing the Astro A50’s microphone performance.
- The detachable mic can be conveniently connected to either of the earcups.
- Acquiring a mod kit for the Astro A40 provides an extra microphone, earcups, and speaker tags.
- To mute the mic on the Astro A40, a small dongle on the wire allows for easy toggling between muted and unmuted states.
Astro A50 Microphone:
- The Astro A50 is equipped with a flip-mute microphone positioned on the side of the headset.
- This microphone automatically mutes when flipped upward.
- While the Astro A50 mic offers a flatter sound profile than the Astro A40, it incorporates voice isolation to effectively eliminate background noise, ensuring enhanced voice clarity during use.
Weight
Astro A40 Weight:
- The Astro A40 headset boasts a weight of approximately 370g, contributing to its lightweight design.
- This feature makes it highly portable and allows for convenient placement on various surfaces, such as tables or shelves.
Astro A50 Weight:
- In comparison, the Astro A50 is marginally heavier, weighing in at approximately 380g.
- Despite this slight increase in weight, it remains easy to transport and can be effortlessly positioned on different areas of a table or shelf.
Prices
The Astro A50, offering wireless capabilities, comes at a higher price point compared to the wired Astro A40. If your budget allows for it, the added wireless feature represents a worthwhile investment.
[amazon box=”B014F77FGA, B07R4Q8FQY” template=”table”]
Furthermore, both headsets can be further upgraded to maximize their performance. By investing in mod kits, you can enhance various aspects of the headset, including noise-canceling features, speaker tags, a voice-isolating microphone, and padded headbands. These upgrades provide users with a comprehensive solution for tailoring their headset to their specific needs and preferences.
Which Option is Superior: Astro A40 or Astro A50?
The Astro A40 offers a wired connection, ensuring reliability and stability in exchange for a lower price point. It excels in terms of microphone clarity and sound quality, making it a suitable choice for competitive gamers and streamers. Additionally, the A40’s modular design allows for customization through mod kits.
On the other hand, the Astro A50 is wireless, providing freedom of movement and convenience. While it comes at a higher price, the A50 offers an immersive gaming experience with its surround sound capabilities. The microphone on the A50 may not match the clarity of the A40, but it compensates with voice isolation and wireless functionality.
[amazon box=”B014F77FGA, B07R4Q8FQY” grid=”2″]
If you’re still undecided, we recommend watching a detailed video review of both models :
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Astro A40 and Astro A50 gaming headsets depends on your specific priorities. The A40 offers a wired connection, exceptional microphone clarity, and customization options, while the A50 provides wireless freedom, surround sound, and convenience. Make your decision based on what matters most to you: reliability or wireless functionality.
