The Astro A30 Wireless are gaming headphones for the style-conscious gamer. These over-ears have iridescent ear cup plates, and like the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019, you can purchase speaker tags separately to customize their look. They also have a detachable mic and Bluetooth if you want to use them more casually and a carrying case to protect them on the go. That said, they stand out from the pack as you can connect them with up to three devices at a time via AUX cable, Bluetooth, and USB dongle. Keep in mind that they come in Xbox and PlayStation variants, so you'll want to make sure you pick the right one for your console.
Our Verdict
The Astro A30 aren't meant for neutral sound. They have an excited sound profile with boosted bass to give sound effects in games extra rumble and thump. Dialogue and instruments sound clear and detailed but a little muddy. Unfortunately, sibilants, like cymbals, also sound piercing. They're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, and you may experience a different sound depending on fit, position, and seal. Fortunately, their companion app features a graphic EQ with presets, meaning you can fine-tune the audio to your liking.
- Mobile companion app comes with 5-band EQ with presets.
- Prone to inconsistent sound delivery depending on seal and fit.
The Astro A30 are gaming headphones, but certain design choices make them more versatile than their competitors. You can detach the boom mic for a more casual look and use the integrated mic for calls on the go. Their sturdy zip-up case helps keep them safe when you're on the go, and they have a comfortable fit and long battery life to last through long trips. However, they're still not the best choice for this use. They won't block out bus engines or passenger chatter and may fall off if you're running to catch the train. They also don't have call controls, meaning you'll need to reach for your phone on a packed bus if you want to answer.
- Stylish and comfortable.
- Long-lasting battery.
- No call controls.
- Poor noise isolation.
The Astro A30 aren't intended for sports and fitness. They're bulky, can fall off your head with moderate movement, and won't stay on your head during a workout. They also don't isolate you from much ambient noise, so you'll struggle to hear your tunes in a busy gym.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Poor noise isolation.
- Can fall off with intense head movements.
The Astro A30 are decent if you want to use gaming headphones at the office. They're a sleeker, more stylish choice than other Astro gaming headphones, which usually have a bulkier, more gamer-centric look. They also have a long-lasting battery that won't die on you mid-shift. However, the boom mic's recording quality is just okay, and the integrated mic doesn't do much better. They lack ANC and have poor noise isolation, so you'll be bothered by background noise while taking a call or listening to music.
- Stylish and comfortable.
- Long-lasting battery.
- No call controls.
- Poor noise isolation.
The Astro A30 are good for wireless gaming. The wireless dongle ensures a low-latency gaming experience, so audio and video stay in sync. The dongle you get with your unit is console-locked to either the Xbox or PlayStation. Unfortunately, they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery depending on fit, positioning, and seal. You'll especially notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses. On the upside, they're comfortable for long gaming sessions and have excellent battery performance.
- Stylish and comfortable.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Mobile companion app comes with 5-band EQ with presets.
- Prone to inconsistent sound delivery depending on seal and fit.
The Astro A30 are good wired gaming headphones. They have full audio and mix compatibility with all consoles via the included AUX cable, regardless of the console variant you have. They're comfortable enough for long gaming sessions and have an excited sound profile that helps emphasize sound effects and keeps dialogue detailed. However, sibilants, like S and T sounds, are piercing. The boom mic has an okay performance, but your voice sounds thin over team chat.
- Stylish and comfortable.
- Full mic/audio compatibility on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
- Prone to inconsistent sound delivery depending on seal and fit.
The Astro A30 are decent for phone calls. The boom mic makes your voice sound clear and does a great job of isolating it from background noise so you can be heard in a loud environment. If you're looking for a more casual look, you can use the integrated mic, but its performance isn't as good as the boom mic's. These headphones also have poor noise isolation, so you'll struggle to clearly hear your call if you're calling from a noisy place. Additionally, they lack call controls, so you'll have to answer and hang up on your phone.
- Long-lasting battery.
- No call controls.
Changelog
- Updated Jan 15, 2024: We've updated the text to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
- Updated Jul 26, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2023 in Case.
- Updated Dec 16, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Nov 30, 2022: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Astro A30 Wireless come in three variants: 'PC/Mac', 'Xbox', and 'PlayStation', which determines which platform the headphones are compatible with via USB dongle. Each of these variants comes in three different styles: 'White', 'Navy', and 'The Mandalorian' edition, a collaboration with the Disney show. You can buy custom speaker tags from the Astro website for more personalization options. We tested the 'Xbox' variant in 'White', and you can see the label for the unit we tested here.
If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Astro A30 are sleek and stylish gaming headphones designed with self-expression and versatility in mind. Like the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019, they have swappable speaker tags that you can customize to represent your favorite esports team or show your own flair. For gaming headphones, they don't come with as many features as the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, which have a wireless dock, lower latency, and Astro's Command Center software support. They also don't offer much more in terms of features or performance than the more affordable SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless but are still a solid choice for gamers who prioritize looks alongside performance, especially if your preferred console is Xbox.
If you're looking for more gaming headphones, check out the best headsets for Xbox Series X/S, the best wireless gaming headsets, and the best Astro headsets.
The Astro A30 Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A20 Gen 2 Wireless. The A30 are better-built, have a better mic performance, thanks to their detachable boom mic, and have a significantly longer continuous battery life. They also have companion app support, so you can adjust their sound to your liking, and support Bluetooth, so you can use them casually or stay connected to your console and PC simultaneously. That said, the A20 Gen 2 have a more spacious and immersive passive soundstage.
The Astro A50 Gen 4 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Astro A30 Wireless. The A50 are better padded and more comfortable than the A30, meaning you can wear them during long tournaments without pain or fatigue. They also deliver audio more consistently, especially if you have thick hair or glasses, which normally break the headphones' seal on your head and cause a drop in bass. The A50's boom mic makes your voice sound more natural and full-bodied than the A30.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better wired gaming headphones than the Astro A30 Wireless. The A40 have an in-line amp that lets you configure your connection to your console, cycle between EQ presets, use surround sound and adjust game/chat volume. They also have an open-back design that makes game audio more immersive. However, the A40's open-back design won't block out any outside noise, and people around you will hear the game almost as well as you. The A30 are a solid choice if you're looking for wireless gaming headphones with low latency and a closed-back design that doesn't leak much audio.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and their variants and the Astro A30 Wireless are similarly-performing gaming headphones, but the SteelSeries are the better choice as they're significantly cheaper than the Astro. Both headphones have similar build quality, comfort, and battery life. The SteelSeries have a better boom mic, making your voice sound clear and full-bodied. The 7X variant is also designed with Xbox gaming in mind, and this model can wirelessly connect to both Xbox and PlayStation consoles without a problem. You'll need to purchase the correct console-locked variant of the Astro to use them wirelessly on your preferred console.
The Astro A30 Wireless and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2023 offer similar performances, but the Astro are a bit more versatile. The Astro are better built and can be used via analog. They also come in PlayStation and Xbox variants. That said, if you only game wirelessly, the Razer are worth checking out. They have a more comfortable fit and a longer continuous playback time.
The HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless and the Astro A30 Wireless are similarly performing gaming headphones, but the Astro are slightly better. The Astro have more bass in their default sound profile and have a companion app that offers features like an EQ and presets to help you customize their sound. The Astro also have more comprehensive controls, a longer-lasting battery, and Bluetooth for listening to music on your phone. Depending on the variant and if you're using them wired or wirelessly, the Astro can connect to more consoles, having full audio/mic compatibility with Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch. While the Hyperx have a better mic, they can only connect to PC and PlayStation consoles.
We've upgraded our Headphones Test Bench to 2.0! This update brings several key changes to our tests and usages, making it easier than ever to interpret our sound results based on your personal preferences. You'll also find a brand-new interactive graph tool featuring multiple targets (including our own!) for you to explore and compare.
For a full breakdown, check out our changelog, which includes detailed commentary from our test designer explaining the rationale behind our update.
We'd also love to hear your thoughts: your feedback helps us keep improving, so join us in the comments!
Test Results
The Astro A30 have a sleeker design than other headphones in the Astro lineup. They come in three styles: 'White', which features purple accents, 'Navy', which has red accents, and 'The Mandalorian', which are black with a silhouette of the Disney show character on the earcup. There's an iridescent plate on the side of each earcup with a clear speaker tag fixed on top with magnets. The included speaker tags have Astro's logo etched on them, but you can switch them out with your own custom tags if you prefer. These headphones don't have any RGB lighting, however.
The Astro A30 are comfortable for most people. The headband and earcup padding feel good against your skin, and the earcups don't put too much pressure on your head. However, those with glasses will feel some extra pressure, requiring some repositioning. The headphones also feel stiff, and the hinges require some force to rotate and adjust.
These headphones have good controls. There are physical buttons on each ear cup: a joystick on the right ear cup used for most inputs and a dedicated mic mute/unmute button on the left earcup. The controls are easy to use and have feedback chimes that can be turned on and off or customized in the companion app. Unfortunately, it's hard to know when the boom mic is muted unless you switch the button back and forth. You can also easily nudge the joystick when adjusting the headphones and accidentally change the volume.
On the left ear cup:
- Mic mute
- Switch: Mutes and unmutes the microphone.
On the right ear cup:
- Joystick
- Move up: Increases volume.
- Move down: Decreases volume.
- Move L/R: Adjusts game/chat balance.
- Single press (Bluetooth only): Plays and pauses audio.
- Double press (Bluetooth only): Skips to the next track.
- Triple press (Bluetooth only): Skips to the previous track.
- Press and hold (Bluetooth only): Skips to the previous track.
- Bluetooth button
- Press a and hold Enters pairing mode.
- Power Button
- Press and hold: Power on/off.
USB dongle:
- Single press: Switches between PC and console compatibility.
They're gaming headphones and aren't designed to be portable. This is what they look like in their default position. They can't fold up for easier transportation, but the earcups swivel to lay flat, meaning they won't take up much space on a desk or coffee table.
The Astro A30 come with a great carrying case. It has a hard fabric-lined shell with a zipper to fully protect the headphones. The case also has a snap loop for attaching to your bag or just carrying around. On the inside, there's a hollow oval for cable storage that also helps stabilize the headset. The case is a bit bulky, but the profile is relatively flat, meaning it's easy to slide into a bag.
These headphones have great build quality. The construction feels premium as the silicone headband and faux leather ear cup padding seem sturdy. However, depending on your head shape, it can look like the headband padding is coming off at the edges where it meets the yokes. This could be to help remove tension on the headband padding when in use. However, if you have long hair, it can get caught in the flex point between the padding and the headband and pull or catch your hair.
They're decently stable. They'll stay in place when you're at your desk or on the couch but may slip around if you tilt or shake your head vigorously.
- Astro A30 Wireless headphones
- Detachable boom mic
- USB-A wireless dongle
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- 1/8" TRRS to 1/8" TRRS cable
- Carrying case
- Safety information
- Quick start guide
The Astro A30 have an excited sound profile with more thump and rumble than the open-backed Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019. The extra bass ensures sound effects have lots of warmth and body and helps emphasize them in your gameplay. There's also a peak in the treble range to help improve the presence of sibilants like cymbals. This added bump makes these sounds piercing, though. Luckily, if you want more control over their sound, you can use the 5-band graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to adjust their sound to your liking.
Unfortunately, these headphones have very poor frequency response consistency, so your experience may vary depending on if you can get a good fit and seal. If you wear glasses or have thick hair in particular, you may experience a drop in bass.
These headphones have poor frequency response consistency. They're extremely prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery depending on position, fit, and seal. If you wear glasses or have thick hair, you'll also likely notice a drop in bass.
The Astro A30's bass accuracy is good. The entire range is overemphasized, which adds a touch of extra thump, punch, and warmth to audio. In games like Far Cry 5, you can feel the boom of explosions and gunshots in gameplay. Sadly, the overemphasized bass also muddies dialogue and instruments.
These headphones have sub-par frequency response consistency. As a result, you may notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or wear glasses, as this can rupture the headphones' seal on your head.
These headphones have great mid accuracy, although the response is somewhat tilted. The overemphasized low to mid-mid muddies and clutters dialogue and instruments but also nudge them forward in the mix. However, thanks to the neutral high-mid, dialogue, and instruments still have adequate detail and clarity.
These headphones have good treble accuracy. The low-treble is mostly flat and neutral, so dialogue sounds adequately crisp and detailed. However, a peak in the mid-treble makes sibilants, like S and T sounds, piercing.
They have a decent peaks and dips performance, so the headphones can control their sound profile well, for the most part. The bass range is relatively flat, but there's some mismatch present between the drivers, and it's visible in the mid-mid. The left driver has a small dip here, which results in a boxier-sounding mix. A steep peak in the mid-treble affects both drivers and makes sibilants like cymbals sound piercing.
The Astro A30 have decent imaging. Astro headphones that we've tested usually have great imaging, which is an indication of good ergonomics and quality control. It's important for the placement of objects like footsteps in the stereo image. Our unit has a slight phase mismatch in the low to mid-mid, which makes the right driver sound louder. It's somewhat noticeable with real-life content, as it affects the stability of the stereo image. Fortunately, the drivers are very well-matched in group delay, ensuring tight bass and transparent treble reproduction. Also, imaging varies from unit to unit.
These headphones have a poor passive soundstage performance. They're closed-back headphones, so their soundstage doesn't seem very spacious or as natural as open-back headphones. That said, the soundstage still feels wide and as if audio is coming from speakers placed outside your head.
These headphones are compatible with Windows Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos on PC and Xbox, which can help create a more immersive gaming experience.
These headphones have adequate weighted harmonic distribution performance. Our unit's left driver has significant distortion in the low-mid to mid-mid range. It's not present in the right driver, and most other frequencies fall within good limits.
These are the settings used to test the Astro A30. Our results are only valid when used in these settings.
The Astro A30 have poor noise isolation. In general, gaming headphones aren't designed to block out a lot of noise unless they have a noise cancelling (ANC) system. They passively cut out a good amount of higher-pitched noise like a PC fan, but they won't block out the noise from passing cars outside or the ambient chatter of a LAN party.
These headphones have great leakage performance. While there's some leakage coming from the mid-range, the rest of the spectrum is still relatively low overall. In a quiet environment, like at home, people around you won't hear your game unless you crank it to max volume.
The Astro A30 have two mics: a detachable boom mic and an integrated mic that you can use on the go when the boom mic isn't attached.
The Astro A30's boom mic has an alright recording quality. The mic is flexible so you can get the best positioning near your mouth, resulting in bright and clear speech. However, it can't pick up much bass in voices, meaning you'll sound a little thin.
These headphones also come with an integrated mic you can use when the boom mic is disconnected. This gives the headset a more casual look, but the integrated mic makes your voice sound less clear, further away, and thinner than the boom mic. However, this is because it sits further away from your mouth than the boom mic. You can hear the integrated mic's recording test here.
The boom mic has a great noise handling performance. It can separate your voice from moderate and loud background noise, so you'll have no problem being heard over team chat, even during a busy tournament.
The integrated mic performs quite well. Your voice sounds clear and present against moderate background noise. If you want to use these headphones more casually, you can still be heard clearly in busier environments like a subway station.
The Astro A30's battery performance is outstanding. While the manufacturer advertises the battery life to be 27 hours, our unit lasted 40 hours on a single charge, which is remarkable for a pair of wireless gaming headphones. However, battery life can depend on use, and your experience may vary. These headphones come with an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life, but you can adjust it to your liking in-app. You can use them passively to receive audio if the battery dies at the wrong moment.
The Logitech G HUB app is great for the Astro A30. You can see how it works here. You can flip between console mode and PC mode, check the battery life, and adjust the volume, feedback tones, and auto-off timer. There's also a 5-band graphic EQ with presets and a Game/Voice audio slider to personalize your gaming experience. Also, you can adjust the mic's noise gate and sidetone, which can help you better hear calls. Overall, it's simple, straightforward, and easy to use. However, these headphones aren't compatible with Astro Command Center PC software.
Their Bluetooth connectivity is excellent. You can connect them via Bluetooth, wireless dongle, and analog cable simultaneously or in any combination. If you're using all three connections, the headphones prioritize mic support via Bluetooth and dongle, but not analog. However, you won't have this problem if you only use two connections, like via analog and dongle or analog and Bluetooth. While Bluetooth latency is very high on PC, it's low on iOS and Android, ensuring audio and video stay in sync. However, latency can vary depending on the app and device used.
These headphones come with a wireless USB dongle for use on either Xbox or PlayStation consoles, depending on which variant you buy. The dongle included is only compatible with one console or the other, meaning you'll need to buy a second dongle separately if you want to use the headphones with both systems. Fortunately, latency is very low, ensuring your audio and visuals are in sync while gaming.
These headphones come with a detachable 1/8" TRRS cable that provides audio and mic support and a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging. You can't use the charging cable for audio.
These headphones have full mic and audio compatibility with PCs via Bluetooth, analog, or the included USB dongle.
If you have the Xbox variant of these headphones, this model only has audio and mic compatibility with PlayStation consoles only via the AUX cable. If you want to use these headphones wirelessly with your PS4 or PS5, you'll need to get the PlayStation variant instead.
The Xbox/PC variant has full mic and audio compatibility with Xbox consoles via AUX cable and the included wireless USB dongle. An LED tells you if the dongle is switched to PC compatibility mode (white) or Xbox compatibility mode (green).
If you have the PlayStation variant of these headphones, you can only use audio and mic via analog on Xbox consoles.
They come with a wireless USB-A dongle. The button on top lets you switch between PC and console mode, and it has no other inputs. It's also console-locked, so get the right one for your needs. Both versions are compatible with PCs.