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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.6 update for Headphones! Read the Latency R&D Article to learn more.

Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.6
Review updated Feb 02, 2024 at 02:56 pm
Latest change: Retest Mar 15, 2024 at 04:32 pm
Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 Picture
8.1
Neutral Sound
5.1
Commute/Travel
6.1
Sports/Fitness
6.5
Office
8.1
Wireless Gaming
6.6
Wired Gaming
7.2
Phone Calls
These headphones were replaced by the Astro A50 X Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are premium wireless gaming headphones. They have a similar design to the previous-generation Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017 but with updates like a more compact base station. Kitted with a boom mic and designed with some replaceable parts, you can find models for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. While the software includes a host of features, unfortunately, there have been user reports of significant issues using it. You can read more in the App Support box.

Our Verdict

8.1 Neutral Sound

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are very good for neutral sound with a well-balanced sound profile. Their bass is punchy and extended, while their mid and treble ranges are well-balanced and accurate. Their passive soundstage is also relatively open, given their closed-back enclosure. While their companion software also features a graphic EQ that lets you fine-tune your listening experience, users have reported issues using it. You need the base station connected and in range to use the headphones.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Relatively open soundstage.
Cons
  • Base station is required to make the headphones work.
5.1 Commute/Travel

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are poor for commuting and traveling, though they aren't designed for this use. They need their base station to work, so you can't use them unless you travel with a laptop and want to connect the dock. Also, they have quite terrible noise isolation performance.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Base station is required to make the headphones work.
  • Terrible isolation performance.
6.1 Sports/Fitness

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are mediocre for sports and fitness, but this isn't their intended use. You need the base station to use them, so you can't bring them around for a run or at the gym. In addition, they're quite bulky and not very stable. They also aren't very breathable, and your ears can sweat more than usual while wearing them.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Sturdy construction.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Base station is required to make the headphones work.
6.5 Office

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are sub-par for office use. Their battery life can last you for a whole workday, but if you work in a crowded office, they won't be ideal due to their poor isolation performance. They leak a lot of audio, which can bother people working around you. You need their base station for them to function since they aren't Bluetooth-compatible.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Excellent mic recording quality and noise handling capability.
  • Sturdy construction.
Cons
  • Base station is required to make the headphones work.
  • Terrible isolation performance.
  • High levels of audio leakage.
8.1 Wireless Gaming

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are very good for wireless gaming. Their wireless base station transmits audio with very low latency, and the headphones are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. Their boom mic yields excellent recording quality and does an impressive job of isolating your voice from background noise. They also feature onboard controls for volume adjustment, channel mixing, EQ preset cycling, and enabling their virtual surround sound feature. They have companion software, too, but there have been reported issues using it.

Pros
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Excellent mic recording quality and noise handling capability.
  • Relatively open soundstage.
Cons
  • Terrible isolation performance.
6.6 Wired Gaming

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are wireless-only headphones and can't be used on a wired connection.

7.2 Phone Calls

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 are a satisfactory option for phone calls. Their boom mic makes your voice sound full-bodied and natural while doing an amazing job of isolating it from background noise. Unfortunately, the headphones have awful noise isolation capability, so you may have trouble following what's being said on a call.

Pros
  • Excellent mic recording quality and noise handling capability.
Cons
  • Terrible isolation performance.
  • 8.1 Neutral Sound
  • 5.1 Commute/Travel
  • 6.1 Sports/Fitness
  • 6.5 Office
  • 8.1 Wireless Gaming
  • 6.6 Wired Gaming
  • 7.2 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Mar 15, 2024: We've updated the headphones' dimensions in Portability to better reflect their smallest format, which is when the ear cups lay flat.
  2. Updated Feb 02, 2024: We've updated this review to include more detail on the Virtual Soundstage, a comparison to the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2023, and added minor text updates throughout.
  3. Updated Jan 26, 2024: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
  4. Updated Jan 26, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
  5. Updated Dec 22, 2022: Users have reported significant issues using Astro Command Center. As a result, we have lowered the App Support score from '7.5' to '6.0' and added information regarding the issue to this box.
  6. Updated Dec 16, 2022: We've added a comparison between the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 and the Astro A30 Wireless in the Non-Bluetooth Wireless box.
  7. Updated Sep 01, 2021: Retested PlayStation 5 compatibility.
  8. Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  9. Updated Mar 11, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  10. Updated Jan 04, 2021: We've updated the Wired test results.
  11. Updated Feb 14, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
  12. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
  13. Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
  14. Updated Oct 11, 2019: Review published.
  15. Updated Oct 09, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
  16. Updated Oct 09, 2019: Early access published.
  17. Updated Oct 07, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  18. Updated Aug 21, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Astro A50 are available in two variants: 'PC/PS4' and 'PC/Xbox'. We tested the 'PC/PS4' variant but can't confirm whether or not the other model performs similarly overall.

Let us know in the forums if you've encountered a different variant of these headphones.

Compared To Other Headphones

The Astro A50 are great gaming headphones but aren't the most versatile as they can only be used wirelessly, and you need to buy the appropriate console variant for your needs. Unlike the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, they also don't support Bluetooth for more casual use either. Thankfully, they're very comfortable and have a well-balanced sound profile that can be customized using the graphic EQ in their companion software. They also come with a charging base that offers several inputs. These headphones represent an incremental update to the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017, improving battery charging and reducing base size. You get an improved microphone on the newer pair. While the fourth generation Astro A50 are wireless-only with (albeit unimpressive isolation for) closed-backs, the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are the brand's open-backed and wire-only entry.

See our recommendations for the best wireless gaming headsets, the best PS4 gaming headsets, the best Xbox One gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 and the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are both great gaming headphones. The A50 are wireless-only while the A40 are wired only and have an open-back design. The A50 have a well-balanced sound profile, but their soundstage isn't as spacious as that of the open-back A40. If you also don’t want to be limited by battery life, then the A40 are a better option.

Astro A30 Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 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.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro

Depending on how you game, you may prefer either the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The Astro are wireless gaming headphones that are more comfortable, better built, and have more consistent audio delivery. Their default sound profile is more neutral too, and the boom mic has a significantly better overall performance. However, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro are wired headphones that come with a GameDAC so that you can make control adjustments as you game. Their companion software offers significant customization features too.

Astro A50 X Wireless

The Astro A50 X Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019. The new version introduces more connectivity options via the base station, with USB-C and HDMI 2.1 inputs and the option to switch between different gaming systems and charge the headphones. While both headsets are similarly comfortable and well-built, the newer version have a more balanced default sound profile, and their companion software is more reliable. They also have a longer continuous battery life. That said, the previous generation have a better passive soundstage performance, better mic noise handling, and give you the option to switch between EQ presets or enable Dolby Digital Surround sound via the physical controls.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless. The Astro are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their passive soundstage is a lot more immersive and open. Their boom mic offers better performance, and the headphones have lower wireless latency via their base station. However, the Turtle Beach are loaded with a lot of features like Bluetooth support, so you can stay connected to your console and smartphone simultaneously, ANC to help block out background noise, and even have an integrated mic in addition to a boom mic, so you can use them more casually if you prefer.

Audeze Maxwell Wireless

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless have a slight edge over the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019. While both headphones are well-built, the Audeze have a significantly longer continuous battery life, and support Bluetooth. They have a slightly more neutral sound profile out of the box, which some users may prefer, and they can also be used wired via USB or analog too. However, the Astro are more comfortable, their boom mic offers a better overall performance, and have a more immersive passive soundstage. 

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox]

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox] have a few more features than the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, which some users may prefer. While both headphones are well-built, the SteelSeries have ANC to help block out a fair amount of ambient noise around you, come with two battery packs, which offer close to 50 hours of total playback time, and have more robust customization features in their companion software. They also support Bluetooth and come with a DAC, meaning you can adjust your settings on the fly. However, the Astro are more comfortable, have a better overall mic performance, and their passive soundstage sounds more open and natural.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2023

The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2023 and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless are both premium gaming headsets with different strengths and challenges. If you have an Xbox, the Razer are incompatible and lack an analog connection. They have Bluetooth support in addition to the wireless dongle, a detachable mic, better (but not particularly impressive) noise isolation, and a substantially longer battery life than the Astro. The Astro come in variants with support for consoles and PC. Using the base station you can easily switch between a console and PC, and charge wirelessly. Both have good-sounding microphones with great noise suppression.

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are considerably better for wireless gaming versus the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless. The Astro are comfier, deliver a better-balanced sound profile more consistently, have a higher-quality boom microphone, and last a little bit longer on a single charge. Meanwhile, the Turtle Beach have companion software with more configuration options, and block out more ambient noise. They're also Bluetooth-compatible, allowing you to chat with friends or stream music from your phone while remaining connected to your console or PC.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, as you can use them wired or wirelessly. Although the SteelSeries are prone to more inconsistencies in their audio delivery, their sound can be tweaked on the fly, thanks to the EQ on their wireless transmitter. You can use their dock to store an extra physical battery while another is in your headphones, so you shouldn't have to worry about running out of power. They support Bluetooth, which is nice if you like to stream audio from your phone while gaming. However, the Astro have the edge when it comes to wireless gaming. They have even lower wireless latency via their base station, a more comfortable fit, and their boom mic offers a slightly better overall performance.

Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better headphones for gaming than the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset. The Astro have a wireless dock and charging station that provides a low latency gaming experience. Their boom mic has a better recording quality, and their controls include channel mixing and an EQ preset cycle button. However, the Logitech have a longer continuous battery life.

Corsair HS80 RGB WIRELESS

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better for wireless gaming than the Corsair HS80 RGB WIRELESS. The Astro are much more comfortable, have a better overall mic performance, and come with a wireless dock that provides a lower latency connection. Their continuous battery life is also longer. On the other hand, the Corsair leak much less and block out more ambient sound, although they still aren't ideal for isolating you from noise. You can also use them wired with PCs.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless. While both headphones are well-built and comfortable, the Astro have more consistent audio delivery and their passive soundstage performance is better. Their boom microphone also has a better recording quality and noise handling performance. Their base station is also console-locked, but you can get a variant that works with either your PlayStation or Xbox console. However, you may still prefer the HyperX if you prioritize a significantly longer continuous battery life and more noise isolation. Keep in mind that users have reported high latency when using their companion software's features though.

Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT. The Astro come with a dock that also acts as a charging station. They're more comfortable, their boom mic offers better overall performance, and their base station ensures lower wireless latency. However, the Corsair have a better battery performance and support Bluetooth.

SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 9x Wireless and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are both very good wireless gaming headphones for the Xbox One, but the Astro perform better overall. The Astro are more comfortable as they have a more ergonomic headband design, and they deliver sound much more consistently than the SteelSeries. They also have a better-performing microphone and come with a full-featured charging dock. However, the SteelSeries connect more conveniently via Xbox Wireless and support Bluetooth so you can mix in audio from your mobile device while gaming. The SteelSeries battery also lasts longer, and they charge much more quickly.

HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless. While both headphones are very comfortable and well-built, the Astro deliver audio more consistently and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a more open and immersive soundstage, and their overall mic performance is better. However, the HyperX's continuous battery life is longer.  

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2nd Generation)

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 (2nd Generation) are both comfortable gaming headphones equipped with good-sounding mics but with different priorities. The Astro only works wirelessly with a base and software to adjust the EQ and do updates. They have a neutral tuning which works for all genres. The Beyerdynamic can only connect via analog without any additional software. They sound neutral but with a touch more rumble and a very bright top-end that you can't adjust without third-party software.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless [7, 7P, 7X]

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless and their variants. The Astro headphones are more comfortable, better-built, and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their passive soundstage is more immersive, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. However, the SteelSeries support Bluetooth, meaning you can stay connected to your console and smartphone simultaneously, and they have longer-lasting continuous battery life.

SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are slightly better wireless gaming headphones, although you can use the SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless wired and wireless. The Astro are more comfortable and have a wireless dock with many inputs that also charges the headphones. They have a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer, and have a better overall performing boom mic. However, the SteelSeries have a better battery performance, and you can use it on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation consoles with either their wireless USB dongle or their 1/8" TRRS cable.

Audeze Penrose Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Audeze Penrose Wireless. The Astro are more comfortable, feel better-built, and are more balanced right out-of-the-box. They also support Dolby 7.1, their boom microphone offers better overall performance, and their continuous battery life is longer. However, the Audeze support Bluetooth. They're also planar magnetic headphones, which some users may prefer.

Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are way better wireless gaming headphones than the Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless. The Astro are more comfortable, better-built, have a longer battery life, and a better overall microphone performance. On the other hand, the Razer provide bass haptic feedback, which some users may prefer.

HyperX Cloud Flight S

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are much better wireless gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight S. The Astro are more comfortable, feel better built, have a more accurate and better-balanced out-of-the-box sound profile, and come with a wireless dock. On the other hand, the HyperX have much better noise isolation performance and support wireless charging.

Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Wireless

The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED WIRELESS and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 have different strengths. While both headphones have a comfortable, well-built design, the Astro are wireless-only headphones with console-specific variants to suit your needs. They have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, their passive soundstage feels more immersive, and their mic offers a superior overall performance. However, some users have encountered issues when using their companion software, which is disappointing. On the flip side, the Logitech support wired as well as wireless connections but can't be used wirelessly on Xbox consoles. They have a longer-lasting continuous battery life and even support Bluetooth, though you can't use it simultaneously with an analog or dongle connection. You also get a second set of ear pads with the Logitech, an otherwise added cost for the Astro.

Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are slightly better gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017. They are quite similar, but the main difference is the small base station on the 2019 model and the fact that the battery now takes less time to charge while offering a bit more continuous playback. Additionally, the microphone on the 2019 model performs better overall.

Sony PULSE 3D Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better for wireless gaming than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The Astro are far more comfortable, better-built, and have a better-balanced sound profile that's delivered more consistently. They also have a better overall microphone. However, the Sony can also be used on a wired connection. They also leak less audio and charge faster, though they do have slightly shorter battery life. That said, while they can access a graphic EQ and presets, this feature is only available on updated PS5 consoles.

Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017

The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are both great headsets, though their connectivity options differ. The A40 2017 can only be used wired, while the A50 2019 can only be used wirelessly. They otherwise perform quite similarly overall, though competitive gamers will likely prefer the wired A40 2017 since they have less latency.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are much better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless. The Astro are much more comfortable and have a significantly more balanced sound profile. Their microphone offers superior recording quality and noise handling capability. Unfortunately, the Astro can't be used wired like the Corsair, meaning they don't work with Xbox One consoles. Also, unlike the Corsair, the Astro block out almost no background chatter and leak much more audio, meaning they aren't as well-suited for gaming with others in the room.

SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless. The Astro are more comfortable, deliver audio more consistently, and have a better performing boom microphone. However, the SteelSeries can be used both wirelessly and wired and have a better overall battery performance.

Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless. The Astro have lower latency, which is great for wireless headphones, and they are noticeably more comfortable and better-built. They also have a microphone that delivers superior overall performance. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach are Bluetooth compatible and can also be used wired, so they are a bit more versatile than the Astro. The Turtle Beach also have a noise cancelling feature, although mediocre, that isolates more against ambient noise than the Astro.

Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense. The Astro are wireless gaming headphones with very low latency and over 17 hours of continuous playback time. They're significantly comfier, better-built, and can deliver sound more consistently. They also have a more immersive passive soundstage, and their microphone offers better overall performance. However, the Razer are wired gaming headphones with a USB-A connector. They have a haptic feedback feature, customizable RGB lighting, and robust virtual soundstage features.

Corsair HS75 XB WIRELESS

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair HS75 XB WIRELESS. The Astro are more comfortable, and they're compatible with the PS4, unlike the Corsair. Also, the Astro have a better-balanced sound profile and a more consistent audio delivery across users. However, the Corsair leak less sound, and their microphone is wirelessly compatible with the Xbox One, unlike the Astro.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are very good wireless gaming headphones, but the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are even better for most people. The Astro are more comfortable, have a better-performing mic, and they come with a nice charging station. However, they take over four hours to charge with their base station and can't be used with a regular audio cable. The SteelSeries have a longer battery life, take less time to charge, and support passive playback.

Beats Solo Pro Wireless

The Beats Solo Pro Wireless and the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are for different uses. The Astro are wireless gaming headphones that are more comfortable, have a better passive soundstage performance, and their boom mic does a significantly better job of recording your voice, even in noisy environments. Their battery performance is better too. However, the Beats are better for casual use. They have more versatile controls and have an ANC system to help block out a great amount of noise around you.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic

The Astro A50 look very similar to the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 with similar squarish ear cups found on the brand's headsets. The headset has a fairly conservative color scheme, with few adornments besides a slightly contrasting model logo on the ear cups. Still, the bulky design and non-removable microphone make the headset stand out in most environments. You can also swap out the plates on the other surface of the ear cups if you want to individualize your headphones a little more, and you can purchase mod kits from the Astro website. You can't mix and match the kits, so get the one for your model.

8.0
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.8 lbs
Clamping Force
1.3 lbs

These are comfortable headphones. Their ear cups are spacious and deep, accommodating most ear shapes and sizes. They don't clamp the head as tightly as the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017. Their headband does a good job of distributing their weight, too. The coating on the padding is also quite soft and feels nice on the skin. However, they're quite big and heavy.

6.2
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use Good
Feedback Good
Call/Music Control No
Volume Control Yes
Microphone Control Mute/Unmute
Channel Mixing
Yes
Noise Cancelling Control No
Talk-Through
No
Additional Controls Presets + Surround Sound

The Astro A50's control scheme is acceptable. The headphones lack any onboard controls for music playback or call management. Instead, they address the needs of gamers rather than casual users. Their mic is flip-to-mute, and otherwise, the controls have single functions.

Right ear cup towards the front:

  • Volume wheel
    • Spin: Increase/decrease volume.
  • EQ preset cycle button
    • Single press: Cycle through EQ presets.
  • Dolby button
    • Single press: Dolby Digital Surround Sound on/off.
  • Power button
    • Single press: Turns power on/off.

They also have two additional controls on the outside face of the right ear cup that let you balance the mix between in-game audio and call audio.

They differ from the previous generation by having a button to cycle between EQ presets instead of a switch, and the base now has a screen that shows you which preset you're on. There's good audible and tactile feedback, and all the controls are easy to use.

6.4
Design
Breathability
Avg.Temp.Difference 5.9 °C

These headphones are fairly breathable. Heat can be trapped inside the ear cups since they create a tight seal around your ears, restricting airflow. Unless it's a hot day, you can still game without heat interfering with your performance.

5.4
Design
Portability
L 10.2" (25.9 cm)
W 7.9" (20.0 cm)
H 2.6" (6.7 cm)
Volume 211.79 in³ (3,470.60 cm³)
Transmitter Required Yes

These headphones aren't especially portable. This makes sense for gaming headphones that stay in the same location. They're very bulky and don't fold into a more compact format, though their ear cups swivel flat to reduce their footprint. They also need to be within range of their base station to work, which further limits their portability.

0
Design
Case
Type No case
L N/A
W N/A
H N/A
Volume N/A
8.0
Design
Build Quality

These over-ears are very well-built and feel durable. The ear cups are dense and made from solid plastic, so the headphones feel like they can handle a few accidental drops without too much damage. The hinges are sturdy and made of metal, but their headband seems to be the weakest point of their construction.

6.5
Design
Stability

The headphones are reasonably stable. They don't clamp your head tightly, and head movement can easily make them shift off your head. This is unlikely to pose a problem when seated and gaming. If you're a dynamic and expressive gamer, the headphones will likely move around or fall off with head movements. If you prefer to relax and sit still while gaming, they'll stay in place.

Design
Headshots 1
Design
Headshots 2
Design
Top
Design
In The Box

  • Astro A50 fourth generation headphones
  • Base station
  • Micro-USB to USB-A charging cable
  • Optical cable
  • Manuals

Sound
Sound
Sound Profile
Bass Amount
-1.38 dB
Treble Amount
-1.35 dB

The Astro A50 have a well-balanced default sound profile using the 'Studio' EQ preset. In-game sound effects, dialogue, and music are delivered with mostly equal emphasis, though fans of more action-heavy genres may want a little more thump and rumble by increasing low bass in the equalizer. That said, while their companion software features a graphic EQ that you can use to generate presets, some users have reported issues using it, and you can read more in the App Support box. You can still customize their sound using their onboard EQ preset cycling button, though.

8.6
Sound
Frequency Response Consistency
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.29 dB

These headphones have excellent frequency response consistency. This means they deliver audio relatively similarly across different users and between reseats, so you can expect consistent sound without fussing to get them to sit just right.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
8.3
Sound
Bass Accuracy
Std. Err.
2.34 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
34.13 Hz
Low-Bass
-2.44 dB
Mid-Bass
1.68 dB
High-Bass
3.17 dB

These headphones have great bass accuracy. Their low-end bass response is slightly underemphasized, so sound effects in action-heavy games can lack a bit of thump and rumble. A small bump in the high-bass range adds a bit of boom and punch to your audio by emphasizing the attack of bassy sounds.

8.7
Sound
Mid Accuracy
Std. Err.
1.78 dB
Low-Mid
0.74 dB
Mid-Mid
-0.92 dB
High-Mid
1.43 dB

The headphones have excellent mid-range accuracy. Vocals and lead instruments sound full-bodied and clear with good presence. However, a small dip in the mid-mids can nudge them to the back of the mix. Ambient effects and character dialogue in Baldur's Gate 3 sound clear, although, during exciting action sequences, the boominess of the bass can compete for your attention.

8.3
Sound
Treble Accuracy
Std. Err.
2.57 dB
Low-Treble
0.04 dB
Mid-Treble
1.99 dB
High-Treble
-6.77 dB

The Astro A50's treble accuracy is great. These headphones reproduce high registers of voices clearly and in detail. Sibilants (S and T sounds) and cymbals can sound bright.

7.5
Sound
Peaks/Dips
Peaks
1.74 dB
Dips
0.94 dB

The peaks and dips performance shows good control of their sound profile. A bump in the high-bass range results in some boominess, while a dip in the mid-mids nudges vocal and lead instruments to the back of the mix. The adjacent peak in the high-mids can make vocal harmonics sound slightly honky and harsh. The peak in the mid-treble range can give sibilants a bright, somewhat piercing quality.

8.0
Sound
Imaging
Weighted Group Delay
0.28
Weighted Phase Mismatch
5.92
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
1.56
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
1.95

The Astro A50's stereo imaging is very good. The weighted group delay falls beneath the audibility threshold, which results in a tight bass and a transparent treble reproduction. Additionally, the L/R drivers are well-matched regarding phase, amplitude, and frequency response, meaning that objects like footsteps and instruments are located accurately within the stereo image. These results align with other Astro headsets we've tested regarding quality control and ergonomics. However, imaging varies between units.

6.8
Sound
Passive Soundstage
PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
2.23 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
2.51 dB
PRTF Distance
7.77 dB
Openness
9.3
Acoustic Space Excitation
6.8

These headphones have an alright passive soundstage. They have a very open soundstage, but it can sound unnatural and located as if inside the listener's head rather than in front of them.

2.0
Sound
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
No
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
Room Ambience
No
Head Tracking
No
Virtual Surround
Dolby 7.1

The headphones have a dedicated button for surround sound. With a PC, you can also use the Windows Sonic for Headphones software or Dolby Access with Dolby Atmos (although Dolby Atmos is an added cost with the 'PC/PS' variant). Both variants can support Dolby Atmos, but the feature is restricted to PCs and Xbox consoles.

To use them with your Xbox, you enable Dolby Atmos in your console's settings and use the Dolby Access app to control surround sound. You can use the button on the headphones to turn this feature on/off. With the 'PC/PS' variant and the PlayStation 4 console, audio upscales audio to 7.1 surround with Dolby Digital. With a PlayStation 5, you'll need to purchase a separate HDMI to Optical Adapter for PlayStation 5 by the manufacturer to gain surround sound using Dolby Digital in your console's settings. Using the PS5 Tempest 3D AudioTech via a USB connection disables the EQ and mic settings saved from your PC to the headphones, so the manufacturer recommends getting the adapter instead.

Keep in mind that whether your headphones come with a lifetime Dolby Atmos license seems to depend on whether you have a 'PC/Xbox' version or not, when you purchased them, where you purchased them, and if you've updated their firmware. An Xbox-compatible variant with the latest firmware ought to have a lifetime license, but the manufacturer has changed support over the lifecycle of the headphones ranging from seven-day trials to lifetime licenses. If your headphones don't have a current Dolby Atmos license, try updating the firmware first, as you may gain the license; otherwise, Dolby Atmos is an additional cost. Our unit is the 'PC/PS' variant and doesn't come with a Dolby Atmos license.

7.5
Sound
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.282
WHD @ 100
0.174

The Astro A50 have good weighted harmonic distortion performance. As a result, audio reproduction is fairly clean and pure across the frequency spectrum at both moderate and high listening volumes. So, you're unlikely to hear any distortion caused by the headphones.

Sound
Test Settings
Firmware
Unknown
Power
On
Connection
Wireless (Proprietary)
Codec
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
EQ
Studio
ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Microphone
Boom

These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when they're used in this configuration.

Isolation
1.7
Isolation
Noise Isolation
Isolation Audio
Overall Attenuation
-5.39 dB
Noise Cancelling No
Bass
0.01 dB
Mid
-0.37 dB
Treble
-15.61 dB

These headphones have terrible noise isolation performance. They don't really block out any ambient noise in the bass and mid-ranges, like the rumble of construction outside an open window or background chatter. They also don't block out much higher-pitched ambient noise, like a noisy computer fan whine.

Noise isolation this weak is unusual for closed-back headphones, which usually block out higher frequency noise through a combination of a good seal around the ear and ear pads made of sound-dampening materials. This is fine if you've got a quiet room with a door, but in noisier communal environments, it's beneficial to isolate external noise so it's easier to hear your audio without compensating by cranking the volume.

4.2
Isolation
Leakage
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
53.37 dB

The Astro A50's leakage performance is bad. While closed-back headphones usually control leakage well, these are the exception. They aren't the best to use around people in quiet environments because sound still escapes loudly enough that even in crowded settings, it's noticeable. They don't leak much bass, but the mids and highs are audible as a thin representation of your audio, complete with lead instruments and bright percussion.

Microphone
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
No
In-Line
No
Boom
Yes
Detachable Boom
No
Mic Yes
8.6
Microphone
Recording Quality
Recorded Speech
LFE
20 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
1.36 dB
HFE
6,267.15 Hz
Weighted THD
0.105
Gain
16.63 dB

The boom mic has excellent recording quality. Owing to the relatively flat frequency response of the microphone (except at the upper frequencies beyond speech), your voice sounds clear, natural, and full-bodied. While the included software also has additional mic settings you can adjust to taste, the headset's mic already starts with a solid foundational recording quality.

8.3
Microphone
Noise Handling
SpNR
39.29 dB
Noise Gate
On/Off Toggle
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
8.5
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
8.0
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

The boom mic has impressive noise handling performance. Teammates or those on the other end of a phone call can understand you clearly, even if you're speaking in a loud or crowded environment.

Note: There are four mic profiles inside their companion software with four different noise gate settings. We tested the microphone with the 'Streaming' setting, as it has the lowest noise gate, though you can also select 'Night,' which has the least aggressive noise gate setting, 'Home,' which is the default, and 'Tournament,' which is the most aggressive setting.

Active Features
8.0
Active Features
Battery
Battery Type
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
17.5 hrs
Additional Charges
0.0
Total Battery Life
17.5 hrs
Charge Time
4.4 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
Auto-Off Timer
Audio While Charging
Yes
Passive Playback
No
Charging Port micro-USB

These over-ears have very good battery performance. They supply over 17 hours of battery life, which is more than enough for most gaming sessions, though this can vary with real-world usage. You can also use them when charging, which is useful. They only take about two hours to charge with the micro-USB cable but more than four hours with the dock. On the upside, this charging cycle is still noticeably shorter than the older Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017. The base has four bars to indicate the battery charge status. They have an auto-off timer, too, which turns off the headphones during periods of inactivity. However, it's rather short, which can be annoying if you're gaming and don't move too much, as it can still trigger even if audio is being played.

6.0
Active Features
App Support
App Name Astro Command Center
iOS No
Android No
macOS Yes
Windows Yes
Equalizer
Graphic + Presets
ANC Control
No
Mic Control Adjustable Level
Room Effects
No
Playback Control
No
Button Mapping No
Surround Support
No

These headphones are compatible with Astro Command Center. However, some users have reported encountering severe issues when using the software. They can't update the headphones' firmware, which is necessary to connect them via USB to newer consoles. Users also can't access any of the software's features. These issues may be due to Astro moving the software download from their site to the Microsoft Store. This poses a significant drawback if you want to pick up a pair of these headphones.

When working correctly, the Astro Command Center offers a wide array of features. It has a graphic EQ that you can use to set up different presets, which you can cycle through using the EQ button on the right ear cup. You can also choose between four noise gate settings for the boom mic to isolate your voice from ambient noise. Unfortunately, you can't control the mic's frequency response like it on the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017. There's also no option to extend or turn off the gyroscope auto-off timer feature, which is frustrating. They also have no true button mapping beyond the EQ presets. You'll need to use the Windows Sonic for Headphones software for surround sound.

Connectivity
0
Connectivity
Wired Connection
Analog Audio
No
USB Audio
No
Detachable
No
Length
N/A
Connector
No Wired Option
Latency - Analog
N/A
Latency - USB
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Recorded Latency Connection No Wired Audio

You can't use the Astro A50 wired. They come with a USB-A to micro-USB cable, which is only for charging. They also have an optical cable used for plugging in their base station. If you want gaming headphones that you can use wired with console controllers, check out the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE.

0
Connectivity
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Version
No Bluetooth
Multi-Device Pairing
No
Quick Pair (Android)
No
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
Latency - SBC
N/A
Latency - aptX
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
Latency - LDAC
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Recorded Latency Codec No Bluetooth Audio
AAC Support
No
8.8
Connectivity
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
Line Of Sight Range
57.00 ft (17.37 m)
Latency - Dongle
11 ms
Recorded Latency

These headphones have superb wireless connectivity, thanks to their base station. It doesn't have as long of a wireless range as other headphones in the Astro range, like the Astro A30 Wireless. Still, latency is very low, so your audio and visuals will stay in sync during the heat of competitive gameplay.

Connectivity
PC Compatibility
Analog
No
Wired USB
No
Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone

These headphones wirelessly connect to your PC using the included base station over USB-A or optical (if your soundcard has an optical port). You get full audio and microphone support and software to adjust the settings to taste.

Connectivity
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
No
PS4 Wired USB
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Analog
No
PS5 Wired USB
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone

You can use both the 'PC/PS' and 'PC/Xbox' versions of the headphones with PS4 and PS5. Since the PS5 doesn't support optical, you'll need to update the headphones to the latest firmware using the Astro Command Center with your PC. This firmware lets you connect the base station to the console via USB. However, some users have reported that the audio quality drops when using this connection compared to using optical. While we conducted our original testing using the base station connected to our PC via USB, these results will still be valid compared to the sound you get from the PS5 when connected via USB.

Alternatively, you can purchase an Astro HDMI adapter for the PS5 directly from the manufacturer, allowing you to connect to the console via optical. The manufacturer advertises this adapter to enable the 'Game:Voice Balance' channel mixer control for this console. You can find more detailed instructions on how to connect your headphones this way here.

These headphones have full mic and audio compatibility with PS4 and PS5 consoles when you connect their non-Bluetooth wireless transmitter to the console via USB. However, you may need a firmware update for this connection to work on PS5 consoles.

Connectivity
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
No
Xbox One Wired USB
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
Audio Only
Xbox Series X|S Analog
No
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No

Astro makes a 'PC/Xbox' compatible variant of the headphones with full mic and audio support on Xbox consoles. If you have the PC/PS variant of these headphones, they can only receive audio when connected to an Xbox One and don't function at all with Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Note: While the 'PC/PS' versions of these headphones aren't fully compatible with Xbox One or Xbox Series X consoles, the 'PC/Xbox' variants are. You can connect the 'PC/Xbox' headphones to your Xbox Series X console by following the steps outlined on the Astro Gaming Blog.

9.0
Connectivity
Base/Dock
Type
Wireless Dock
USB Input
Yes
Line In
Yes
Line Out
No
Optical Input
Yes
RCA Input
No
Dock Charging
Yes
Power Supply
USB

The fourth generation Astro A50's dock is great. It has a lot of inputs and acts as a charging station for the headset. This variant is fully compatible via USB on the PS4, PS5, and PC. The manufacturer advertises the base station as console-locked for either PS4 or Xbox One, but the headset can connect to both base variants.