Astro Gaming Headsets Compared: A10, A20, A40, and A50

Astro Gaming’s lineup includes four core models: the A10, A20, A40, and A50. Each headset targets a different type of user, with features and pricing scaling from an entry-level wired model to a premium wireless system. The primary differences across the range involve connectivity, audio processing capabilities like surround sound, microphone features, and platform compatibility.

Platform Compatibility and Connectivity

Choosing an Astro headset requires careful attention to platform compatibility, as most models are sold in console-specific versions. The A10 is the most straightforward, offering broad compatibility with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac through a standard wired connection. A dedicated version was also released for the Nintendo Switch.

The A20 and A50 models are wireless and sold in two distinct versions. One, typically featuring a black and blue color scheme, is designed for PlayStation 4, PC, and Mac. The other, colored black and green, is for Xbox One, PC, and Mac. These console-specific versions are not interchangeable for console use, so it is important to purchase the correct one for your primary gaming system.

The A40’s compatibility is slightly more complex. The base PC version is a wired headset that works with any system supporting its connection. However, the console bundles, branded as the A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR, are platform-specific. The PlayStation version is compatible with PS4, PS3, PC, and Mac, while the Xbox version works with Xbox One, PC, and Mac. The key component dictating this compatibility is the included MixAmp Pro TR.

Connectivity is a major dividing line in the series. The A10 and A40 are both wired headsets. The A20 and A50 are wireless, operating over a 5 GHz frequency to reduce interference and provide a stable connection. This makes the choice between the A40 and A50 a decision between a top-tier wired or wireless experience, as both offer premium features.

Audio Performance and Features

The most significant audio feature separating the models is support for surround sound. The A10 and A20 headsets are stereo-only. They provide a solid audio experience but do not offer virtual surround sound processing. For that, users must look to the A40 and A50. Both the A40 TR + MixAmp Pro TR bundle and the A50 wireless system support Dolby Digital 7.1 Surround Sound, delivering more immersive and positionally accurate audio for gaming.

Despite this difference, all four headsets share some core audio hardware. Each is equipped with 40mm Neodymium Magnet Drivers and features a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. This consistency ensures a baseline level of audio quality across the entire product line. A technical difference is found in the nominal impedance: the stereo A10 and A20 headsets are rated at 32 ohms, while the surround-capable A40 and A50 are rated at 48 ohms.

Microphone quality and features also improve with the higher-end models. All four headsets use a 6.0mm uni-directional microphone with a convenient flip-to-mute function. Moving the microphone boom to the upright position automatically mutes it. The A40 and A50 microphones include a noise gate for improved noise cancellation, resulting in clearer voice chat. These premium models also allow for balancing the volume between game audio and voice chat, a critical feature for competitive and cooperative online play.

Physical Design and In-Box Contents

All four headsets are built with an over-ear coupling design for comfort during long gaming sessions. Their weight varies slightly. The wireless A20 is the lightest at 320g. The wired A10 is next at 346g, followed by the A40 at 369g. The A50, which contains a battery and more complex electronics, is the heaviest of the group at 380g, not including its base station.

The accessories included with each headset reflect its place in the lineup. The A10 comes with the headset itself and a 2.0m A10 volume cable. The Nintendo Switch version adds an exclusive chat cable for that console.

The wireless A20 package includes the headset, an Astro wireless transmitter, a 0.5m micro USB cable, a 1.0m micro USB cable, and a 1.0m optical cable for connecting the transmitter to a console or PC.

The contents of the A40 box depend on the version. The PC-only headset includes the A40 TR Microphone, Astro Speaker Tags, a 2.0m A40 inline mute cable, and a 1.5m PC splitter. The console bundles for PS4 and Xbox One contain all of that plus the MixAmp Pro TR, a 0.5m digital daisy chain cable, a 3.0m micro-USB cable, and a 3.0m TOSlink optical cable.

The premium A50 wireless system comes with the headset containing a lithium-ion battery, the Astro Wireless 5 GHz Base Station that also functions as a transmitter and charging stand, a 1.0m micro USB cable, and a 1.0m optical cable.

Model Tiers and Pricing Hierarchy

The four headsets represent clear tiers in features and cost. The A10 is the entry-level wired option, offering core Astro quality at the lowest price point. The A20 serves as the entry into wireless audio, providing the convenience of a cable-free connection with stereo sound.

The A40 is the premium wired headset. The console version, bundled with the MixAmp Pro TR, was priced significantly higher than the headset-only PC version, reflecting the value of the external audio processor for enabling surround sound and advanced audio controls. The A50 sits at the top of the range as the flagship wireless model, integrating the surround sound processing and audio controls of the MixAmp directly into its base station and headset for a complete, high-end wireless system.