With numerous gaming headsets available on the market, gamers can get good quality headphones for just about any budget. Astro A50 and Arctis PRO Wireless are wireless gaming headphones that lie on the more expensive spectrum, but for a good reason. Let us find out which is the better headset between the Astro A50 and Arctis PRO Wireless.
As time goes by, it is without a doubt that the gaming headset market continues to grow and heat up. Gone are the days that gamers were limited to a selection of one or two decent options as there are a wide variety of great-sounding and performing gaming headsets available from multiple brands. The Astro A50 is one of the most popular gaming headsets as it is super comfortable and delivers crisp and clear audio quality. However, the Arctis PRO Wireless has steadily become another serious option for gamers looking for a high-quality wireless gaming headphone. Without further ado, let us delve into this comparison review and determine which reigns supreme when comparing the Astro A50 and Arctis PRO Wireless.
What are the differences between Astro A50 and Arctis PRO Wireless?
[wpdatatable id=21]Astro A50 vs. Arctis PRO Wireless- How do they compare?
Design:
Since design is a subjective consideration, the Astro A50 and Arctis PRO Wireless feature different design types. The Astro A50 sports a sleek and more extravagant design as it comes with a grey color scheme with gold/grey accents, blue highlights, and controls on the side of its ear cups. It also comes with a foldable and adjustable microphone and a base station that doubles up as its charging station, making it versatile and portable.
Alternatively, the Arctis PRO Wireless is more simplistic and sleeker than the Astro A50 as it features an adjustable elastic headband with matte black ear cups and a retractable microphone. Additionally, this headset comes with a wireless station that allows you to plug it into your computer as it has various ports, a volume wheel, and a battery charger. It is worthy to note that its packaging comes with two batteries, allowing you to use up one until it runs out and then trades it in for the charged one.
The Arctis PRO Wireless has a better design than the Astro A50.
Build quality:
In terms of build quality, the Astro A50 is well-built as it features a solid construction made from sturdy and premium quality plastic. It has enormous ear cups that contain a generous amount of memory foam covered with breathable fabric that matches the padding on the headband’s underside. As a result, it ensures proper ventilation and prevents sweating, allowing users to use it for long durations comfortably. Additionally, this gaming headset is relatively light for prolonged use as it weighs about 1.49 pounds.
On the other hand, the Arctis PRO Wireless consists of luxurious and lightweight aluminum and steel alloy material for a guaranteed and consistent fit and added durability. It also comes with an elastic headband that allows it to fit any head size.
The Arctis PRO Wireless features a more solid construction than the Astro A50.
Performance/sound quality:
One of the most crucial considerations when buying a gaming headset is its sound quality and performance. Both of these gaming headsets come with outstanding audio quality, although they are not the same.
With a frequency response range of 20 Hz- 20 kHz, the Astro A50 comes with 40mmdrivers that deliver powerful sound waves, ideal for a fully immersive and unique gaming experience. It also comes with 7.1 Dolby virtual surround sound, which adds to its exceptional audio capabilities. When playing Fortnite matches, I was very impressed by this device’s audio as I could clearly hear all details, from footsteps to rainfall to music, although the highs frequencies were somewhat shrill. When it comes to battery life, the Astro A50 lasts for over 15 hours on a single charge and uses a base station to charge.
Alternatively, the Arctis PRO Wireless offers a wide range of super-natural and perfectly tuned audio. With a frequency response range of 10Hz -40 kHz and 40mm drivers, this headphone delivers plenty of basses, which is perfect for explosions and gunshots when playing games. Its highs and mid-range are well-tuned too, as they offer reliable warmth and are loud enough to enable your team-mates voices to cut through the music. Additionally, this headset comes with two batteries in its packaging, which lasts for a maximum of 10 hours each on a single charge.
The Arctis PRO Wireless has a slightly better sound quality and performance than the Astro A50.
Microphone sound quality:
A decent microphone is perfect for in-game chats, but it is best to get a dedicated microphone if you want to use it for Let’s Play videos or record podcasts. The Astro A50 comes with a 6mm unidirectional, voice-isolating, and bi-directional microphone that is adjustable and foldable. It also has a flip-to-mute feature that allows users to flip it up, and it automatically mutes. However, users need to fine-tune the mic settings from the Astro Command Center to ensure it delivers reliable performance.
On the other hand, the Arctis PRO Wireless provides studio-quality audio with an effective reduction of background noise. As a result, it is a perfect headset for gaming as its microphone transmits clear, accurate, and detailed audio.
The Astro A50 has better microphone sound quality than the Arctis PRO Wireless due to its more natural microphone sound.
Comfort:
When playing online games, you will likely wear gaming headphones for a long time. Therefore, you need a gaming headset that is comfortable and fits perfectly onto your head. The Astro A50 is a lightweight and very comfortable headset as it consists of a soft fabric covering the foam padding on its earmuffs and headband. Likewise, its unique design enables it to distribute its weight evenly across the entire unit, ensuring it is comfortable for prolonged use.
Like the Astro a50, the Arctis PRO Wireless is also lightweight, compact, and very comfortable for use. Its fabric is a bit less soft than that of Astro A50, but it is more breathable to ensure proper ventilation and prevent sweating. Its headband is also adjustable and elastic, guaranteeing a perfect fit for any head size.
The Arctis PRO Wireless is slightly more comfortable than the Astro A50.
Astro A50 vs. Arctis PRO Wireless- A comparison review
Astro A50 review:
The Astro A50 is a premium wireless gaming headset that is worth every penny. It consists of plastic, aluminum, and comfortable earphones, ascertaining its durability and comfort. The headset also comes with an adjustable microphone that delivers crisp and clear audio and has flip-to-mute functionality.
When it comes to its audio quality and performance, the Astro A50 delivers robust and detailed sound quality with ample bass response and well-balanced highs and mids. With a frequency response range of 20 Hz- 20 kHz, it offers a wide variety of sound fields with minimal distortion. Additionally, this headphone has a Dolby 7.1 surround sound, allowing users to hear practically anything when playing an online game or watching a movie.
Furthermore, the Astro A50 features a long battery life as it can last for approximately 15 hours on a continuous charge and takes about four hours to charge fully. The headset also comes with a USB charging dock that you can easily plug into your PC or console. In addition, the charging dock comes with LED lights that indicate how much battery is available and how much the headphone contains.
- Outstanding sound quality with Dolby 7.1 surround sound
- Solid build
- Lightweight and comfortable
- A flexible microphone that adjusts and folds
- Decent battery life and recharges quickly
- Slightly expensive
- Audio turns off when you put down the headset
Arctis PRO Wireless review:
The solid construction, comfort, and durability of the Arctis PRO Wireless have made it a popular option among gamers. Not only is it ideal for gaming, but you can also use it for fitness and when playing sports. Primarily made from aluminum and steel alloy material, this headset is well-built and has a matte finish, solid ear cups, and a sturdy metal design with fixed hinges. It also comes with a flexible microphone, which can bend in several directions without breaking and has noise-reduction functionality.
Another impressive feature of this headphone is that it comes with dual wireless technology that offers 2.4G wireless for endless gaming audio and facilitates Bluetooth connectivity with mobile devices. Its 2.4G wireless technology combines with its wireless base transmitter base station to allow low-latency wireless sound for up to 40 feet without any disconnection.
When it comes to sound quality and performance, the Arctis PRO Wireless features a wide frequency response range of 10 Hz- 40 kHz that delivers a broad range of clear and detailed sound waves. Users can also fine-tune the audio using the EQ on the wireless transmitter, allowing a customized listening experience.
Given that it is a wireless headphone, the Arctis PRO Wireless comes with excellent battery life. It has two separate batteries in its packaging that can last for up to 10 hours each. As a result, users can use one battery and change it with the other one once depleted.
- Outstanding audio performance
- Long battery life
- Attractive design
- Flexible microphone with clear and crisp audio quality and background noise-cancellation
- Comes with Bluetooth technology
- Broad frequency response range
- It requires its base station to charge.
Final verdict: So, which is better, Astro A50 or Arctis PRO Wireless?
Upon careful consideration, the Arctis PRO Wireless is a better gaming headset than the Astro A50 as it is more comfortable, has a better design, and delivers a more natural sound. However, if you are looking for a premium headset with 7.1 surround sound and a slightly better-sounding microphone, the Astro A50 is the ideal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you have to use a base station to charge the Astro A50?
You can charge the Astro A50 using its base station as well as its micro-USB port.
Is the Arctis PRO Wireless compatible with Windows 7 and 10?
Yes.