The Logitech G Astro A50 X (AUD$748) is the most expensive gaming headset we’ve ever tested, but it is also the most advanced. It’s not the great sound, microphone, or battery life that sets it apart from the competition. No, it’s the new base station that stays permanently attached to your PC, Xbox Series X|S, or PlayStation 5, and allows you to seamlessly switch between all three with the push of a button. We’ve never used anything like it before and in this review, we’ll help you to decide if you need it and why you’d want it at all.
| Pros | Cons |
| Swapping between multiple devices has never been this easy thanks to the base station and PLAYSYNC function. Microphone quality is a standout and the sound quality is also very good. Battery life of up to 24 hours is exceptional, not that you’d ever need it. | The price point is very high at AUD$748 but you do get what you pay for as mentioned. The Base Station is a pain to set up with multiple HDMI cables required (not included) and cables running everywhere. |
Here Are the Stats and How Much They Cost
These are the stats you need to know:
- Price: AUD$748
- Colours available: White, black
- Device compatibility: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, mobile
- Drivers: 40mm PRO-G Graphene drivers
- Wireless connection: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless
- Microphone: Non-detachable boom microphone
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours per charge
- Virtual Surround Sound: Dolby Atmos
- Weight: 363g (12.80 ounces)
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Now, let’s take a closer look at the full review.
Graphene Drivers Sound Great and the Mic is Crystal Clear
You might think it’s odd to start a sound review with a deep dive into microphone quality, but the clarity is the first thing your friends will notice online. These knock my Sony H9s out of the park and they’re well in front of the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT I reviewed a few years back. I haven’t had a chance to compare them to the category-leading Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (AUD$349.95) yet, but many reviewers online noted that the Astro A50X was the preferred option due to its 60Hz to 20kHz rating.
If you’re interested in upgrading for microphone quality alone, we’ve been using the Antlion Audio ModMic Wireless Attachable Boom Microphone (AUD$250) and that’s still what we’d recommend if you’re happy with the sound quality of your current gaming headset. However, the Astro A50X is a complete unit and you get more than just great sound for your money.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about those 40mm graphene drivers that are shared with the G Pro X 2 (AUD$449.95). They produce a sound above and beyond the common Turtle Beach, Sony, and Corsair units because of their 24-bit capability, but they’re naturally behind gaming headsets that use active noise cancellation. That’s not to say they don’t sound excellent – because they do – and they can fully immerse you in a game e.g. hearing the faintest footsteps in Fortnite or unique engine characteristics in Forza Horizon. Of course, you can fully customise the EQ through G HUB on PC.
I do miss the noise cancellation that the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, and my Sony H9s offer (they compete with my WH1000-XM5s) but the cushioned earcups still isolate a decent amount of noise. You’ll also miss out on Dolby Atmos if you’re playing on PS5.
Battery Life is Outstanding but Base Station is Complicated
The base station is a game-changing piece of tech for those who play across multiple devices. It allows you to seamlessly switch between three platforms (two video devices) – PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 – without picking up a remote or adding any extra dongles. Thanks to the HDMI 2.1 pass-through and PLAYSYNC button, one button press switches inputs.
That’s not to say the base station isn’t a complicated thing that requires some serious thought before setting up. If you’re a cable neat freak like me, you’ll want to map your routes because I had to run no less than four cables in four different directions just to get my Sony PS5 set up and ready to use: 1x power cable, 2x HDMI 2.1 cables, 1x USB-C to USB-A cable. And that’s before you connect all the other cables to your PC and Xbox. No matter which way you slice it, that’s a lot of cables.
You’ll also have to factor in at least 2x HDMI 2.1 cables into the purchase price because the Astro A50X doesn’t come with any. After testing multiple HDMI 2.1 cables we’ve had no issues with our G-Tek cables.
Battery life is also a hallmark feature of the Logitech Astro A50X with up to 24 hours per charge. It’s a frugal device with no active noise cancellation, so you’ll have plenty of charge before you put it back on the powered base station and recharge it between sessions. Best of all, you’ll never forget to charge it and the integrated LED status info panel and the click-in magnetic charging cradle make sure it’s juiced up.
Why You Should or Shouldn’t Buy the Logitech Astro A50 X
It’s a cliché to say “if you can, you should” because that applies to almost everything in tech and gaming, but it is the case with the Logitech Astro A50 X. If you have a gaming room or desk area where all your devices are within an earshot of each other it makes a world of sense to have one headset to rule them all. However, if you’re a one-device wonder we’d probably save a bit of money and opt for something with active noise cancelling and preferential sound e.g. Logitech G PRO X 2, Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, or Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.
Yes, the price point is very high at AUD$748 but this headset truly replaces three separate headsets. The sound quality is great, the microphones are exceptional, so is the battery life, and the comfort and build quality are all top-tier. Again, if you have two or three devices to switch between often, get your hands on a pair.
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