Astro A40TR vs Astro A50: Comparing the Top Gaming Headphones from Astro

Astro is a well-known brand in the gaming headset market, known for producing high-quality, feature-rich headphones for gamers. The company has a reputation for producing headsets that deliver outstanding audio performance and comfort, making them a popular choice among gamers of all levels.

Astro was founded in 2006 by a group of passionate gamers and engineers who wanted to create the ultimate gaming headset. Over the years, the company has released a wide range of headsets, including wired and wireless models, to cater to the needs of different types of gamers.

One of the things that set Astro apart from other headset manufacturers is their focus on audio quality. They use high-quality drivers and advanced audio processing to deliver accurate and immersive audio that helps to enhance the gaming experience. They also offer a wide range of customization options, and they are known for producing premium products while being expensive, this is also what set them apart from other brands.

Astro’s reputation in the gaming headset market is generally positive, and the company has a large following of loyal fans. Many gamers consider Astro headsets to be among the best available on the market, thanks to their exceptional audio quality, comfort, and features.

How Design and Build Quality Are?

Comparison of the Physical Design and Build Quality

The Astro A40TR and Astro A50 are both high-end gaming headsets that are designed and built to a high standard. Both headsets have a sleek, professional look and feel that is characteristic of the Astro brand.

The Astro A40TR has a more traditional over-the-ear design, with large ear cups that completely cover the ears. The ear cups are made from a durable, breathable material that provides a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions. The headband is also adjustable and well-padded for added comfort. The ear cups also feature removable magnetic tags that allow users to customize the look of the headset. The A40TR is wired and comes with a mix-amp for audio control.

The Astro A50 has a more modern, wireless design, with a more minimalistic style and an over-the-ear design. The ear cups are slightly smaller than the A40TR and are made from a similar breathable and comfortable material. The headband is also adjustable and well-padded, providing a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions. The A50 has the added advantage of wireless connectivity which is ideal for gaming and streaming, also the mic can be folded down when not in use.

In terms of build quality, both the A40TR and A50 are made from high-quality materials and are built to last. The headsets have a solid feel to them, and they don’t creak or flex when you put them on. The ear cups are made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, and the headbands are adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit for your head.

Discussion of Features or Differences in Design

There are a few notable features and differences in design between the Astro A40TR and Astro A50 that are worth mentioning:

• Customizability: The Astro A40TR allows for a certain degree of customizability, with removable magnetic tags that allow users to customize the look of the headset. The A40TR also comes with a MixAmp Pro TR which allows users to adjust audio settings, like game/chat balance, mute, volume controls and surround sound, this option is not available in the A50
• Connectivity: The Astro A50 is wireless, which means that it connects to your gaming device via a wireless USB dongle. This allows for greater freedom of movement and eliminates the need for a long cable; a wired option is not available in the A50.
• Microphone: The A40TR comes with a detachable microphone, while the A50 comes with a built-in microphone that can be folded up when not in use.
• Power: The Astro A50 requires a battery to operate and has to be recharged; the A40TR does not have a battery and can be used constantly as long as the Mixamp is connected.
• Compatibility: The Astro A40TR is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, while the Astro A50 is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
• Price: The Astro A50 is generally more expensive than the A40TR due to its wireless capability.

These are some of the most significant design and feature differences between the two models, but it’s worth considering your needs and preferences before choosing one over the other. If you’re looking for a wired headset with audio control and customizability, the A40TR may be the better option for you. If you prefer wireless connectivity and a more minimalist design, the A50 may be the way to go.

Sound Quality

Comparison of the Audio Performance, Including Bass Response, Mid-Range and Treble

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are designed to deliver high-quality audio performance, with a focus on accurate and immersive sound. Both headsets feature advanced audio processing technology and large, high-quality drivers that are capable of delivering powerful bass and clear mid-range and treble.

The Astro A40TR has a balanced audio profile with good bass response, clear mid-range and natural high-end. The bass is tight and well-defined, giving a good level of impact to explosions and gunfire in games, but it doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. The mid-range is detailed and accurate, allowing you to hear all the subtle nuances of your music and games. The high-end is natural and well-balanced, without being too harsh or sibilant, which is great for picking out details in the soundstage.

The Astro A50, on the other hand, has a more emphasized bass response; the lows are powerful and punchy, giving a lot of impact and weight to explosions and gunfire in games. The mid-range is clear and detailed, allowing you to hear all the subtle nuances of your music and games. The high-end is natural and well-balanced, without being too harsh or sibilant, and as with the A40TR is good for picking out details in the soundstage. This audio profile is suitable for people who enjoy more bass-heavy sound.

Both headsets provide a good spatial representation and deliver a very immersive audio experience with a wide soundstage, but the A40TR has a more balanced sound profile. The A40TR also has a surround sound feature that uses Dolby Headphone technology to simulate a 7.1 surround sound experience, which makes it a great option for immersive gaming and movie-watching. The A50 doesn’t have this feature, but it still gives a good audio experience without it.

Ultimately, the audio performance of the Astro A40TR and A50 are both excellent, but the A40TR is a more balanced option with surround sound capabilities, while the A50 has a more bass-heavy profile. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference and the type of audio you’re looking for.

Discussion of Sound Capabilities or Other Audio-Related Features

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are designed to deliver high-quality audio performance, but there are a few notable differences in terms of surround sound capabilities and other audio-related features between the two models:

• Surround Sound: The Astro A40TR has a surround sound feature that uses Dolby Headphone technology to simulate a 7.1 surround sound experience. This can be very useful for immersive gaming and movie watching, as it allows you to hear the action from all around you. It makes the A40TR a great option for first-person shooter and racing games, where pinpointing the direction of sounds is important. The A50 doesn’t have this feature, but it still gives a good audio experience without it.
• EQ Settings: Both the A40TR and A50 have an equalizer (EQ) setting which allows you to adjust the balance of bass, mid-range, and treble to suit your personal preference. However, the A40TR takes it a step further and lets you save your custom EQ settings to the MixAmp Pro TR and apply it to any audio source.
• Voice Prompts: The Astro A50 is equipped with voice prompts that will tell you the battery level, audio source, and EQ profile. This feature can be very useful for keeping track of the headset’s status and adjusting audio settings on the fly.
• Wireless Connectivity: The A50 is wireless and it connects to your gaming device via a wireless USB dongle. This allows for greater freedom of movement and eliminates the need for a long cable; the A40TR is wired and connects directly to your device.
• Audio Mixing: Both A40TR and A50 have the ability to adjust the game/chat balance, but the A40TR takes it further by allowing you to control audio levels of different sources like the PC, gaming console, and microphone in the MixAmp Pro TR.

Comfort and Fit

Comparison of the Comfort and Fit Including Headband and Ear Cup Design

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are designed to be comfortable and snug for extended gaming sessions. Both headsets feature a well-padded headband and ear cups that are designed to distribute the weight of the headset evenly across the head, reducing pressure points and fatigue.

The Astro A40TR is designed with large, over-ear cups that completely cover the ears, providing a tight and secure fit. The ear cups are made from a breathable, synthetic leather material that helps to keep your ears cool and comfortable during long gaming sessions. The headband is also adjustable and well-padded, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head.

The Astro A50 also features a similar design, with large, over-ear cups that completely cover the ears. The ear cups are slightly smaller than the A40TR and are made from breathable and comfortable synthetic leather material. The headband is also adjustable and well-padded, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head. This headset is also lightweight, which makes it even more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

In terms of overall comfort, both the A40TR and A50 are very comfortable to wear for extended periods. The ear cups are large and well-padded, and the headbands are adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit for your head. The breathable materials used on both headsets also help to keep your ears cool and prevent overheating.

However, the A50 has a more minimalistic design and is a more lightweight option than the A40TR; this could make a difference for some people as the A50 would be less noticeable and less cumbersome to wear for long hours. The A40TR on the other hand might be a better option for people who are looking for a tighter and more secure fit, due to its large ear cup design.

Both the A40TR and A50 are excellent in terms of comfort and fit, but the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference and the type of fit you’re looking for.

Discussion of Features or Accessories

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are designed with comfort in mind, and there are several features and accessories that contribute to the overall comfort of these headsets.

• Padding: Both the A40TR and A50 feature well-padded ear cups and headbands that help to distribute the weight of the headset evenly across the head, reducing pressure points and fatigue. This makes them suitable for long gaming sessions and can also help to improve the overall sound quality of the headsets.
• Breathable Materials: The ear cups and headbands of both the A40TR and A50 are made from breathable materials that help to keep your ears cool and comfortable. This can be especially important during long gaming sessions when your ears may start to feel hot and sweaty.
• Adjustable Headbands: Both the A40TR and A50 feature headbands that are adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head. This helps to reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort.
• Replacement Ear Cushions: Both the A40TR and A50 include replacement ear cushions, this allows you to change the ear cushions when they get worn out or when you want a fresh new feel.
• Mod Kits: The A40TR includes an optional Mod Kit, this kit includes a closed-back speaker tag, providing a more immersive gaming experience, and a synthetic leather headband and ear cushions, providing a more comfortable and premium feel to your headset.

Microphone Quality

Comparison of the Microphone Quality Including Clarity and Noise-Cancellation

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are designed with clear and accurate microphone quality in mind, and they both feature advanced microphone technology that helps to reduce background noise and improve clarity.

The Astro A40TR comes with a detachable microphone that connects to the headset via a 3.5mm jack. The microphone is unidirectional and noise-canceling, which means it is designed to pick up your voice while rejecting background noise. The microphone is clear and accurate, making it easy to communicate with your teammates during gaming sessions or make calls.

The Astro A50 also comes with a built-in microphone that can be folded up when not in use. The microphone is unidirectional and noise-canceling it will also reject background noise and isolate your voice from ambient sounds, ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear. The microphone is also equipped with an automatic level adjustment; this will automatically optimize the audio level of the microphone, making sure your voice comes through loud and clear.

In terms of overall microphone quality, both the A40TR and A50 are great options for gamers, streamers, and content creators, and both have a similar level of clarity and noise-cancellation. The A40TR has a detachable mic and the A50 has a built-in mic that can be folded down, both are unidirectional and noise-canceling. The choice between the two will depend largely on personal preference and the type of setup you prefer.

It’s worth noting that some users have reported that the A50’s microphone may have a lower sensitivity than the A40TR, meaning it may require the user to speak a bit louder for the mic to pick up the audio. However, this can be solved by adjusting the mic gain and other settings in the software.

Discussion of Microphone-Related Features or Accessories

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 have a number of microphone-related features and accessories that can help improve the overall quality of your audio.

• Noise Cancellation: Both the A40TR and A50 feature unidirectional and noise canceling microphones that help to reject background noise and improve the clarity of your voice. This can be especially useful in noisy environments, such as gaming tournaments or during streaming sessions where you need to communicate with others clearly.
• Volume Control: Both the A40TR and A50 have a volume control button located on the headset, this allows you to adjust the volume of your microphone on the fly. This is especially useful for adjusting your microphone volume during live streams or gaming sessions.
• Mixamp: The A40TR comes with a MixAmp Pro TR which allows users to adjust microphone settings like mute, volume, and mic boost. This can be very useful for fine-tuning your audio to suit your needs.
• Automatic Level Adjustment: The A50 has an automatic level adjustment, which automatically optimizes the audio level of the microphone, making sure your voice comes through loud and clear. This feature can be very useful if you’re using the microphone in a noisy environment and you don’t want to worry about adjusting the microphone gain manually.
• Mod Kit: The A40TR includes an optional Mod Kit that includes a professional-grade boom mic, this accessory can be used to replace the standard mic that comes with the A40TR and it is ideal for content creators, streamers, and podcasters who want the highest quality audio for their content.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Comparison of the Connectivity Options and Additional Features

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 have a range of connectivity options and additional features that can enhance your gaming and streaming experience.

• Connectivity: The A40TR is wired and connects directly to your gaming device or PC via a 3.5mm jack or USB connection. It comes with a MixAmp Pro TR, which can be used to adjust audio settings, like game/chat balance, mute, volume controls and surround sound. The A50 is wireless, and it connects to your gaming device via a wireless USB dongle. The A50 also has a built-in battery, which is rechargeable it also supports simultaneous wireless connectivity to both PC and console, allowing you to switch between devices without unplugging.
• Compatibilities: Both the A40TR and A50 are compatible with a range of gaming devices, including PC, Mac, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. However, the A50 is also compatible with PS4, which means it can connect to both PS4 and PS5.
• Battery Life: The A50 has a built-in battery that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. This can be very useful for gaming and streaming sessions, where you don’t want to be tethered to a power source. The A40TR, on the other hand, doesn’t have a battery and needs to be connected to the power source, it’s suited for PC/console gaming and streaming at home.
• Voice Prompts: The A50 is equipped with voice prompts that will tell you the battery level, audio source, and EQ profile. This feature can be very useful for keeping track of the headset’s status.

Discussion of Differences in Compatibility or Control Options

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 have a range of compatibility and control options that can enhance your gaming and streaming experience. However, there are a few notable differences between the two models:

• Compatibility: Both the A40TR and A50 are compatible with a range of gaming devices, including PC, Mac, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. However, the A50 is also compatible with PS4, which means it can connect to both PS4 and PS5. This makes the A50 more versatile and allows it to be used with a wider range of devices.
• Control Options: The A40TR comes with a MixAmp Pro TR which allows users to adjust audio settings, like game/chat balance, mute, volume controls, and surround sound. The MixAmp Pro TR also allows users to save custom EQ settings; this can be very useful for fine-tuning your audio to suit your needs. The A50 does not come with a separate control device like the MixAmp Pro TR, it has its own control options, which include volume control, mute and power buttons, and EQ settings through its software.
• Connectivity: The A40TR is wired, it connects directly to your gaming device or PC via a 3.5mm jack or USB connection, while the A50 is wireless, it connects to your gaming device via a wireless USB dongle. This allows the A50 to offer greater freedom of movement, eliminates the need for a long cable, and allows for a more minimalistic design.
• Battery Life: The A50 has a built-in battery that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, this can be very useful for gaming and streaming sessions, where you don’t want to be tethered to a power source.

Price and Value

Comparison of the Price and Overall Value

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are high-quality gaming headsets that offer great audio and microphone performance, as well as a range of features and connectivity options. However, there are some notable differences in terms of price and overall value between the two models:

• Price: The Astro A40TR and A50 are both premium gaming headsets that come with a premium price tag. The A40TR generally costs less than the A50, but the exact price can vary depending on the specific version or bundle you are looking at. The A50 is generally considered to be more expensive than the A40TR, but it’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate and sometimes the A50 can be found on sale at a lower price.
• Value: The A40TR is generally considered to offer great value for its price, offering a well-rounded set of features, a wired connection, a MixAmp Pro TR, an optional mod kit for audio customization and 7.1 surround sounds. The A50, on the other hand, is considered to be a more premium option, with its wireless connection, 15 hours of battery life, voice prompts, and automatic level adjustment. It also offers simultaneous wireless connectivity to both the PC and console. It is therefore better suited for people who prioritize wireless connectivity and mobility over cost.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice between the A40TR and A50 will largely depend on personal preference and the specific features you’re looking for in a gaming headset. If you’re looking for a wired headset with advanced audio customization options, the A40TR might be the better option. If you prioritize wireless connectivity and more premium builds, the A50 might be a better fit.

Discussion of Promotions or Bundle Deals

Both the Astro A40TR and A50 are premium gaming headsets that are typically sold at a premium price. However, there are promotions and bundle deals that can affect the value of these headsets and make them more affordable for customers.

• Sales and Discounts: Astro or retailers of Astro like Amazon, BestBuy and others often run sales and promotions where they offer discounts on the A40TR and A50. These discounts can range from small percentage-offs to much larger discounts and can make the headsets more affordable.
• Bundle Deals: Astro sometimes offers bundle deals where they bundle the A40TR or A50 with other gaming accessories, such as gaming keyboards, mice, or controllers. These bundle deals can offer great value as they allow customers to purchase multiple gaming accessories at a discounted price.
• Customization Options: The A40TR comes with an optional Mod Kit, which allows users to customize the audio and physical aspects of the headset. This can be a great way to get the features you want without having to pay for features you don’t need.

It’s worth checking retailers like Amazon, BestBuy or the official Astro website for current promotions, sales, bundle deals, or custom options on both the A40TR and A50, as these can affect the overall value of the headsets and make them more affordable.

Keep in mind that these promotions, discounts, bundle deals and customization options might be time-limited, seasonal or region-specific, so it’s a good idea to check for them frequently or subscribe to Astro or retailers’ newsletters to stay updated with the latest deals.

Comparison Table of Astro A40TR and Astro A50

Here is a comparison table that highlights some of the key similarities and differences between the Astro A40TR and Astro A50:

Feature	Astro A40TR	Astro A50
Connectivity	Wired (3.5mm or USB)	Wireless (USB dongle)
Control options	MixAmp Pro TR	On-board controls
Battery Life	None	15 hours
Compatibilities	PC, Mac, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, Nintendo Switch	PC, Mac, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PS4
Microphone	Detachable, unidirectional, noise-canceling	Built-in, unidirectional, noise-canceling, Automatic level adjustment
Audio	7.1 surround sound	None
Additional Features	MixAmp Pro TR, Mod Kit, Customizable Audio	Automatic level adjustment, voice prompts, simultaneous wireless connectivity to both PC and console
Price	Lower	Higher

Conclusion

The Astro A40TR and A50 are high-quality gaming headphones that offer great audio and microphone performance, as well as a range of features and connectivity options. However, there are some key similarities and differences between the two models.

Both the A40TR and A50 are excellent gaming headsets, but the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific features you’re looking for in a headset. It’s always a good idea to check for deals, promotions and custom options that can affect the value of the headsets and make them more affordable.

Frequently Asked Question