Astro A50 X review: Multiplatform king comes at a cost
The Astro lineup has long been associated with competitive gaming, from smaller LAN events to arena-filling ones, many of the world's best players have worn a set of these headphones in the heat of battle - and for good reason.
Logitech's Astro A50 X is the latest in a long line but makes a splash by being able to be connected to both Xbox and PS5 consoles, even simultaneously. That means whether you're looking to play to your best on PC, Xbox, or PS5, the Astro A50 X can help get you there.
Still, the price is steep, and unlike some competitors, there's no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to add an extra degree of focus to your game.
GGRecon Verdict
If you're a console-agnostic gamer, the Logitech G Astro A50 X could be your next headset for years. The price is high, but it's an investment that may just make you a better player.
If you own a PC, too, that makes the deal even sweeter, but there are definitely very good, much cheaper alternatives, too.
Looking sharp
Click to enlargeThe Astro A50 X comes in black and white colour options, and both look great on your head (if I do say so myself). There are the angular cups that have become a trademark of the line, with removable inserts that can be swapped out. Unlike the Pro X 2, though, there's no alternative in the box.
The headband is comfortable, and it's tighter than the Pro X 2's, giving it a firmer seal around the ears. It's not ANC, but it does a decent job of minimising audio bleed and preventing outside noise from entering.
While the left side has the flip-up microphone, the right cup holds the controls. There's a volume wheel (which I've accidentally turned with my shirt collar more than once), a Bluetooth pairing button, and a button for switching between platforms (more on that shortly).
Click to enlargeMy favourite, though, are the subtle buttons on the side of the cup itself, which act as a game/chat mixer. Tap one way or the other to adjust on the fly, and you'll be able to hear your teammates over whatever it is you're doing.
On the underside, you'll find contacts for wireless charging, as well as a USB-C port if you prefer a wired charging option.
Back to base
Click to enlargeOn its own, the Astro A50 X headset is a great option for just about anyone, but it's the base station that's getting more attention - and rightly so.
The base station can connect to multiple platforms at once, meaning you can switch between PS5 and Series X with ease. It's not officially licensed by Microsoft, which is notorious for locking down Xbox headsets approach, but it works like a dream by essentially working like an HDMI splitter that doubles as a charging stand.
Plug the base station into your consoles via HDMI and USB, and then connect your TV via the output HDMI. You'll need HDMI 2.1 cables (both current-gen consoles have these in the box) but you'll then be able to switch between them by grabbing the headset and pressing the switching button.
There is a small delay while things switch, but as long as you're not mid-gunfight on one device before switching, it shouldn't be an issue.
Click to enlargeExpect some cable tidying to be needed, particularly if you add a PC into the equation. Speaking of PC, it's a lot more simple for Windows or Mac users - the base station plugs into the computer and into an outlet, and you're all set.
I also appreciate the charging LEDs on the base station, helping identify when charging is working. It's not tricky to line up the headset contacts with those on the base station, but it doesn’t hurt to have the extra peace of mind.
Sounds good to me
Click to enlargeComing from my Logitech Pro X 2, a headset I reviewed last year and fell in love with, I was pleased that much of what the Astro A50 X does more than matches it.
The tighter fit makes them a little less comfortable for long periods, but I did find myself adjusting. The mic is miles better, though, and I find myself using it much more often since I can simply flip it down, rather than plugging the detachable Pro X 2 one back in.
It doesn't hurt that it sounds great, too, with mic equalisers and noise gates able to be set up within Logitech's G Hub software.
I'm impressed by the audio output, too. Switching between the eclectic charms of Bilmuri, jumping to Pendulum, and then onto some heavier stuff, the Astro A50 X keeps up with just about everything, although I did want to squeeze a little more bass out of them with the EQ.
I'm also impressed at just how loud they go - I was playing Modern Warfare 3 at two-thirds volume, and it was almost frightening when an explosive landed nearby. I also caught more than a few Fortnite players unaware by more accurately following their footsteps by sound than I perhaps could have done before.
Much of this is thanks to Spatial audio, which makes directional sound much easier to identify. The headset includes the Dolby Atmos app for PC and Xbox, too, and enabling it makes a huge difference whatever you're listening to.
The Verdict
If you're a console-agnostic gamer, the Logitech G Astro A50 X could be your next headset for years. The price is high, but it's an investment that may just make you a better player.
If you own a PC, too, that makes the deal even sweeter, but there are definitely very good, much cheaper alternatives, too.
5/5
Review unit provided by the manufacturer.
