The Astro A40 TR isn’t all too different from the A50. Setting itself apart with a wired connection and an optional MixAmp Pro, the Astro A40 is an excellent headset for PS5. Just don’t forget you’ll need an adapter for full MixAmp compatibility.
$150 at Amazon
Pros
- Amazing audio
- Fabric earcups
- Astro Command Center customization software
- Mod kit-ready
Cons
- MixAmp Pro requires a separate adapter on PS5
- Headset clamp can be uncomfortable with glasses
The Astro A50’s 15-hour battery life hurts an otherwise excellent headset. It still needs an HDMI adapter to work with PS5 fully, but you’ll be treated to an exceptional audio experience that many consider the best in the business.
$300 at Amazon
Pros
- Impeccable audio quality
- Extremely comfortable
- Near-instant pairing
- Premium build
Cons
- Needs a separate adapter on PS5
- Very expensive
- 15-hour battery life
Astro is one of the most well-respected companies in the gaming world regarding audio peripherals, making some of the best PS5 headsets available today. Though its older models weren’t designed for the PS5 initially, they’re still compatible with Sony’s newest machine (some do require an HDMI adapter, however, for full functionality). Two of its more premium headsets, the Astro A40 TR and Astro A50, are excellent for console users, featuring quality builds and incredible audio.
Astro A40 TR vs. Astro A50: What’s the difference?
Despite all of their similarities, there are a few key differences that set them apart. We’ll break them down so you can decide which headset is better suited for you.
| Astro A40 TR | Astro A50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 369g (without cable) | 380g |
| Driver diameter | 40mm | 40mm |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Battery life | N/A (Wired) | Up to 15 Hours |
| Bluetooth | N/A (Wired) | Yes |
| 3.5 mm audio support | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone pattern | Unidirectional | Unidirectional |
Astro A40 TR vs. Astro A50: Go wired or wireless
All in all, the Astro A40 TR and Astro A50 headsets are highly similar according to their build and specs. The significant difference is that the Astro A40 TR is a wired headset, while the Astro A50 is wireless. The downside to both of these is that because they weren’t designed for PS5 initially, you’ll need to buy a separate adapter (usually $40 from Astro, but you can get a $15 discount if you register your headset and buy from them directly) for them to be fully compatible. You can also buy the Astro A40 TR without its separate MixAmp Pro, though I’d highly recommend getting the MixAmp because you can’t control your audio remotely without it. As for the Astro A50, its MixAmp is built into its charging base station, making it really convenient to use.
Because the Astro A50 is wireless, it also sports 15 hours of battery life. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. There are plenty of wireless headsets on the market that offers 20+ hours. And the Astro A40 doesn’t have to worry about that since it’s wired.
Astro A40 TR vs. Astro A50: Build quality and comfort
You’ll notice immediately that the Astro A40 and Astro A50 are nearly identical. They both feature the same general shape, fabric earcups, an adjustable slider, a headband cushion, and a unidirectional microphone. When you wear them, you’ll notice a tight clamp that takes some time to break in, but they are comfortable after prolonged use. Everything about these headsets screams “premium,” and considering their prices, I hope so.
Though the Astro A50 is slightly heavier, it’s not enough that you’ll notice a discernable difference. As for the innards, both boast 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, picking up high highs and low lows. Their microphones only differ in that the Astro A50s are flip-to-mute.
There’s a good reason plenty of esports professionals and streamers alike choose Astro as their go-to brand. The build quality is second to none.
