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AKG K52 vs ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3): which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3) - Great overall at around $60.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

AKG K52
Sound7.5
Value8.0
ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)
Sound8.0
Battery7.0
Calls6.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of AKG K52 vs ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)
SpecAKG K52ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$46$60
HearWiki score76 / 100 · Great82 / 100 · Great
Released20182017
Audio
Driver40mmdynamic
Driver size40 mm40 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response18Hz-20kHz20Hz - 20,000Hz
Impedance32 Ω48 Ω
Sensitivity99.2 dB/mW-
Wireless
Bluetoothwired-
Bluetooth version-none
Codecs-SBC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Wireless range-9.1 m
Battery
Battery life-15 h
Wireless chargingNoNo
Features
Active noise cancellingNoNo
Design
Weight200 g380 g
Water resistancenonenone
USB-CNo-
Calls
Microphones-1

What reviewers said

AKG K52

The AKG K52 is a budget-friendly wired over-ear headphone that delivers a clean, balanced sound with an airy presentation, making it a solid pick for studio-style listening. It's lightweight, comfortable, and built simply, offering practical value rather than flashy features. For the price, it's hard to fault if you prioritize neutral audio and affordability.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended sessions
  • Pro:Balanced, neutral sound with clear highs
  • Pro:Solid build and simple, functional design
  • Con:Wired only, no Bluetooth or wireless options
  • Con:No noise cancellation or extra features
  • Con:Soundstage may feel limited for some listeners

ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)

The ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3) is a premium wireless headset designed for immersive gaming, delivering crisp virtual surround sound and a comfortable over-ear fit. Its standout feature is the convenient charging base, which also acts as a hub for connectivity, though the detachable microphone and software experience are less impressive than the hardware itself.

  • Pro:Immersive virtual 7.1 surround sound
  • Pro:Comfortable for long gaming sessions
  • Pro:Convenient charging base and dock
  • Con:Microphone quality is only average
  • Con:Companion software is clunky
  • Con:No Bluetooth or multipoint support

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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