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ASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4 vs Razer BlackShark V3: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Razer BlackShark V3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 91. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Razer BlackShark V3 - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

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

Razer BlackShark V3 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4
  • Razer BlackShark V3
HearWiki score
72
91
Sound
7.6
9.2
Battery
-
8.6
Calls
8.4
8.8
Value
6.5
9.2
Price (USD)
$100
$120

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Razer BlackShark V3 is 6 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Razer BlackShark V3 adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A40 Gen 42019
  • BlackShark V320256 yr newer
What differsA40 Gen 4BlackShark V3

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

A40 Gen 4BlackShark V3
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$100
$120
HearWiki score
72
91
Released
2019
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
12 Hz - 28 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
48 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
10 ms
Battery life
-
70 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
369 g
270 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
No
-
Model code
A40 TR
-
Microphones
1
1
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4

The Astro Gaming A40 Gen 4 is a wired gaming headset built for serious players, offering a clean, balanced sound profile through its 40mm dynamic drivers. While it lacks active noise cancellation and wireless features, its open design and comfortable build make it a solid choice for long sessions. Its strength lies in its versatility with console and PC, backed by app support for custom EQ tuning.

  • Pro:Clean, flat frequency response
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended gaming sessions
  • Pro:Solid build quality
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Con:No on-ear controls

Razer BlackShark V3

The Razer BlackShark V3 is a wireless gaming headset that emphasizes long-lasting performance with a 70-hour battery and 50mm drivers for robust audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs, plus multipoint connectivity for versatile use, though it omits active noise cancellation. The headset also features a noise-canceling microphone and a low-latency 10ms mode, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking extended play sessions.

  • Pro:Exceptional 70-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable 270g lightweight build
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for multi-device use
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Lacks wireless charging 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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New comparisonASTRO Gaming A40 Gen 4Razer BlackShark V3