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ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$130
$130

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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is 8 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 adds USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A40 TR Headset2016
  • Arctis Nova 520248 yr newer
What differsA40 TR HeadsetArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

A40 TR HeadsetArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$130
$130
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2016
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
9 m
Battery life
-
60 h
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
369 g
265 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset

This wired gaming headset is designed for serious console and PC play, delivering clear, detailed sound through its 40mm drivers. It includes a detachable microphone and on-ear controls for convenient game and chat audio adjustment during intense sessions.

  • Pro:Clear and detailed audio for gaming
  • Pro:Detachable microphone for flexibility
  • Pro:On-ear controls for quick adjustments
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Wired connection only
  • Con:No companion app or custom EQ

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming headset that prioritizes long-lasting performance, boasting a 60-hour battery and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It features a balanced sound signature from its 40mm drivers and a noise-canceling mic for clear communication, all wrapped in a comfortable design. Multipoint support allows seamless switching between gaming and mobile devices.

  • Pro:Exceptional 60-hour battery life
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for easy device switching
  • Pro:Balanced sound profile suitable for various games
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for immersion
  • Con:No water resistance for durability
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

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

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