Over-Ear
ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)
82Great
$60
Full review dataASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3) vs Sony WH-CH520: 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.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-CH520
72Good
$59
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3)
Sound8.0
Battery7.0
Calls6.0
Value7.0
Sony WH-CH520
Sound7.0
Battery9.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | ASTRO Gaming A50 (Gen 3) | Sony WH-CH520 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $60 | $59 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2017 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 11.82 in |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz - 20,000Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | none | 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | 9.1 m | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 15 h | 50 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 3 min = ? |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Voice assistant | - | supported |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 380 g | 147 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
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
Sony WH-CH520
The Sony WH-CH520 is a budget-friendly wireless headphone that prioritizes long battery life and reliable Bluetooth performance. While it lacks active noise cancellation and premium features, it delivers a decent, neutral sound that suits everyday listening. Its lightweight design and multipoint pairing make it a practical choice for those seeking a simple, affordable headset.
- Pro:Exceptional 40-hour battery life
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth pairing for easy switching
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs
- Con:No wired connection option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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