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ASTRO Gaming A50 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 6 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4
  • Razer BlackShark V3
HearWiki score
62
91
Sound
7.5
9.2
Battery
5.6
8.6
Calls
7.5
8.8
Value
4.3
9.2
Price (USD)
$180
$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.

  • A50 Gen 42019
  • BlackShark V320256 yr newer
What differsA50 Gen 4BlackShark V3

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

A50 Gen 4BlackShark V3
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$180
$120
HearWiki score
62
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
Impedance
48 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
118 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
10 ms
Wireless range
15 m
-
Battery life
15 h
70 h
Full charge time
300 min
-
Quick charge
none
-
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
both
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
380 g
270 g
Case weight
305 g
-
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4

The ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4 is a premium wireless gaming headset designed for console and PC gamers, offering a comfortable fit and a solid 15-hour battery life. It features a 40 mm dynamic driver for clear audio and a base station that provides low-latency wireless connectivity and easy charging, though it lacks Bluetooth, ANC, and app support. Priced around $180, it appeals to those prioritizing gaming performance over portability or extra features.

  • Pro:Comfortable for long gaming sessions
  • Pro:Low wireless latency via base station
  • Pro:Clear microphone performance
  • Con:No Bluetooth or active noise cancellation
  • Con:High price for the feature set
  • Con:Occasional connection issues reported

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 A50 Gen 4Razer BlackShark V3