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ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 leads on 6 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
62
86
Sound
7.5
8.2
Battery
5.6
9.3
Calls
7.5
8.8
Value
4.3
8.6
Price (USD)
$180
$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 5 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 Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ and Companion app. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A50 Gen 42019
  • Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsA50 Gen 4Arctis Nova 5

Everyday features

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

Specifications

A50 Gen 4Arctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$180
$130
HearWiki score
62
86
Released
2019
2024
Availability
Still sold new
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
118 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
15 h
60 h
Full charge time
300 min
15 min
Quick charge
none
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
No
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
both
both
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
380 g
265 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

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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New comparisonASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5