Skip to content
HearWiki

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless PlayStation vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless PlayStation 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 6 of 6 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless PlayStation
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
HearWiki score
-
86
Sound
-
8.2
Battery
-
9.3
Calls
-
8.8
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$150
$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 USB-C. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • A50 Wireless PlayStation2019
  • Arctis Nova 520245 yr newer
What differsA50 Wireless PlayStationArctis Nova 5

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

A50 Wireless PlayStationArctis Nova 5
Type
Gaming
Gaming
Price (USD)
$150
$130
HearWiki score
Not scored
86
Released
2019
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
-
36 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
9 m
Battery life
24 h
60 h
Full charge time
-
15 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 6 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
370 g
265 g
Water resistance
-
none
USB-C
No
Yes
Model code
ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED
-
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless PlayStation

This premium wireless gaming headset pairs with a base station and is built for PlayStation use, offering a comfortable over-ear fit and a 24-hour battery life. It delivers clear, detailed audio for immersive gaming sessions, though it lacks active noise cancellation and relies on a standard micro-USB style connection.

  • Pro:Long 24-hour battery life
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear design for extended play
  • Pro:Wireless range up to 15 meters
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No USB-C connectivity
  • Con:Heavier at 370 grams

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.