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

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A40 TR 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 ASTRO A40 TR
  • 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. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • ASTRO A40 TR2016
  • Arctis Nova 520248 yr newer

Specifications

ASTRO A40 TRArctis 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
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
buttons
both
Weight
-
265 g
Water resistance
-
none
USB-C
-
Yes
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming ASTRO A40 TR

The ASTRO Gaming A40 TR is a wired gaming headset designed for competitive play, offering clear and precise audio through its 40mm dynamic drivers. It includes a swappable precision microphone and a game:voice balance control, making it a solid choice for console and PC gamers seeking reliable performance.

  • Pro:Precise audio tuning for gaming
  • Pro:Swappable microphone for flexibility
  • Pro:Game:voice balance control
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Wired connection limits mobility
  • Con:Requires separate MixAmp for full features

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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