Is the Verum 2 worth the upgrade from the ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 5?
Verdict
Meaningful upgrade
The Verum 2 scores 5.2 points above the ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 5. That's a real improvement, though not the kind you'd notice on every track. The gains are concentrated in value (7.4 to 9.0) and sound (8.2 to 8.9). On paper: driver size 40 mm to 105 mm. Worth checking: weight goes 363 g to 450 g and companion app goes Yes to No. That costs $239 more, or about $46 per point of score - steep unless the specific gains above are ones you care about. Worth doing if you're replacing anyway; harder to justify as a pure upgrade if what you have still works.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.28.9
- Value7.49.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | A50 Gen 5 | 2 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 363 g | 450 g | |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 105 mm | |
| Companion app | Yes | No | |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No | |
| USB-C | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic | 105 mm planar magnetic |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "A50 Gen 5 to 2". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.