Astro A50 offers an excellent sound system as well as exceptional features. However, there is also another decent option SteelSeries Arctis 9X which mostly offers neutral sound with many customized features.
Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4, which is perfectly suitable for you depends on the features you like, here we present our Lab analysis.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Comparison Table
SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a fantastic headset for gaming. And the wireless connection is more convenient. Though it can be used as wired, and then the sound becomes more defined.
The sounding system is decent enough and provides a crisp, clear sound perfect for gaming. And with the impressive sound, it also gives an extensive battery life.
Overall this headset is excellent in many aspects and can be anyone’s wise choice.
Pros
- Great sound.
- Comfortable.
- Budget-friendly.
- Retractable mic.
Cons
- Not a decent noise isolation.
- It May not fit with some users.
Astro A50 Gen 4
The Astro A50 is an excellent gaming headset that most gamers are loving much. And many exciting features work behind this kind of popularity.
It is capable of delivering a pleasant and crisp sound with adequate bass. And also very comfortable. Moreover, it can efficiently work with other devices like pc, Xbox One, or others.
So, if you are a game lover, you can have this headset with an impressive working principle. But the price may be a little bit expensive.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality.
- Super comfortable.
- Efficiently work with other devices.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Not a decent battery life.
- The microphone is attached.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Main Distinctions
There are some distinction in between these two amazing headphones. We’re here to make a contrast on them.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Which Have A Great Built-quality?
The Arctis 9X has a strong headband, but Astro A50 provides a solid structure to the hinges and earcups, making durable and better-built quality than the Arctis 9x.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 both are over-ear type and have a closed-back enclosure. And also have a wireless connection.
The Arctis 9X has a typical headset design. The headband is metallic, and the cups are dense. The plastic headband makes it flexible and feels that it won’t break until you put a lot of pressure on it.
The headband has a unique design. The ear cups are also more comprehensive, which may create some problem to fit for some users. The microphone is designed retractable, which is also well build performs quite well.
There are two colors mixed in this headset green and black. The green color seems quite dark, which looks cool.
The winner is Astro A50 because the structure is strong enough then the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. But the Arctis 9X also has a decent build quality.
The Astro A50 is much sleeker than its previous version, but it is bulky compared to other headsets. Astro doesn’t change the headset design much, so all headset looks almost the same.
But the color combination looks great. Black and grey, black and golden combine with each other and thus give a funky look, which I like than the Arctis 9x.
Also, Astro A50 has a well-built quality all over. The ear cups are dense and made of plastics, which gives them a much solid structure. The hinges are of metal and also well build.
This solid plastic and metal body gives a vital structure that won’t break easily if it falls accidentally a few times. But a little problem with the headband because it is not so strong as the other parts.
Winner: Astro A50
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Comfort
Both the headsets are so comfortable and can be used for a long time gaming session. But the since the pads are more subtle in the Astro A50, it can ensure more relaxation.
For a comfortable headset most important is the ear cups. The more ear cups become soft and well-cushioned, the more comfortable those headsets become.
And as for concern about a gaming headset, it must need to be comfortable for long time usage. Because gamers most often intend to play for a long time.
Both of the headsets are comfortable enough comparing to the other gaming headsets. And lightweight makes them feel good in the ear.
The Arctis 9X has well-padded earcups that feel so soft in the ear. They use a soft material to make the earcups.
And that type of design ensures some airflow, which helps not to sweat the ear. But the size may not fit for some, and it may fit tightly for the big head.
With the Astro A50, the comforts they ensure is much good. The ear cups are specious and dense. This makes them fit for any size of ears.
The pad material also fine and feel good on the skin. It won’t feel heavy or tightly fit in the ears, and long time users won’t be problematic.
But the bulky design some gamers don’t like. Though it is sturdy, it is not heavily weighted.
Winner: Astro A50
Best Astro Gaming Headphone
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Breathability
With both the Arctis 9X and Astro A50, you will get enough airflow into your ears as they have more expansive and dense ear cups.
Breathability means enough airflow through the earcups. The helps from getting sweaty ears. If the ears become sweaty, it will be a total mess in the ears.
The Arctis 9X pads are big and dense. This kind of padding material and design let the airflow be enough. But if you wear them for a very long time the temperature inside will increase that you may not like.So, this headset is not highly recommended for sports, but it can work finely for gaming.
For gaming, SteelSeries Arctis 9X is decent, in terms breathability.
The Astro A50 has decent breathability for the nice padding system and material. The pads or earcups feel too soft, and as they are spacious enough, air can flow widely.
But the heat gets trapped inside the cups. For this, after a while, you may feel uneasy. So if you want to use them for sports or exercise, then they can’t work as your expectations.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Stability
SteelSeries Arctis 9X is perfectly stable than the Astro A50, by which it won’t fall easily even if you are doing some light workout.
Stability many gamers or users ignore, but it is a crucial point to consider. Because goof stability means it will fit and won’t fall. You won’t like it if your headset falls while you are walking or playing games.
In this stage, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is terrific than the Astro A50. They won’t fall from your head when you are playing games. You also can use them when you are walking or on a journey.
You won’t feel a burden on your head or ear; instead, you can enjoy warming music or have detailed gaming sounds.
But Astro A50 could not compete with the Arctis 9X for being better stable. It can only be used for casual gaming or if you want to listen to some music.
You can not do any kind of physical activity because of its low stability. It will fall as they can stay tight on the head. And thus easily can sway off the head.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Controls
You can get more options to control your headset microphone, music, calls, or others you can get from Arctis 9X’s excellent controlling features.
The control scheme of Arctis 9X is slightly better than the Astro A50 Gen 4. It has all the control buttons and wheelers, and they are well organized. So it won’t be messy while finding the regulators if you are even playing games and need to do something.
Even with your phone, you can listen to any music controlling the headset as you want. There is a Bluetooth button for call and music management. You can receive calls or hang up; else, play or pause music.
Moreover, the volume wheel, channel mixing wheel with a mic-mute button you will find. Once you come to know where they are set on your headset, you won’t face the further problem of finding them. And lastly, they added a power button which cycle between EQ presets.
The Astro A50 has pretty decent controls, but they are mostly dedicated to gaming controllers. There is no music or call management controls. So you can not have control over the use.
But the gaming controls are right and provides ease of usage. First, there is a wheeler for volume control and a mic for the mute system, and an EQ preset cycle button.
The A50 Gen 3 contained a switch with 3 preset. But Astro changed that and upgraded it into a cycle button with a base screen that shows on which preset you currently are.
You will also find two buttons for mixing the in-game audio and voices from chats on the right ear cup. Lastly, as they have Dolby Digital Surround Sound, there is also a button for enabling and disabling it.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Interesting Software Compatibility
Both the Arctis 9X and Astro A50 use their software and also compatible with many devices. What makes them best for gaming. So, you don’t need to worry much if your Xbox or PC can work with them or not.
The SteelSeries Arctis 9X uses a fantastic software called SteelSeries Engine. This software is called unique because it offers several features. It has four editable presets with 10 band graphic EQ. Also, with a side tone control, it provides a microphone adjustment profile.
This software is also easy to use. Just connect the vis USB cable, and you are here to use it. Switching between is also as easy to use it.
These headphones also compatible with windows Mac and have to surround sound support. But it is not compatible with android.
Moreover, Bluetooth connectivity makes it offer more enjoyment. Bluetooth connection is good as you can stream your favorite music through your phone. But one thing noted, there is no multi-device or NFC pairing.
There is also one to be highlighting that though these headphones are compatible with Xbox, PC, or PS4, you only can receive audio. It means you can’t use the microphone while connecting with them.
Also, for playing games with the Xbox One, the PCs wireless is needed. And those who don’t have this need to buy a USB adapter.
On the contrary, Astro A50 also uses its own software Astro Command Center. This software can easily handle and provide the outstanding feature. Like the tremendous graphic equalizer. You can choose from the saved preset what you like to use through the EQ button.
But lacking some features seem a bit dissatisfied. There is no surround sound effect or button and no mic frequency response control button. Also is not compatible with a Bluetooth connection.
But if you are a PS4 user, then you can have full access mean you can receive audio and use a microphone, which the Arctis 9x doesn’t offer. But with the Xbox One, there is only a change to have the audio connection.
Winner: Both
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Which Ensure Impressive Sound Performance?
Sound system or how the headphone sound performance is the most considering fact. And as we are talking about the best two headphones, both the Arctis 9X and Astro A50, they offer the sophisticated-sounding system that anyone would love.
But when we are comparing them to get the best, we need to define some differences. The frequency response, bass, mids, noise isolation, and other criteria work behind the best sound.
Seeing the reviews and features, the Arctis 9X offers an impressive sound quality. The neutral sound hears delicate and detailed. The default sound profile is well balanced.
For a different type of audio, music, or other things, hear so lovely and smooth. Also, the gaming sound and little details are hear defined.
The Astro also produces neutral and balanced sound. It hears so tuned and clear that it helps in gaming detecting the enemies a lot easier.
The frequency response for both of the headphones is the same, 20Hz to 20kHz. And this range is the ideal range for human listening. In this range, the sound hears so smooth and crispy is felt. So, both offer a satisfying frequency response.
Then the bass is more accurate and robust, you can find with the Astro A50. Especially the bass lovers will love it too much. The bass is punchy and robustly; your ear can feel a hefty punch. With the audio, the bass has a richness and profound.
The bass in the Arctis 9X also right. The punch is feel good and neutral. Maybe it won’t serve the bass lover a lot, but it is pretty for casual listening.
But the mids are excellent in the Arctis 9X. They are superb natural, and the range is flat. So a clear vocal and give the right lead instruments. Another hand, the mids are not bad for Astro A50.
The headphones produce the vocals also the lead instruments. But some small dip sometime causes problems with the audio.
So, you can say both of the headphones are good sounding.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Noise Isolation
With the exciting and unique features, one lack both the headphone contains is the active noise isolation. Both of them don’t have them, and this is the worst part of them.
Low noise isolation can not go with any headphones. Because only active noise isolation ensures the unwanted outside noise doesn’t hear. If you are traveling or in the office, all the noise, you will listen to.
And if you ever play games in a noisy environment, that won’t be good for you. Because all the sound will distract you. And in this section, no one is the winner.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Sound Leakage
Sound leakage means what you are listening to will hear people around you. And this is not a good thing as it can create a disturbance.
But the Arctis 9X is good with the leakage performance. It doesn’t leak much sound. Even you are listening to something at a high volume, people around you won’t feel it much.
And if you hear in an average volume, nothing is hearable. So, they can be useful in the office also you can enjoy leisure hearing some music without noticing your boss.
Overall seeing the performance, the SteelSeries is the winner as it offers an excellent sound with a good sound leakage performance. But not too good from the Astro A50 Gen 4. This is also a great-sounding headphone.
But the Astro A50 did not work as per expectations. They don’t ensure a good performance for leakage sound. They will not be suitable for a quiet environment at all.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Battery Life
Who doesn’t want an extensive battery life for their headset for a long time gaming enjoyment? And this precisely same offer the Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4. But the Arctis 9X provides a little bit extra.
For the wired connection headphone, there is no tension for the charge, but when you have a pair of a wireless headset, battery life is essential. If your headphone cannot give a long time battery charge, it must be worth it.
And as far question about a gaming headset, the charge is really necessary as no one likes to get the headset charged in the middle of the game.
And from the comparison table, it is already clear that the Arctis 9X has large battery life. It was written over 20 hours so that you can use it for approximately 28 hours.
This is quite impressive, and I like it personally most because an idle like me won’t want to charge electric stuff repeatedly. And it doesn’t take much to get set closely 2.5 hours.
There is passive playback, and you can listen to the audio while charging. But this broader charge capability, the Astro, seems insufficient capacity.
It can run with one charge for 17 hours. This is not that bad for a gaming headset. And this is also sufficient. But when it comes to comparing, it is not that good like the Arctis 9X.
Winner: SteelSeries Arctis 9X
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 | Which Is The Best?
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 are two fantastic headphones that most gamers love to use. Both contain some outstanding features and can consider as an ideal gaming headset.
But they lack some features also. Like the active noise isolation or not be compatible with the Bluetooth. Whatever it is, if the manufacturers draw some attention to these and set them, they will be the most incredible gaming headsets.
And in the end, you can already guess which is the best. The winner here is the SteelSeries Arctis 9X.
It has a great build built quality with a typical headset design. In the comforts, it provides more comfort than the Astro.
Also, have decent breathability and stability. Even the sound performance is impressive and perfect for gamers and others.
The well-structured controls and large battery all make it an excellent gaming headset. Also, it is cheap than the Astro A50. So at this price, what else can you expect from a gaming headset like this.
But it’s not like that the Astro A50 Gen is not a good pair. All the headphone of this series is so incredible that it has a great demand in the market place. You can have this also if you can afford it.
Buying Guide
Before buying any of the SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4, there needs to focus on some points or features. Consuming them as ideal, you can easily find the right one for you. So, here is a buying guide that will help you before buying a headphone.
Type: First, find out what you need to buy. Because there are two types, you can see wired or wireless. So before buying if the headphone is wired or wireless.
Design and comfort: For gaming, headset comfort is so important. Because sometimes you need to wear it for a long time and if it is not comfortable, you will face a problem.
Then the design. Don’t choose a bulky designed headphone. Instead, choose a sleeker one.
Sound: For checking the sound performance is good or not, check the frequency response, impedance, drivers, sensitivity, and others. Seeing these features, you can have a good idea of what can the sound performance be.
Controls: Many don’t consider the rules sometimes. But it is necessary. A messy control system can cause a lot of problems when you need to use them. So, see, the controllers are well organized and have all buttons and wheels that are required.
Microphone: While playing games, the gamers need to communicate with other players. A good microphone is a must thing. So make sure the microphone works properly.
Read:
The Best Alternative Gaming Headset?
There are many manufacturers nowadays makes gaming headset. Each of them contains different impressive aspects. As an alternative, the best headset you can look for is here.
Beats Studio 3
Things to praise:
- Have extraordinary active and passive noise cancellation.
- Minimal sound leakage.
- So comfortable for long time use.
Logitech G933
Things to praise:
- Work with PC, gaming console, XBOS, and others.
- It can work both wired and wireless.
- Versatile sound system.
- Many features and options.
Sennheiser pxc 550
Things to praise:
- Efficient noise cancellation.
- On or off, control is perfect.
- Impressive sound quality.
Things to praise:
- Great microphone.
- Bluetooth can work with an Xbox dual audio connection.
- Clear and defined audio.
Final Verdict
SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4 are two fantastic headphones in their way. Both have their pros and cons and contain great features.
So now it’s up to you what you will choose. Find out what you need and also consider the price. Ultimately select what you like and need for experiencing the great sound.
Author’s Recommendation: SteelSeries Arctis 9X.
Whatever you choose, you won’t regret it for sure.
FAQs
If you’re still confused about SteelSeries Arctis 9X VS Astro A50 Gen 4, here is the section for you.
Does Arctis 9X have a wired connection?
Yes, the Arctis 9X has a wired connection. You can use both what you need. The wired connection is slightly better than the wireless. But the Astro A50 doesn’t provide this benefit.
Do Astro A50 worth it?
The Astro A50 Gen 3 and Gen 4 are really two good gaming headsets. The A50 Gen 3 already snatched the gamer’s attention much, and this goes for the Gen 4 also.
It is an updated version, and many updated features are seen in it. So, it is a decent headset if you don’t compare it with the Arctis 9x.
Student of Computer Science and Tech Journalist. Read More