Blair Loveday
There are so many options when it comes to headsets, that can vary from the under $100 low end, to the eye wateringly high $800.
The latest Logitech G Astro A50 X sits in that eye watering price range, so the question is, is it worth the money?
The Logitech G Astro A50 X is an interesting beast, as it isn’t just a headset but also works as a HDMI switcher.
As such there are a lot of cables to juggle your way around at first, but once finished your PS5 and Xbox Series X can be plugged into the headsets dock, and then the dock connects to your TV.
Once you have gone through the rigamarole of setting it up, the benefits are immediate.
With the simple press of a button you can change the headset and TV feed to flick from your Xbox to your PS5. This is some stealthy serious benefits because despite TV’s having plenty of HDMI ports these days, once you have a SkyBox, a Firestick, a Switch and some consoles in, you can run out of HDMI ports fast.
One thing I have liked a lot about Logitech’s high end headsets are their docks.
Having to remember to plug headsets into a USB cable regularly means I run out of juice mid gaming session. With the dock, when you put it down it is charging, so that’s seriously awesome.
I didn’t always find it the easiest to connect the headset on the dock, but there is a clear orange light to let you know if you got it right.
But a charging dock and HDMI switching isn’t just what you want to buy this headset for right?
You probably want to hear your games with it too. Well great news, the sound quality in this beast is amazing. Seriously, between the quality of the mic and the sound, this might be the best headset I have used to date.
Whether you are jamming an action packed game, or watching a movie, I just cannot overstate how excellent the sound in the G Astro A50 X is.
The other major question is the comfort. If you’re jamming some long gaming sessions then you will need to be comfortable during it. The cups have a ridiculously soft foam that feels fantastic on your ears. Instead of opting for the leathery types that some headsets use, these beauties have a nice fabric covering which is much nicer, especially in the heat.
The one thing I would note is I would be careful buying these second hand as they wind up holding onto some skin flakes, as I found on this loaned from Logitech headset.
When it comes to style, it’s pretty similar to previous Logitech G Astro A50 X series headsets.
The distinct cylinder style up the sides looks pretty much identical to my older A50’s, and the cups look slightly cooler. Obviously, I can’t guess how long the headset will last, but given it’s similar feeling build, I suspect it will be as sturdy as my older A50’s which have been going strong for a few years.
The serious question is, should you get one.
It is a serious question, because at $800 (NZD) we are talking the entire cost of a new console, or some major component upgrades for your PC.
And honestly, if you can swing it, this headset is worth it. But if pulling $800 on a headset is stretching it for you, there are much cheaper ones that are good enough.
