Astro A40 is one of the most prolific gaming headsets in the gaming world. They are pretty stylish and feature a combination of powerful hardware.
However, when it comes to being the best gaming headset, that topic is debatable.
In today’s post, we’ll discuss various pros and cons of the Astro A40 headset.
Quick Summary
By the end of this post, we’ll cover the following points:
- Various features of Astro A40
- Pros and Cons of Astro A40
- Important tips and FAQs
Let’s jump right into it.
5 Features of Astro A40
Gaming headsets are often judged based on their performance for casual and competitive users. Some prefer the audio quality while some like different audio output modes.
In Astro A40’s case, it is equipped with state-of-the-art audio hardware. But that’s not the only feature it has. Let’s go over its various features in detail.
Noise Cancellation
When it comes to gaming headsets, audio quality stands above all. However, good audio quality is nothing without noise cancellation.
Astro A40 deals with external noise quite efficiently. Both sides of the headphone are installed with sound absorbent pads.
How do these absorbent pads help in my gaming experience?
These sound absorbent pads act as a filter for any noise besides the headphone audio output. It creates a barrier between your headphones and the noise around them.
Moreover, these headphones also block any outgoing noise as well. This way, every single bit of audio is directly projected to your ears.
Microphone
A decent gaming headphone isn’t complete without a high-quality microphone. This is why Astro A40 is equipped with a microphone specifically designed for gaming.
Astro A40’s microphone is located on the left ear cup. You can rotate it to change the position for optimal audio quality.
Does Astro A40’s microphone feature signal processing?
There is no signal processing feature in Astro A40’s microphone hardware. However, the Astro in-house software is designed to reduce the incoming ambient noise.
In overall performance, Astro A40’s microphone is loud and clear without any underlying static. Moreover, it works quite well with the Discord app.
Connectivity
Next up we have the connectivity feature of Astro A40. Most gaming headsets feature the USB 3.0 cord for connectivity.
On the other hand, Astro A40 has an old-school 3.5mm jack. It features compatibility with PlayStation, XBOX, and Nintendo consoles.
Are there any downsides of an audio jack?
In terms of audio quality, the 3.5mm jack is sufficient. However, when it comes to different audio modes, Astro A40 can’t keep up with its competitors.
The amount of information transfer required for different audio modes can only be achieved with the help of USB 3.0 ports.
Design
Astro A40 features an ergonomic design to keep you comfortable for long periods. Both ear cups are installed with soft cushions to reduce pressure on your ears.
Other than that, the top half is designed to distribute the pressure evenly over your head. The headset almost feels weightless when you are wearing it.
Does it come with a head strap?
We must also mention that Astro A40 doesn’t feature a head strap. The weight is distributed with the help of support beams in the headphone design.
These support beams are located on top of both ear cups. Moreover, you can also use them to adjust the height of the headset.
Customization
Unlike the majority of headsets, Astro A40 provides complete customization of your headset. You can virtually change almost everything besides the hardware.
The Astro website has multiple options for the base color, side panels, cord colors, and even has multiple swappable side panels.
How does that benefit me?
This can help you create your own custom headphone. You can easily stand out from the rest of the crowd with these headphones.
Moreover, you can also send Astro custom designs for your headphones. In most cases, Astro will send you a pair with the same design.
Pros and Cons of Astro A40
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of the Astro A40 headset.
Pros of Astro A40
- No connectivity issues
- Plug and play feature
- Crystal clear audio output
- Sturdy build
- Suitable for casual and competitive use
Cons of Astro A40
- Uses old technology
- No noise suppression
- Fixed cord
Alternatives for Astro A40 Headset
Even though Astro A40 is a high-performance headset, there are some viable alternatives for it. Let’s check them out.
Arctis 5
SteelSeries is well known for its Arctis headphone series. Their main headset is the Arctis 5.
It features an aesthetically pleasing design with top-tier hardware. We must also mention that it comes with Dolby Surround Sound for a highly immersive audio experience.
Are Arctis 5 wired or wireless?
The Arctis 5 headphones are wired. The cord is divided into two parts. The first part connects to the audio regulator and the second connects to your output device.
Moreover, it uses a USB 3.0 connection for a zero-delay audio output. We must also mention that Arctis 5 features fully customizable RGB lights and a retractable mic.
HyperX Cloud Alpha
The second alternative for Astro A40 is the Cloud Alpha headphones from HyperX. They are equipped with audio hardware designed for professional use.
Besides the hardware, the headphones feature complete noise cancellation. You either use it for gaming or other purposes.
What sort of microphone does Cloud Alpha have?
We must also mention that Cloud Alpha has a detachable microphone. Furthermore, the microphone has a noise filter.
It can easily block out the ambient noise around you. This provides a clear channel for audio communications.
Razer Kraken X
Lastly, we have the Kraken X from Razer. This pair of headphones are specifically designed for comfort.
The ear caps and head strap are covered with memory foam cushions. Moreover, they are paired with lightweight plastic to provide a weightless experience.
What type of software does the Kraken X have?
Another important thing to note is the Frequency Response Consistency of Kraken X. It automatically balances the audio output to provide optimal audio effects like bass and treble.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Before we get to the end, let’s check some important things to keep in check before you purchase a pair of headphones.
- Always prioritize audio quality.
- Make sure you get the option to change the connection cord.
- Always check for external audio controls. They are quite handy.
- Noise cancellation is quite important. Don’t pass up on it.
- Look for customization options.
Wrapping Things Up…
With this, we come to the finish line of our post about Astro A40 being the best gaming headset. We hope you find this information useful.
Astro A40 headphones have high performance and provide all the necessary features you need in a gaming headset. However, it still lacks updated technology for the microphone and connectivity.
Which gaming headset is your first choice? Let us know in the comments below.
