Astro is used to developing its range of gaming headsets and 4 years after its first version, it’s the turn of the affordable Astro A10 to go to Gen 2. The manufacturer offers us a design entirely revised for this second iteration, with very subtle lines, reduced weight, and several color choices.
The A10 Gen 2 is designed to adapt to all current platforms via a 3.5 mm jack connection on the connector side. It embeds 32mm speakers and comes with a microphone mounted on a pivoting boom.
- 32mm drivers
- Unidirectional microphone with mute
- Interchangeable pads and headband padding
- In-line volume control
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity: 3.5mm Jack
- PC/Xbox Series X|S/Xbox One Compatible
- Weight: 240g
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and removable pads | Not suitable for large heads |
| Detachable 3.5mm cable | Microphone attached |
| Improved design | |
| Flip-to-mute microphone |
Offered at $59.99, it is placed at the entry level of the sector and finds itself in competition with models already well established in the industry. In particular, we are thinking of the SteelSeries Arctis 1, the Razer Blackshark V2 X, the Corsair HS60 Pro, or even its cousin, the Logitech G435, which can operate wirelessly.
As you will have understood, this new Astro A50 Gen 2 will have a lot to do to establish itself among these many gaming headsets for around 50-60$. Is he up to it? Response after ten days at his side.
Note that the headset is offered in PC, PS5, or Xbox versions. There is no difference between these three models, whether in terms of accessories, features or performance, and all remain compatible with all the platforms listed.
The Astro A10 comes with a detachable 3.5 mm Jack cable 2 m long, a Y adapter for connection to a PC (separate audio/microphone), and a bit of paperwork.
Design & Ergonomics
For this second generation, the Astro A10 benefits from a completely revised design, and the whole displays a design with much softer lines. The first version was not a model of aesthetics, and this Gen 2 corrects the shooting rather well.
The look of the headset is much more elaborate and the A10 is now closer to the headset of Logitech, now the parent company of Astro. This general facelift also allows the helmet to gain lightness, with the weight going from 346 g to only 240 g. Enough to predict good comfort, but we will come back to this further down.
The headset is also available in different colors, and in addition to our black version, players will be able to opt for a Mint, Lila, White or Gray model.
In terms of finishes, the set inspires more confidence than the older generation. If we stay on an entirely plastic design, the headet does not look “cheap,” We particularly appreciate its very flexible headband. The model seems to withstand our various tortures perfectly, and although it is difficult to comment on its long-term durability, our first feelings are positive.
If we go into a little more detail, we first find much more substantial padding on the side of the arch than on the first generation. With a curvature that better conforms to the shape of the skull, the memory foam is extended to improve comfort during longer gaming sessions. It also comes with a new breathable fabric covering, similar to the one on some Logitech headsets. Good point about the headset’s durability; this padding can be easily removed to be cleaned or replaced.
A twisted cable joins the ear cups at the ends of the headband. Again, this is reminiscent of what we recently discovered alongside the Logitech G435, and the small colored side of this cable contributes to the general look of this Gen 2.
As for the earpieces themselves, the design is also reworked compared to the first generation with more compact shells and, above all in roundness. They are mounted on arms that can slide along the arch to adjust the size of the headset. In their shortest position, the model is also particularly compact and should be able to adapt to the minor heads. Enough to allow young players to enjoy good support once the headphones are on their ears.
The model also adapts to adult heads, but it will probably be necessary to go your way if you have a large head and already feel cramped on other gaming headsets.
In terms of ergonomics, the ear cups cannot be folded flat. However, they can be adjusted vertically by a few degrees to better press against the skull and adapt to most morphologies.
Astro chooses rather compact models regarding the pads, and the space dedicated to the ears is a little too narrow for our taste. Depending on the size of your ears, there is a good chance that they will touch the pads, and we would have liked to benefit from a little wider spacing.
The pads themselves remain very comfortable, with a rather generous padding and memory foam. The external part has a fabric covering, while the internal areas have a more breathable mesh covering. Note in passing that these pads can be removed and therefore washed or even replaced if they become damaged over time.
Once on the head, the comfort offered by this second generation of the A10 is quite correct. The featherweight of the headset combined with well-distributed pressure points on the skull allows you to play for long sessions without feeling any real fatigue. Only the space at the ear cups’ level may interfere with some players, as explained a little above.
The Astro A10 Gen 2 goes to the essentials on the control side, and there are no buttons on its ear cups. Everything happens from a small remote control directly integrated into the cable. Rather discreet, it has a single wheel to adjust the sound volume of the headphones.
Finally, let’s finish with a point about the microphone, here still mounted on a pole placed at the right atrium level. This flexible pole, shorter than the previous generation, is more discreet and can always be pivoted along the headband to cut off the microphone automatically. We regret, however, that it is not possible to remove it completely, like an EPOS H3 Hybrid, for example. This would have allowed the headset to gain discretion during mobile use.
Connectivity
The headset works only wired and has the advantage of being accompanied by a removable cable of about 2 m. The connection is made via Jack 3.5 mm, and the Astro A10 Gen 2 is therefore compatible with all current platforms. In the blink of an eye, you can connect it to the controller of your PS5, Xbox Series S|X, or Nintendo Switch. The headset works equally well on a smartphone or tablet. However, we would have liked to find a second cable, much shorter for these platforms.
For PC players, the manufacturer offers a Y adapter in the box to separate the connectors into two 3.5 mm Audio/Microphone jacks.
The cable remains black, regardless of the color selected for your Astro A10 Gen 2. If this does not necessarily interfere with our black version, we regret that it does not match the other colors offered by the brand.
Sound
For this second generation, the headset uses 32 mm speakers against 40 mm models on the previous version. In use, this reduction does not affect the sound performance of the headphones, and overall this little Astro 10 Gen 2 is doing quite well.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect miracles with a headset below the 60$ mark, but the brand’s latest addition allows you to enjoy proper immersion in your favorite games. On Forza Horizon 5, the roars of the engines stand out well in the center of the general atmosphere of the title. Same observation on God of War where immersion is there, whether in the violent clashes or during the many exchanges between Kratos and his son.
However, everything is not perfect, and the headphones may show some limits on the busiest scenes, where certain details seem to be overlooked. This is for example the case on Horizon Zero Dawn, where some fights can sometimes become a bit messy. Nothing bad about it.
On an FPS such as Valorant, the headset offers convincing stereo reproduction and can perfectly transcribe the position of your opponents’ footsteps or shots. We obviously remain below the sound richness of its big brother the Astro A50 Gen 4, but we get what we pay for for the price.
Microphone
The headset comes with a unidirectional microphone via a 6mm capsule. In use, the performances are again correct, with a sufficiently clear and precise capture to exchange without any problem in multiplayer.
Conclusion
With this Astro A10 Gen 2, the brand is making good progress on its entry-level model and offering us a convincing headset under the 60$ mark. The design has been greatly improved and this is felt once the headset is placed on the head, with a featherweight and more comfortable foams. Its compact design makes it an excellent candidate for the youngest players.
In terms of audio quality, this second version is doing quite well for the price displayed, and we benefit from a generally well-controlled rendering. If it will be necessary to ignore the advanced features, its 3.5 mm connector allows it to be compatible with all current platforms.
There remains the question of price because this new Astro A10 Gen 2 is found between many existing models, whose prices have already dropped. For 20$ more, we can now afford a HyperX Cloud Alpha or a Logitech G Pro X, more complete and more efficient headsets.
Conversely, its direct opponents, such as the Razer Blackshark V2 X or the Corsair HS50 Pro, are displayed below the 50$ mark. Difficult under these conditions to recommend the A10 with eyes closed and we recommend waiting for a possible price drop.
