The Astro A10 Gen 2 is a good gaming headset for these on a price range. With a formidable microphone and balanced audio, in addition to a versatile and light-weight design, it is a strong selection for anybody who doesn’t have a difficulty with wires .
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Snug ear cups
- Good microphone
- Sturdy audio
Cons
- Mic isn’t removable
- Feels somewhat plasticky
Availability
- UKRRP: £49.99
- USARRP: $59.99
- EuropeRRP: €59.99
- CanadaRRP: CA$79.99
- AustraliaRRP: AU$99.95
Key Options
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Wired connection Connects by way of 3.5mm headphone jack
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MultiplatformCan be used with the PS5, Xbox Collection X/S, Swap, Cellular and PC/Mac
Introduction
The second-generation Astro A10 (Gen 2) is the successor to the unique Astro A10 headset, coming in on the similar low worth however with an overhauled design.
It goals to supply consumers on a price range a dependable cabled headset for extended gaming periods. I had the chance to make use of the headset for about two weeks with my PC, PS5 and Nintendo Swap. Right here’s how I acquired on.
Design and Options
- Versatile and light-weight design
- In-line wired controls
- Non-detachable microphone
- No high-end options
Design-wise, the Astro A10 Gen 2 sports activities a reasonably primary and pretty discrete search for a gaming gadget. There’s no RGB lighting or notably flashy colors like what you’ll discover on costlier headsets, such because the Corsair HS80 RGB Wi-fi or Razer Kaira X. My evaluation unit was white, though you may decide it up in black, white, mint, gray and lilac colourways should you’re after one thing somewhat jazzier trying.
I’m an enormous fan of its weight, or lack thereof. At simply 246g, I may put on the headset for hours on finish whereas gaming with out it pushing down on my neck. The ear cups are padded and comfy, and I didn’t really feel any discomfort –whether or not carrying glasses, earrings or each.
As you may see from the picture beneath, this headset is fairly versatile, and you’ll simply push the ear cups out and away from one another with out feeling such as you’ll do any injury. I’ve a reasonably small head, so I not often wrestle with headsets being too small, however the flexibility on present right here is nice information for anybody who commonly struggles to seek out the proper match.
The draw back to this flexibility is that the headset does really feel fairly plasticky; however contemplating the value level, I wouldn’t anticipate it to really feel as hefty or premium because the Razer Opus X or the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense. And that plasticky feeling doesn’t make the headset really feel unstable. Following a few unintentional drops, I can attest to this headset’s sturdiness, however you’ll have to spend more cash if you would like your headset to really feel costlier.
The Astro A10 Gen 2 is a wired mannequin, and might solely join by way of a 3.5mm jack. This allowed me to make use of it with my PC, PS5 and Swap. The choice to attach by way of Bluetooth would have been welcome, though I by no means had any points connecting the headset to my units. Every now and then, although, it could take a few minutes to register on my PC.
The headset itself is naked by way of buttons. The one function being the three.5mm port on the left ear cup. The in-line distant does home a quantity curler – however, until the buttons are on the headset itself, I often defer to adjusting the amount manually by way of the gadget I’m utilizing. Every now and then, the curler would rub towards my arm or desk, and I’d abruptly be inundated with noise. As soon as I had grow to be used to the wired connection, nevertheless, it turned much less of a difficulty.
The cable itself is 2m lengthy, and it does include a PC splitter cable. I desire a wi-fi connection for the needs of comfort, however at the very least the cable size right here proved lengthy sufficient for me to play comfortably.
The microphone sits on the left facet of the headset and might’t be indifferent, however it may be flipped up and out of the way in which when it isn’t in use. The microphone is fairly versatile. Throughout testing I may transfer it additional away from my face and out of my line of sight, which can be a small element however was significantly appreciated, since headsets such because the Corsair HS80 RGB have an annoyingly inflexible mic.
Sound High quality and Microphone
- Nice audio high quality
- 32mm neodymium magnet drivers
- Good microphone
For lower than £50, the audio high quality delivered by this headset is super-impressive, and it ought to work for anybody searching for a pure and balanced expertise whereas they recreation. Providing directional stereo sound, taking part in Two Level Campus on PC I may hear the inane chattering of scholars and the scholar radio with out every part sounding muddled.
Whereas 7.1 encompass sound would clearly be extra immersive, I didn’t really feel like I used to be lacking out on any massive audio cues whereas taking part in Hades on my Swap. I may observe the place my enemies had been by means of sound with out challenge. Music playback was balanced and I may catch the ringing sounds from my sword as I slashed by means of enemies, with the chatter between demons sounding wispy and menacing.
Audio high quality was fairly related throughout units. I may transfer from my PS5 to my Swap with out audio dipping or sounding fully completely different. This makes the Astro A10 Gen 2 headset super-accessible and a fantastic selection for anybody who likes to play throughout a number of platforms.
Enjoying Cuphead on my PS5, I may hear the inventible clinking noise that comes whenever you lose a life, and the jazzy upbeat music sounded heat and pure. Whereas bass is considerably missing, which proved to be the case when listening to music, too, the audio by no means sounded distorted or harsh. It merely lacked the diploma of element you may discover with costlier headsets.
Talking of music, I listened to a good few songs on my PC utilizing the Astro A10 – and, once more, it delivered completely serviceable audio. The highs weren’t harsh and the mid-tones sounded nice, with most songs sounding balanced and pure to the ear. I wouldn’t select this headset over my Razer Opus X for music, which additionally options ANC, however for the value I used to be impressed, and it solely cemented my view that the Astro A10 Gen 2 is a good all-rounder headset.
The microphone was fairly good, too. Working my voice by means of audio software program reminiscent of Audacity, I may hear how balanced my voice got here throughout, with much less emphasis on plosive phrases. Whereas it wasn’t nice at filtering out background noise, my voice remained on the fore. Nor did I obtain any complaints of my voice sounding distorted or too tinny in Zoom calls.
The mic can be flip-to-mute, which was super-convenient for every day work calls, and might be welcomed by those that like to recreation on-line with mates.
Newest offers
Do you have to purchase it?
You need an inexpensive all-around headset: This headset has a lot going for it providing multi-platform assist, nice audio for the cash, an honest mic and excessive consolation. The low worth makes it a simple promote, and the proper possibility for somebody out there for his or her very first gaming headset.
You need high-end options: The low worth level signifies that there’s no Bluetooth assist or 7.1 encompass sound. If you need additional options or a premium construct, take a look at manufacturers reminiscent of Razer, Corsair, EPOS and HyperX, and take a look at picks of the perfect gaming headsets we’ve reviewed for much more choices.
Ultimate Ideas
The Astro A10 Gen 2 is a unbelievable headset and is a simple advice, particularly for somebody with little expertise with gaming headsets. Sporting a easy design and light-weight on options, it isn’t the flashiest of fashions obtainable, however the sturdy construct and suppleness on provide imply it ought to match most individuals’s wants.
It may be used throughout virtually any gadget with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes it extraordinarily versatile – it’s a fantastic selection for anybody who likes to leap from one platform to the following for gaming. The audio and microphone are respectable, too – and for the value you may’t actually ask for extra.
Trusted Rating
How we check
We use each headset we check for at the very least every week. Throughout that point, we’ll test it for ease of use and put it by means of its paces through the use of it in quite a lot of video games, in addition to taking part in music with a purpose to get the total expertise.
We additionally test every headset’s software program (if relevant) to see how straightforward it’s to customize and arrange.
Use as our major gaming headset for at the very least every week.
Examined with quite a lot of video games.Examined with quite a lot of video games.
Additionally examined with music playback.
