Choosing the right gaming headset can dramatically elevate your audio experience, immersing you deeper into virtual worlds. When it comes to premium wireless options, two names frequently surface: the Astro A50 and the Turtle Beach Elite 800. Both have carved out significant niches in the market, promising top-tier sound and comfort for extended gaming sessions.
But which of these audio powerhouses truly reigns supreme? We’re diving deep into the Astro A50 versus the Elite 800 to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to dissect their features, performance, and overall value.
Whether you’re a competitive gamer seeking every auditory advantage or a casual player craving unparalleled immersion, this comparison will guide you to the perfect headset for your setup. Let’s find out which contender deserves a spot on your desk.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Astro A50 | Elite 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wireless (Base Station) | Wireless (Dongle) |
| Platform Compatibility | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Mobile | PS4, PC, Mobile |
| Audio Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers | 50mm Neodymium Drivers |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Microphone | Noise-canceling Boom Mic | Retractable Noise-canceling Mic |
| Surround Sound | Dolby Headphone | DTS Headphone:X Surround |
| Battery Life | 15+ Hours | 10+ Hours |
| Charging | USB via Base Station | USB via Dongle |
| Comfort | Over-ear, plush earcups | Over-ear, memory foam earcups |
| Customization | ASTRO Command Center Software | Turtle Beach Audio Hub |
| Weight | 380g | 390g |
| Noise Cancellation | Passive | Active (for ambient sound) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Audio Quality
- Astro A50: Known for its balanced and clear audio profile, the A50 delivers rich sound with good bass response and crisp highs, making it suitable for both gaming and media. Its open-back design contributes to a wider soundstage, enhancing positional audio cues.
- Elite 800: The Elite 800 boasts powerful, immersive 7.1 virtual surround sound with DTS Headphone:X technology, creating a highly detailed and directional audio experience. While impressive, some users find the bass can be slightly overpowering at times.
- Winner: Elite 800
Comfort and Design
- Astro A50: Featuring plush earcups and a lightweight, adjustable headband, the A50 prioritizes long-term comfort. The earcups are large and breathable, reducing heat buildup during extended gaming sessions.
- Elite 800: The Elite 800 sports a sleek, over-ear design with memory foam earcups and a suspension headband for a secure yet comfortable fit. Its closed-back design helps in noise isolation, but can sometimes feel warmer than open-back alternatives.
- Winner: astro a50
Connectivity
- Astro A50: Offers versatile connectivity options including a base station that connects via USB and Optical. This allows for simultaneous PC and console use, with easy switching. Wireless range is generally excellent.
- Elite 800: Primarily uses a wireless USB transmitter for console and PC connectivity. It supports Bluetooth for mobile device pairing, offering convenience for multi-tasking.
- Winner: astro a50
Microphone Quality
- Astro A50: Features a boom microphone with noise-canceling capabilities, ensuring clear voice communication. It’s flip-to-mute functionality is intuitive and convenient. Audio pickup is generally well-regarded for its clarity.
- Elite 800: Utilizes dual hidden noise-canceling microphones, which are effective at filtering out background noise. While good for general communication, some find the A50’s boom mic slightly superior for dedicated voice chat.
- Winner: astro a50
Battery Life
- Astro A50: Provides up to 15 hours of wireless play on a single charge. The base station also allows for hot-swapping of batteries (if you purchase spares), ensuring virtually uninterrupted use.
- Elite 800: Offers around 15 hours of wireless playback. While respectable, it lacks the hot-swapping capability, meaning you’ll need to pause for charging if the battery runs low.
- Winner: astro a50
Customization and Software
- Astro A50: Supports Astro Command Center software, allowing for extensive EQ customization, microphone settings, and firmware updates. This provides a high degree of personalization for audio profiles.
- Elite 800: Features the PlayStation Music & Apps app integration for audio presets and microphone monitoring. While functional, it’s less comprehensive than Astro’s dedicated software suite.
- Winner: astro a50
Durability and Build Quality
- Astro A50: Constructed with premium materials, the A50 feels robust and well-built. Its metal headband and high-quality plastics suggest good longevity.
- Elite 800: The Elite 800 also uses solid construction with a focus on aesthetics. While durable, some users have noted that the matte finish can be prone to fingerprints.
- Winner: astro a50
Price Point
- Astro A50: Typically positioned as a premium gaming headset, the A50 comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its advanced features and build quality.
- Elite 800: The Elite 800 is also in the premium segment, often priced similarly to the A50, making it a significant investment for gamers.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Connectivity & Compatibility | Astro A50 |
| Audio Immersion | Elite 800 |
| Microphone Quality | Astro A50 |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Customization | Astro A50 |
| Battery Life | Astro A50 |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Freedom: Both headsets offer a wireless experience, allowing for greater freedom of movement during gaming sessions without the hassle of cables.
- Premium Audio Quality: Expect immersive soundscapes with both the Astro A50 and Elite 800, delivering clear audio for both in-game cues and media consumption.
- Comfortable Design: Designed for extended wear, both headphones feature over-ear cups and well-padded headbands to ensure comfort during long gaming marathons.
- Built-in Microphones: Both headsets include integrated microphones for clear voice communication with teammates, featuring noise-canceling technology to filter out background distractions.
- Customizable Eq Settings: Users can tailor the audio experience to their preferences with customizable equalizer settings available through their respective software platforms.
- Durable Build Quality: Both the Astro A50 and Elite 800 are constructed with high-quality materials, aiming for longevity and a premium feel.
Astro A50 Vs Elite 800 Buying Guide
For the Competitive Gamer
If your primary focus is gaining a competitive edge, the Astro A50 often shines. Its precise audio positioning allows you to pinpoint enemy footsteps and distant gunfire with exceptional clarity. The customizable EQ presets further enhance this, letting you tailor the soundscape to emphasize crucial audio cues. While the Elite 800 offers good spatial awareness, the A50’s dedicated features for competitive play give it a slight advantage in this scenario. (See Also: Adobe Pro Vs Docusign )
For Immersive Storytelling and Movies
For those who prioritize deep immersion in single-player games and cinematic experiences, the Turtle Beach Elite 800 presents a compelling case. Its simulated surround sound technology creates a wide, enveloping soundstage that pulls you into the game’s world. The rich bass response adds impact to explosions and dramatic scores, while the DTS Headphone:X technology can enhance environmental details, making for a more cinematic and engaging audiovisual experience.
For Wireless Freedom and Comfort
Both headsets offer wireless connectivity, but the Astro A50 generally excels in long-term comfort. Its plush earcups and well-distributed weight make it ideal for extended gaming sessions without fatigue. The wireless range is typically robust, allowing for freedom of movement. While the Elite 800 is also wireless, some users find the A50’s design slightly more ergonomic for prolonged wear, a crucial factor for marathon gaming.
For Multi-Platform Compatibility and Ease of Use
The Astro A50’s base station often provides more straightforward multi-platform compatibility, easily switching between PC and consoles with a simple connection. Its plug-and-play nature is a significant advantage for users who juggle multiple gaming systems. The Elite 800, while capable, might require a bit more setup or specific connection types depending on the platform, making the A50 the more universally accessible choice for seamless integration. (See Also: 40 Vs 32 Tv )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Astro A50 If…
- You prioritize cross-platform compatibility, especially if you game on PC and consoles like Xbox One.
- You appreciate a sleek and robust design with a dedicated base station for charging and audio management.
- You value extensive software customization options through the ASTRO Command Center.
- You need a longer battery life for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Buy Elite 800 If…
- You primarily game on PlayStation 4 and PC.
- You are looking for advanced surround sound technology like DTS Headphone:X.
- You prefer a retractable microphone for a cleaner look when not in use.
- You desire active noise cancellation for ambient sounds to focus purely on your game audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which headset offers better microphone quality for voice chat?
The Astro A50 generally boasts superior microphone quality for voice chat. Its boom microphone is designed for clear communication, picking up your voice with minimal background noise. While the Elite 800’s microphone is adequate, the A50’s is often praised for its crispness and intelligibility, making it a better choice for coordinated team play where clear communication is paramount.
Are both headsets comfortable for long gaming sessions?
Both headsets are designed for comfort, but the Astro A50 often has a slight edge. Its plush earcups and balanced weight distribution are frequently cited as being more comfortable for extended wear. The Elite 800 is still comfortable, but some users find the clamping force or earcup material of the A50 to be more accommodating over many hours of gameplay.
Which headset has better battery life?
Battery life can vary slightly with usage, but both headsets offer respectable wireless playtime. Typically, you can expect around 15-20 hours of use on a single charge for both the Astro A50 and the Elite 800. Both are generally sufficient for multiple gaming sessions before needing a recharge, ensuring you won’t be cut off mid-game. (See Also: Lansky Vs Work Sharp )
Does the Elite 800’s Superhuman Hearing mode work well?
The Elite 800’s Superhuman Hearing mode is a signature feature designed to amplify subtle in-game sounds like footsteps and reloads. It can be very effective in competitive scenarios, giving you an advantage in detecting nearby enemies. However, its effectiveness can depend on the game and personal preference, sometimes altering the intended audio balance.
Which headset is better for bass-heavy games and music?
For games and music that benefit from a strong bass presence, the Turtle Beach Elite 800 often delivers a more impactful low-end. Its tuning tends to emphasize bass frequencies, creating a more powerful and cinematic feel. While the Astro A50 can produce good bass, the Elite 800 is generally considered to have a slightly more pronounced and satisfying bass response.
Final Verdict
Both the Astro A50 and the Turtle Beach Elite 800 are premium wireless gaming headsets, each with its strengths. The Astro A50 excels in competitive gaming with its precise audio and clear microphone, while the Elite 800 offers immersive sound and a powerful bass. For overall versatility, comfort, and superior microphone quality, the Astro A50 often takes the lead for serious gamers.
Winner: Astro A50