Astro A10 Review: Low Cost, Great Sound

The Astro A10 is a decent budget oriented headset that delivers solid audio and has a sturdy design without breaking the bank.

Futuristic Design and Sound Quality for the Modern Gamer

Every self-respecting gamer has heard of the ASTRO brand and the premium quality headsets the company releases. However, that premium quality usually does not come cheap. ASTRO products are among the expensive gaming peripherals on the market and I bet the hefty price tags have made you cringe.

That’s why I am delighted to introduce the latest peripheral in ASTRO’s line-up – the A10 gaming headset by Astro. Streamers, YouTubers, audiophiles- unite. This is the most affordable headset ASTRO has released so far. It is three times less expensive than its predecessors – A40 and A50. You have every right to take the drastic price difference with a pinch of salt, but before you jump to conclusions, let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses in our review.

On Focus
9.4
ASTRO Gaming A10 Wired Gaming Headset
  • Durability: The A10 Headset features durable headband anodized aluminum wrapped in a damage resistant polycarbonate blend so your headset will withstand wins, losses, and everything in between
  • Comfort: Extended comfort memory foam ear-cushions keep you from fatigue so you can play as long as you want in complete comfort
  • Communication: With the omnidirectional mic featuring flip-up mute functionality and in-line Volume Control, you and your teammates will always hear each other clearly and accurately
  • Sound Quality: Tuned for Gaming, the A10 features immersive and accurate audio the way sound developers intended. Low latency and precise voice communication mean you're always in sync
  • Compatibility: PS5, PC/MAC, XBOX SERIES X|S, NINTENDO SWITCH, VR, STREAMING

If you want to find out more details about the A10 model before buying it, read the review below.

The truth is that the A10 is an entry level headset. To be able to lower the price range, ASTRO has cut down on materials. Don’t get me wrong, though. At the end of the day, we are talking about ASTRO brand, so you should still expect durability and high-quality audio that have become company’s trademark.

Compatibility with PC, Consoles and Mobile Devices

What makes the A10 superior to the more expensive A40 and A50 models is its compatibility with a variety of platforms. The headset is compatible with Xbox, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The other Astro headsets support only one platform. The reason is that they use optical or USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity proprietary for each platform.

The A10 works fine across all platforms, including mobile devices. The main difference between the PS and Xbox models is the color. If you are mainly an Xbox One player, you can also take advantage of the bundle that comes with MixAmp M60, so that you can simply plug it into the Xbox controller and you are all set.

As for the A40, it is a corded headset that has a MixAmp for balancing game and voice audio. The A50 is cordless and possesses 5Ghz low-latency transmitter and charging stand. Both A50 and A40 are locked to the console they are built for or to PC and Mac.

Technical Specifications

The headset has 40mm Neodymium magnet drivers with a frequency response ranging between 20Hz to 20kHz. The headset weight is 346 grams.

Just flip to mute! The 6.0mm omni-directional microphone mutes itself when flipped up, which to me is a nice convenience touch. The PC version ships with an audio cable and a splitter cable.

The A10 has an omnidirectional microphone that is optimized for PS4, Mac, Xbox One, and PC. Needless to say, you can plug your headset into a mobile device unless you are an iPhone 7 user.

I cannot define myself as an audio expert, but I found the surround sound quality pretty satisfying not only in games but also in TeamSpeak and Skype conversations. The microphone of A10 is basically identical to the one incorporated in the A50 model. In addition, the A10 has the same speakers as the A40 and the A50.

Personally, I think that ASTRO has not done its best in terms of design. There are no customizable buttons. The A10 does possess a high-quality audio but the reduced price has taken its toll on the design.

I was lucky to have put my hands on the HyperX Cloud and Razer Kraken 7.1 (I promise to post reviews about these two at my earliest convenience). I was impressed how both headsets look like high-end models despite being included in the best headsets under $100 category.

As for A10, it comes with slate-grey panels and you cannot change them. So, if you want a headset with replaceable side panels, you have to look elsewhere, but don’t forget to increase the budget limitations, too.

This headset is devoid of any buttons. You don’t have options for changing the EQ settings, no drivers, no volume up and down. You have a slider volume control on the cable.

As the saying goes “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. You don’t need to spend a few hours customizing the headset. It is a plug and play affair. It does not require software to run properly. Plug the cable into the jack located under one of the ear cups and connect the headset to your console or PC. Simple as ABC.

To put it the other way around, the A10 is a solid low-cost alternative. It is not as feature packed as the A40 and A50, but the lack of advanced features should not be associated with bad quality. Quite the opposite- you will have a stellar gaming experience.

Is it Durable?

It would not be excessive to say that the A10 is a way more durable than the expensive ASTRO models. Such irony… The company reduced the price and still managed to craft a durable headset. You can be very mean to the A10. I twisted it, I threw it on the floor, and I did all that crazy stuff I do not do to my gaming gear. After such a vigorous testing, I have no hesitation in saying that this device is remarkably durable.

Is ASTRO A10 Comfortable?

ASTRO A10 comes with memory foam ear and head cushions. The headband itself is extremely damage-resistant, despite being made of plastic. The leather earcups are considered more luxurious and comfortable, although I tend to disagree with that statement. The A10 cushions are comfortable enough. No earache, fatigue, or sweating whatsoever.

You can easily adjust the headset to fit perfectly around your head. The A10 is lightweight, which means it can be your perfect travel or airplane companion.

All in all, the A10 has nothing to do with the cheapos available at the supermarkets at a similar price. See our Turtle Beach Recon 50x review for a good, cost-effective headset alternative.

ASTRO A10 vs. ASTRO A40TR vs. ASTRO A50

I have repeatedly drawn a parallel between the new A10, A40, and A50, but if you are curious to find out if the A10 surpasses its predecessors, take a look at the table below. It outlines the technical specs, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the three models

Is it Worth the Purchase?

I have never been more convinced that a budget headset at such a price point is worth every penny. ASTRO A10 is a fearsome rival to all high-end gaming headsets out there.

If you want an affordable, simple, durable device that enables you to enjoy crystal clear audio quality and play across a variety of platforms, the A10 by ASTRO should totally be included in your list of must-consider gaming headsets.

On Focus
9.4
ASTRO Gaming A10 Wired Gaming Headset
  • Durability: The A10 Headset features durable headband anodized aluminum wrapped in a damage resistant polycarbonate blend so your headset will withstand wins, losses, and everything in between
  • Comfort: Extended comfort memory foam ear-cushions keep you from fatigue so you can play as long as you want in complete comfort
  • Communication: With the omnidirectional mic featuring flip-up mute functionality and in-line Volume Control, you and your teammates will always hear each other clearly and accurately
  • Sound Quality: Tuned for Gaming, the A10 features immersive and accurate audio the way sound developers intended. Low latency and precise voice communication mean you're always in sync
  • Compatibility: PS5, PC/MAC, XBOX SERIES X|S, NINTENDO SWITCH, VR, STREAMING
Tracy has been working for RealGear since the first day it went online. She reads every e-sports related newspaper and website. She is a huge Twitch.tv fan and a gamer with a soft spot for Lineage 2, WoW, and Guild Wars 1 and 2. She says she does not suffer from PvP insanity, she enjoys every minute of it. Tracy defines herself as a person who’d spend two hours customizing a character rather than indulging in an activity that would not be as nearly rewarding as playing games and testing hardware.

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