ASTRO A20 Gaming Headset
ASTRO A20 Gaming Headset USA 2023 | Learn More | Check Price
- Extended wireless range up to 15m (50ft)
- Through the 2.4 GHz wireless signal
- Console-specific USB transmitter
- For easy cross-platform compatibility
- Built-in battery provides 15 hours of battery life
- And can be recharged through the USB-C port
- Quick and easy mute functionality
- With the flip-to-mute microphone
- Choice of different equalizer settings
- By switching between the 3 different EQ presets
- On-device audio balancing Feature Between
- Voice chat and game audio on Xbox or PC
ASTRO Gaming A20 Wireless Headset Gen 2 for Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PC & Mac – White /Green
The Astro A20 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox has been around since 2017 in some way, shape, or form. But with the PS5 and Xbox Series X on the horizon, this console-focused wireless headset was due for a refresh. I am happy to state that the Astro A20 Gen 2 is still a strong choice, and is actually somewhat better than its predecessor. Not only does the Astro A20 look great, but it is also compatible with every major console on the market, and is now less expensive than when it first debuted.
On the opposite hand, the A20 has some significant drawbacks, especially if you would like to connect it to a PC, a PlayStation, and an Xbox. The device has a surprisingly strange design that is not at all uncomfortable, but also not visually appealing.
While the A20 isn’t the right console headset for every gamer’s potential, it’s a comparatively cheap way to go for wireless features – with nice sound, to boot.
Summary
| Product Dimensions | 3.43 x 10.31 x 4.63 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Astro Gaming |
| ASIN | B08DHW5RWF |
| Item model number | 939-001882 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Design
The 2020 redesign of the Astro A20 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox is not completely different from the 2017 version. This time around, instead of black chassis, it is white.
The PS4 / PS5 version has blue highlights, whereas the Xbox One / Xbox Series X version has green highlights. There are some technical differences between the two headsets, but structurally, they are otherwise identical.
It wasn’t until I looked at myself in a mirror that I realized how weird the A20 seemed to be compared to most other gaming headsets. Instead of adopting an oval form, the A20 looks almost rectangular, with a long, flat, foam-padded headband and 2 arms that move up and down rather than notches on the headband. Not all of the headbands actually sit on your head. It is an asymmetrical design, and at the same time not suitable for more traditional headsets.
In addition, the Astro A20 is very light on bells and whistles. The right earcup has a power button, an effort mode button (there is area unit 3, and you will hear a special tone for each), a volume dial, and a USB-C charging port.
On the left earring, there is a boom mic. I still think that any headset that costs more than $ 100 must have a detachable or retractable mic, but if you place the mic in a vertical position, you can’t really see it, so This is not a deal-breaker.
Comfort
Despite the unusual design of the Astro A20 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox, it is very comfortable to wear. Black cloth earrings are plush and breathable, and the headband provides a fair amount of cushioning.
Even with my glasses, I could wear the Astro A20 for hours without any inconvenience. On the other hand, due to unconventional headband adjustments, I was never able to be a great fit. However, the markings are not swiveled and do not give weapons too much, which may prevent some players from getting a good seal around the ears.
Performance
One area wherever the Astro A20 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox excels is in sound quality. The Astro A20 has a rich, vibrant soundscape with a variety of sports, movies, and music. While gamers should expect good sound from headsets that cost more than $ 100, I can think of wireless headsets in the $ 150 range that don’t look as good as the Astro A20.
I tested the headset with a variety of games on a variety of systems, including Genshin Impact on PS4, Ish Blasphemy on Xbox One, Baldur’s Gate III on PC, and Hyrule Warriors on Switch: Definitive Edition. I was impressed by how the Astro A20 controlled every genre, from bursting fireballs at Baldur’s Gate to upbeat dialogue at the Genshin Impact. I was even more surprised to learn that the bass was far stronger than most gaming headsets, which was great for the ominous development of Blasfem or the bombings of the Hiral Warriors.
Similarly, the Astro A20 handles music well – provided you are listening on a computer or console, ie. Because it does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth functionality, it probably won’t be your everyday music headset. But I did the Old Crowd Medicine Show, Flogging Molly, The Rolling Stones, and G.F. Handle, and I was very pleased with both the bass/treble and left/right channel balance.
Features
Of course, the most interesting thing about the Astro A20 Wireless Gaming Headset Xbox is that it works wirelessly with both the PS4 and Xbox One – and, as such, works wirelessly with both the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Will do. This is a real rarity among gaming headsets, as the PlayStation and Xbox consoles use completely different wireless protocols.
The Astro A20 splits the PS / Xbox differential in a confusingly simple way: with an adapter. If you buy the PS4 version of the headset, it comes with a dongle that connects to PC, PS4, and docked switches. If you buy the Xbox version, there is no adapter, as it works with the Xbox’s internal wireless system. But if you buy the PS4 version, you’ve got the choice to buy a separate, discrete Xbox dongle, and vice versa. The A20 USB transmitter costs $ 20, and it effectively doubles the versatility of your A20.
At least, if you’ll be able to get it to work properly. Disappointingly, the Astro does not include instructions for pairing the A20 with a new adapter anywhere. It is not in the quick-start guide; The A20 USB transmitter does not come with any instructions; The website does not offer any manual or video of any kind. For example, pairing the A20 with a new adapter is a pure guess, and you have to do it every time you switch back and forth between a PlayStation and an Xbox.
I eventually (sort of) figured it out, just by pressing various button combinations until I clicked a few buttons. But after that, the A20 often forgot its connection profile at startup, and I would have to redo the whole process. The lack of clear instructions coupled with a clear coupling process absolutely killed my enthusiasm for the very clever transmitter idea.
In addition, the A20 has three different equivalent settings, but no software to customize additional profiles. The mic seems crystal-clear, and the battery lasts for 15 hours, with no unnecessary lighting to pull that number down. However, there are no surround sound options.
Our Rating |Excellent
The Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 sounds great and sounds great, but setup can be a real pain, especially when switching between systems.
Pros
- Great sound
- Comfortable earcups
- Clear microphone
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Pairing can be frustrating
- Unappealing design
Conclusion
Our Astro A20 Gaming Headset Gen 2 review discussed how this ambitious peripheral provides great sound and solid wireless connectivity to everyone at a reasonable price. However, even though the A20 USB transmitter is a completely optional feature, I can’t help but feel disappointed by it. Bridging the gap between the PlayStation and Xbox wireless headsets is a noble goal, and only one other company (SteelSeries) has pulled it off well before now. The Astro A20 is a step in the right direction, but it seems that cross-platform connectivity is going to be a pain for at least one console generation.
