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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe key difference is video routing: the Astro A50 X adds HDMI 2.1 passthrough and console video switching, while the Astro A50 Gen 5 connects to consoles over USB-C audio and focuses on audio switching. Choose the A50 X if you want its base station to route console video; choose the Gen 5 if you only need to switch audio between systems.
Astro A50 X vs. A50 Gen 5: feature comparison
| Feature | Astro A50 X | Astro A50 Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S and PS5 connection | HDMI 2.1 audio/video passthrough through the base station | USB-C audio |
| Console video switching | Supported through PLAYSYNC | Not listed; PLAYSYNC Audio is described as audio switching |
| PC/Mac connection | USB-C audio | USB-C audio |
| Docked Nintendo Switch connection | HDMI passthrough | USB-C audio |
| Handheld Nintendo Switch | Bluetooth audio | Bluetooth audio |
| PC/Mac audio and app features | Up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, G HUB and G App customization, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing, according to Logitech’s A50 X product specifications | Up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, G HUB and G App customization, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing, according to Logitech’s A50 Gen 5 product specifications |
| HDMI cable | Not included; sold separately by Logitech | No HDMI passthrough cable requirement is listed for console audio over USB-C |
These are manufacturer-listed features, not independent test results. Check Logitech’s platform-specific tables before buying if you plan to use a particular combination of console, PC, or Switch; connection modes are not identical across platforms.
What HDMI passthrough changes on the A50 X
The A50 X puts an HDMI 2.1 video path in the base station, alongside the headset’s audio functions. Logitech lists three HDMI 2.1 ports rated at 40 Gbps and advertises passthrough of up to 4K at 120 Hz. Those are Logitech product specifications, not an independent measurement of performance in every setup. Its product page also says the HDMI 2.1 cable is sold separately.
That setup is useful if you want the base station to handle console video switching as well as audio switching. Before choosing it, make sure the display and HDMI cable arrangement you intend to use fits your setup. The stated maximum is not a guarantee that every console, display, cable, and configuration will operate at that resolution and refresh rate.
#1 Best Overall
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox + PS5 + Switch/Switch 2+ PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and switch AUDIO & VIDEO between them with on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
What the A50 Gen 5 does instead
The A50 Gen 5 uses USB-C audio for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 rather than routing their video through the base station. Logitech describes its PLAYSYNC Audio as streamlined for audio switching. In practical terms, that makes the Gen 5 the more direct fit if you want to move audio among connected systems but do not need the headset base to switch console video.
Both models also list USB-C audio for PC and Mac and share a number of listed audio and customization features. The meaningful distinction is not that one is a fundamentally different kind of headset system: both are wireless multi-platform setups with a charging base station and PLAYSYNC-family switching. It is whether video switching over HDMI matters to your console setup.
Rank #2
- PLAYSYNC AUDIO 3-System Switching: The A50 wireless gaming headset with mic connects to 3 platforms at once via USB-C so you can tap between Xbox, PS5, PC/Mac or Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 via on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location and timing accuracy (40mm diameter with live edge technology)
- 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless: This wireless headset with mic offers uncompressed, immersive gaming audio at lightspeed
- Broadcast-Quality Mic: Experience maximum articulation with the 48 kHz full-bandwidth boom mic that achieves new levels in voice quality
- Bluetooth Dual-Device Mixing: Connect to your mobile device and mix your Discord comms or music into your game audio
Which headset should you choose?
Choose the A50 X if you want console video switching
- You want the base station to route console video as well as headset audio.
- You plan to use its HDMI 2.1 passthrough, including the advertised up-to-4K, 120 Hz capability, and have a compatible display and cable setup.
- You use a docked Nintendo Switch and prefer the listed HDMI passthrough connection.
- You have accounted for buying an HDMI 2.1 cable separately if you do not already have a suitable one.
Choose the A50 Gen 5 if audio switching is enough
- You do not need the base station to route or switch console video.
- USB-C audio for your consoles suits the way you connect your systems.
- You want the listed audio-switching approach without choosing the A50 X for its HDMI passthrough.
- You use a docked Nintendo Switch and prefer its listed USB-C audio connection.
Does the A50 X sound better than the A50 Gen 5?
The cited Logitech product and technology pages describe features and specifications; they do not provide an independent comparative listening test. They therefore do not establish that either model sounds better. Choose between them based on the connection and switching features your setup needs rather than assuming HDMI passthrough indicates a sound-quality advantage.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAYSYNC AUDIO 3-System Switching: The A50 wireless gaming headset with mic connects to 3 platforms at once via USB-C so you can tap between Xbox, PS5, PC/Mac or Nintendo Switch via on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location and timing accuracy (40mm diameter with live edge technology)
- 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless: This wireless headset with mic offers uncompressed, immersive gaming audio at lightspeed
- Broadcast-Quality Mic: Experience maximum articulation with the 48 kHz full-bandwidth boom mic that achieves new levels in voice quality
- Bluetooth Dual-Device Mixing: Connect to your mobile device and mix your Discord comms or music into your game audio
Rank #4
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox plus PS5 plus PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and tap between them with on-ear controls
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
Rank #3
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox + PS5 + Switch/Switch 2+ PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and switch AUDIO & VIDEO between them with on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
