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Are you looking for the best gaming headset for Xbox One 360, PS4, and PC? Or looking for the best gaming headset in general? You can also read our guides on what other brands have to offer with the highly regarded Razer gaming headsets or the top Logitech headsets.
WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: A step behind the A50, the A40 is still one of the best gaming headsets around.
Price: Check Price Sound: Surround sound Weight: 12.7 ounces Battery Life: N/A Compatibility: Depends on model Mic: Semi-flexible flip-up Drivers: 40mm neodynium
While the Astro A50 is designed for the newer generation of consoles, the A40 is perfectly compatible with the PS3, more affordable, and comes with its own audio controller for quickly controlling volume and muting (like the A50, it also offers a mod kit with thicker earcup cushions and a noise-isolating mic that’s made for particularly loud environments, although we didn’t get to try those particularly accessories). You may also be interested in checking out another of our SteelSeries headset reviews with the A30 model.
While slightly heavier (perhaps due to the cables that the A40 requires), the design of the A40 matches the excellent A50 very closely and has many of its lightweight advantages, so there shouldn’t be many problems with fit.
Buttons are again well-placed, and while volume controls could be a little easier to use, they’re quite manageable. Actually, if you prefer in-line controls or an on-the-table audio controller, you may like the design of this headset even more than the A50.
The audio controller is different from the Turtle Beach Elite version, focusing on a primary volume dial, a game chat balance dial, and a few buttons for quick muting and mode-switching. It’s ideal for streaming and, with practice, can be an asset in highly competitive play.
The flip-up mix has undergone almost no changes between the A40 and A50 and remains one of the best mics we’ve seen, a rubberized semi-flexible model that does its job without getting in the way. However, if you get a model that includes that alternate mic with better noise-canceling abilities, we suggest you make the switch. There’s not much difference in outward design, and you get better communication capabilities. But if you like to show your love for your favorite game any chance you get, you may want to check out our Limited Edition Call of Duty Black Ops Tritton headset review.
Related: If you like this headset because of its surround sound, also check out Astro A50 Review Roundup.
Related: Take a peek at our Steel Series Arctis Pro review for high-quality audio.
The A40 provides downright excellent wireless sound, and with less chance of lag than the A50. For another wired option, read our Logitech G230 stereo gaming headset review.
The downside is, of course, that the A40 has no wireless capabilities, so you will need a setup where dealing with cables isn’t a hassle. But if you can make it work out, then you get a top-notch sound that’s crystal clear at most ranges, has a pleasantly sonorous bass, and will make it easy to pinpoint audio cues. It may not be quite as accurate on directions or crystal clear in sound at the A50, but make no mistake, this headset still excels.
For mic communication, you may need to adjust the volume ranges a little to make sure you can be heard easily, but otherwise, there are no problems here.
There are two additional features worth mentioning for sound.
First, via the audio controller, you can customize your chat and game audio very easily for 2-channel Dolby Surround streaming, making this headset an affordable pick for amateur streamers.
Second, there’s a “daisy chain” tether cable for a digital audio connection when communicating and listening. Use this cable to help cut down on lag!
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