The more tech reviews I write, the more I realize how rare it is to find a product that’s easy to wholeheartedly recommend. There’s almost always a “but” that complicates the recommendation. The Logitech G ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED gaming headset is a prime example of this: it’s my favorite headset, yet there are a few caveats, which you might already suspect.
Design
Historically, I haven’t been a fan of most gaming headsets’ designs. Too often, they’re over-stylized with garish lights, random logos, or sporty elements that seem out of place. However, things have been improving recently, and I’ve found myself with fewer complaints. The Logitech G ASTRO A50 X still leans toward the gamer aesthetic, but it does so with a sense of restraint and quality.
This is a fairly substantial and weighty device, with its signature “lightning rods” — two metal rods that hold the earcups in place. The rest of the headset is mostly flexible plastic, which allows it to adjust comfortably to any head size. The soft headband and ear cushions ensure comfort, even during extended gaming sessions.
The controls are minimal but effective. A slider powers the headset on, with nearby buttons for Bluetooth and source switching. There’s also a volume wheel, and on the opposite side, a microphone that mutes when flipped vertically.
Overall, I’d rate the design positively, but comfort is even more crucial for me, and the A50 X delivers here as well.
Read also: Steelseries Arctis Nova 5P review: mid-range PS5 headset with game-changing features
Setting everything up
Normally, setting up a headset isn’t worth discussing — it’s usually as simple as connecting wirelessly or using a dongle. But Logitech’s ambition to make the A50 X fully compatible across PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC makes setup a bit more involved.
Achieving seamless compatibility across both consoles isn’t straightforward, as each console is notoriously picky with non-native Bluetooth connections. While some brands, like SteelSeries with their Arctis Nova 5P, offer Type-C dongles, I’ve found the sound quality via dongles lacking. Logitech went in a different direction, opting to include a dock that doubles as an HDMI switch. This approach allows the dock to transmit audio signals to the headset, ensuring high-fidelity 24-bit audio quality.
However, as you might guess, this setup approach doesn’t exactly make for a plug-and-play experience. My consoles usually connect directly to my AVR, but now I had to first run the Xbox Series X and PS5 Pro through the ASTRO A50 X base station before connecting to the receiver, which then sends the signal to the TV. This setup did free up an HDMI slot on my receiver — a small but welcome side effect. Yet, it added a bit of hassle: switching signals now requires either a button on the headset or a smartphone app, and this becomes especially cumbersome when the headset is charging. Oddly, there’s no automatic source switching, or it just fails to engage at times.
Setting everything up took more effort than I’d like, involving the typical tangle of cables and some crawling around on the floor. Eventually, I had everything arranged neatly, powered on the TV and console, and… nothing. Just a black screen.
First, I checked the firmware through the app, which confirmed everything was up to date. Frustration set in as what was meant to be a straightforward setup turned into a troubleshooting marathon. Reddit, Discord, and Google searches led me to try installing the software on my Mac — a platform not quite tailored for this. But that turned out to be the solution: Logitech G Hub identified multiple pending updates. After applying these, the black screen issue disappeared, pointing to a possible compatibility issue with my specific TV or receiver.
Read also: Logitech MX Creative Console review: Loupedeck, reincarnated
This isn’t my first time encountering this kind of issue. Coincidentally, I had a similar experience with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P: mobile app updates claimed everything was current, yet the desktop software detected missing firmware. It’s a frustrating situation, especially for users who might not have a computer. Considering the A50 X is primarily marketed toward console players, this is a real drawback.
Once set up, though, the experience is seamless. The headset connects instantly to the base, which manages the audio signal. The base can also connect to Bluetooth devices, allowing you to hear both the primary audio source and Bluetooth audio simultaneously. When the headset is on, audio routes through it, and when off, it defaults to the TV or AVR.
Sound and mic
The ear cushions are a slightly square shape, made of fabric. This might be a dealbreaker for some, though I personally find them soft, and they provide a snug fit that’s great for colder climates. However, if you’re in a hot environment, you might prefer a more breathable material. Thankfully, the cushions are magnetically attached and easy to swap out.
As for sound quality, it’s solid — unsurprising given the premium positioning. The A50 X delivers impressively clean audio for a gaming headset, which can sometimes overemphasize bass for a “punchier” effect. Logitech’s approach here is more balanced, offering a neutral sound profile suitable for both gaming and general media. The equalizer in the app allows for some fine-tuning. Positional accuracy is also on point; thanks to support for PlayStation 3D and Xbox Dolby Atmos, locating enemies is straightforward. Even without these, the audio remains spacious and immersive.
Battery life on the Logitech G ASTRO A50 X is a generous 24 hours, easily covering extended gaming sessions. Charging is handled through the base station, but if you prefer, you can plug in via USB-C and keep playing. However, I’d still recommend taking a break to recharge both your headset and yourself.
A standout feature here is the microphone, which may very well be the best in this category and possibly the best I’ve encountered across all my headset reviews. It’s activated by lowering it and genuinely approaches studio-level quality. While I wouldn’t use it for serious video production, it’s fantastic for gaming communication.
Verdict
The Logitech G ASTRO A50 X is a unique beast. In many ways, it’s an almost perfect headset — comfortable, customizable, with excellent sound quality and battery life. However, it has a specific target audience: it’s best suited for console players. If you’re only using a PC, this headset may be overkill.