Astro A50 Gen 5 vs A50 X: Dolby Atmos & Compatibility

The Astro A50 Gen 5 and the Astro A50 X are both premium wireless gaming headsets, but they differ significantly in Dolby Atmos implementation and platform compatibility. The A50 X offers native Dolby Atmos processing on Xbox and PC, while the Gen 5 relies on the Dolby Atmos app on those platforms; the A50 X also adds HDMI 2.1 switching for PS5 and Xbox, which the Gen 5 lacks. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which one fits your setup.

Background: The Astro A50 Lineage

Astro’s A50 series has been a staple in the premium gaming headset market for over a decade. The original A50, released in 2013, set the standard for console-focused wireless headsets with its mix amp and swappable ear cushions. The Gen 4 (2019) refined the design with a USB-C charging port and improved battery life. The Gen 5 (2023) and the A50 X (2024) are the latest iterations, each targeting slightly different audiences. The Gen 5 is a direct successor to the Gen 4, while the A50 X is a more ambitious redesign that introduces HDMI 2.1 connectivity and a new base station.

Dolby Atmos: How It Works on Each Headset

Dolby Atmos is an object-based surround sound format that places audio in a 3D space, including overhead. For headphones, it uses HRTF (head-related transfer function) to simulate spatial cues. The key difference between the two headsets is where the Atmos processing happens:

• A50 Gen 5: On Xbox and PC, the headset uses the Dolby Atmos app, which processes audio on the console/PC and sends it to the headset as a stereo stream. The headset itself does not do any Atmos decoding. On PlayStation and Switch, Atmos is not supported; you get standard stereo or virtual surround via the headset’s own processing.
• A50 X: The base station includes a built-in Dolby Atmos decoder. This means the headset can receive a bitstream from the console (via HDMI) and decode it internally. This works on Xbox, PC (via HDMI), and even on PlayStation 5, which does not natively support Atmos for games—the A50 X’s base station decodes the Dolby TrueHD signal from the console’s HDMI output. However, on PS5, the console sends a Dolby Atmos bitstream only for Blu-ray movies; for games, it sends a linear PCM signal, which the base station then upmixes to Atmos using its own algorithms.

In practice, the A50 X’s internal decoding provides a more consistent Atmos experience across platforms, while the Gen 5 relies on the platform’s software. The A50 X also supports Dolby Atmos for Headphones on PC via the app, but the internal decoder is what sets it apart.

Platform Compatibility Compared

The two headsets have very different compatibility matrices:

• Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One: Both headsets work wirelessly via their respective base stations. The A50 X uses HDMI 2.1 pass-through, which supports 4K/120Hz and VRR (variable refresh rate) without losing features. The Gen 5 uses a USB connection (like the Gen 4) and also supports Atmos via the app. The A50 X’s HDMI pass-through is a major advantage if you have a 120Hz display.
• PlayStation 5, PS4: The Gen 5 works via USB (no optical audio on PS5) and provides standard virtual surround. The A50 X also works via USB, but its HDMI pass-through allows it to receive the console’s HDMI audio, which means it can decode Atmos for Blu-ray movies and use its own upmixing for games. However, the PS5 does not output Atmos for games, so the A50 X’s advantage is limited to movies.
• PC: Both work via USB and support Dolby Atmos via the app. The A50 X also supports HDMI input, which can be used for Atmos bitstream from a PC with an HDMI output. Gen 5 is simpler: plug in USB and use the app.
• Nintendo Switch: Both headsets work via USB-C in docked mode, but only the Gen 5 supports wireless via the base station (the A50 X requires a USB-C to 3.5mm cable for Switch, as its base station is HDMI-based). The Gen 5 also works in handheld mode with a USB-C to 3.5mm cable.

How to Choose: Which One Is Right for You?

Your choice depends on your primary platforms and whether you care about HDMI 2.1 pass-through:

• If you play on Xbox Series X|S and have a 120Hz TV: The A50 X is the better choice because its HDMI 2.1 pass-through preserves 4K/120 and VRR, and its internal Atmos decoder works flawlessly with Xbox’s Atmos for Headphones. The Gen 5 works fine but requires you to plug the base station into the console via USB, which does not support HDMI features.
• If you play on PS5 and PC: The Gen 5 is more straightforward and cheaper. The A50 X’s HDMI pass-through on PS5 is only useful for Blu-ray Atmos, and many users find the PS5’s 3D audio (Tempest) to be better than Atmos for games anyway. On PC, both are equal.
• If you play on multiple platforms: The A50 X’s HDMI switching is a convenience, but it requires a TV with eARC and a compatible HDMI setup. The Gen 5 is simpler: just switch the USB cable between devices.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the A50 X’s internal Atmos decoder makes it better than the Gen 5 on all platforms. In reality, on PC and Xbox, the Dolby Atmos app on the Gen 5 produces identical spatial audio quality. The A50 X’s advantage is only on PS5 for Blu-ray movies and in HDMI pass-through scenarios. Another issue: the A50 X’s base station requires a power adapter and an HDMI connection, which adds cable clutter. The Gen 5’s base station is simpler (USB only). Both headsets have known issues with firmware updates causing audio drops, but these are usually fixed with a reset.

Cost and Value

The A50 X is typically priced about 30% higher than the Gen 5. The extra cost buys you HDMI 2.1 switching, a built-in Atmos decoder, and a more premium build. If you already have a high-end TV and want a single headset for Xbox and PS5, the A50 X is worth the premium. If you’re on a budget or primarily play on PC, the Gen 5 offers similar audio quality for less.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re not tied to Astro, consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (which has a similar base station with dual batteries and supports simultaneous Bluetooth) or the Audeze Maxwell (which offers planar magnetic drivers and better sound quality, but lacks HDMI pass-through). For pure value, the HyperX Cloud III Wireless is a solid choice, though it lacks Atmos support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A50 Gen 5 use Dolby Atmos on PS5? No. The PS5 does not support Dolby Atmos for games. The Gen 5 uses its own virtual surround on PS5, which is not Atmos. The A50 X also cannot get Atmos for games on PS5, but it can decode Atmos for Blu-ray movies via HDMI.

Does the A50 X require an HDMI 2.1 TV? No, but to get 4K/120Hz pass-through, you need a TV that supports HDMI 2.1. If your TV is HDMI 2.0, the A50 X will still work but will limit the signal to 4K/60Hz or 1440p/120Hz depending on the console.

Is the A50 X worth it over the Gen 5 for Xbox only? If you have a 120Hz TV, yes—the HDMI pass-through is a game-changer. If you have a 60Hz TV, the Gen 5 is adequate, and you can save money.

Can I use the A50 Gen 5 with a PC and Xbox simultaneously? No, it connects to one device at a time via USB. The A50 X can switch between two devices via its HDMI and USB inputs, but not simultaneously.

Do both headsets work with Bluetooth? No. Neither has Bluetooth. For phone calls, you need a separate adapter.

Which headset has better microphone quality? Both use the same unidirectional mic design. The A50 X has a slightly improved mic with better noise rejection, but the difference is minor in real-world use.

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