Astro A30 Review - Overly Complicated and Filled with Issues
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- I've been wanting a new headset from Astro for a while now. As the A50 was one of my favorites and before that the A40's. With the announcement of the A30's I was over the moon excited. As I was hopeful that it would take everything that Astro has done well and moved it into the latest and greatest. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. Which isn't to say it is a bad headset. I just wish it were better.
Is the Astro A30 The Headset of Your Dreams?
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DISCLAIMER:
For full transparency I did receive this product in exchange for an unbiased written review on Best Buy .com through Best Buys Tech Insider Program. This will not bias my opinion in any way, shape, or form. I do not get rewarded for a positive review or punished for a negative review. Out of my own volition I decided to do a video review. They are both completely unaware that this review exists and had no influence over it. My thoughts are my own. I am very blessed to be in this program as it allows me to bring you reviews that I otherwise wouldn't have access too or tried myself.
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Im glad someone made a video about these, overall there just an okay headset and I wish there were more reviews like this one out there
I was PUMPED for this headset. And was disappointed that they missed the mark.
hey there! been watching some of your videos recently about mice since im planning to buy a new one. and i still cant decide 😭 wondering if you could help me (money is not a concern)
i play fps games (valorant in particular) and the choices i have rn is viper ultimate and gpx. my current mouse is viper mini and at first, i wanted to buy the viper v2 pro as it's the best mouse in the market rn (together with dav3) but then i took consideration that i do play competitively but its not like im a pro player, and i dont think ill notice any good trait of the v2 pro if my current monitor is only 75Hz (just couldnt find a reason to upgrade since my desk space is small so dont know where to place another monitor, and my friend plays a lot better than me despite having 60Hz, sounds like skill issues but yes).
now, will i be losing a lot if i buy viper ultimate instead of g pro x superlight? im actually still hesitating on gpx since a lot of ppl encountered double clicking issues with logitech products. but if im losing a lot of noticeable advantage that superlight can give by choosing rvu, id still grab gpx over, despite the issues. on the otherhand, my only issue on RVU is its weight, i dont know if it's that much but if im coming from viper mini which weighs 58g and 77g for rvu as u mentioned on one of ur videos. what do you think?
Spec wise the Razer Viper Ultimate is better than the G Pro X Superlight. It has better wireless, better sensor, and optical sensor which means latency is better. So, from a performance standpoint you take a hit with the GPX. However, the Razer Viper Ultimate has a hit or miss shape. Where some people like it a lot and others don't. Whereas, the GPX has one of the best shapes you can find. As it just works for pretty much everybody. Which is one of the main reasons why it is so popular is they nailed the shape. Along with nailing the clicks as they feel fantastic. However, as you mentioned double click issues can happen. They happen less now that they updated them (which was a year or two now). Also, a main complaint of the Viper Ultimate is that the clicks don't feel as good.
So, summation of above. Performance wise Viper Ultimate wins. Shape and feel tends to go to GPX.
As for weight, yes I think you'll notice a difference between 58 and 77. As to me the 60 grams mark is ideal for most people. Where it isn't too light and isn't too heavy. It is a good balance.
With that said I do think your consideration should be the Viper V2 Pro over the Viper Ultimate. As the specs are just so far beyond the GPX at this point that you're future proofing. In my opinion it is also better than the Viper in every category. As that is the mouse that everyone will be trying to catch. People just recently caught up to the GPX and Viper Ultimate after like 2 - 3 years. I know you only have a 75 Hz monitor right now. But you can still notice latency improvements even if the hertz aren't there. Plus when you upgrade you monitor in the future you'll see a bigger difference.
I'm also a firm believer that I can feel a difference between Razer Mice and all other mice on the market. As they just do it better. But the biggest downfall they have is their shape and clicks.
Personally, I think the clicks on Razer mice are excellent and would choose them over really anything else. With the only exception being the GPX or some other Logitech mice. As they really do clicks better than anyone else. However, the performance that I lose from the HERO sensor makes me not enjoy using them. As they just don't feel as precise which is my biggest metric personally. Plus optical means faster and immune. Shape to me is a wash personally. But the firmware for both are great and better than anyone else on the market. But the V2 Pro now has 4,000 Hz as well. While this doesn't make or break anything it does reduce latency further all the time. And does make tracking easier. But again, not like night/day. But I notice that it is just more enjoyable to use. It isn't like I can't hit the same shots at 1,000 Hz. But it just is easier and a bit more consistent and more enjoyable at 4,000 Hz. It's really hard to explain without trying it yourself.
Second to last point, the GPX to me, especially at retail in US ($159) is a joke. You are getting massively screwed over. As the tech inside it is no longer cutting edge. As most $90 - $100 mice have the same internals. Yes, Logitech continues to have better firmware which makes up some ground. But at the $130 - $150 mark now you get a better more accurate sensor, equal wireless, and usually 4,000 Hz. Along with being just as lightweight or more lightweight from the competition. But with Pros and them being around forever they continue to have a huge market share. But to me at this point the GPX is overrated. It was a GOAT mouse for a long time. And still is a fantastic mouse. But retail in US is no longer justifiable. Especially, since it is using like 3+ year old tech now. Due to popularity it has increased in price instead of decreased.
Last, point. All three of the mice listed in this comment are S-Tier. You can't go wrong with any of them. And from a skill standpoint you are splitting hairs between them. I do think the V2 Pro, Viper Ultimate, then GPX are in that order for performance. And I do think if you did AB testing between them you would feel a difference. But again, it isn't big enough that you're going to change rank or become a totally different player. As what most people fail to realize that you brought up earlier is the product doesn't make or break you. It is YOU. Someone who is a top rank in a competitive title will perform essentially the same no matter what they are using. As they have a ton of skill and will make the product work for them. The only difference is higher quality peripherals allow them to do it easier and with less resistance. So, the focus should always be improving your skill over chasing the next best thing. But if you want the best of the best, you enjoy the shape, and clicks, then the Viper V2 Pro is your guy. The only reason why I would recommend the GPX is if the Viper V2 Pro shape or clicks don't work for you. Another thing if money isn't an issue and you really enjoy the Viper Mini shape is either buying the Viper Mini SE. Which is hands down the best mouse I've ever tried and I LOVE it. However, that price is nothing to scoff at and I can't recommend it due to that. Or waiting a bit longer for the Viper Mini V2 Pro or whatever they will call it to release from Razer which is going to be the cheaper version of the SE for likely $150 (as we know it is coming, that it will have premium specs but don't know the cost). And that should be coming out sometime over the summer last I heard? I think.
@@ThomasMuehler thank you very veryyyyy much! yeah, i saw that one comment you pinned on v2 pro vs. gpx. gpx tends to be popular not because of its quality (esp at $150) but most of pro players are using it, probably because of logitech sponsorship (although like that person said, its their choice whether to use it or not, still getting used more often than other brands).
im going to wait for viper mini v2 SE. if i cant wait any longer, ill definitely go with the v2 pro like you said. thank you sooooooooooo much again!🥹
I bought a30s and absolutely hate them. Avoid at all costs
Oh no! That’s terrible news and I’m sorry to hear that. But do appreciate you sharing your findings. What do you dislike the most about them?
Hey man I currently have a problem where when I try to use the equalizer for the a30 the option is to goto the equalizer is completely greyed out and I can’t use the equalizer any ideas
On how to fix it
That sounds super frustrating! I'm sorry you're going through that.
Only thing I can think of is:
1. Unpairing (like literally deleting from bluetooth) then repairing.
2. Deleting the app off your phone and redownloading.
3. If there is a reset of the headset if the above didn't work trying that.
4. They may now support this via a computer instead of your phone. Which may work easier.
5. Is there a firmware update that you haven't done?
How is the connection wirelessly is it easy to connect? You said it’s hit or miss but can I just set it up then just have my Xbox on and it connects once you turn it on?
Connection between the wireless receiver and the headset is excellent. It easily connects and does it quickly (maybe a second or two). No issues with that whatsoever. Overall distance is average/good. I can walk around my house and not have any issues. So, to answer your question directly, yes if you turn on your Xbox, then turn on the headset it will connect quickly and without issue. Same with Bluetooth connection. However, if you are trying to connect it to the mobile app that can be highly hit or miss.
@@ThomasMuehler and the app just controls like bass and stuff like that?
@@evanvandam3094 Yeah, just gives you some finer customization options if you want to change something. But isn't needed by any means. As outside of a few settings everything can be done on the headset itself.
@@ThomasMuehler okay thanks just gonna use it for normal gaming
@@evanvandam3094 If/when you pick it up. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Ive got a weird problem when muting my mic. Normally it sounds fine, but when i mute then unmute it turns horribly loud and staticy and have to mess with the settings to even get it to work temporarily
I wish I could give you a better answer. But I simply don't have a solution. I think that falls under my title of "filled with issues". Where that should work just fine but for some reason it doesn't.
love it, christmas present out the window lmfao@@ThomasMuehler
Noooo!!! That's terrible news. I know these are in a TOTALLY different price bracket. But I'm absolutely loving the new Astro A50X. @@Kat-the-Snynx
I personally love this a30 headset (got the mando edition lol) and don't have any issues using it on my PC or Xbox. I do have the issue with it not working on PS5 but I don't need it to because I'm giving to my son my astro a20s to use when he plays on it. I think this is still a great headset and most gamers will be more than happy with it.
MANDO! That edition does look sweet. I'm glad you are enjoying it! Appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
Thank you bro 🙏🏽
I personally think that the headphones arent that bad. The only problem is that when i enter a game on pc, my audio gets muffled and it sounds weird. Im not sure if it happens to anyone else. Ive had it for like two days. On xbox they work like a charm.
I stopped using them some time ago. But how very strange when you are using them on PC. Does turning them off/on again fix it?
scrolling for hours finally found the help ty lol]
I'm glad you found your answer.
Nice review...I got them before I bought the Nova pro wireless...and today I when to use them and I noticed that they changed the mobile App...it tooked me a while to connect them..😡 and now the App is worse than before
Oh no! I'll have to check it out. That is not good news. But also not surprising seeing Logitech's recent fare. Where I feel like it's been miss after miss after miss. Not quite sure what they are doing over there.
in game, i am constantly told i am too quiet after using the plug in mic and maxing out every slider for mic volume, quiet devo.
An issue I’m having rn with the Xbox version is when I switch it over to use it for my ps5 all audio is super quiet and I can’t get it to go past a certain volume. Not sure what that’s all about 🤨I see he made that issue aware in the video just now lol
I think it is a licensing/greed issue. Could also be due to hardware issues which is less evil. But basically, the reason why that is happening is that the Xbox and PS5 have different internals which makes the USB Protocol work differently. Which allegedly means that they need to have different hardware in the USB stick to get things to work properly so they handshake correctly. However, if you get a PS5 headset and set it to PC it will work on Xbox. But I'm not sure if the chat function works correctly. Anyways, I'm going down a rabbit hole.
My point is that the Xbox version isn't fully supported on the PS5 which makes it so the volume is exceedingly low and unusable. If you buy the PS5 dongle (I think it is like $30) it will work just fine with normal audio on the PlayStation (obviously). Can confirm as I did this myself. Then you could try chat with the PS5 Dongle set to PC and see if it works correctly on Xbox (I don't own an Xbox so can't) as I'm confident that the audio will work just fine as that is the case with a bunch of other headsets. Otherwise you'd have to pair each time you use either console.
@@ThomasMuehler yea I was thinking ab doing that, I do have alot of headsets myself so it’s not really a necessity but good to know it’s an option. Thanks!
@@IsaacH69 Which headset is your favorite?
@@ThomasMuehler would probably have to be my Gen 4 Astro A50s for sure!
@@IsaacH69 Solid choice. Out of curiosity how do you have those connected? Like Optical from TV?
Snagged em for $150
With nova pros sitting next to me for $290
Hard to justify the extra cash for the novas other than the base station line in and out.
Interesting. So you think these sound better and perform better than the Nova Pro’s?
Would you recommend these?
I made most of my thoughts in the review itself.
Basically, summed up. I do think they are a solid headset. Better than most headsets on the market. I don't think they are top tier though.
Sound wise I think they are good/great but something is just a bit off which prevents them from being awesome. But found that I enjoyed them for games/media. Not good for music.
Microphone was fine and average.
They are very comfortable. Large earcups.
Biggest thing is the controls are frustrating and not super user friendly. Which was a big detractor for me.
Really the only headsets that I would personally use myself (and do use) that I've tried are the HS80 Wired (budget option), Astro A30 (mid-tier), and Turtle Beach Stealth Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (high-end). I tend to focus more on the high-end stuff. Also, buying an actual audiophile headphone often leads to better results. The only reason why I'd go with a headset is if you are specifically wanting a microphone and some of the gaming centric features.
I'd recommend checking out Gadgetry Tech. He specializes in headsets/headphones. As his review style, findings, and thoughts tend to closely mirror my own and I great enjoy his insights.
I found this headset to having amazing functions features and sound. But unfortunately I couldn't get past the comfort, the pads are so hard and the clamp force it to tight
That's unfortunate about the pads and clamping force. I didn't notice an issue with clamping force. But do agree that the pads are on the hard side. Which is a double edged sword where the padding should last longer and loosen up in time. But can be quite uncomfortable before that happens.
@@ThomasMuehler I liked your review mate, I found your channel many moons ago from the astro a50 review you did. I'm shocked that Logitech won't release a new A50, it feels like they are willing to let astro die I don't get it
@@chrisnewton2325 That's awesome. I appreciate you sticking around for so long.
I'm with you. I'm not sure what is going on over there. But in general Logitech's recent fare has been meh at best so they have lost their way. With the A30's being one of their better releases but still filled with small issues. The Gen 4 A50 certainly has issues and isn't even fully compatible with the current systems (mostly PS5 I think it is fine on Xbox) without some creativity. So, what I'm hoping is that they are releasing products to find the perfect mix of things in order to release a banger Gen 5 A50.
@@ThomasMuehler I hope your right mate, I sold my gen 4 a50s, they didn't sound good on ps5 and if you want full compatibility with sound you have to run games at 1080p. It's just crazy to think we are approaching 3 years with the series X and ps5 and we are still waiting for gen 5. I'm reading to throw my money at them 😅
@@chrisnewton2325 I am with you. I am ready to throw my money at them too. But I've been enjoying the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro's. While they certainly have some cons. The sound that I get from them is surprisingly really good. Then if you want more of a solid altogether headset the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are great as well.
My friend keeps buying Astros, she's gotten at least two so far and both times her mic quality when we game together is ass. Either she can't navigate the "command center" app to boost the mic volume for us, or the stupid app simply cannot do that. I've found threads on Reddit complaining about the same thing. Hearing that it's controlled by an app had alarm bells go off in my head. Apps for audio control are a nightmare at the best of times. Honestly all these headsets seems to be more style over substance. For gamers, the mic quality alone makes me think it's overpriced crap.
Agree, I don’t think an app should be required to get a working product. A headset should be good as is. Software can be added for an extra experience for those who want to tinker. But should never be needed.
Also, agree that most headset microphones are meh. Which has me pondering. Is our expectation just not reasonable? Like is the tech just not there? Or is the tech there but the price for said tech is more than most consumers are willing to spend? I’ve enjoyed two headset microphones. The Astro A40 Gen 3 and the Corsair HS80 Wired. The others I’ve found to be acceptable but not impressive.
Last thought. Microphones in general but especially headset microphones tend to be very vocal reliant. Where if you just don’t have a good voice I feel you get the shaft when it comes to microphones. Where alternatively if you have a good voice pretty much all microphones sound good.
Okay, actual last point. There is a ton of user error on how to correctly speak into a microphone and where to place it. Which I think only adds to the issues with headset microphones. And find that if you know how to correctly setup a microphone that they tend to sound good/solid.
Hello, I would like to take a weight off my shoulders here
I have to say that I was in doubt for a long time between the Astro A30 and the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023).
Today I bought an A30 on Amazon for $170 and I would like to ask, even if late, if I made a good purchase when compared to a Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023) for the same price.
From a general perspective, which headset do you think is the Astro A30 or the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro (2023)?
Depending on the answer, I'll ask for a refund on the A30 and buy the Razer XD
Can you help qith my doubt?
Great video!!!!!!
Ps.: It's worth mentioning that I really like the aesthetics of the A30 as a Headset
i would install sound blaster card . use headset . and ant microphone . gaming headsets are a gimmick these days for computers .
I would agree that money is better spent on buying a "audiophile headphone" (Sennhesier, Audio Technica, etc.) not "headset" (Astro, Steelseries, etc) and an external microphone. I think going with a DAC tends to give better results than a SoundBlaster card. But regardless of how you cut it you'll spend more on that solution (even though it will be worth it and much better and probably spend less in the long run). But gaming headsets have come a long way from where they used to be at.
I bought this headset, I hate it with a passion. This one purchase will entirely change the way I buy peripherals. I've never hated anything so much.
I'm so very sorry to hear that. But I do understand where you are coming from. It's a odd one. That's for sure.
Logitech should not have been bought astro lol
I agree. They do not seem to have taken it very seriously. As the products outside of the A50X have been lackluster.
@@ThomasMuehler sennheiser was a better option they should have tought about their loyal customers leave the company who cares about quality over quantity anyway have a good day sir
@@mrblack576 I didn't even know Sennheiser was an option. That would have been fantastic.
@@ThomasMuehler it wasnt lol i said that because it obvious choice there headsets are always high quality and design
@@mrblack576 My bad!
It's ugly! it looks silly and childish. Look, ma, I took the cushions from the two couches and slapped them in my ears, sewn into a curtain.
lol
The Astro A30 is an over priced disappointment , and reeks of Logitech’s influence. Astro is finished. What a shame!
I completely agree. It's a real bummer. Especially, with how long it has taken them to come out with an updated modern headset.
I've used Logitech headsets for years and never had any issues. This one honestly looks worse. It's all branding and gimmicks and none of it works.
@@robinfox4440 I agree.
I’ve been using these headphones since maybe November and I hate them. They’re are very uncomfortable especially when it’s warm outside. Then my biggest issue is the transmitter! So many times when I load into a game I end up dying because I have to disconnect my phone and take the dongle out of the Xbox and then turn the headphones off and then connect it all back together. I am truly disappointed.
I can't say I've had any connection issues with the dongle itself. Have had some issues with the App on my phone picking up that it is paired to my phone though. I'm wondering if you have a slightly defective dongle?
Also, appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm sorry you hate them. But understand where you are coming from. I was really hoping these would be better than they are.
@@ThomasMuehler this is my second dongle. It happens randomly but it’s definitely annoying. Really should of got the A50s heard they’re awesome
@@King_cole1990 Man, I am truly sorry to hear that.
As for the A50's they are a solid headset. But are showing their age now. I do have a review for them up. You can check it out if you want. But they also aren't without their issues.
Id recommend either the Artis Nova Pro Wireless (or wired if you okay with that) or the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro Wireless. Audeze also has solid contenders. And from my research and expereince those tend to be the tops right now.
The amount of time you are going to spend turning this headset on and off if literally criminal. 250$ to spend 500+ hours turning the headset off and on just so I can hear the chat.
You turn it on to start the day you won’t be able to adjust your game/party mixer
You turn it on again and now the party cannot hear you
You turn it on again and now you hear nothing
Turn it on again and your back to the same problem from the first turn on
About 5 more cycles of that and you will be able to use the mic.
I hope everyone at Astro gets laid off this headset is an L for $250 don’t buy it
@@killakeeysimmons3028 absolutely agree I can’t wait till I’m able to smash these, I’m waiting to get the a50s and when I do I will make a CZcams video absolutely RAGING on this headset and personally have it sent to Astro
I gotta check these out! New sub👍🏼out here supporting smaller channels like mine!
Welcome to the family Nenad, I'm very happy you're here. I'll definitely check out your channel! Love the look of your thumbnails, super clean and modern.