The new A10 is a redesigned version of the A40 and A50 that borrows certain styling cues from the older models. The earpads are now two-piece constructions, and the back of the headset includes integrated vertical arms that link to the headband and glide up and down to produce a better fit. The pressure and weight of the headset are evenly distributed by the wide, lightweight headband.

The A10’s floating earcups and vertically moving struts provide an even more comfortable fit than the A10. The earpads are now covered in a soft, breathable fabric that has a layer of plush, soft memory foam underneath. The material-matched, generous cushioning under the headband makes sure the headset never feels too tight on the head.

The left earcup houses the boom mic, which has a long, flexible rubber arm. The bottom edge of each earcup has a 3.5mm connection for attaching the headset to the 6.6-foot cable that comes with it. The cable has a four-pole, 3.5mm plug as its termination and an inbuilt remote control with a volume wheel. If your PC has separate headphone and microphone connections, a 3.5mm splitter adapter is also provided.

The Astro A10 gaming headset is compatible with all major game consoles, PCs and Macs. It does not have simulated surround sound technology, but the audio technology is already there.

A good, clear boom mic is essential for any gaming headset. The test recordings were clear and didn’t include any stray fan noises from my laptop or its cooler. For the affordable price of the headset, it’s a good mic that works well for voice chat as well as sporadic recording and streaming. We advise purchasing a dedicated USB microphone if you’re serious about creating content, whether it be podcasts or other types of media. ..