PlayStation Platinum Wireless Headset

Going to compare the Astro A50 to the PS4 Platinum headset since the Astro A50 was my main gaming headset prior to purchasing the PS4 Platinum Headset --Sound Quality: Astro A50s have better sound quality. Not that the PS4 Platinum is bad, there's not a massive difference in quality, but if you are an audiophile you will notice a difference. PS4 Platinum gives off a more exaggerated sound while the A50 sounds more natural. A50 has a better range in terms of audio quality (does well in low, mids and highs) as the Sony Platinum is good at mid to highs. PS4 Platinum has a better spacial awareness or where enemies and sound is coming from in game (especially with 3D audio*). So if you are a hardcore gamer and want a more functional headset (in terms of gameplay) compared to one that sounds better, the PS4 platinum is a better choice. *3D audio is only present in a few games at the moment and it spacial awareness is amazing. The spacial awareness still works on titles that do not support 3D audio, but not as pronounced as you cannot hear what's above or below you. Both Astro A50 and PS4 Platinum you are able to hear what's going on around you (not top/bottom with non-3d audio compatible games for Sony Plat) but Sony Platinum does a better job. Hope this headset catches on as i like to see more games with 3D audio. --Build: PS4 Platinum has a weaker build as I say most of the cost went into the technology. The PS4 platinum is able to fold up if you want to travel with it or put it in a compact storage space. In general the Astro A50s has a more sturdy build, but not as portable. Both are very comfortable to wear over extended periods of time Astro A50 buttons are easier to press and is more user friendly especially with the analog scroll volume wheel . PS4 Platinum has most of the functions along the back side of the headset and most buttons have similar tactile feedback so it's hard to get a grasp at it at times. --Visual aesthetic: Exception of the metal band on top the PS4 Platinum looks very bland A50 has a lot of going on especially with the spiral cords on the side of the headset --Compatibility: Right off the bat, if you want surround sound on the PS4 Platinum headset, it ONLY works on the PS4/PS4 Pro. If you want to use it on other devices it will only output stereo. Astro A50 surround sound can be outputted on other devices like PC and XboxOne (if you have the adapter) Both does not have bluetooth as they have their own receiver. Astro A50 uses a mix amp while the Sony Platinum uses a USB dongle With the Astro A50 there's more wiring as you have to connect it the PS4 via wired USB and an optical cable. PS4 Platinum just used a Wireless USB dongle, so you just plug and play instead of fiddling around with wires. If you want to use your headset to connect to a device with a 3mm jack, the PS4Platinum as a dedicated 3mm headphone port on the headset itself, but know that it only outputs stereo. Astro A50 on the other hand, have no wired 3mm option to the headset itself as you have to connect via the mix amp which needs to connect via USB power source, and 3mm audio cable coming out of the mix amp. Sony Platinum is more portable in this sense as if you want to bring the Astro A50 out in public you have to connect the mix amp via power bank and deal with two separate wires Both have custom software, but the PS4 Platinum is easily accessible via PS4 app if you play on the PS4. For the Astro A50 you have to set it up via PC then download the info to the headset before you can use a new custom preset. The PS4 Platinum headset app has custom setting for specific games that the developers put in that take advantage of the 3D audio. As of this review only 4 titles are available: Uncharted 4, Watch Dogs 2, Last Guardian, and MLB The Show 16 --Mic Quality: Both are about the same. Astro A50 is slightly better, but if you don't listen to them side-by-side and try to focus on the audio they're generally the same. You can hear each other person well on the other end and vice versa. Astro A50s you have to pull down the mic so it's in front of your face, but that's generally not an issue. It's easier to mute chat volume with Astro A50 as you just have to lift up the boom mic as i find that much faster than reaching back and hitting a dedicated mute button on the Sony Platinum --Battery Life: PS4 platinum has 2-3 times more battery than the Astro A50s depending on volume and chat settings --Summary: For the price I'd say the PS4 Platinum is a good value if you're on a budget (only if you play it on the PS4 as the surround sound doesn't work on any other devices) as the Astro A50 you'll be paying $100+ more depending on where you purchase it. If you can shell out more I'd go for the A50 if you want a more immersive audio experience Astro A50 has better audio quality, but PS4 Platinum out preforms it in spacial awareness. Astro A50 has a better build, but if you don't' toss your headset in the corner of the room each time, both should last a long time. It's easier to access buttons with the Astro A50s even if you build muscle memory on the PS4 Platinum as the locations and tactile feedback of the buttons on the Astro A50s are more intuitive Battery life on the PS4 Platinum is way better. Personally I'm going to use both, now I can use the A50 as a PC only headset since before I have to keep moving the Mix Amp when I want to change console/systems. If you have any questions or find this review helpful leave a comment. Hope this helps you in your purchasing decision. Thank you.