The key difference is console video routing: Astro A50 X adds HDMI 2.1 passthrough and video switching, while Astro A50 Gen 5 connects to consoles over USB-C audio and focuses on audio switching. Choose the A50 X if you want its base station to route console video; choose Gen 5 if audio switching is all you need.
Astro A50 X vs. A50 Gen 5: the differences at a glance
| Feature | Astro A50 X | Astro A50 Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S and PS5 connection | HDMI 2.1 audio/video passthrough | USB-C audio |
| Console video switching | Supported through the base station | Not listed; PLAYSYNC Audio is positioned for audio switching |
| PC/Mac connection | USB-C audio | USB-C audio |
| Docked Nintendo Switch | HDMI passthrough | USB-C audio |
| Handheld Nintendo Switch | Bluetooth audio listed | Bluetooth audio listed |
| HDMI cable | Not included; sold separately | No HDMI passthrough cable requirement listed |
Logitech G lists the A50 X’s HDMI 2.1 passthrough at up to 4K 120 Hz and specifies three HDMI 2.1 ports at 40 Gbps. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. [Logitech G A50 X specifications]
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What HDMI passthrough changes
With the A50 X, the base station sits in the console’s HDMI video path as well as handling headset audio. Logitech describes PLAYSYNC on A50 X as supporting audio switching between console and PC, plus video switching on console. That makes it the model to consider if you want to change console video sources through the headset base station rather than only switch audio.
The A50 Gen 5’s console connection is USB-C audio. Logitech describes its PLAYSYNC Audio as streamlined for audio switching; it is not presented as an HDMI video-switching option. So if your deciding question is “Does the A50 Gen 5 have HDMI passthrough?”, the documented answer is no: Logitech lists USB-C audio for its console connection, not HDMI passthrough. [Logitech G A50 Gen 5 specifications] [Logitech G PLAYSYNC]
#1 Best Overall
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox + PS5 + Switch/Switch 2+ PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and switch AUDIO & VIDEO between them with on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
What both headsets have in common
These are both wireless multi-platform headset systems with a charging base station and PLAYSYNC-family switching. Logitech lists USB-C audio for PC and Mac on both models, along with up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, G HUB and G App customization, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing. [A50 X product page] [A50 Gen 5 product page]
For Nintendo Switch, check the connection mode you actually use: Logitech lists HDMI passthrough for the A50 X in docked mode and USB-C audio for Gen 5 in docked mode. Both list Bluetooth audio for handheld mode. Feature support can differ by platform and mode, so do not assume that a feature listed for PC or a docked console applies identically in handheld play.
Rank #2
- PLAYSYNC AUDIO 3-System Switching: The A50 wireless gaming headset with mic connects to 3 platforms at once via USB-C so you can tap between Xbox, PS5, PC/Mac or Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 via on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location and timing accuracy (40mm diameter with live edge technology)
- 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless: This wireless headset with mic offers uncompressed, immersive gaming audio at lightspeed
- Broadcast-Quality Mic: Experience maximum articulation with the 48 kHz full-bandwidth boom mic that achieves new levels in voice quality
- Bluetooth Dual-Device Mixing: Connect to your mobile device and mix your Discord comms or music into your game audio
Which one should you choose?
Choose the A50 X if you need console video switching
- You want the headset base station to handle HDMI video switching as well as audio switching for console use.
- You want the documented HDMI 2.1 passthrough specification, advertised by Logitech as up to 4K 120 Hz.
- You are prepared to supply a compatible HDMI 2.1 cable: Logitech says the A50 X cable is sold separately.
Choose the A50 Gen 5 if you only need audio switching
- You do not need the headset base station to route console video over HDMI.
- USB-C audio for your consoles meets your connection needs.
- You want Logitech’s audio-switching approach without choosing the A50 X for its HDMI passthrough feature.
Before choosing the A50 X, check the console, display, and cable arrangement you plan to use. The listed passthrough capability alone does not establish how a particular setup will behave. Logitech’s pages describe features and specifications, not a comparative listening test, so they do not establish that one model sounds better.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PLAYSYNC AUDIO 3-System Switching: The A50 wireless gaming headset with mic connects to 3 platforms at once via USB-C so you can tap between Xbox, PS5, PC/Mac or Nintendo Switch via on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location and timing accuracy (40mm diameter with live edge technology)
- 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless: This wireless headset with mic offers uncompressed, immersive gaming audio at lightspeed
- Broadcast-Quality Mic: Experience maximum articulation with the 48 kHz full-bandwidth boom mic that achieves new levels in voice quality
- Bluetooth Dual-Device Mixing: Connect to your mobile device and mix your Discord comms or music into your game audio
Rank #4
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox plus PS5 plus PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and tap between them with on-ear controls
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
Rank #3
- PLAYSYNC Simultaneous Multi-System: Xbox + PS5 + Switch/Switch 2+ PC all at once. Stay connected to all your platforms and switch AUDIO & VIDEO between them with on-ear control
- PRO-G GRAPHENE Audio Drivers: Groundbreaking clarity and response for precise audio separation, location, and timing accuracy (40 mm diameter)
- Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED Wireless: Ultra high-performance, end-to-end technology for responsive and immersive gaming audio free from wires
- State-of-the-art HDMI 2.1 Passthru: Delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz)
- Broadcast-quality Mic: Sound like a pro; 48 kHz full-bandwidth LIGHTSPEED mic uplink achieves new levels in wireless boom mic quality
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