Logitech G Astro A50 X: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-18
Summary
The A50 X’s value sits almost entirely in its PLAYSYNC multi-console switching, and its recurring complaints are the convoluted HDMI and USB chaining, occasional HDMI dropouts, and a firmware update that broke the microphone until a factory reset. There is no subscription; the only regular cost is replacement earpads at $39.99 for the A50 Gen 4 Mod Kit. It is worth it only for multi-console players who need simultaneous PS5, Xbox and PC audio.
Common problems and fixes
- Convoluted HDMI and USB setup — consoles must chain through the base station by USB and HDMI, and the base station has no analog or optical inputs; PCMag called the setup slightly convoluted but found it worked once configured. [1]
- HDMI signal dropouts — IGN reported occasional dropouts of about 2 seconds, mostly on PlayStation, that clear after restarting the console. [4]
- Firmware update broke the microphone — IGN hit an auto-update that stopped the mic working until a factory reset; G Hub is where EQ and settings are saved across devices. [4]
- Scratchy, hot fabric earcups — IGN called the stock earcups its least favorite of any gaming headset it tested, said the headband padding was insufficient, and saw the mic boom reform to its factory shape; the A50 Gen 4 Mod Kit swaps in faux-leather pads. [4][1]
- No active noise cancellation or analog input — the base station drops the A50’s 3.5 mm aux and optical audio inputs, so analog and optical sources have no way in. [1]
- Tricky charging contacts — the earcup contacts can be a bit tricky to align properly on the base station. [1]
Parts and consumables
- A50 Gen 4 Mod Kit — $39.99 (PCMag, 2023); faux-leather earpads and a headband pad; replace when the stock fabric pads wear out or for comfort. [1]
- The headset and base station are not user-serviceable, and no other replaceable parts are published. [4]
Yearly running cost
No subscription is required and Dolby Atmos authorization is included. The main recurring cost is earpads: the A50 Gen 4 Mod Kit costs $39.99 (PCMag, 2023), and no fixed replacement interval is published. Beyond that, running cost is $0, with no batteries, pods or subscriptions, and the headset and base station are not user-serviceable. [1][4]
When it is a good buy
Logitech lists the A50 X at $399.99 (Logitech, 2026); PCMag reviewed it at a $379.99 MSRP (PCMag, 2023). At $300-$340 it can be worth it for multi-console players who need PS5, Xbox and PC audio at once; at $350-$380 it is expensive for the feature set and only justified if multi-console connectivity is essential; at $399.99 or more it is hard to recommend over the alternatives below.
Alternatives:
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless ($349.99, PCMag 2023) — better for PC-only players, with swappable batteries and active noise cancellation. [1]
- Astro A20 X ($160) — Wirecutter’s pick for high-quality wireless sound if you do not need the HDMI switch. [3]
- Razer BlackShark V2 Pro ($99) — Wirecutter’s value pick. [3]