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The key difference is HDMI video routing. The Astro A50 X’s base station adds HDMI 2.1 passthrough and console video switching; the Astro A50 Gen 5 connects to consoles over USB-C audio and focuses on switching audio between systems. Choose the A50 X if you want the base station to route console video as well as audio. If audio switching is all you need, the Gen 5 may be the better fit.
Astro A50 X vs. A50 Gen 5: the key differences
| Feature | Astro A50 X | Astro A50 Gen 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S and PS5 connection | HDMI 2.1 audio/video passthrough; Logitech G lists up to 4K at 120 Hz and three HDMI 2.1 ports rated at 40 Gbps on its product specification page, accessed in 2026. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. | USB-C audio; HDMI video passthrough is not listed. |
| Console video switching | Supported through PLAYSYNC, alongside audio switching between console and PC, according to Logitech G. | Not listed. Logitech G describes PLAYSYNC Audio as focused on audio switching. |
| PC/Mac | USB-C audio, up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, G HUB and G App customization, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing. | USB-C audio, up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, G HUB and G App customization, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing. |
| Nintendo Switch, docked | HDMI passthrough is listed. | USB-C audio is listed. |
| Nintendo Switch, handheld | Bluetooth audio is listed. | Bluetooth audio is listed. |
| HDMI cable | Not included; Logitech says it is sold separately. | Not applicable to the listed USB-C console connection. |
Feature listings are from Logitech G’s A50 X product page, A50 Gen 5 product page, and PLAYSYNC page. Check the manufacturer’s platform-specific feature tables for your setup rather than assuming each connection mode works identically across platforms.
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What HDMI passthrough changes on the A50 X
With the A50 X, the base station can handle console video switching as well as audio switching. Logitech G describes PLAYSYNC on the A50 X as supporting audio switching on console and PC, plus video switching on console. Its product page specifies up to 4K at 120 Hz passthrough and three HDMI 2.1 ports at 40 Gbps. Those figures describe the product’s advertised capability; they do not establish how a particular console, display, cable, and configuration will perform together.
The HDMI cable is sold separately, so include that in your setup planning if you intend to use passthrough. Confirm that your display and cable arrangement suits the resolution and refresh rate you want. The A50 Gen 5’s listed console connection is USB-C audio, so its base station is not presented as a console video-routing option.
#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
Both are wireless multi-platform headset systems built around a charging base station, and both support switching between connected systems. For PC and Mac, Logitech lists USB-C audio, up to 24-bit audio, game/chat mixing, customization through G HUB and G App, Dolby Atmos, and Bluetooth dual-device mixing on both models. Their shared features mean the main distinction is how the base station handles console connections, not a documented difference in PC/Mac feature support.
Switch connection modes differ when docked: Logitech lists HDMI passthrough for the A50 X and USB-C audio for the Gen 5. Both list Bluetooth audio in handheld mode and Bluetooth dual-device mixing in docked mode. Consult the relevant product page for the full platform-specific details before connecting a particular device.
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 Astro A50 should you choose?
Choose the A50 X if you want console video switching
- You want the headset base station to switch console video over HDMI as well as audio.
- You specifically need its advertised HDMI 2.1 passthrough capability, including the listed support for up to 4K at 120 Hz.
- You are prepared to obtain a compatible HDMI cable separately and check your display and console setup.
Choose the A50 Gen 5 if audio switching is enough
- You want to switch audio among connected systems but do not need the base station to route console video.
- USB-C audio is suitable for your console connection.
- You want the shared PC/Mac features without choosing the A50 X specifically for HDMI passthrough.
Does the A50 X sound better than the A50 Gen 5?
The cited Logitech G product and technology pages describe features and specifications, not independent comparative listening tests. They do not establish that one model sounds better, so this feature comparison cannot support a sound-quality verdict.
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
