When gaming on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, I experienced clear, crisp sound across a variety of games and scenarios. There are no removable, swappable panels or eye-catching aluminum struts here, only simple gray and black plastic. The cable is removable, and it’s quite similar to the cable that comes with the A40s, but a bit more springy. Their also microphone offers great overall performance, ensuring you're heard clearly, even in moderately noisy environments.

We've retested 'Feedback' in the Controls test as we felt that the original 'subpar' result was too harsh. They lack thump and rumble but have a touch of extra boom and warmth that brings out sound effects in games.The A40 are also compatible with the Astro Command Centre software, which allows sound customization with an EQ, although some users have experienced issues when using the software. Conversely, the SteelSeries are more comfortable, and their sound profile is more neutral, although it's still leans warm. The mic is permanently attached, and while the earpads and headbands are removable, Astro doesn't offer mod kits for simple replacement like with the A40 and A50. Stepping up a little more to the HyperX Cloud II, meanwhile, and you also get extra earpads, a carry case, a USB sound card, and 7. It's hardly ugly, but it's a lot simpler and more spartan in design than its siblings, lacking the cool cutouts and coloring of the pricier models.

It's important to take the time to adjust the headphones' positioning, fit, and seal to ensure a more consistent sound each time you use them. However, the Xbox headphones are more comfortable and are compatible with virtual soundstage features like Window Sonic Spatial Audio.That’s not all that surprising, considering Astro is also a well-regarded industrial design company. However, the JBL are a little more portable thanks to their detachable microphone, while their simple onboard control scheme provides more feedback than the Astro’s in-line remote. One positive is that if you flip the microphone up it mutes itself - great if you want to talk without transmitting. Astro's design here has a steel headband along the top with a flexible, rubberized cover, along with its familiar rounded rectangular cans at the bottom. The dialogue and sound effects come through clearly, so confirmed hits and blocks aren't lost against the bass-filled mix.