When it comes to wired or wireless headphones, most people fall on one side of the argument. That is, you typically like one type far more than the other. I hated wireless gaming headphones for a long time, but my opinion changed with the Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless. The HS70 stand out with their wireless capabilities, functionality, and immersive sound. But all that enough to beat the Astro Gaming A10 headset? The A10 dominates when compared to the Corsair Void RGB Elite Wireless. This leads us to question if they can do it again with the HS70 Pro Wireless, or do the HS70 show that not only is wireless the way to go, but it’s better in terms of performance? Are the HS70 good enough to convert me (and perhaps you) from wired to wireless? It’s time to put that question to the test.
Technical Specifications
Packaging and Accessories
Both headphones come with a limited number of accessories. With that, their packaging is practically identical. However, let’s dig deeper and see how they compare.
Astro Gaming A10
In the box:
A10 gaming headset A10 volume cable 3.5mm female to dual 3.5mm TRS splitter cable
I’m not excited about the packaging or accessories for the A10. The simple strong plastic mold of the packaging meets the minimum standard, however, the accessories don’t thrill me. They consist of a removable cable and Y splitter crammed into a little pocket in the shell.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
In the box:
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Wireless USB Bluetooth connector Microphone foam windscreen Micro USB charging cable Detachable microphone
The HS70 may seem like they have a lot of accessories, but it’s really just the industry standard basics for a wireless headset. You have a USB Bluetooth connector, charging cable, and a detachable microphone with a removable foam windscreen. The HS70 don’t stray too far from the A10 packaging, however, the HS70 have a seatbelt cover to keep the headset in place.
Packaging and Accessories Verdict
I can’t give either headphone the edge as they are nearly identical in packaging and with the accessories they offer. The A10 have a closed plastic cover, while the HS70 are open with a plastic seatbelt. Both get the job done, but neither have the most attractive packaging I’ve come across. Additionally, neither headphones’ accessories get me excited. They both offer nothing more than the minimal essentials for wired and wireless headphones. This means neither headphone is pushing the standard but only minimally meeting it.
Design and Functionality
Astro Gaming A10
The A10 design isn’t my favorite. The ear cups are square in shape, making them look really boxy. I’m also not a fan of the grey and orange color combo. Unless you get an Astro MixAmp, the A10 functionality is nothing to rave over. The microphone is flip-to-mute and there’s a volume dial on the removable cable.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
First off, the design for the HS70 has to be one of my all-time favorites. The oval ear cups are consistent with the metal yolks and it all flows nicely into the headband. Lastly, the headband sports beautiful stitching on the underside. There is a simple power-on button on the bottom of the right ear cup. On the left ear cup sits a volume dial, mic mute button, micro USB charging port, and detachable microphone slot.
Design and Functionality Verdict
Right off the bat I favor the HS70 design. I much prefer the streamlined look compared to the A10 boxy and brutish one. While the design is up to personal opinion, functionality is not, and the HS70 does it better. All of the buttons are kept close together on the left ear cup of the HS70. The volume dial works much smoother than the A10 and the detachable mic is a nice touch that is missing on the A10.
Comfort
Astro Gaming A10
Despite the boxy design of the A10, they are very comfortable. I can barely notice the headband on my head and they never become uncomfortable even with long gaming hours. Additionally, the cloth ear cups are very soft and have great airflow.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
The HS70 headband holds them back in overall comfort. It may be aesthetically pleasing but the band is quite stiff and not very plush. The lack of cushioning means I get headaches wearing them for long hours and constantly have me changing their position on my head. The ear cups fit and feel great around my ears, however, they do get a bit humid from time to time due to the strong seal they make.
Comfort Verdict
I constantly knock the A10 for their design, but they are obviously doing something right. The A10 never fail to provide great comfort, usually taking the victory by leaps and bounds. And this is exactly the case when compared to the HS70. The A10 are barely noticeable on my head and as a result, they don’t give me any aches. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can say for the HS70. The HS70 do have good ear cup comfort, but the pads are not as plush as the A10. Plus the airflow is much better on the A10.
Build Quality
Astro Gaming A10
The A10 build quality isn’t the best I’ve come across. All around the headset is entirely plastic. It’s still fairly durable, but I prefer less of it, like where the ear cups connect to the headband. I have a hard time adjusting them because it’s plastic rubbing against more plastic. The headband shows good resistance with a strength test, but where it connects to the ear cups appears weak. Even applying average amounts of resistance worries me that the plastic might crack at the joint.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
The HS70 have one of the best build quality that I’ve come across. Immediately I notice the metal mesh on the outside of the ear cups. The plastic around it feels very strong and so do the aluminum yolks that connect the ear cups to the headband. The headband only has plastic at the bottom of each hinge, while the rest is smooth leatherette over metal. The mic is thin and small and is the only part that feels cheaply built.
Build Quality Verdict
With the A10 constructed primarily from plastic, it’s easy to give the HS70 the win. The plastic A10 aren’t bad and appear relatively durable, but they simply can’t compete with the HS70 that have minimal amounts of plastic, a metal mesh cover on the outside of each ear cup, and strong aluminum yolks.
Mic Quality
Astro Gaming A10
I tested the A10 mic while playing CSGO with friends to get a pretty good impression of its performance. For the most part, the audio comes across clearly, and my call-outs can be easily understood. The only exception is with background noise the mic sounds muffled. This isn’t a problem for me, but I’m sure my teammates can go without it.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
Despite my worries regarding the HS70 mic build quality, its sound is up to par. My comms are clearly heard and I never get any comments about my mic being bad. However, like the A10, the HS70 mic has a tough time blocking background noise. It can still relay my voice, but an awful static sound is transmitted with it.
Mic Quality Verdict
Both mics operate basically the same. They both have trouble blocking out background noise, but other than that they deliver a clear sound whether I’m in Discord, game chat, or PS4 party chat. That makes them a tie for mic quality.
Connectivity
Astro Gaming A10
Through a 3.5mm audio connector and splitter cable for separate mic and audio ports for PC, the A10 is compatible with any device that supports that standard. Aside from that, the A10 don’t have much more to offer for connectivity. If you want more functionality you’ll need the Astro MixAmp, which is compatible with the Astro interface software.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
The HS70 are only compatible on PC and PS4/PS5 via the USB Bluetooth connector. The connection is made instantly and never drops when I am seated. However, moving around with the headset makes me question the claims of a 40ft wireless connection. The HS70 occasionally cuts out and creates static when I distance myself roughly 10 to 15ft from my seated position. I mainly find this to be the case when stepping into another room, so maybe the walls are breaking up the connection. Apart from that, I have no problems using them when seated and gaming, and the 16-hour battery life is accurate as advertised.
Connectivity Verdict
I want to give the A10 the edge for their compatibility, but the winner is completely up to user preference. Personally, I do the majority of my gaming on PC and PS4, so the HS70 is perfect for my setup. Xbox gamers won’t feel the same. With that, I much prefer the wireless aspect of the HS70, as cords can sometimes be annoying and get in my way. Despite the HS70 connection issues, I don’t ever find myself gaming further away than 5 ft, even on my PS4. In that regard, they work as expected. If I have to pick, personally I’d go with the HS70 but there’s a very fair argument to be made for the A10, making for a tie in this section.
Sound Quality
Comparing sound quality on PC
Astro Gaming A10
Playing CS:GO shows me I can rely on directional sound cues from the A10. The highs, like reload sounds or bullets dropping, can be easily heard. The mids, such as footsteps and a player’s gun cocking, are distinguishable. The only exception is the lows of explosions that often drown out the mids and highs. The A10 only have 2-channel stereo (not surround sound) on PC but their overall sound delivery is impressive. I can rely on them in my CS:GO matchplay, and feel confident taking them with me into battle in any FPS.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
Playing CS:GO with the HS70 gives me a sharper experience than the A10. The mids and highs are just a tad clearer, but it makes a noticeable difference. This is most likely due to the HS70 supporting 7.1 surround sound on PC and their better passive noise-cancellation. This makes a distinct difference in how clear the highs, mids, and lows come through, and they are generally louder, clearer, and sharper. What’s more, even with the volume dial lowered, I can tell sounds apart. This lets me play with a lower sound level that doesn’t compromise the mids or highs.
Comparing sound quality on Console
Astro Gaming A10
Testing the A10 on the new Fortnite Vibin Season gives me an equal impression as on PC. I can rely on their sound quality and sounds like footsteps are clear in direction. However, lows, like shots in the distance, are tough to tell exactly where they are coming from. I can rely on the A10 in battle, as long as there are not a lot of explosions.
Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
The HS70 don’t support 7.1 surround sound on PS4 but they still do a decent job. The delivery of mids and lows is sharp, but it’s the directional audio that takes the hit. Footsteps and the sounds of shots aren’t as precise in pinpointing where they came from as they are on PC. On console, the HS70 directional audio is very comparable to the A10, although, the HS70 still deliver clearer mids and highs.
Sound Quality Verdict
Both headphones give me a great sound quality experience. I can rely on them both in the heat of the moment and frankly, I am very impressed with their audio delivery. However, my preference is the HS70 due to the fact they have 7.1 surround sound on PC, and slightly more sharp mids and highs than the A10.
Overall Winner
Winner of each section
Packaging and Accessories: Tie: Astro Gaming A10 & Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Design and Functionality: Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Comfort: Astro Gaming A10 Build Quality: Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Mic Quality: Tie: Astro Gaming A10 & Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Connectivity: Tie: Astro Gaming A10 & Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless Sound Quality: Corsair HS70 Pro Wireless
Conclusion
The A10 and the HS70 are both great gaming headsets and the winner really comes down to your personal preference and gaming setup. If you are on Xbox, the HS70 is automatically out of the picture. However, if you game on PC or PS4/PS5 then the HS70 are the superior choice. The audio is sharper than through the A10, plus you have the freedom of wireless connectivity. On the other hand, the A10 are much cheaper and still give an impressive performance across the board. They are a solid choice, but if you want to be impressed by a wireless headset, go with the HS70.
