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What to Look for in a PS5 Headset
The PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio engine is the biggest reason to buy a good headset for the console. It simulates directional sound so you can hear exactly where footsteps, gunshots, and environmental effects are coming from. Every PS5 headset supports 3D Audio since it’s processed by the console, not the headset – but headsets with wider soundstages and better driver quality make the effect more convincing.
Wireless headsets for PS5 connect via USB dongle (2.4 GHz), not Bluetooth. Standard Bluetooth has too much latency for gaming, so Sony doesn’t support it for game audio. If a headset says “wireless PS5 compatible,” it should include a USB-A dongle that plugs into the console. Wired headsets connect through the 3.5 mm jack on the DualSense controller.
Best PS5 Gaming Headsets Compared
| Headset | Best For | Connection | Battery | Mic | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Pulse Elite | Best overall | Wireless (USB dongle + BT) | 30 hrs | Retractable boom | $130 to $150 |
| SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P | Best multiplatform | Wireless (USB-C dongle + BT) | 38 hrs | Retractable boom | $130 to $150 |
| Sony Pulse 3D | Best value wireless | Wireless (USB dongle) | 12 hrs | Built-in dual mics | $70 to $100 |
| HyperX Cloud III Wireless | Best comfort | Wireless (USB dongle) | 120 hrs | Detachable boom | $130 to $150 |
| Razer BlackShark V2 Pro | Best competitive | Wireless (USB dongle + BT) | 70 hrs | Detachable boom | $150 to $180 |
| HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 | Best budget | Wired (3.5 mm) | N/A | Swivel-to-mute boom | $40 to $50 |
Best Overall: Sony Pulse Elite
Sony designed the Pulse Elite specifically for PS5, and the integration shows. It connects via the included USB dongle for lossless wireless audio and supports simultaneous Bluetooth for phone calls or music while gaming. The planar magnetic drivers produce clearer, more detailed sound than the dynamic drivers in most gaming headsets at this price – you hear subtle audio details in games like spatial reverb and distant sound cues that cheaper headsets blur together.
The retractable boom microphone is a nice design touch. Push it into the ear cup when you’re not chatting, pull it out when you are. Voice quality is clear with decent noise isolation. Battery life hits 30 hours, which is solid. The PS5’s system UI gives you quick access to EQ settings and microphone adjustments without leaving your game.
The headband uses a floating strap design that distributes weight evenly. Comfort is good for sessions up to 3 to 4 hours, though some people with larger heads find the clamping force tight out of the box. It loosens after a break-in period of a week or two.
Best Multiplatform: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P
If you game on PS5 and also use a PC, Switch, or phone, the Arctis Nova 7P covers all of them. The USB-C dongle works with PS5 (via the front USB-C port or a USB-A adapter), PC, Switch, and Android. Simultaneous Bluetooth connects your phone at the same time, so you can take calls without removing the headset or pausing your game.
Sound quality is balanced and accurate. SteelSeries’ Sonar EQ software works on PC for detailed tuning, and you can save profiles to the headset’s memory that carry over to PS5. The 38-hour battery life is among the longest in this category. The retractable microphone has ClearCast noise cancellation that does a good job filtering out keyboard clicks and background noise.
The ski-goggle headband distributes pressure without a top pad, which keeps your head cool during long sessions. Build quality is mostly plastic, which makes it lighter (325 grams) but doesn’t feel as premium as metal-frame alternatives. For durability at this weight, it holds up fine.
Best Value Wireless: Sony Pulse 3D
The Pulse 3D was the original PS5 headset at launch, and it’s still a solid buy if you want wireless on a budget. The dual hidden microphones pick up your voice without a boom mic, which gives the headset a cleaner look. Sound quality is good with punchy bass and clear mids – not as detailed as the Pulse Elite, but very capable for the price.
The biggest weakness is battery life. At 12 hours, you’ll charge it every few days with regular use. Comfort is also average – the ear cushions are thin and don’t provide much padding during marathon sessions. The headband has limited adjustment range, so people with very large or very small heads may find the fit awkward.
At $70 to $100 (prices have dropped significantly since launch), it’s the cheapest way to get wireless PS5 audio with Sony’s direct integration. The dedicated PS5 audio settings work seamlessly with this headset.
Best Comfort: HyperX Cloud III Wireless
If you game for 4+ hours at a stretch, comfort matters more than any other spec. The Cloud III Wireless uses memory foam ear cushions wrapped in breathable leatherette that stays comfortable for remarkably long sessions. The headband padding is thick without adding excessive weight. At 330 grams, it’s lighter than it looks.
The 120-hour battery life is absurd. You can game for weeks without charging. HyperX achieves this partly by not including Bluetooth – it’s wireless via USB dongle only. Sound quality is warm with emphasized bass, which works well for action games and explosions but isn’t the most accurate for competitive titles where you need precise audio positioning. The detachable boom mic is solid for chat.
The DTS Headphone:X spatial audio works on PC but not PS5 – on the console, you rely on Sony’s built-in Tempest 3D Audio instead. This isn’t a downside since Tempest works well, but it means the DTS feature you’re paying for in the headset goes unused on PS5.
Best for Competitive Gaming: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
The BlackShark V2 Pro prioritizes the audio details that matter in competitive multiplayer. The 50 mm titanium-coated drivers produce a wide soundstage with detailed highs that make footsteps, reloads, and ability sounds easy to pinpoint directionally. The tuning is flat and neutral rather than bass-heavy, which competitive players prefer because boomy bass can mask important mid and high-frequency cues.
The 70-hour battery life means you’re not worrying about charge during tournaments or long sessions. The detachable HyperClear Super Wideband mic captures voice in higher fidelity than most gaming headset mics, which your teammates will appreciate. Simultaneous Bluetooth lets you stay connected to Discord on your phone.
Comfort is good but not quite at HyperX Cloud III levels. The ear cushions use a mix of fabric and leatherette that breathes reasonably well. At $150 to $180, it’s the priciest option on this list, but competitive players who need precise audio positioning get real value from the tuning.
Best Budget: HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
The Cloud Stinger 2 proves you don’t need to spend $150 for a good PS5 headset. It’s wired (3.5 mm into the DualSense controller), which means no battery to worry about and zero latency. The 50 mm drivers produce surprisingly full sound for a $40 headset, with enough bass to make explosions satisfying and enough clarity to hear dialogue clearly.
The swivel-to-mute boom mic flips up to mute automatically, which is the most intuitive mute mechanism in any headset. Build quality is lightweight plastic at 275 grams, making it comfortable for extended play. The ear cushions are soft memory foam with a fabric cover that doesn’t get sweaty.
The tradeoff at this price is sound isolation and build premium. The ear cups don’t seal as tightly as more expensive options, so you’ll hear more ambient room noise. The plastic construction feels durable enough for normal use but won’t survive being sat on or stepped on. For the money, it’s the best wired PS5 headset available.
Wired vs Wireless PS5 Headsets
Wireless headsets offer freedom of movement and no cable tugging when you turn your head. The downside is battery management, slightly higher weight (from the battery), and higher price. Wired headsets through the DualSense controller have zero latency, never need charging, and cost less. The downside is the cable, and audio quality is limited by the DualSense’s DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which is decent but not audiophile-grade.
For most PS5 gamers, wireless is worth the premium if you can afford it. The convenience of not dealing with a cable that connects to your controller (which you’re holding and moving constantly) is significant. If budget is tight, a good wired headset like the Cloud Stinger 2 delivers 90% of the experience at a third of the price.
Do I need a headset specifically made for PS5?
No. Any headset with a 3.5 mm jack works wired through the DualSense controller. For wireless, you need a headset with a USB dongle since PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth for game audio. Headsets marketed as “PS5 compatible” simply confirm the USB dongle works with the console. Sony-made headsets get extra integration like system-level EQ controls, but third-party options with USB dongles work just as well for audio.
Can I use AirPods with PS5?
Not directly for game audio. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio output. Some workarounds exist – like connecting a Bluetooth transmitter to the controller’s 3.5 mm jack – but these add latency and reduce audio quality. If you already own AirPods and don’t want to buy a separate headset, the transmitter approach works for casual single-player games where slight audio delay doesn’t matter. For anything competitive or timing-sensitive, use a wired or USB-dongle wireless headset.
Does 3D Audio work with every PS5 game?
Tempest 3D Audio works with every PS5 game at a basic level since the console processes it system-wide. However, games specifically designed for 3D Audio (like Returnal, Ratchet & Clank, and Horizon Forbidden West) implement it more thoroughly with detailed spatial sound design. Older PS4 games running on PS5 get a basic 3D Audio enhancement but not the full directional effect that native PS5 titles offer.
See also: Best Wireless Earbuds, Best 4K Gaming Monitors, Best Gaming Keyboards
Sources
Sony – PS5 Headsets | Sony – Tempest 3D AudioTech | SteelSeries – Arctis Nova 7P