Let’s be honest, the PS5 is already a visual stunner, especially if you’ve paired it with a top shelf 4K telly. But visuals alone don’t make a game sing. To really soak in the action, whether it is a blockbuster cutscene or enemy footsteps sneaking up from behind, you need a quality headset. Sure, you could set up a full surround sound system, but unless your neighbours enjoy nightly gunfire and screeching monsters, that might be a hard sell.
TL;DR - These Are the Best PS5 Headsets
Thankfully, PlayStation gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to headsets. I’ve spent plenty of hours testing the best of the bunch, and this list covers the cream of the crop. Each one hits different strengths, from spatial audio tricks to all day comfort and crystal clear chat. Whether you're chasing cinematic immersion or competitive clarity, there is a headset here worth chucking in your cart.
This guide contains contributions by Michael Higham
Best Overall PS5 Headset
Best First-Party PS5 Headset
Best PS5 Headset for 3D Audio
Best Budget PS5 Headset
Best Wired PS5 Headset
Best Open-Back PS5 Headset
Best PS5 Earbuds
How do you work out sound quality on a gaming headset? It is not just about specs. You can measure things like frequency response with special gear but that does not tell the full story. What really counts is how games, music or movies sound when you wear them. I listen for clean audio, balanced sound and whether distortion pops up. Bigger drivers might help but it is not everything. For gaming, positional or spatial audio is key because it helps you tell where sounds come from in the game world. The PS5’s 3D audio tech adds depth and height that really pulls you in.
What makes gaming headsets different from regular headphones? The biggest difference is a built in mic so you can chat with your mates while playing. Not all mics are the same quality but most gaming headsets aim for clear voice sound and noise reduction. They are also tuned to highlight important game sounds like footsteps or gunfire so you get a competitive edge. Many use 2.4 gigahertz wireless dongles to keep lag very low. Plus lots have apps so you can adjust sound profiles for different games.
Should I go wired or wireless with my PS5 headset? I reckon wireless is best on PS5. Wired headsets can sound great but are limited by the controller’s audio output so you will not get the best possible quality. Wireless headsets have improved heaps with better battery life and very low lag. They are also more convenient if you like moving around or switching devices. If you game on PC a lot, wired might be simpler with no charging but on PS5 wireless just fits the experience better.
Is 3D audio really worth it? Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio is designed to make sounds feel like they come from all around you including above or below. It is more than just a gimmick. It adds to immersion whether you’re hearing a helicopter overhead or footsteps sneaking up behind you. It is similar to Xbox’s Windows Sonic but Sony has pushed it further. Many top PS5 headsets support this including the Pulse 3D and Pulse Elite. If you want the full PS5 audio experience 3D audio is a definite bonus.
Do I need a Bluetooth adapter for the PS5? Yes, if you want wireless headphones on PS5 you need a compatible Bluetooth adapter. The console does not support Bluetooth audio for gaming natively. For the best connection and lowest lag I always recommend headsets with a 2.4 gigahertz USB dongle. All the ones I’ve mentioned come with this and it is the way to go for smooth lag free sound.
What is PlayStation Link? PlayStation Link is Sony’s new wireless tech that offers ultra low latency and lossless audio for peripherals. It also lets you switch between devices quickly. The PlayStation Portal is the only device with it built in right now so you need a PlayStation Link USB dongle for your PS5 or PC to use it. Only a few products like the Pulse Elite headset support it so far. It is a smart move by Sony to make wireless audio and connectivity seamless.
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