Surely by now you already have a Bluetooth headset that you use with your mobile phone or tablet, and now, after months of searching and failed attempts, you have managed to buy a last-minute PS5. Since the budget does not allow you for more, you will most likely want to use your beloved headphones on the console, but can you? We will try to solve all your doubts so that you can put an end to your problems.
Can I connect any headset via Bluetooth?
However, we already anticipate that things are not as easy as you thought at first. Sony makes things difficult for us again to listen to our PS5 with wireless headphones.
This is where the problems begin. The PS5 has Bluetooth connectivity. Its controller is Bluetooth, and the connectivity is supposed to be available in the system settings; however, the console doesn't offer Bluetooth audio , so it's not possible to use Bluetooth headphones by default. At least not natively, as you'll need an external adapter for the device to communicate with the console.
So that you understand that it is something that is completely blocked on the console, the official PS5 headset includes a USB adapter so that they can work correctly with it, so yes, there is no way to connect a headset directly to the console without using an adapter USB. Not even the highly acclaimed Sony WH-1000XM4. These very special and exclusive headphones cannot be paired with the console as standard, so we will need to buy an additional accessory.
So yes, it's true, your PS5 isn't capable of things that even Nintendo, with its Switch, has allowed users to do, such as connecting wireless headphones to the handheld. But let's take it one step at a time, as we need to address each question individually.
Official Inzone H9 headphones and other compatible ones
All models bearing the official PlayStation seal (those manufactured by Sony specifically for its console) include a USB adapter that must be connected to the console for them to function. This clearly demonstrates the limitations of the system's Bluetooth connection , which is restricted exclusively to the new DualSense controllers.
They have a very high price, but if you want to experience the most official and, at least, recommended experience by Sony itself, you should definitely get the Inzone H9 (link below), which offer active noise cancellation, compatibility with 5.1 and 7.1 audio and have a microphone to join with friends in multiplayer games… among other things.
Anyway, if you don't want any hassle or to spend ages trying to find the perfect controller at a better price, we're going to tell you about all the models that we consider official Sony products and that are therefore compatible with the PS5 and will work without any problems. Below are some other models that we also recommend:
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
This is the official PS5 headphones. Launched alongside the console in November 2020, they offer 3D spatial audio technology so you can enjoy the ultimate immersive experience with the new console technology. They had a very high demand that left them out of stock, but currently they are quite easy to find. They are probably the best PS5 headset out there.
See offer on AmazonRazor Thresher PlayStation
This model lets you connect them to your PS5 wirelessly thanks to its 2,4 GHz connectivity, but if your battery runs out and you need to quickly jump into a game with your friends, you can connect them via cable for an emergency break. They're official Sony products, so you can also use them with the original PS4.
See offer on AmazonTurtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 PlayStation
Be aware that there's a model with the same name but exclusive to Xbox Series X|S, so if you go to the store to buy them, make sure it's the PlayStation version. If so, you'll be taking home a headset that comes with its own mini USB transmitter. But the best thing about them is that, in addition to gaming, you can answer calls or listen to music from your phone thanks to their Bluetooth technology. They're also compatible with Sony 3D Audio for PS5.
See offer on AmazonGold Wireless Headset and Platinum Wireless Stereo Headset
Legacy PS4 models that are fully compatible with the new PS5. Players who already own them can use them without any problems, as long as they connect the included adapter to the console. These are backward compatible models, so many users upgrading from PS4 to PS5 can rest assured and won't have to spend a single penny more than they already spent years ago.
See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonSteelSeries Arctis 7P+
These Steelseries headphones are virtually identical in design to the 7P, just with numerous improvements. For many, one of the best headphones that you can use with your PlayStation 5. At the sound level, there is hardly any news. It continues to offer a very balanced, sharp and quality experience. As a hit, it sins a bit in the bass. On the other hand, some improvements have been added that are appreciated when using them. First of all, this headset has a much more powerful battery, which lasts for about 30 hours of uninterrupted use. The possibility of recharging the battery by a new fast charging method has also been included. In addition, its construction is very solid, and when using it, they feel quite comfortable.
See offer on AmazonHow can I connect my Bluetooth headphones to the PS5?
On the other hand, if you already own Bluetooth headphones with excellent sound, a microphone, and that cost you a pretty penny, but they're not one of the ones we mentioned earlier, you'll have realized that the situation isn't ideal. But don't worry, because there's a solution that works perfectly and will allow you to use those expensive headphones that you cherish like your most precious treasure.
The secret lies in connecting a Bluetooth audio adapter that allows you to link the console to your headphones. It's a very simple and relatively inexpensive solution that will allow those who own high-quality headphones to continue using them with their console. Until Nintendo enabled direct audio with the Switch, this was one of the alternatives available to users to achieve the same effect we now seek on the PS5.
See offer on AmazonOne of the most popular models is the Creative BT-W3, a small USB Type-C adapter that's perfect for connecting to the front port of the PS5 (it's also compatible with the Nintendo Switch, although Nintendo recently started providing direct support for its console, something Sony hasn't yet done). With the adapter connected, you just need to pair the headphones for everything to work perfectly. To do this, press and hold the adapter's sync button for two seconds, then put your headphones into pairing mode for an immediate connection.
The good thing about this model is that the adapter will automatically take care of using the highest quality codec that is compatible with the headset model we are using, going from APTX LL (highest), to APTX HD, APTX and SBC (lowest). ).
Can I play with a microphone?
Here's the bad news: this adapter we've recommended (and practically all the others on the market) won't be able to capture the audio from your headset's built-in microphone. In that case, you'll have to use the included 3,5mm compact microphone . This microphone connects directly to the DualSense controller via its headphone port, but you'll then need to select the external microphone option in the console's system settings, as shown above.
The problem with this solution is that many users claim that this microphone picks up every button press on the controller, interfering with conversations with teammates. Therefore, many recommend using the DualSense controller's built-in microphone , which works quite well and saves you from having to deal with this mess of cables and the minijack connector.
How to find the best headphones for PS5
When looking for headphones compatible with PS5, the main requirement to keep in mind is that they include the necessary adapter . If the headphones have the adapter built in, you can even use the included microphone, allowing you to play multiplayer games and chat with friends without any problems.
Don't look for wireless headphones expecting to buy the adapter separately. It's best to look for the PS5 compatibility label and avoid further complications, as most wireless headphones sold with adapters use 2,4 GHz technology, not Bluetooth, which is the connectivity type Sony has chosen for these devices.
Some interesting models that you can take into account are the following:
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonIs Bluetooth or 2,4 GHz better?
Both technologies will free you from cables, so in the end you are going to enjoy them in the same way, the issue is whether you want to have exclusive headphones for your console and others for your leisure outside the home, or if you prefer to have unique and thus save money.
For the second scenario, you'll have no choice but to opt for Bluetooth models. In that case, you'll be forced to buy the adapter for the console, which, as you've seen, isn't particularly complicated and will save you from having to wait to see if Sony ever updates the PS5's firmware to allow us to directly connect our best headphones. In the meantime, it seems we'll have to keep paying for them.