The PS5 is here, and with it, a wave of hardware upgrades. While a lot of the old PS4 controllers and headsets will work fine on a PS5, the console’s new Tempest Audio Engine might require some new equipment in order for you to fully enjoy everything the PS5 has to offer.
But there are a lot of questions floating around: did Sony release a headset specifically for the PS5, and is it any good?
And what if you prefer a different brand of headset? Will it still work with the console, and will it still be compatible with the Tempest Audio Engine?
Don’t worry – we’re here to answer all of those questions and more.
Does the PS5 Come With a Headset?
The short answer is yes. Sony did release the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset alongside the PS5 at release. This headset is custom-built by Sony engineers to support the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech.
According to reviewers, the headset provides rich, detailed binaural audio – the experience is magical. You can discern the exact location and direction of footsteps, and we’re excited to see where exactly this tech can be used in upcoming games.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a hiccup with the Pulse 3D wireless headset – Sony has opted to hide the two built-in microphones within the casing, so it’s a bit lackluster compared to the headset’s incredible sound quality.
It’s not necessarily a bad microphone, but reviewers have been saying that it “could be better.”
The controls, on the other hand, seem to live up to expectations – the headset has built-in controls to mute the mic, volume controls for in-game and chats audio, and a dedicated monitoring button for the microphone.
Design-wise, the Pulse 3D headset is absolutely beautiful, with clean lines that echo the design of the PS5 itself. It also includes a headband strap for comfort and security. And it’s not the most expensive headset out there, sitting at a pretty affordable price point of $99.99 USD.
Will the PS5’s 3D Audio Work With Any Headphones?
According to an article on PlayStation’s official blog, the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech can be enjoyed through any PS5-compatible headset, whether it’s wired or wireless.
They do recommend the Pulse 3D wireless headset for the optimum experience but using a different headset won’t hinder your enjoyment of the game audio.
However, you should be aware that the PS5 has no Bluetooth capabilities, so if you prefer to use a wireless headset, then it must come with a wireless adapter
Here are some of the best headsets for PS5 that we’ve come across so far.
Best Headsets for PS5 in 2022
1. SteelSeries Arctis 7P
Price Point: $150 USD
This beautiful SteelSeries Arctis 7P, subtly designed headset was specifically designed to be used with the PS5, though they are also compatible with the PS4, PC, Android devices, and the Nintendo Switch.
It’s wireless and boasts a 24-hour battery life, perfect for when you’re binging the latest titles.
This headset uses the same critically acclaimed speaker drivers that were in the Arctis 7 model, and they’re known for their ability to emphasize the most subtle sounds.
The headset has a dedicated sidetone control, as well as controls for the microphone and game audio on the sides.
The included ClearCast microphone is noise-canceling and bidirectional – this design is also used by crews on aircraft carrier decks, so you know that it’s effective.
And they are beautifully designed – the steel headband with its adjustable suspension design features a blue geometric pattern.
The headphones normally come in white (to match the PS5, we presume), but SteelSeries members can also purchase a black pair.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Price Point: $149.95 USD
This is a heavy-duty headset built for serious audio prowess. The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 comes in two iterations – one is built for Xbox, and the other is built for PlayStation.
The wireless functionality uses dual connections – one with a mini-USB transmitter to connect it to your console, and a Bluetooth connection to simultaneously hook it up to your phone to take calls or stream music, all while remaining connected to the console.
It features 20 hours of battery life when connected wirelessly, so you don’t have to worry about having to charge it in the middle of your gaming session.
In terms of audio, this headset is built for compatibility with the PS5’s Tempest AudioTech with 3D Audio technology.
Turtle Beach has a setting called “Superhuman Hearing”, which allows you to tune in to the most subtle audio such as footsteps, weapons reloading, or things moving through the underbrush.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 is built for maximum comfort – the ear cushions are infused with Aerofit cooling gel and made with memory foam to keep your ears cool and comfortable.
Gamers with glasses can rejoice; the headset features their patented ProSpecs Glasses Relief System – essentially, you can adjust the headset and create a small channel in the ear cushions for your glasses, keeping them from uncomfortably pressing against your head.
In terms of ease of use, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 features an app that allows you to adjust the audio settings and program the mappable dial and button right from your phone.
If you’re a fan of playing with friends and using chat functions, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 has variable mic monitoring functions that allow you to hear your own voice and be aware of your own volume so that you’re not screaming into your friend’s ears.
3. Audeze Penrose
Price Point: $299 USD
The Audeze Penrose is another headset that comes in two editions, each designed for a different console.
It uses planar magnetic drivers that are capable of delivering double the power of standard Neodymium headphone drivers.
Like the Turtle Beach model above, the Audeze Penrose features a dual connection – a 2.4 GHz USB dongle can connect you to your PS5, while the simultaneous Bluetooth connection can allow you to chat with your friends through your phone.
The thing that separates the Penrose from other models on this list is the microphone – the headset features a flexible, detachable boom mic that is designed for chat addicts and streamers alike – it has a max SPL of more than 140dB and built-in noise filters that can reduce up to 20dB of background noise.
For extra functionality, it comes with a desktop app for Windows and a mobile app for Android, with a Mac app in the works. It includes a 10-band graphic EQ interface with sidetone toggling and a real-time voice-to-chat mix.
4. Logitech Pro X
Price Point: $135 USD
You don’t need to be a high-end gaming label to produce a great headset, and Logitech has proven that with the Pro X. This rugged, sturdy headset is made from a mixture of aluminum and steel, making it lightweight enough to not weigh you down during your gaming sessions.
It comes standard with Logitech’s patented surround sound technology, allowing for better bass rendering and proximity cues that are so important in the new games for PS5.
On top of that, they’ve included an impressive level of distance awareness, so you can tell how close objects and enemies are to you.
To get the most out of the Pro X, Logitech has added its Audio EQ profile to their G HUB Gaming Software, so that you can fine-tune its performance to your needs and preferences.
As an added bonus, you can save these settings to the external USB sound card so that you can transfer them to other machines.
For accessories, the Logitech Pro X really goes the extra mile – alongside its PC 3.5mm cable that has inline audio controls, it comes with a mobile cable that has an inline microphone, meaning that you can easily use the headset without the boom mic if you so choose.
On top of that, Logitech includes a carrying bag for the headset and all of its associated accessories.
5. HyperX Cloud Alpha
Price Point: $90 USD
This sharp-looking headset is most commonly used by PC gamers, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t dazzle you when used with a PS5.
It’s also compatible with PCs, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch.
The Dual Chamber drivers are made for more distinct, clear audio with reduced distortion, separating bass tones from mids and highs.
They’ve upgraded their hardware for maximum comfort, with premium memory foam and softer leatherette in their ear cushions.
While the headset can function wirelessly, you can also make use of its braided 3.5mm cable, plugging it into your Dual Sense controller for stable, clear sound. The cable also has inline audio controls for accessible, easy adjustments.
This is another headset that features a detachable boom mic with premium noise-canceling features; the mic is Discord certified. Much like the Logitech Pro X, the headset comes with an included travel bag.
Stylistically, this is the most striking headset on our list, with decorative aluminum framing above the ear cushions that gives it a distinctive e-sports sort of feel. It comes in two colors – black with red accents, and monochrome black.
Can You Use a Razer Kraken on the PS5?
Razer’s latest headset is extremely popular amongst all sorts of gamers, and it doesn’t disappoint on the PS5. With a slightly lower price point than many of the entries on the list so far – the Kraken retails for around $80 USD – it’s an affordable alternative to some of the higher-end headsets on the market today.
It’s compatible with PCs, Macs, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch as well, so you can use it on all of your favorite consoles.
In terms of style, there’s a Kraken to suit any aesthetic: the headset comes in electric green, pastel pink, monochrome black, black with blue accents, and white, just in case you wanted to match your PS5.
Despite its wide range of styles and colors, the Kraken doesn’t skimp on the hardware. The headset uses 7.1 surround sound software to allow you to accurately perceive the direction of the audio while gaming – with the PS5’s emphasis on the Tempest Audio Engine, we wouldn’t expect any less from a high-end headset.
Razer is known for its emphasis on bass, and it’s no different with the Kraken, widening the soundscape to incredible proportions.
For your comfort, the Kraken now has thicker padding on the headband to relieve pressure on your skull – the padding covers a Bauxite aluminum frame that is flexible and lightweight.
They’ve also infused the ear cushions with cooling gel to reduce the buildup of heat and covered them with a mixture of cloth and leatherette for plush, luxurious gaming.
As always, Razer has included their cardioid microphone that heavily reduces background noise while still accurately picking up your voice.
The pattern is built to reject noise from both beside and behind the microphone, so all that your teammates hear is you.
How Do You Connect a Headset to Your PS5?
Now that you’ve picked out the headset that’s right for you, there’s just one question – how do you hook it up?
There are two ways to connect a headset to the PS5 console. The first is wireless. Please note that the PS5 does not have any functionality with Bluetooth. Most wireless headsets come with a USB adaptor, or “dongle”, that can be plugged into an audio jack on your TV or monitor, or into the Dual Sense controller.
If you’ve opted for a wired headset or just prefer to use a cable to connect, then you can plug any 3.5mm audio cable into the audio jack on the bottom of the Dual Sense, or into the audio jack on your TV or monitor.
Enjoy the PS5’s Incredible Sound On Your PS5 Headset
And there you have it! 5 amazing headsets that are fully capable of handling the PS5’s Tempest AudioTech. Now you can sense your enemies’ locations and have an even bigger advantage in battle! We can’t wait to see what else game developers will do with this incredible technology.