Best PS5 Headsets in 2025 — Immersive Audio, Low Latency, Real Gains
PS5 audio got serious. Between Tempest 3D Audio, PlayStation Link (Sony’s new low‑latency, lossless wireless), and a wave of multi‑platform headsets with smarter mics and longer battery life, it’s easier than ever to dial in your sound. This expert‑curated roundup focuses on current, widely available models that are genuinely worth buying—sorted by what they do best, not just hype.
Quick tip: PS5 doesn’t support standard Bluetooth audio for headsets. Use PlayStation Link, a 2.4GHz USB‑dongle, or wired.
List of the Best PS5 Headsets (2025)
Pulse Elite (PlayStation) — Best Official Pick (Link + Planar)
Specs: PlayStation Link lossless wireless (USB adapter included), planar magnetic drivers, retractable boom mic with AI noise reduction, ~30‑hour battery, quick charge, dual‑device (Link + BT).
Why it’s great: Seamless PS5 pairing via Link and planar detail that flatters Tempest 3D mixes. The included charging hanger is tidy; mic rejection is excellent for party chat.
Pulse Explore (PlayStation) — Best Official Earbuds (Compact Link)
Specs: PlayStation Link (USB adapter included), charging case, dual mics with AI noise reduction, multiple eartips.
Why it’s great: If you prefer earbuds, Explore keeps Link low latency and works across PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal. Great for travel or couch gaming without the bulk.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PS) — Premium, Hot‑Swap System
Specs: Dual‑wireless base station (PS5/PC inputs), two hot‑swappable batteries (“Infinity Power”), ANC + transparency, USB‑C fast charge.
Why it’s great: Unlimited battery with clean switching between sources, excellent comfort, and mature software EQ. A top pick if you game daily and also create content.
Audeze Maxwell (PlayStation) — Audiophile‑Grade Planar Sound
Specs: 90mm planar magnetic drivers, ultra‑low‑latency 2.4GHz dongle, 80h+ battery, robust boom mic with AI noise reduction; BT 5.3 (LE/LC3+/LDAC).
Why it’s great: Ridiculous battery life and reference‑level detail for story games and competitive cues alike. Heavy, but the imaging and bass control are top tier.
Astro A50 X — Multi‑Platform King with HDMI 2.1 Base
Specs: New HDMI 2.1 base station with 4K/120 + VRR passthrough, PLAYSYNC switching (PS5/PC/Xbox), 24‑bit audio, wireless charging dock.
Why it’s great: Treat it like a console A/V switcher—tap to swap systems while keeping 120Hz/VRR video intact. A premium, couch‑friendly ecosystem for mixed‑platform households.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro (PlayStation) — Premium ANC + Swappable Battery
Specs: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels, swappable dual‑battery system, robust app EQ, multiplatform wireless.
Why it’s great: When you want strong ANC and no downtime, this set nails comfort, app control, and consistent mic quality.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P — Best Mid‑Price Dual Wireless
Specs: 2.4GHz USB‑C dongle (PS5/PC/Switch) + simultaneous Bluetooth, ChatMix, retractable mic, ~38h battery, USB‑C fast charge.
Why it’s great: Easy to mix Discord/phone with game audio, lightweight for long sessions, and a safe “set‑and‑forget” choice.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Wireless — Smart Presets, Great Value
Specs: 2.4GHz + Bluetooth Quick‑Switch, Companion App with 100+ game presets, ~60h battery, USB‑C fast charge.
Why it’s great: New‑gen Nova with on‑the‑fly presets for popular titles; a sweet spot for price/features if you don’t need hot‑swap batteries.
Sony INZONE H9 II — New 2025 Flagship with ANC
Specs: Lighter chassis, ANC, detachable AI‑optimized boom mic, app EQ for PC/PS5; white/black colorways.
Why it’s great: Sony’s latest comfort + noise‑cancelling refinement for PS5 and PC. A strong alternative if you want Sony tuning without going full Pulse.
HyperX Cloud III Wireless — Battery Beast on a Budget
Specs: 2.4GHz USB‑A/C dongle (PS5/PC/Switch), up to 120h battery, tuned 53mm drivers, detachable mic.
Why it’s great: Insane battery life and sturdy comfort at a fair price. No Bluetooth, but for pure console play it’s a win.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 (PlayStation) — Best Budget Wired
Specs: Lightweight wired headset, tuned drivers, comfy strap, detachable mic; works with DualSense 3.5mm wired.
Why it’s great: Clean mic and balanced sound for under‑$70 builds. Wired means zero latency and no charging.
Comparison Table (Quick Scan)
| Model | Connection | Battery | Standout Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulse Elite | PlayStation Link + BT | ~30h | Planar drivers, AI mic, hanger | Official, plug‑and‑play Link |
| Pulse Explore | PlayStation Link + BT | Case‑charged | Compact earbuds, AI mics | Travel, Portal users |
| Nova Pro Wireless (PS) | 2.4G + BT, base | Hot‑swap | ANC, hot‑swap batteries, dual inputs | Daily play + capture/PC |
| Audeze Maxwell (PS) | 2.4G + BT | 80h+ | 90mm planar, audiophile tuning | Story + competitive detail |
| Astro A50 X | 2.4G + HDMI base | ~24h | 4K/120 VRR passthrough, PLAYSYNC | Multi‑console living rooms |
| Stealth Pro (PS) | 2.4G + BT | Swappable | Adjustable ANC, app EQ | No‑downtime wireless |
| Nova 7P | 2.4G + BT (dual) | ~38h | ChatMix, light fit | All‑day sessions |
| Nova 5 Wireless | 2.4G + BT | ~60h | App presets (100+) | Console‑first value |
| INZONE H9 II | 2.4G + BT | Long | Sony ANC, detachable mic | Sony‑tuned ANC fans |
| Cloud III Wireless | 2.4G | 120h | Simple, comfy, durable | Battery life wins |
| Arctis Nova 1 (wired) | 3.5mm | N/A | Zero latency, very light | Strict budgets |
Final Thoughts
- Official + easiest: Pulse Elite (or Explore for earbuds) if you want Link simplicity and Sony tuning.
- Premium daily driver: Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (PS)—hot‑swap batteries, ANC, base station convenience.
- Audiophile route: Audeze Maxwell for detail and battery life.
- Multiplatform living room: Astro A50 X if you switch between PS5/PC/Xbox and care about 4K/120 VRR passthrough.
- Value ladder: Nova 7P → Nova 5 → Cloud III Wireless → Nova 1 (wired) depending on budget and needs.
FAQs
Does PS5 support standard Bluetooth headsets?
No—use PlayStation Link, a 2.4GHz USB dongle, or wired.
Is Pulse Elite better than Pulse 3D?
Yes, Elite adds planar drivers, longer battery, Bluetooth + Link, and a retractable boom mic. If you still see Pulse 3D in stock, it’s older but affordable.
What’s the difference between Link and a 2.4GHz dongle?
Link is Sony’s lossless, low‑latency wireless protocol with easy multi‑device switching. 2.4GHz dongles are fast too but vary by brand and app.
Can I get 3D audio with any stereo headset?
Yes—Tempest 3D works with stereo headsets. Quality drivers and good imaging still matter.
Wired vs wireless for competitive play?
Wired (like Nova 1) removes latency and charging. High‑quality 2.4GHz sets are extremely close, so choose comfort/features you’ll actually use.
