
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
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
Best Overall PS5 Headset
Everywhere you look, someone is singing the praises of the Arctis Nova Pro, and after months of daily use, I am joining the choir. This headset just delivers across the board. On PS5, it taps straight into Tempest 3D audio and brings your games to life with sharp spatial precision. Whether it is story beats or sweaty shooters, you will hear every detail exactly where it is meant to be.
You also get a full suite of premium features. Four mics handle noise cancelling like a champ, a base station keeps things tidy, and the best bit is a dual battery setup that lets you stay wireless forever. When one battery dies, you just swap it for the backup without missing a beat.
The comfort side is dialled in too. The updated headband stretches to fit larger heads, and the slimmer earcups blend in more like regular headphones than a typical gamer rig. Add in SteelSeries' famously comfy cushioning and you have something that wears well for hours.
If you want one headset to rule them all, this is it. The Nova Pro does just about everything, and does it really well.
2. PlayStation Pulse Elite
Best First-Party PS5 Headset
The Pulse Elite is Sony’s latest swing at a top tier headset for the PS5, and it absolutely lands. While the older Pulse 3D headset did a decent job, the Elite version takes things up several notches. It sounds better, feels sturdier, and has a feature list that genuinely makes use of what the PS5 can do.
Plug it in using Sony’s PlayStation Link dongle and you get direct access to EQ settings and 3D audio without any fuss. Better yet, you can keep the headset connected to your PS5 and a Bluetooth device at the same time. That means you can game while taking calls or listening to music, and switching between the two is dead easy.
What makes the Pulse Elite special is its sound. The planar magnetic drivers bring out rich mids and punchy bass without losing clarity. I tested this across a few different genres and it just clicked every time. From thunderous gunfire to atmospheric soundscapes, it never struggled.
Comfort is solid and the controls are easy to feel out without looking. The design is pretty out there though, and while I like the modern aesthetic, I know it will not be for everyone. Still, for this price, you are getting a serious bit of kit that feels deeply tuned for PlayStation gaming.
If you want great sound with native support for the PS5 unique features and you can vibe with the style, the Pulse Elite is an excellent pick.
3. PlayStation Pulse 3D
Best PS5 Headset for 3D Audio
The Pulse 3D is the original first party headset designed to show off the PS5’s spatial sound, and it still holds its own for the price. It is not loaded with premium bells and whistles, but it nails the essentials in a way that makes it a great entry level pick.
Setup could not be easier. Just plug in the included USB dongle and you are instantly connected, with no need to mess around with drivers or menus. The Pulse 3D automatically taps into the PS5’s Tempest audio engine, and the default sound profile is surprisingly balanced for a headset this cheap.
It handles the positional audio trickery of modern PS5 titles without breaking a sweat. Whether it is footsteps creeping from behind or ambient noise wrapping around the scene, it all feels clean and directional. While you do not get custom EQ or booming bass, it gets the job done well.
The biggest drawback is the mic. It uses a pair of hidden pinhole mics instead of a dedicated boom, and that means your voice will not sound quite as sharp during party chat. There is also no option for wired connection if you run out of battery. Still, for casual use and clean 3D sound on a budget, the Pulse 3D gets plenty right.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth 500
Best Budget PS5 Headset
The Stealth 500 is the kind of headset that feels built for all day use without weighing your head down. It is incredibly light, which makes a huge difference over marathon sessions, and the breathable earcups keep things cool and comfy.
The big draw here is battery life. You get around 40 hours on a full charge, and even a quick plug in gives you hours more. It is the sort of headset that will easily outlast your DualSense controller.
Audio quality is no slouch either. The sound profile leans a little warm, which gives explosions and music a bit of punch without drowning out voices or finer details. You can also quickly switch between PS5 and Bluetooth audio with a double tap, which is handy if you are juggling mobile calls or streaming music.
It might lack the bells and whistles of something like the Nova Pro, but the Stealth 500 nails the basics. Lightweight, long lasting, and solid on sound. It is a sleeper hit for those who just want a reliable headset that gets out of the way.
5. HyperX Cloud III
Best Wired PS5 Headset
If you prefer the reliability of a wired headset, the HyperX Cloud III delivers in spades. It is built like a tank, with a strong metal frame and plush earcups that stay comfy over long sessions. There is no need to worry about battery life or Bluetooth drops. You just plug it in and go.
The 3.5mm jack means it works perfectly with the PS5’s DualSense controller, and you still get full access to the console’s 3D audio processing. The Cloud III’s drivers are finely tuned for detail and depth, making it a great match for cinematic games or competitive shooters.
The detachable mic is also a standout. It is clear, crisp, and does a good job of filtering out background noise. While you miss out on some modern features like EQ customisation or wireless pairing, you get rock solid fundamentals with sound quality that punches above its price. For old school plug and play reliability, the Cloud III is a great pick.
6. Turtle Beach Atlas Air
Best Open-Back PS5 Headset
The Atlas Air goes where few console headsets dare by offering an open back design. That means sound feels more spacious and natural, especially in games with rich soundscapes and ambient noise. It also means you will get a bit of sound leakage, so it is best used solo or in quieter spaces.
Comfort is another win. The headset is light, airy, and stays comfy for long sessions thanks to its floating headband and mesh ear cushions. Turtle Beach also included swappable batteries and USB C charging, which is always a plus.
Sound quality is crisp and balanced, with a broader sense of direction than you typically get from closed back headsets. Footsteps, voices, and distant rumbles are easier to place in the mix, which makes it a good pick for tactical games or story heavy experiences.
It may not be ideal if you share your space with others, but the Atlas Air is a clever and well tuned headset that offers something different for PS5 players.
7. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds
Best PS5 Earbuds
Gaming earbuds are a newer trend, and squeezing headset-grade sound and features into tiny buds is no easy feat. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds manage to deliver a solid punch despite their size. Sound quality is clear and balanced, with enough bass to keep action scenes feeling lively.
Battery life is excellent, with about 10 hours of playtime per charge — that’s well above average for earbuds. The companion app is a real highlight, letting you customise EQ settings, toggle active noise cancellation, and control playback easily.
A few small issues pop up now and then, like autoplay quirks when popping them in or out of your ears and some Bluetooth connection hiccups. Still, these are minor annoyances for earbuds this capable.
If you want wireless convenience without the bulk of a headset, the Arctis GameBuds are a standout choice for PS5 gaming and daily use alike.
PS5 Headsets FAQ
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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