To connect Bluetooth headphones to a PlayStation 5, you will need to first create a connection. This can be done by connecting the headphones to your PS5 using Bluetooth. Once the connection is made, you will need to select the “PlayStation 5” option from the menu and then press the “connect” button.
Does the PS5 Have Bluetooth?
The PlayStation 5 does not support Bluetooth headphones. ..
Sony has been refusing to add Bluetooth audio to their consoles, citing the lack of support. However, the Nintendo Switch has received a firmware update that adds Bluetooth audio support. This makes it more suitable for gaming, but Sony still refuses to add it.
The latency in a game can be easily noticeable to players, especially if they’re using a headset and the device don’t support low-latency Bluetooth protocols. This can make it difficult to stay in the game and shoot accurately, as the shots may not come until after the muzzle flash. It’s a roll of the dice with specific headsets as well.
The AirPods Max with a Switch are decent for use with a Switch, but using a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds offers an unusable experience. With each of the options we’ll cover below, we’ll discuss the latency considerations you’ll have to consider.
Official and Third-party PS5 Gaming Headsets
The Sony Pulse 3D is an officially licensed headset that works with the PlayStation 5. It has a built-in microphone and speaker, and is designed to provide clear sound quality. It is also comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for people who want to stay connected while playing games.
The PlayStation 5 features a USB wireless adapter that allows you to use your headphones without having to connect them directly to the console. The adapter will automatically bind with the PS5, and the console should automatically switch over to the headphones.
The wireless signal used in these products is lag-free, meaning it offers a better experience than most Bluetooth headsets. Additionally, you can use the same USB adapter with your PC or Mac, which is simply seen as a USB audio device. ..
The Pulse 3D is the best PS5 headset you’ll find at the $100 price point. It offers great comfort, excellent 3D game audio, decent battery life, and an amazing price. Sony has made sure that the Pulse 3D is a well-made product that will last for years.
Using a Bluetooth Adapter
If you want to use a Bluetooth headset of your choice, then the best option is to use a third-party audio-only Bluetooth dongle that is compatible with the PlayStation 5. These devices work the same way as the proprietary adapters mentioned above. They present as a USB audio device to the PlayStation 5 (or PC, Mac, etc.) and internally handle the wireless audio connection.
If you’re using a proprietary adapter, you must pair it with your headphones in order to use the audio features. To do this, first put your headphones into pairing mode and then press the pairing button on the adapter. The adapter should then automatically bind with the first Bluetooth audio device it detects that’s asking to pair.
These audio-only adapters can reduce typical Bluetooth latency by focusing only on audio and offering low-latency Bluetooth protocols such as aptX-LL.
The best way to improve sound quality and latency on devices that support USB audio is to use an adapter that supports the same low-latency protocol as the device. Some adapters allow you to manually cycle through the protocols they support until you find one that offers the best sound quality and latency mix. These adapters also help reduce latency on PCs, Macs, and other devices that support USB audio.
The Avantree C81 Bluetooth transmitter is a tiny, low-latency Bluetooth transmitter that fits into the USB-C port on the front of your PS5. It offers sub-40ms latencies using aptX-LL, and it will work with a Mac or PC, too, so you can easily move your headset between your PS5 and computer.
Plugging Into the DualSense Controller
The PlayStation 5 Dualsense controller is also a wireless audio adapter that uses Sony’s proprietary technology. You’ll find a headphone jack on the controller between the two grips. Except for wireless buds such as Apple AirPods, most Bluetooth headsets offer a wired connection in addition to Bluetooth, with the necessary cable included in the package.
The controller has a built-in 3D audio system that lets you enjoy wireless 3D audio with chat functionality. If your headset doesn’t have a microphone, you can still use the controller to talk. Although this isn’t a completely wireless solution, you’re only tethered to the controller and are otherwise free to sit wherever you like.
The main drawback of this method is that it can reduce the battery life of your DualSense controller. This impact depends on volume levels and how power-hungry your particular headset is. Some Bluetooth headsets still let you use features such as noise cancellation or additional amplification. These features run off the headset’s battery and not the controller.
Connect To the TV’s Bluetooth Instead
If you have a recent smart TV model, there’s a good chance that it supports Bluetooth natively. This means you don’t have to connect your headset to the PS5. Instead, connect it to the TV, and any audio playing on the set will be audible.
TVs with Bluetooth audio support can have wildly different latency levels, depending on the model and age. If you already have a Bluetooth headset, there’s no need to worry about latency – just test how well your TV and Bluetooth headset work together. ..
To connect your headphones to your TV, look for the settings menu on your TV and follow the instructions. ..
Connect to a TV Without Bluetooth (or Bad Bluetooth)
If you have an older TV that doesn’t have Bluetooth, or the Bluetooth is too slow or offers poor sound quality, there are a few easy solutions that you can try. One option is to buy an add-on device that will add Bluetooth support to your TV. Another option is to find a way to improve the performance of your TV’s Bluetooth connection.
Most TVs have an analog stereo output that can be used with headphones. Various adapters plug into this analog headphone output and provide low-latency Bluetooth audio. ..
To connect your wireless headset to a TV, use an add-on adapter like this one. Connect the box to the analog output of the TV, then put your wireless headphones into pairing mode. Following this, use the method described in the device’s manual to set the transmitter into pairing mode.
Bluetooth technology can be finicky when it comes to latency. This means that the time it takes for a signal to travel from one device to another can vary, depending on the specific Bluetooth protocol in use. ..
The Audikast will work with any television with audio output using optical, AUX, or RCA connections. It supports HDMI eARC so you can get stereo audio from the TV. ..
The Audikast supports aptX-LL, so you can enjoy virtually no latency when using compatible headsets or earbuds. Alternatively, if you have a FastStream headset, you can take advantage of low latency. ..
The Audikast has two headsets support so if you’re playing a couch co-op game, two people can use headphones without waking the neighbors.
General Troubleshooting Advice
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, make sure that your audio cables are plugged in properly and that the audio output on your TV is turned on. If you’re using an HDMI cable, make sure it’s plugged into the correct port on your TV. If you’re still not getting sound from the PS5, try resetting your device by pressing and holding down the power button for 10 seconds until it turns off. Then, press and hold down the power button for another 10 seconds to restart it. ..
The solution to fixing your PS5’s audio is usually found in the sound settings. To change the output device, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and choose the correct one. Usually, the PS5 will auto-switch to the USB Bluetooth adapter, but you can change things manually here if it doesn’t.
If you’re experiencing problems with your USB device, try unplugging it and plugging it back in or using a different USB port. ..