Sony’s PlayStation 5 does not natively support generic Bluetooth audio—a deliberate limitation to preserve controller performance and minimize latency. But don’t worry: with the right tools and setup, you can still enjoy wireless headphones on your PS5. Here’s a friendly, step‑by‑step walkthrough to get you up and gaming in no time.
1. Why PS5 Doesn’t Support Bluetooth Headphones Directly
Bluetooth audio isn't officially compatible with PS5. The only supported Bluetooth device is the DualSense controller. Sony restricts generic Bluetooth headsets to prevent bandwidth interference and lag that can disrupt gameplay and controller connectivity.
What this means:
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You cannot pair standard Bluetooth headphones via PS5 settings.
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Official PS headsets (Pulse 3D, Elite Wireless, PlayStation Gold/Platinum) use their own USB dongles for wireless audio over 2.4 GHz.
2. How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5 (Using an Adapter)
Step-by-Step Setup:
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Purchase a compatible Bluetooth USB adapter (dongle) such as the Avantree DG60P, DG80, or Creative BT-W3.
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Plug the adapter into a USB port on your PS5 (front USB-A or rear USB-C).
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Put both the dongle and your headphones into pairing mode. Wait until the indicator lights turn solid.
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On PS5, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output, and select the USB adapter as your output device. Enable “Switch Output Device Automatically” for convenience.
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Play a game or video to test audio. You should now hear the PS5 sound via your Bluetooth headphones.
Note: Mic/chat support depends on the adapter. Many transmit audio only (output), so in-game chat may still require using the DualSense 3.5mm jack.
3. Why Choose Specific Adapters and Headphones?
Avoid Latency and Compatibility Issues
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PS5 requires UAC1/UAC2 compatible adapters, which communicate like USB audio devices. Generic dongles may fail.
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Low-latency adapters (e.g., using aptX Low Latency or SBC-XQ/LC3 codecs) help reduce audio lag to ~30–50 ms—close to wired performance.
Ensure Mic or Chat Support (If Needed)
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Some transmitters support only sound output; choose dongles labeled “bidirectional” if you want chat audio routed through your Bluetooth headset. Otherwise, the mic input remains wired via the DualSense.
4. Recommended Headsets & Accessories
Official Sony PS5 Headsets:
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Pulse 3D Wireless Headset – Plug-and-play with built-in dongle, native 3D audio, solid mic, and 12-hour battery. Great value for immersive PS5 sound.
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Pulse Elite Wireless Headset – Premium planar-magnetic audio, and features for remote switching between devices. Includes PS Link USB adapter, which connects easily to PS5.
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Gold & Platinum Wireless Headsets – Older models are also still supported via dedicated dongles.
Third-Party Wireless Headsets (with Dongles or Adapters)
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SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless / Arctis Nova 5 – Excellent multi-platform audio and EQ customization, with base station dongles that work on PS5.
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Son y Inzone H5 / H9 Earbuds or Headsets – Inzone earbuds work via the included USB-C dongle and deliver great audio clarity with native support.
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Corsair Void Wireless V2 – Budget-friendly wireless headset with dongle support compatible with PS5.
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Audeze Maxwell – High-end audiophile planar-magnetic headset offering wireless support via USB dongle.
Adapter Recommendations:
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Avantree DG60P/DG80, Creative BT-W3, Gulikit Route Air — these are known adapters that work reliably with PS5 and low-latency modes.
5. Detailed Setup Guide
Speaker & Chat Mode
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After pairing, open Settings → Sound → Audio Output → select your adapter as the audio device. Check the Switch Output Device Automatically to ease switching.
Audio Lag Troubleshooting
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If audio is delayed, ensure your dongle and headset support aptX LL or similar low-latency codecs.
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Avoid using generic dongles with SBC only—they can introduce noticeable lag.
Chat Compatibility
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If chat audio is vital, ensure your dongle supports microphone input.
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Otherwise, use the DualSense controller's 3.5mm port for voice. Many gamers pair chat via Bluetooth on their phone and mute the in-game voice.
TV Headset Workaround
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In rare cases, if your TV supports Bluetooth output, you can connect headphones there. This outputs game audio via HDMI to the TV, then Bluetooth onward. But be aware of extra latency.
6. Pros & Cons of Common Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Official PS5 Headset + Dongle | Plug-and-play, full chat support, Tempest 3D audio | Moderate cost, limited to Sony models |
| Bluetooth Adapter + Any Headset | Flexible headset choice, wireless freedom | Must choose a compatible adapter; chat may be limited |
| TV Bluetooth Output | No adapters needed if the TV supports it | High latency, unreliable for gameplay |
| Remote Play via PC/Phone | No extra hardware | Latency, compression, not ideal for fast-paced games |
7. Example Setup Scenarios
Setup A – Using PS5 Pulse 3D Headset:
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Plug the included dongle into the USB port → power on headset → automatic pairing → audio and chat work instantly.
Setup B – Using AirPods or Apple or Generic Bluetooth Headphones:
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Purchase Avantree DG80 adapter → plug into PS5 → put both into pairing mode → select adapter in output settings → enjoy wireless audio.
Setup C – Multi-Platform Gaming:
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Use SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro with its base dongle → pair to PS5 via dongle → plug dongle into PC when gaming on PC → switch seamlessly.
8. FAQs
1. Can I just open the PS5 Bluetooth settings and pair any headset?
Answer: No—the PS5 disables generic Bluetooth A2DP audio devices. Native pairing only works for specific PlayStation headsets.
2. Do AirPods work with PS5?
Answer: Yes, but only via a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter. Audio latencies may occur; chat may not be supported unless the adapter passes microphone signals.
3. Will I notice audio delay using an adapter?
Answer: With a low-latency adapter and headset, audio lag is minimal (~30–50 ms). Regular Bluetooth codecs like SBC may introduce noticeable delays.
4. Can I use PS Remote Play and connect Bluetooth headphones to that device?
Answer: Yes—if using Remote Play on PC or phone, you can connect headphones to that device and enjoy audio. Expect higher latency compared to direct methods.
5. How do I ensure game chat works with Bluetooth headphones?
Answer: Use an adapter that supports bidirectional audio (both input/output), or rely on DualSense’s mic. Many adapters only transmit audio output.
9. Final Tips for Gamers
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Keep your adapter and headphones close during pairing to avoid dropouts.
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Avoid USB 3.0 ports for the adapter—they can interfere with RF signals.
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Keep adapter firmware updated (if applicable) for better stability.
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Do a quick test before game sessions to ensure audio and chat are working.
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Store your adapter safely when traveling or switching consoles.
