The PlayStation 5 delivers stunning visuals and immersive gameplay, but when it comes to audio, many players want the freedom of wireless Bluetooth headphones. The problem? The PS5 doesn’t natively support most third-party Bluetooth audio devices. Sony blocks them to avoid latency, interference, and reduced sound quality during gaming.
Still, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with wired headsets. With the right methods, you can connect both officially supported headsets and unsupported Bluetooth headphones to your PS5. Whether you’re using premium gaming gear or standard Bluetooth earbuds, this guide covers every possible solution.
What You Need to Know Before Connecting
The PlayStation 5 does not natively support most Bluetooth headphones, which often surprises new users.
However, certain officially supported headsets, such as the Pulse 3D Wireless, can connect seamlessly through their included USB dongle and provide full compatibility with features like 3D Audio.
If you’re using headphones that aren’t directly supported, you still have options through Bluetooth adapters, the Remote Play app, or wired Bluetooth receivers.
These methods work reliably, though you may notice slight audio delays, which makes them less suitable for competitive gaming but perfectly fine for casual play or media use.
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1. Use a Sony-Supported Wireless Headset
The easiest option is to use a headset officially supported by Sony. These come with a USB wireless adapter (dongle) that pairs instantly with the PS5.
How to Set Up a Supported Wireless Headset on PS5:
- Plug the wireless USB dongle into a PS5 USB port.
- Power on your headset.
- Wait for the automatic pairing to complete.
- Go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output.
- Select your headset and set it as the default output device.
This method guarantees:
- Minimal audio lag.
- Full compatibility with PS5’s 3D Audio technology.
- Seamless game and chat sound integration.
Examples of supported headsets:
- Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
- Sony INZONE H9 / H7
- SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
- Razer Kaira for PlayStation
- Logitech G PRO X Wireless (with dongle)
2. Connect via Bluetooth Adapter
If your Bluetooth headphones aren’t officially supported, the most reliable workaround is to use a USB Bluetooth transmitter.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones Using an Adapter:
- Buy a compatible Bluetooth USB adapter (popular options: Avantree, Creative BT-W3).
- Plug the adapter into a PS5 USB port.
- Put your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode.
- Press the pairing button on the adapter.
- Wait for the devices to connect.
- Go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output and select the adapter.
This method works with most Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, and delivers stable wireless audio without needing Remote Play.
3. Use the PS Remote Play App
If you don’t want to buy an adapter, you can connect Bluetooth headphones through the PS Remote Play app on your phone or PC.
How to Use Bluetooth Headphones via Remote Play:
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your phone or computer.
- Pair your Bluetooth headphones with the device.
- Launch the Remote Play app and sign in with your PlayStation account.
- Make sure your PS5 is powered on and connected to the internet.
- Connect to your console through Remote Play.
- Audio will now play through your Bluetooth headphones.
Remote Play can introduce input lag, so it’s better for casual play and streaming media, not competitive gaming.
4. Use a Wired Connection with a Bluetooth Receiver
Another budget-friendly option is to use a Bluetooth receiver with a 3.5mm jack. This lets you connect headphones through the DualSense controller.
How to Use a Bluetooth Receiver with the PS5 Controller:
- Buy a Bluetooth receiver with a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Plug it into your DualSense controller’s headphone port.
- Pair your Bluetooth headphones with the receiver.
- On the PS5, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output → Output Device.
- Select Controller Headset as the audio source.
This method is simple and affordable, though sound quality and stability may not be as strong as with USB adapters.
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Can You Use AirPods with PS5?
AirPods cannot connect directly to the PS5, but you can still use them through a couple of reliable workarounds. The most common method is to pair them with a Bluetooth adapter. Simply plug the adapter into your PS5, put your AirPods in pairing mode, and allow the adapter to connect.
Once paired, all audio from the console will stream to your AirPods. Another option is to use the PS Remote Play app. In this case, you pair your AirPods to your phone, launch the Remote Play app, and stream your PS5 gameplay directly to the device.
This setup sends the audio through your AirPods, making it a practical alternative when you don’t want to invest in a dedicated gaming headset.
How to Check If Your Headphones Are Compatible
To check whether your Bluetooth headphones are compatible with the PS5, start by looking up your model on Sony’s official support site. Many headsets that are designed for the console will also include a USB dongle, which ensures smooth connection and reliable performance.
You can also verify compatibility by checking the packaging or product description to see if PS5 support is mentioned. If your headphones don’t appear on the supported list, you can still try pairing them through a Bluetooth adapter and test for lag or connectivity issues.
In cases where none of these options work, the best alternatives are using the PS Remote Play app or upgrading to a gaming headset that is officially supported by PlayStation.
Limitations of Bluetooth on PS5
Sony restricts Bluetooth audio on the PS5 mainly to maintain performance and stability. Standard Bluetooth connections often introduce latency, which can create noticeable delays during fast-paced or competitive gameplay.
Wireless interference is another concern, as overlapping signals from multiple devices may lead to sudden audio dropouts. In addition, Sony limits compatibility to ensure consistent audio quality across the system, which is why only approved headsets work seamlessly.
Because of these restrictions, unsupported headphones need adapters or alternative workarounds to function properly with the console.
Conclusion
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a PS5 ultimately depends on the type of gear you own. If you have a Sony-supported wireless headset, the process is quick and effortless, offering full compatibility and the best performance.
For those using unsupported headphones, there are still reliable options such as Bluetooth adapters, the PS Remote Play app, or a 3.5mm Bluetooth receiver plugged into the controller.
USB adapters and officially supported headsets deliver the lowest latency and highest sound quality, making them the best choice for serious gaming.
Remote Play is a convenient solution for casual use, especially with Bluetooth earbuds like AirPods, while the 3.5mm receiver provides an affordable fix for those on a budget. With the right setup, you can enjoy the freedom of wireless audio and make every PS5 session more immersive and comfortable.