How we chose

We chose these six from the makers' own spec pages and the criteria below. We did not run lab tests, and the battery figures are the makers' ratings. Each pick lists the connection, because PS5 does not send game audio over Bluetooth: a headset needs a USB dongle, the PlayStation Link adapter or a cable.

The criteria were a clear PlayStation compatibility statement, a connection that works for game audio, a microphone people can use for party chat, and a battery rating that covers a long session. We left out anything we could not confirm on the maker's page.

Wired vs wireless on PS5

A wired headset on the controller's 3.5 mm jack is the simplest setup: no charging and no dongle to lose. Wireless adds freedom to move and no cable across the couch, at the cost of a battery and a dongle in a USB port.

If you pick wireless, confirm the dongle works with PS5. Some dongles are locked to one platform, and a Bluetooth-only headset will not carry game audio. All six picks below list a PlayStation-compatible connection or have a PlayStation version.

2.4 GHz dongleConsole / PC BluetoothPhone / PC 3.5 mm / USB cableController / PC Game audioMusic, callsGame audio
Three ways a headset connects. A USB dongle or a cable carries game audio to a console. Bluetooth is for phones and PCs, and PS5 does not send game audio over it.
Editorial photograph of a gaming headset's boom microphone shown up close
Microphone quality is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a PS5 headset.

3D audio

Tempest 3D AudioTech is software on the console and works over standard stereo output, so no pick here is required for it. Turn it on in the console's sound settings and try the profile options. Our PS5 3D audio guide covers the setup.

Sponsored

As an Amazon Associate, GameGearLab earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure. Images are generic illustrations, not the exact listing.

Mic and comfort

Mic quality varies a lot between headsets, and it is often the weak point on wireless models. Look for a boom mic you can flip or detach, and a mute you can reach by feel. You can check your own mic after setup with the free Mic Test.

Comfort depends on clamp force, ear-cup material and weight. Glasses wearers should look for soft cup edges. Weights are listed on some maker pages only, so we do not compare them here.

On a tight budget, or prefer earbuds

The cheapest way into PS5 voice chat is usually a wired headset on the controller jack. Compare current prices on the listing, because we do not quote them. If you prefer earbuds, Sony's PULSE Explore is in the table below, and our gaming earbuds guide compares more.

Checklist before you buy

  • Is PS5 or PlayStation named on the listing for the exact version?
  • Does it connect by USB dongle, PlayStation Link adapter or cable?
  • Does it have a mute you can reach, and a mic you can flip or remove?
  • Can you charge it and use it, or does play stop at low battery?
  • If you also use PC or a phone, does one headset cover them?