Sony PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

The Sony PlayStation 5 has many exciting features, one of those is its ability to support 3D audio for a more immersive game playing experience. The hardware behind this feature is the Tempest Engine, which can transform any wired headphones into an impressive 3D sound device when plugged into PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.

However, if you want to elevate to fully wireless headphones that work with PS5 3D sound, you are limited to only one headset – the PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. Such a restricted choice might be annoying for most, but fortunately, the PS Pulse 3D is an overall fantastic pair of headphones.

These headphones come from a long line of PS wireless headphones, so you know that the Pulse 3D has a lot of promise, which it delivers. Before Pulse 3D, the headsets compatible with PS4, the Gold Wireless Stereo Headset offered exceptional sound quality, superior comfort, and some 3D audio. It seems Sony Pulse 3D has been designed to take things up a notch.

Our Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Headset review takes a closer look at its various features, quality, and sound, so continue reading to learn more:

Sony – PlayStation – Pulse 3D Wireless Headset – Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent sound quality.
Perfect companion for PS5.
Comfortable to wear.
Good internal microphone quality.
Wired mode compatibility.

Cons

Insignificant battery life for long hour gaming
Average built quality
Average noise cancellation

Audio and features

Although we have a few more expensive models that we have tested and loved on hand, the Pulse 3D managed to quickly outdo them to become the primary headset for playing games. There was only one problem, though, and these headphones don’t work with the Xbox Series X since there is no Bluetooth connectivity.

Thankfully, pairing the Sony Pulse 3D with our PC, Apple devices, and the PS5 was hassle-free and seamless, and it worked well across the different platforms for playing games and talking to friends on Discord or Party Chat. However, if you want to experience the full capabilities of these headsets, then using them with your PlayStation 5 is the way to go!

Implementing 3D audio for gaming in the Sony PlayStation 5 has been a standout feature. 3D sound aims to maximize immersion during gaming by using directional sounds, making you feel present in the game environment. During our testing, the 3D sounds worked well in most cases, but if you want to enjoy the novelty of directional audio, then you’ll have to compromise on the overall quality of sound.

One of the best games to experience Sony Pulse 3D’s sound capabilities is Demon’s Souls. You will get the maximum feel of demonic growls coming from different directions within the empty pathways.

Impressed by the 3D performance of these headsets, we had to double-check on a few occasions that the sounds were coming from the game and not some that were happening in the real world, which is truly impressive.

Like most of the features offered by the PlayStation 5, 3D Audio can be best experienced in first-party exclusive titles such as Miles Morales, Sackboy: A bIg Adventure, and Demon’s Souls.

Third-party developers might not be able to capitalize on the next-gen hardware and capabilities yet, which means the use of Pulse 3D might be limited for some time.

Do the PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headsets have a genuinely unique offering? Unfortunately, no, you will be able to find Similar 3D Audio effects in many latest gaming headphones in the market.

The Pulse 3D shines the brightest when used with official PS5 games and provides exceptional immersion, which is something worth having for the fans of the Sony PlayStation.

These are a solid pair of 3D gaming headphones for the price. They pack a punchy sound, which can sometimes have issues with clarity in busy environments, especially if you compare them against more expensive peripherals. However, its overall sound profile is loud, enjoyable, and has enough punch to justify its price.

Microphone

The PS5 Pulse 3D microphone works well when playing games and attending video calls on Zoom, but it is by no means an exceptional, high-caliber mic. Whenever we used the mic, there were no issues with clarity, and during playbacks of voice recordings we made using the microphone on these headphones, the voice was distinct and clear.

There is no protruding stick mic on these headphones, which is excellent and far more convenient. The microphone is built-in inside the earpieces, adding to their visual appeal.

So, there is no option to detach the mic and replace it with a better one. Still, we are confident that most users will not need to switch over to a superior microphone because of the one that Sony Pulse 3D comes with works well for different scenarios. Like we mentioned earlier, the decision to have a built-in mic makes for a more minimalist, stylish appearance.

Comfort

Sony’s decision to go with the PS5’s design has been up for debate since it was revealed. Some like it, others don’t, so when Sony stuck to its choice and visually tied the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless headset to the controversial appearance of the console, it also got some mixed opinions.

We understand Sony’s attempt to make everything look cohesive by going with the white headband, which matches the faceplates of the PS5.

These two devices are unmistakably related but are the look of the Sony Pulse 3D a little too much to double as a standard pair of headphones when you are out and about? We think yes! The headset’s design might be too attention-grabbing for people who don’t want to stand out because of their headphones.

Unfortunately, the band may look similar, but it is made from a less expensive material than the brushed metal found on the Platinum Wireless Headset. You must consider that the Platinum Wireless is more costly and needs a premium feel, while the Pulse 3D is much cheaper, and thus the cost-cutting is justified.

But don’t let the choice of a less expensive material fool you, the Pulse 3D feels durable, and we believe it will stand everyday wear and tear for at least a few years.

The Sony Pulse 3D Wireless headphones are comfortable, too, with firm ear cups that are great for creating an excellent seal around the ears, plus the headband provides just the right amount of pressure. Finally, we had no issues with too much heat generation while using and comfortably used the headset for a long time.

Build

The controls of the Sony PlayStation Headset are conveniently placed around the edge of the left ear cup, including the rocker that adjusts the balance between chat and game audio.

The power button, mute, volume control, and the monitor mode switch are also on the same ear cup. You’ll get on-screen notifications for button presses, which is a feature you will find only on these headphones.

The Pulse 3D lacks the button to turn the 3D audio on and off, but this is to be expected from system-level headphones, unlike the premium Platinum Wireless Headset.

Wired Mode

You have to plug in a dongle-like USB transmitter into your PS5’s rear or front socket to use Sony Pulse 3D headset wirelessly. The console automatically plays sound in the wireless headphones whenever you switch it on. You can also use these wireless headphones with a PC or PS4.

We love Sony Pulse 3D headset because it comes with a 3.5mm cable, so you can plug and play the headset with an Xbox, phone, or tablet whenever you run out of batteries. The 12-hour battery time is insufficient, so the wired option comes in handy, especially when gaming for long hours.

The microphone works fine in the wired mode. We wish the Sony Pulse 3D headset had a longer battery life because You can only experience the 3D audio in wireless mode.

Release Date And Price

Sony PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (white) was launched about a year back on October 30, 2020, two weeks before the launch of PS5. The Midnight Black version of these Sony wireless headsets hit the market on November 2, 2021. Since these headsets are compatible with both PS4 and PS45, they are a suitable replacement for Sony Platinum Wireless Headsets launched back in 2017.

Sony Pulse 3D headset is currently available for $ 99.99-midnight black and $99-white versions. Although some might find it on the more expensive side, the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset fully justifies its price if you make a price-to-performance comparison.

There are more affordable substitutes for Sony Pulse 3D like the Turtle Beach Recon 200 that comes at half the cost of Sony Pulse 3D at $49.99. However, it does not compare with the Sony Pulse 3D Headset’s sound performance and features. Overall, Sony Pulse 3D headset is worth its premium price, especially for pro gamers.

Who should purchase the Sony Pulse 3D headphone?

The most serious offense committed by the Pulse 3D headset is that it is an entirely acceptable device for its $99 price. It provides reasonably acceptable sound and mic quality, as well as a simple setup, but with the type of compromises that frequently accompany building wireless headphones at this price point. Finally, we suggest it as among the finest PS5 headsets due to its high quality for the price and stylish design. Nonetheless, some users will find it difficult to disregard the comfort difficulties.

It also irritates me since the Sony Pulse 3D headgear offers nothing unique. This is the PS5 headset from Sony. The organization is the most knowledgeable about the PlayStation 5, and we had hoped for a deeper level of integration than what we see here—something that highlights the PlayStation 5. Sony wisely kept its 3D Audio accessible to anyone who connects in a set of headphones. This means that an essential feature of the Pulse 3D is one that can be obtained from any headset. This headset can accomplish everything you require it to do, but there isn’t anything it can’t do better elsewhere.

Verdict

Gaming Performance is one of the most important factors when talking about Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. It provides excellent sound quality, and you will surely be impressed with its gaming performance only if it fits comfortably.

However, some cons, like the 12-hour battery life, are insignificant for pro gamers. You can switch to wired mode. However, the gaming performance in wired mode is average.

Talking about the 3D audio feature, the performance is above average in most games.

Considering the name of these headsets, we expected a better 3D audio performance. The headset handles the varied soundscapes of popular games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Considering the price, the overall performance of the Sony Pulse 3D headset is good, but not the very best.

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Sony PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review