The PS5 may not directly support Bluetooth audio, but there are workarounds.
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The PS5 is a hell of a console, but while it’s capable of handling high-end 4K gaming, it doesn’t support Bluetooth audio. Well, not without a workaround method involving a third-party accessory. People who want the best audio experience possible should definitely buy one of the best gaming headsets. Still, if you’re serious about pairing Bluetooth headphones with your PS5, there’s a method involving a USB adapter that should allow your cans to play ball with your console.
Why doesn’t PS5 support Bluetooth audio?
Although your PS5 works with Bluetooth game controllers and accessories like Sony’s first media remote, it doesn’t natively support Bluetooth audio. Why is this? This is mainly because Bluetooth headphones were never designed to support low-latency audio, despite technological improvements over the years. Reducing latency is absolutely essential in gaming. If your headphones can’t keep up with the on-screen action, the game immersion is immediately interrupted. Imagine trying to play a high-octane Twitch-based online shooter and hearing that headshot coming in a split second too late. Boom! Their goes your virtual skull. Even the best Bluetooth headphones simply weren’t designed for modern video games.
Regular connection dropouts and poor mic quality are likely also reasons why Sony doesn’t offer Bluetooth audio support out of the box. If you have a modern smart TV, you may be able to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your TV and then enjoy PS5 audio that way. Even if this method works for you, you’ll still end up with high-latency audio that’s really not up to par for enjoying fast-paced gaming.
How to connect wireless headphones to PS5 with a Bluetooth adapter
Wondering why your wireless headset isn’t working on your PS5? This is probably because it doesn’t have a dongle and instead has to rely on a Bluetooth connection. Although Sony’s big, powerful console doesn’t support native Bluetooth audio, there is a workaround if you’re absolutely desperate to pair your headphones with your PS5. This method involves purchasing a USB-C Bluetooth adapter, like this UGREEN transmitter.
Most of these adapters are easy to install, but the exact methods may vary by manufacturer. Generally speaking, the process should go as follows. Plug the adapter into one of the USB-C ports on your PS5 or PS5 Pro. Next, press the pairing button on the adapter (although many models will start pairing automatically). It’s then time to turn your attention to your headphones, where you need to press the pairing button to get your cans to talk to the transmitter. If you don’t hear any sound after pairing is complete, go to Settings > Sound > Audio output on your PS5 and make sure the output device is set to your Bluetooth adapter.
Why you should buy a gaming headset for your PS5
If the PS5 is your primary entertainment device and you regularly find yourself engaged in stupidly late-night gaming sessions, you really should pair Sony’s console with a dedicated gaming headset. Buying a quality headset will ensure low audio lag and more stable mic support, with models that support wireless dongles also offering solid connections and plug-and-play convenience. In short, you’ll get a superior and more reliable audio experience than if you pair Bluetooth headphones to your PS5 via an adapter.
Ideally, you should opt for a model that supports the PS5’s ultra-immersive Tempest 3D AudioTech. Trust us, your ears haven’t lived until you’ve listened to the hypnotic showers Back (still the best showcase of spatial audio in a video game in our book). The $170 SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless is one of the best PS5 accessories, in part because it supports Tempest 3D so effectively. Another good first-party option is Sony’s sleek PlayStation Pulse Elite.
