Why Can't I Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5?
| Reuben Howe
Bluetooth has been around for 24 years, and has been through the phases of hype, widespread use, refinement, normalisation and now, innovation.
The 2000's are keenly remembered as the "But does it have Bluetooth?" era for tech, and if the answer was almost always "Yes, of course!".
Since then, we've been using Bluetooth for wireless music (among other things) pretty consistently, removing the need for cables and making the most of the incredible rechargeable batteries that started becoming commonplace.
So, it seems unthinkable that we could be at the end of Bluetooth's reign, and yet many gamers are left wondering why they can't connect their headphones to PS5 via Bluetooth like they do for their phone, PC and other consoles!
Does PS5 Have Bluetooth Now?
The Pulse headset for PS5 was a big moment, as it was the official recognition of Bluetooth audio by PlayStation. This matters because the PS5 didn't launch with native Bluetooth support (Just like the Nintendo Switch).
Well, I say it didn't launch with Bluetooth support, when in reality it did. The DualSense controllers used by PlayStation are connected via Bluetooth, but no 3rd party devices were allowed a direct connection to this same Bluetooth chip despite it being inbuilt in the PS5!
So, PS5 does have Bluetooth, but it is inaccessible to direct connections outside the official DualSense controller...
How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5
When the Pulse released, PlayStation rather let the cat out the bag for Bluetooth audio on PS5, as they revealed USB adapters would be able to get your Bluetooth connections through to the console.
Bear in mind that even the official Pulse headset uses an adapter, it doesn't connect direct like the DualSense, so by that point you may as well use another adapter and stick with your current headphones!
Simply put your headphones in pairing mode and connect to the adapter. Then, the adapter plugs into the PS5 via USB. This creates a wireless connection from headset, to adapter, to PS5.
Why Does PS5 Need A Bluetooth Adapter
The mystery of the "no direct connection" Bluetooth of the PS5 is summarised by PlayStation to be in the interest of quality.
Bluetooth can lower the quality of audio if sent over a poor codec, and can cause latency (lag) if not using a fast headset and adapter. The Pulse might use an adapter for Bluetooth, but it's one certified and vetted by PlayStation so they feel comfortable the PlayStation experience isn't any less than it would be before the Pulse.
Overall, though, there's no actual mechanical reason you can't use any USB Bluetooth adapter (Preferably a Bluetooth 5+ one with low latency) and your own headphones.
Other Consoles and Gaming Headphones
If you own a Steamdeck or Nintendo Switch then luckily, Bluetooth support for all your current devices comes as standard (in 2024)! If you need to pick up an adapter, though, we supply all of August International's MR range which support Bluetooth 5+ and even features like multipoint, HD audio and more...
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published.