PlayStation 5 doesn’t just improve your gaming lifestyle with gorgeous graphical upgrades, it also rounds out your experience with breathtaking 3D sound. The new PS5 console’s appropriately monikered Tempest 3D Audio feature is a spatial audio technology designed to envelop you in a squall of surround sound. That’s right; instead of adopting an existing 3D audio technology like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, Sony created its own. And, it’s supposed to expand its support over time.
At the moment though, Tempest 3D Audio’s full sound prowess only works on a few gaming headsets. The good news is the technology should work on any headset compatible with the console, which leads us to the best PS5 headsets. Beyond compatibility with (or better yet, optimization for) the console, the best PS5 headset must also offer excellent sound quality, a clear mic, a comfortable fit, and great gaming features. And, it doesn’t hurt if it looks great on your head as well. You also need to like what you’re hearing and do so comfortably as well. For the best PS5 headsets, here are our top picks:
TL;DR – These are our picks for the Best PS5 Headsets:
- Sony Pulse 3D
- Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2
- Arctis Prime
- SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
- Razer Barracuda X
- Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
- Audeze Penrose
- Astro A50
1. Sony Pulse 3D
Best PS5 Headset
If there’s one PS5 headset that can truly paint pictures with sound and the assistance of Sony’s Tempest Engine, that would be the Sony Pulse 3D. After all, Sony did design the headset specifically to give gamers that full 3D audio experience that the PS5 is capable of, fine-tuning it for its 3D audio tech. In fact, this headset was launched alongside the console so they are a match made in sonic heaven. It’s got a few other aces up its sleeves as well. It’s sleek, light and very comfortable. It’s got a good quality mic. And, it’s got a pretty affordable price tag.
It has its share of shortcomings – the 12-hour battery life will frustrate those who abhor having to charge their devices constantly. It could also be built more robustly and have a few more features like a top-quality mic, better noise isolation and even a better fit for glasses-wearing gamers. Even Bluetooth connectivity would have been nice. However, seeing as it is the first of its kind, it’s already a great headset with everything any PS5 player needs to get started.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2
Best PS5 Headset for Multiplayer
If full Tempest 3D Audio support isn’t your top priority – the feature works on most headsets compatible with PS5, anyway – then the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 is your best bet. It sits at the same price point as the Sony Pulse 3D, but instead of you paying for the Tempest fine-tuning, you’re paying for other features instead. Among those are Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing tech, which enhances all the sound details critical to your game, and the ProSpecs feature, which lets you comfortably wear the headset with your glasses on. There’s also that convenient flip-to-mute mic and longer battery life of 15 hours.
There’s a bit more clamping force on these than other PS5 headsets, it’s a bit bare on connectivity options, and the construction is mostly plastic. But, it certainly makes up for those with its nice features, affordable price, and great performance. Plus, if you’re tired of the same all-black gaming peripherals, its white option pairs well with the PS5.
3. Arctis Prime
Best Wired PS5 Headset
As SteelSeries’ more affordable offering in its Arctis line, the Arctis Prime is a bit trimmed down on features and sticks to the essentials. However, it hasn’t lost that signature Arctis sound we love and even audiophiles can appreciate. What the Prime lacks in frills, it makes up for in solid construction, breathable comfort, decent noise isolation, and naturally, great sound.
It’s the best budget option, therefore, for PS5 gamers who just aren’t completely sold on wireless peripherals. Plug that 3.5mm jack to your PS5 gamepad, and you’re good to go – not to mention it also takes advantage of that 3D audio goodness. Granted, some folks would prefer more features on their headsets, but those who prefer a more back to basics approach, it’s a winner.
4. SteelSeries Arctis 7P+
Best Wireless PS5 Headset
Shelling out a bit more cash might be worth it for those gamers who take their audio seriously and like to dabble in just about any console or gaming system. The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ works with just about any system – not to mention both USB and USB-C transmitters – so you can have one headset to rule them all. It also has up to 30 hours of battery life, essentially beating Sony’s own offering. Naturally, being an Arctis headset, it boasts good sound quality, solid build quality, and great comfort – as well as the line’s ClearCast bidirectional retractable mic.
Oh, and did we mention it comes with full Tempest 3D AudioTech compatibility? That’s right. This wireless PS5 headset will give you the full experience when it comes to the PS5’s coveted 3D audio immersion. So yeah, while this is a bit on the pricier side, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. Strangely enough, however, this might not be as good for music listening. But, we’re here for gaming, aren’t we?
5. Razer Barracuda X
Best PS5 Headset With Tempest 3D Audio
Razer’s hat in the PS5 ring is all about immersion. The Razer Barracuda X is among the very few full adopters of Sony’s Tempest 3D AudioTech and it also offers THX Spatial Audio support for a 7.1 surround sound experience. Basically, whether you're playing on your PS5 or PC, this headset will put your right in the middle of the action. Just know that the THX Spatial Audio feature requires a paid app to activate, but it’s a one time fee for a lifetime of immersive gaming.
There are other things we love about the Barracuda X as well – besides that funky 80s-esque moniker. It’s got a decently long battery life, is lightweight, plus a sleek and minimalist design that lets it pass for a regular pair of headphones. Pull out that detachable mic, and no one’s going to look at you weird when you’re on the plane or on a bus.
6. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
Most Versatile PS5 Headset
The first thing you’ll notice about the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is how luxurious it is to wear, like you’ve just wrapped around your head a cloud. It’s thanks to its cooling gel-infused plush memory foam ear pads. But, that’s not the only thing that makes this headset comfortable. Its ProSpecs design makes it possible for glasses-wearing gamers to enjoy their game in comfort as well. Performance-wise, it boasts great sound, up to 20 hours of battery life, and Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing features. It also supports virtual 7.1 surround sound through Windows Sonic.
At this point, we might as well just make a bulleted list of its skills… Adding to its versatility is its compact USB wireless dongle. It comes with Bluetooth as well so you can pair it with your PC quickly and without fuss if you want to switch between platforms.
7. Audeze Penrose
Best Audiophile PS5 Headset
The Audeze Penrose isn’t perfect. In fact, its initial fit has given us headaches. Quite literally. Its sound, however, is simply impeccable, hitting audiophile-level quality that we rarely ever see on gaming headsets. Some of Arctis’ high-end offerings might come close, but the Penrose still slays them all. So, if you’re more discerning about your sound, this might just be the PS5 gaming headset for you. As long as you’re ok with paying a premium, that is, as it doesn’t come cheap.
You might be able to take comfort in the fact that it offers a lot of features, however. Multi-platform compatibility and multiple connectivity options add to its value. Then you factor in that terrific mic and the fact that you can use it for media consumption as well, and you’re getting a high return on investment. Just make sure to break it in.
8. Astro A50
Best High-End PS5 Headset
To use the Astro A50 with your PS5, you’re going to need a few things and plug a bunch of cables on a bunch of ports on three different devices: your PS5, the A50 base station, and the Astro HDMI adapter for PS5. Don’t worry; the setup is pretty straightforward. It’s just a bunch of steps. So, why even bother? Well, excellent sound, Dolby surround sound processing, and Game:Voice balancing are only three of the many reasons. The Astro A50 is among the best gaming headsets out there, and that’s true for PS5 gaming as well.
It’s also among the most comfortable – seriously, we could wear this for hours and not notice that it’s there – and one of the most versatile. In fact, if you already own the latest model, all you need to do is get that HDMI adapter and you’re all set. Got both PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles? Just get an additional Astro A50 charging base for Xbox Series X/S as well and you can share one headset across the two consoles.
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.