Video games are an inherently visual medium – the clue, after all, is in the name. And yet sound can make or break an experience: when it’s good, like in The Last of Us: Part II, it sucks you into your surroundings, providing a sense of presence – but when it’s bad, like in the tinny Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, it only serves to irritate. Of course, great audio deserves a premium pair of cans, but balancing budget against sound quality can be a predicament for many players. That’s where, in our opinion, Sony’s line of officially branded Pulse headsets come into play – and its latest option, the PlayStation 5-focused Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, is no exception.
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Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review: What Do You Get?
Retailing for £89.99/$99.99, the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset finds itself on the lower end of the price spectrum when it comes to dedicated wireless gaming headsets. While it’s more expensive than the discontinued – and, honestly, extremely rudimentary – Gold Wireless Headset from the previous generation, it’s cheaper than the Platinum Wireless Headset, which Sony promoted as 3D capable cans during the PS4 era.
And yet it shares a lot in common with that headset: the complicated button layout, situated around the exterior of the left cup, is almost identical – and it has the same set of core features, including simulated 3D sound, which works in conjunction with the PS5’s heavily marketed Tempest Engine technology. The cups are slightly more compact, making for a snugger overall fit – which we personally appreciate – although this does mean that battery life is on the lower end of what you’d expect for a wireless headset; Sony advertises about 12 hours, but our testing pegs the reality closer to ten.
It’s worth noting that, despite the PS5 centric marketing, this accessory can be used pretty much anywhere. The included USB dongle can be plugged into a PS4, PC, or even a Nintendo Switch for wireless audio, while there’s a standard 3.5mm audio cable included for everything else – such as the PSVR headset, for example. Obviously, the controls on the cans don’t interface with every device, but the integration with the PS5 and PS4’s user interface is one of the main selling points here, as you’re given visual feedback when you adjust the volume or mute the microphone.
Charging is conducted using an included USB-C cable, which is the same as the DualSense controller, and is relatively fast – although we did notice some very minor electrical static in the left channel when we played while plugged in. The aforementioned USB dongle is much more discreet than the one included with the Platinum Wireless Headset, but provides roughly the same range; it flawlessly covers a couple of average sized rooms, but don’t expect to still hear your audio outside of that.
Pulse 3D Wireless Review: How Does It Sound?
Given its price point, the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is unlikely to be on the radar of audiophiles – and it’s not trying to be. At the end of the day you get what you pay for, and so you won’t find studio quality sound here. However, the performance is a tick above average, with rounded bass and an overall good sense of space.
The audio in games designed around the Tempest Engine – like Demon’s Souls, for example – feels big with these cans, allowing you to appreciate the sense of presence that PlayStation has hooked its marketing cart to. Games with traditional stereo soundscapes, like Yakuza: Like a Dragon, can feel much thinner by comparison – and subsequently the mix is a bit more jumbled. Obviously your mileage will vary depending on the game, but the 3D audio does feel much more optimised on these compared to, say, a traditional pair of earbuds – as you’d expect.
Compared to the Platinum Wireless Headset, we found the volume to be a little lower overall, although there’s still more than enough oomph to the speakers – you’ll just need to turn the volume up a notch higher than maybe you’d expect. Unfortunately, the built-in microphones, while serviceable, are of a pretty low quality, and while they’ll get the job done for traditional in-game chat, you’re not going to want to use them for anything other than that.
It’s also worth mentioning that there’s no companion app for the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, which was an option with previous products in the line. While not a deal-breaker – we always found the PS4-based software fairly unintuitive to use – some may lament the lack of control over their sound profile, as you’re pretty much at the mercy of your chosen game’s mix here.
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review: Is It Comfortable?
Sony’s official headsets have come in for some criticism due to their build quality, but we’ve never experienced the horror stories we’ve read about the Gold Wireless Headset or Platinum Wireless Headset – perhaps we just got lucky. Either way, presumably in response to the robust feedback pointed at its predecessors, PlayStation has done away with the problematic hinges from its previous peripherals in favour of a flexible plastic band.
This change means that the cans are less portable overall, but should hopefully result in fewer breakages. After a few weeks use, we haven’t had any issues: there’s certainly a cheap feel to the plastic headband – which utilises the same colour scheme as the DualSense controller, and is adorned with a familiar textured pattern – but we’re confident that it’ll withstand typical wear and tear.
The cans fit snugly around our ears, although we daresay the smaller cups could provide issues for larger lugs. The headset has no adjustability options whatsoever, so while we’ve had little issue wearing it ourselves, your mileage may vary – and there’s no way to adapt it if you end up with a poor fit. The faux leather texture around the cups is comfortable enough, although the material can tickle your skin after long sessions; this is all pretty standard stuff for a headset on the lower end of the price spectrum, of course, and not exclusive to the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset.
Our biggest criticism is reserved for the controls, which have few distinguishing features and can be difficult to tell apart. While the mute button has a nice spring to it, we’ve found ourselves squinting in the glow of our television trying to find the power button – and while the volume controls are in the most prominent position, one wrong move can see you adjusting the microphone mix rather than bumping up the volume like you intended. A wheel perhaps could have solved this issue.
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review: Should You Buy It?
The best thing about the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is its integration with the PS5 and PS4’s user interface, providing you with hassle-free control over your in-game audio. The sound quality, for the price, is above average – although audiophiles will want to look elsewhere for a richer overall experience. The integration with the PS5’s new Tempest Engine technology seems pretty good so far, although there are a limited number of titles to test this with at the moment; Demon’s Souls sounds exquisite with these cans.
The headset is versatile, and can be used with a number of different devices – including a PC and Nintendo Switch – although the battery life is a little on the shorter side than we’d like. The controls can be cumbersome, and the build quality has a somewhat cheap feel to it, although we’re confident it’ll withstand typical wear and tear. All in all, if you’re looking for a significant upgrade on a standard pair of earbuds, and you’re willing to pay for the flexibility enabled by a wireless headset, this is a good all-rounded for the price.
Do you own the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset? What are your thoughts on it, and do they align with our own? For transparency, PlayStation provided us with this product for review.
Comments 50
I think that these are the best headphones for PS5
I have a one I think it's pretty good from what I've used, although I do find it cuts out every so often. I mostly use it for cod online and it's great for hearing the footsteps of other players. Was great with demon souls too. I want to try it on last of us 2 but have completed it twice already so will wait a bit before trying it again. Overall I am happy with it
They honestly look like a slightly less capable version of the Sony headphones I use, similar button layout. The 3D audio on mine blew me away when I listened to live music. If they’re anywhere close to the quality of my headphones for that price point then they’re a bargain.
I couldn't find these in stock anywhere so i opted for the Steelseries Arctis 7P.
I got a pair with my PS5 to replace my knackered old gold headset.
Very happy with the quality and they are much more comfortable after wearing for an extended session.
I'm no great audiophile, the idea of spending £300 on a pair of headphones is not something I'm into, but these sound pretty good to me, so I'd recommend them.
I have a pair of Ars Technica headphones, they are pretty great. They plug into everything, ps5, Xbox, PC, Mobile.
Out of interest, would these work on an Xbox?
@TuckNorris85 You can use a cable provided in the box to connect it to an Xbox controller. It won't be wireless, but they do work.
If they're anything like the plats that headband will kill after an hour. That rubber band looks like it'll dig into your head or the constant pressure will give you a headache.
The golds were far more comfortable.
I have a set. They do sound really good with certain games, Days Gone and Hitman 3 for example. Otherwise the sound is fine, and they really balance chat and game sound well; you can adjust it to your liking. There are a couple big downsides though. I wish they would last longer, and the USB dongle is totally stupid. There are only 3 USB ports on the ps5 and this takes up one. Why no Bluetooth? It’s ridiculous. I have a set of Skullcandy Crushers. Not only do they sound way better, they last literally 10-15 times longer, and they use Bluetooth.
So I guess I would agree with the review, for a $100 set of gaming specific headphones, these are worth it.
@nessisonett which Sony headset do you use? I’m thinking of upgrading my original PS4 headset. The hinges on both sides are broken 😞 They lasted for only 3 years and I’m super carefull with my kit..
Got these on day one and I’m really pleased with them. Really comfortable, decent battery life (lasts me a good few play sessions at a time) and decent sound. Sure there are better ones out there for more money but I’m more than happy 😃
@LiamCroft nice. Handy to know if my headphones ever break.
@Mr_B021 A pair of XM3s. They’ve got XM4 ones out now but I didn’t think it was really worth the upgrade. Brilliant quality sound and a comfortable design without having the gamer headset price hike as they’re made for audiophiles first and foremost.
@VanguardKaiser
I opted for the Arctis 7 after considering the Pulse head set. Having been an owner of the Gold headset I'm glad I spent an extra £70.
I do have big lugs and the cups are just that little bit tight for my elven tips. Still, a solid headset. Just need some tempest ready ps5 games to try them on.
Hmm, sounds like the Platinum Headset it the better option for PlayStation fans.
You get the 3D Sound on PS4 games that only support 3D sound through the Platinum Headset (grumble grumble), but also get the 3D Audio from the PS5 as well even if the Platinum Headset isn't "optimized" for PS5's 3D Audio (whatever market jargon that even means as even the simplest earbuds are 100% capable of doing 3D Audio).
Somewhat Off-Topic Question / Concern regarding the PS5's Audio, I've noticed the Audio for the PS5 is significantly lower than on the PS4, most games on PS4 I only need the volume on my TV to be between 10 & 25, while for the PS5 I need the TV to be between 30 - 50 to hear Audio (Especially dialogue), is it just me or is the PS5's Audio worse than PS4's?
Just replaced my Pulse Elite with these and while they certainly don't have all the bells and whistles those did they seem to be good so far. Doubt they will last almost a decade like my old ones did.
@Dan_ozzzy189 Haven’t tried the plats, but I’ve played with these a fair bit by now and I’ve had little to no problems with any type of tension/headaches!
@Dan_ozzzy189 I think these are more comfortable than the Platinums, however they're less adjustable so that's worth keeping in mind.
But the headband is much nicer, and I prefer the size of the cups.
Have since a week before launch day. The only problem is if you have an industrial ear piercing they rest on the balls and after an hour or two start to make your ear hurt. Which didn't happen with the old gold headset.
@VanguardKaiser Same story for me too. I think the Arctis 7P's are comfortable and sound great. Battery life lasts for ever. I got em for Christmas and have only charged them once. I use them fairly often.
My only complaint with it is the fact the mic is just not good on it. Why they made the mic the afterthought, I have no clue but you'd think they would have upped that on the priority list.
I have the gold headset..my brother has the platinums...not a lot in it to be honest and both are great..i would love the pulse headset but "i want" and "i need" are something thats a pricey whim...
Tbh I'm a little disappointed in this headset, I had golds and platinum headset on ps4 and thought this would be a upgrade but sound is quite poor imo and not to mention the crazy sound glitch that ps5 has with this headset when in chat and switch games it alters volume so you are having to adjust it all the time.. I find my hyper x that are about £10 cheaper far better even the 3d audio sounds alot better on hyper x headset
I’ve had this since day zero and absolutely love it. Honestly after hearing the difference in footsteps in Call of Duty it’s hard for me to play without putting them on now.
I have the platinum headset and although I have no real complaints (apart from them feeling a bit tight and heavy after extended sessions), I've never really noticed any difference between those and my non-3d audio/surround sound headphones. So either I've not used them with any games that support 3d audio, or it is just something I don't notice that well. 🤷♂️
@Wolfie_Pie These are very uncomfortable from the moment I put them on.
Sounds lit.. <b> <b>
@JustPlainLoco go to settings and change volume. It is set at 2/3s if i'm not mistaken.
Got a set of these alongside my PS5, absolutely love them. The only downside is that my ears tend to get insanely hot wearing them, more so than other headsets. But it’s no big deal, just have to take them off for a few minutes every so often.
I got these as a replacement after my Platinum Headset broke... I don't find major sound improvements over the Platinum what I do find to be a major improvement is that the new ones seem to be way less sensitive to wireless interference so I don't experience random disconnections as I did with the Platinum, range also seems way better as I'm able to go to a different room without losing signal while I was unable to with the Platinums
I picked up a pair of these during launch week with my PS5. So far they've been decent. The build quality is good and sturdy. The battery life is extremely poor... But if you fine with the terrible battery life of the dualsense. You'll be fine with the battery life of the headset. I can't say to much about the audio quality. I tend to not buy wireless headphones, and or headphones in the $100 price range, so I can't say if they are decent for the price as I have nothing to compare them to.
I found these truly awful to be honest.
They were so uncomfortable and I could only manage 20 minutes before they were too painful to continue wearing them. I also found that they made my ears very hot.
I’ve gone back to my cheap skull candy in ear buds.
Started using them day one with the PS5 launch. Really satisfied with my purchase. I agree on the review the headset feels a bit cheap maybe.
I’ve just cancelled my pre-order of the new Xbox Wireless Headset seeing as they are going to be just as similar to these in pretty much every way from price to sound quality.
To anybody who bought the Arctis 7P, my son has the Arctis 1 and I thought they sounded very average and very quiet even at max volume but they are comfortable. Can any of you compare these Arctis 1 to the 7P? I’m thinking of getting the 9X but with the Arctis 1 it says they have the exact same speaker drivers from the 9X, so in theory the 9X will sound the same and will not be loud at max volume right?
I had the PS golds the hinges never broke, but the ear padding pealed off. I used them very little I play mostly with out headphones. Hope my new my PS5 headset will not do the same.
@HiglyPoeticOryx sound isn't as good as the gen2 700 turtle beach IMO but they are alright
@Serf same, the turtlebeach gen2 700s are boss
I have a pair of these and they do the job. They look nice and work well enough for in game chat on Co-op. I tend to not use them on games unless the other half is doing something. Battery life is OK but a couple of gaming sessions is enough to drain them enough that I have to recharge to make sure they don't cut out.
They are not as comfortable as my Steel Series Arctis 7 which was also PS4 compatible and that has far better build quality but then you are paying an extra £50 on top.
Purchased one and was extremely disappointed this required a dongle, meaning I now don't have room for all my usb devices (external HD, psvr breakout box and ps camera adapter and now Pulse headset) and require to buy a usb hub to accommodate everything. Another stupid oversite from Sony. Having to buy an extra USB hub when I have what must be a fairly typical PS5 setup is unacceptable in 2021. Its not like I'm using unnecessary peripherals. How hard is it to create a 1st party headset without requiring a dongle or give us enough USBs for everything we NEED to use?
Have to respectfully disagree, think they are a load of tat quite frankly. Ive barely used them, and despite that, I noticed the cloth ear plate covering are peeling off already, after being used literally a handful of times and rest of the time sitting on my headphone stand.
Cheap build quality, uncomfortable to wear, the sound isnt great compared to what you can get in the sub £100 price range, the only reason i've kept them about is to chat in parties cos my Hyper Xs cause feedback and echoing when your talking to people still on the PS4, cant wait to get rid of them (Pulse 3d)
Why are they so hard to get?
Don't think these are also targeted by scalpers, but pulse 3d are nowhere to be found in retail..
I got these last week on Monday and they didn't disappoint me, they are great.
@Blacksmith1985 can always find them in the UK, used to be harder to find now they are in a fair few places.
@Niktaw the Bluetooth is not enough to handle sound and chat.
Only had mine for 3 days and have only tested for 15 minutes, very Meeh to be honest. Sound is very poor to my ear and they feel cheap. They will not replace my open backed AKG's thats for sure but they are a fraction of the price and right now are needed for 3d audio so at the price I'm OK with them. I still wish Sony would support Atmos along side their proprietary system but till then these will do the job.
@nessisonett MX3s can be found on sale and are great! I have the MX4s which are basically the same including sound quality but I do love the "pause when headphones are put down" feature.
Is the audio quality from wired headphones on the Dualsense the same quality if using the Pulse with the dongle? Just curious if when I plug in my headphones am I getting the best quality sound?
@AP_0001 I’m not sure about PS5 but on the PS4, you can plug the headphones into the controller. I found it easier to actually connect my headphones wirelessly to my TV though, as I prefer not having a wire dangling.
Can I connect two different headsets (3d pulse + platinum) to dongle from 3d Pulse at the same time.
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