Sony’s been on a bit of a tear lately with hardware. Between the PS5 Pro rumors and the handheld Portal, it's hard to keep up. But honestly? The most interesting thing they’ve released in the last year is the Pulse Elite wireless headset. It isn't just another "official accessory" that looks nice next to your console. It’s a weird, ambitious piece of tech that uses planar magnetic drivers—stuff you usually only find in audiophile gear that costs as much as a used car.
Most people just want a headset that works. You plug it in, you hear footsteps in Warzone, and you move on with your life. But the Pulse Elite is trying to do something else. It’s trying to bring high-fidelity audio to the masses. Does it actually succeed? Well, it’s complicated.
The Planar Magnetic Secret Sauce
If you’ve spent any time in the r/headphones subreddit, you know people obsess over driver types. Most gaming headsets use dynamic drivers. Think of them like tiny speakers that move air to create sound. They’re fine. They’re reliable. But they can be a bit "muddy" when things get chaotic.
The Pulse Elite wireless headset uses planar magnetic drivers from Audeze, a company Sony actually bought recently. Instead of a cone, these have a flat diaphragm that’s thin as a hair. It moves way faster and more accurately.
What does that actually mean when you’re playing God of War Ragnarök? It means you hear the texture of the snow. You hear the distinct "clink" of Kratos’ axe hitting a shield, rather than just a generic metallic thud. The separation is wild. You can pinpoint exactly where a sound is coming from in 3D space. Sony calls this 3D Audio, and while any headset can "do" it, these drivers make it feel tangible.
The bass is different, too. Don't expect that booming, skull-rattling vibration you get from a pair of cheap Beats. Planar bass is tight. It’s fast. It hits when it needs to and then gets out of the way. If you’re used to headsets that just rumble your brains out, these might feel a bit "thin" at first. Give them a week. Your ears will thank you for the clarity.
Living With the Pulse Elite (The Good and the Weird)
Let’s talk about the design. It looks like a spaceship. Or a piece of modern art. It’s definitely "PS5 aesthetic."
The headband is that stretchy rubber material. It’s surprisingly comfortable for long sessions, though it might feel a bit loose if you have a smaller head. I’ve worn mine for six-hour sessions without that dreaded "clamping" feeling that makes your ears hot.
The microphone is a retractable boom that hides inside the left earcup. It’s clever. When you pull it out, it’s flexible, so you can shove it right in front of your mouth. Sony also baked in some AI noise rejection. I tested this by eating a bag of chips while talking to my squad. They couldn't hear the crunch. That’s a win in my book.
Connectivity and the PlayStation Link
Sony introduced something called PlayStation Link with this headset. It’s their new proprietary wireless tech. Basically, it’s supposed to offer ultra-low latency and lossless audio. You get a little USB-A dongle in the box.
The cool part? You can connect to your PS5 via the dongle and your phone via Bluetooth at the same time.
Imagine you’re grinding for materials in Elden Ring. You can listen to a podcast or take a phone call without stopping the game audio. It’s one of those features you didn't think you needed until you have it. Then, you can't go back.
However, there’s a catch. The range isn't incredible. If I walk to the kitchen to grab a drink, the audio starts to stutter. It’s meant for "in-room" use.
Where It Might Annoy You
Nothing is perfect. The Pulse Elite wireless headset has some quirks that might drive you nuts.
First, the buttons. They are tiny. And they all feel the same. Adjusting volume while you’re mid-fight is a guessing game for the first few days. You’ll probably accidentally hit the power button when you meant to turn the volume up.
Second, the charging hanger. Sony includes this plastic wall mount that charges the headset via pins on the headband. It’s a great idea, but you have to screw it into a wall or a desk. If you’re a renter or just don't want to drill holes in your furniture, it’s a bit of a waste. You can still charge it via a regular USB-C cable, though.
Then there's the price. It’s around $150. That’s a crowded market. You’ve got the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro sitting right there. Those headsets have better software suites for PC users.
But if you’re 90% a PS5 gamer, the integration here is hard to beat. The EQ settings show up right in the PS5’s quick menu. No need to plug it into a laptop to change your sound profile.
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Comparing the Pulse Elite vs. the Original Pulse 3D
If you already own the original Pulse 3D headset, you’re probably wondering if you should upgrade.
The original was... okay. It was plasticky and the ear pads tended to peel after a year. The mic sounded like you were talking through a tin can.
The Elite is a massive step up in every single department.
- The battery life is roughly 30 hours, nearly double the original.
- It has fast charging (10 minutes gets you 2 hours of play).
- The ear pads are plusher.
- The sound quality isn't even in the same league.
If your old Pulse 3D is falling apart, the Elite is the logical next step. It feels like the "Pro" version that should have launched with the console.
A Note on PC and Mobile Compatibility
You can use the Pulse Elite wireless headset on a PC. It works fine. You plug in the dongle, and Windows recognizes it instantly.
But you lose some of the magic. You won't get that nice on-screen UI for settings. You’re basically using it as a standard pair of headphones.
For mobile, the Bluetooth is great for music. Because of those planar drivers, music actually sounds fantastic. Jazz, classical, and acoustic tracks shine here. You can hear the fingers sliding on guitar strings. It’s rare for a "gaming" headset to be a genuinely good pair of music headphones, but Sony pulled it off.
Common Misconceptions
People often think "Wireless" means "Bad Audio." That’s not true anymore. With the PlayStation Link tech, the bottleneck isn't the wireless signal; it's the source material.
Another big one: "Planar drivers are fragile." While you shouldn't drop them down a flight of stairs, these aren't some delicate glass ornaments. They’re built for daily use. Just don't go poking the diaphragm inside the ear cup.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re serious about your PS5 setup, here is how you should approach this.
First, check your current setup. If you’re playing on TV speakers, literally any headset will change your life. But if you’re looking to upgrade, the Pulse Elite is the best "bang for your buck" in the high-end space right now.
- Check your head size. If you have a very small head, try to find a display unit at a Best Buy or Target. The fit is a bit looser than the original Pulse.
- Plan your charging. Decide if you’re actually going to mount that hanger. If not, make sure you have a long USB-C cable handy near your couch.
- Update your console. The headset works best with the latest PS5 firmware to ensure the Link connection is stable.
- Tweak the EQ. Don't stick with the "Standard" preset. Go into the PS5 settings and try the "Bass Boost" or "Shooter" presets depending on what you play. The planar drivers respond really well to EQ changes without distorting.
The Pulse Elite wireless headset represents a shift in how Sony views gaming audio. They aren't just selling a brand; they’re selling actual engineering. It’s a specialized tool for people who want to hear the nuances in a game's sound design. If you care about immersion and want to hear every leaf rustle in The Last of Us, it’s a no-brainer. If you just want something loud to yell at your friends in Madden, it might be overkill, but you’ll still enjoy the comfort.
Make sure you keep the PlayStation Link dongle in a safe spot. It’s small, and losing it means you’re stuck with Bluetooth, which isn't the intended way to experience this headset on a console. Stick it in the front port of your PS5 and leave it there. You’re good to go.