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    Home » Blog » How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5: 5 Ways That Work
    Gaming

    How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5: 5 Ways That Work

    TR EditorBy TR EditorOctober 8, 2026Updated:October 8, 202627 Mins Read
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    How to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5 guide illustration with headphones and 5 workaround options
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    You can stream 4K games, run ray tracing and share a PS Plus library with your friends, yet the moment you try to pair a pair of AirPods, your PS5 shrugs. Here’s the direct answer to how to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5: you can’t pair them with the console itself, but you can get them working through a USB Bluetooth adapter, your TV’s Bluetooth, the DualSense controller’s headphone jack, or PS Remote Play on your phone. Which one fits you depends on whether you need a working mic, low lag, or a solution that costs nothing.

    Sounds like a strange gap for a console that launched in 2020, right? It is. But once you understand why Sony left it out, picking the right workaround gets a lot easier. Let’s break it down, method by method, with the settings you’ll actually tap, the trade-offs nobody puts in the headline, and the fixes for when things go quiet.

    Quick answer: your 5 options at a glance

    Before you dive into the steps, here’s the whole picture in one place. Every method below routes PS5 audio to Bluetooth headphones (or a close substitute), but they differ a lot in cost, delay and microphone support.

    MethodWhat you needCostMic for party chatLagBest for
    USB Bluetooth adapterA PS5-compatible USB-A or USB-C transmitterRoughly $15 to $30Only on adapters with a talk or chat modeLow to moderateMost people who want their own headphones on the console
    TV BluetoothA TV with Bluetooth audio outputFreeNo (use the controller mic)Moderate to highStory games, films and late-night play
    DualSense 3.5mm jackHeadphones with a 3.5mm cableFree if your headphones include a cableYes, if the cable or headset has a micNoneCompetitive games, zero fuss
    PS Remote Play on a phone or tabletThe PS Remote Play app and good Wi-FiFreeYes, through your phone’s micModerate (streaming delay)Playing in another room or in bed
    PlayStation Link or a dongle headsetA headset or earbuds with their own USB receiverVaries by headsetYesVery lowAnyone ready to buy dedicated gaming audio

    The key takeaway here is simple: if you want your existing Bluetooth headphones on the console, an adapter is the most complete fix. If you just want quiet, free audio tonight, your TV or the controller jack will do.

    Can you connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS5 directly?

    No. And it isn’t a setting you’ve missed. The PS5 has Bluetooth hardware inside, but Sony uses it for controllers and select accessories, not for headphones or speakers.

    You can see this for yourself. If you put your headphones in pairing mode and go to Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories, they may even show up in the list. Try to connect, though, and the console tells you it doesn’t support Bluetooth audio accessories. Lifehacker hit exactly this wall when trying to pair AirPods for a late-night session, and so do thousands of new PS5 owners every month.

    Sony’s own support team is blunt about it. In a support article on whether regular Sony Bluetooth headphones work with the PS5, the company states that pairing Bluetooth headphones with the PS5 won’t be possible and you won’t be able to find or connect them. That applies to Sony’s own 1000X-series headphones too, which surprises a lot of people.

    So does that mean you’re stuck? Not at all. It just means the Bluetooth part has to happen somewhere else: in an adapter, in your TV, or on your phone.

    “The PS5 can see your headphones. It just won’t talk to them, so your job is to give them something else to talk to.”

    Why the PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio

    Let’s back up a little. Why would Sony skip a feature that phones, laptops and even Nintendo’s Switch support? There are three main reasons, and they matter because they explain the trade-offs of every workaround.

    Latency: the delay you can hear

    Standard Bluetooth audio adds a short delay between what happens on screen and what reaches your ears. On a podcast, you’ll never notice. In a fast shooter, hearing footsteps a fraction of a second late is the difference between winning a fight and watching the kill cam.

    Engadget’s guide puts it plainly: Bluetooth headphones were never designed around low-latency audio, despite years of improvements. Sony’s support article cites the same concern, pointing to latency performance as the first reason Bluetooth audio isn’t supported.

    Bandwidth: the controller gets there first

    Here’s the thing most guides skip. Your DualSense controller already connects to the console over Bluetooth. Sony explains that because the controller is already using Bluetooth bandwidth, adding wireless audio on top might cause small audio delays.

    Microphones and quality

    Bluetooth has a well-known weakness with headsets: when the microphone is active, many headphones switch to a lower-quality call mode. Avantree, which makes Bluetooth transmitters, notes that audio quality drops sharply when you use the mic through a standard adapter while game sound is playing, which it describes as falling to 8-bit quality. Engadget adds dropouts and subpar mic quality to the list of likely reasons Sony stayed away.

    There’s also a commercial angle worth naming. Sony sells its own wireless headsets and earbuds, and a few writers, including Lifehacker’s, have pointed out that leaving Bluetooth audio out conveniently nudges you toward them. Sony hasn’t said that, of course. Its official line is about latency and bandwidth.

    The key takeaway here is simple: every Bluetooth workaround inherits at least one of these problems. Pick the one whose weakness matters least for the games you play.

    Before you start: a 2-minute checklist

    A few quick checks will save you a lot of head-scratching later. Run through these before you choose a method.

    • Confirm your headphones are Bluetooth. Avantree makes a good point here: wireless isn’t always Bluetooth. Some gaming headsets use a 2.4GHz USB receiver instead, and those are simpler to set up.
    • Charge your headphones. A low battery is one of the most common reasons pairing fails or audio cuts out.
    • Update your PS5. Go to Settings > System > System Software Update. Sony’s patches sometimes improve accessory and headset behaviour.
    • Know your ports. PS5 consoles have USB-A ports and USB-C ports. Check which connector your adapter uses before you buy one.
    • Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices. Your phone or tablet might grab your headphones the moment they enter pairing mode.
    • Find your pairing method. Most over-ear headphones have a button you hold down; many earbuds pair from the case. Look it up now so you’re not hunting for it mid-setup.

    That’s the groundwork. Now let’s get into the methods themselves.

    Method 1: Use a USB Bluetooth adapter (the most complete fix)

    This is the closest thing you’ll get to native Bluetooth on a PS5. A small transmitter plugs into a USB port, the console treats it as a USB audio device, and your headphones pair with the transmitter instead of the console.

    Why does it matter to you? Because it’s the only Bluetooth method that sends sound straight from the console, works with any TV, and can support a microphone if you pick the right model. Wikihow puts typical PS5 transmitters at $15 to $30, and Lifehacker suggests you can pick one up for around $25.

    How to connect Bluetooth headphones to PS5 with an adapter

    The exact buttons vary by brand, so keep the adapter’s manual handy. In general, the process looks like this:

    1. Plug the adapter into your PS5. Use the port type that matches it. Many PS5-specific adapters are USB-C and go into the front USB-C port.
    2. Put your headphones into pairing mode. Hold the pairing button or open the earbud case, depending on your model.
    3. Put the adapter into pairing mode if needed. Many adapters start pairing automatically; others need a press of their button until the LED flashes.
    4. Keep both devices close together. Avantree says pairing can take up to 30 seconds, so give it a moment.
    5. Set the PS5 output. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device and choose the adapter, not your headphones (the console only sees the adapter).
    6. Set the microphone input if your adapter supports chat. Choose the adapter as the input device and switch on its talk or chat mode if it has one.
    7. Test with a game and a party. Check sound and, if relevant, ask a friend whether they can hear you.

    Digital Trends notes that in most cases the PS5 recognizes the transmitter as a USB audio device with no extra setup, so step 5 is often only needed if you hear nothing.

    What to look for when you buy an adapter

    Not all adapters are equal, and this is where many buyers get burned. Here’s what separates a good one from a drawer-filler.

    • Explicit PS5 support: Look for a listing that names the PS5. Generic PC Bluetooth dongles often don’t work as audio transmitters on a console.
    • The right connector: USB-C adapters can sit in the front port; USB-A adapters suit the back ports. Some include both.
    • Microphone or chat mode: If you play online, this is the feature that matters most. Many adapters only send audio out.
    • Low-latency support: Some adapters offer a low-latency mode when paired with compatible headphones. Check that your headphones support the same mode.
    • Easy re-pairing: A physical pairing button saves you from unplugging and replugging every time you switch headphones.

    Sony itself is careful here: its support article says third-party adapters let you connect regular Bluetooth headphones, but Sony doesn’t guarantee their compatibility or performance. In other words, read reviews from PS5 owners before you buy.

    The trade-offs you should know

    Here’s the catch. Even a good adapter is still Bluetooth. Turtle Beach notes that you should expect higher latency than a dedicated 2.4GHz gaming transmitter and that mic support is often limited. Wikihow suggests staying within about 30 feet of the console to avoid dropouts.

    So don’t expect perfection in a ranked match. Instead, think of an adapter as the best way to use the headphones you already own for everyday gaming.

    Method 2: Pair your headphones with your TV (free and fast)

    Here’s the method that costs nothing if your TV cooperates. Many modern smart TVs support Bluetooth audio output, and when your PS5 sends sound to the TV, the TV can pass it along to your headphones.

    Why does this matter? Because it takes five minutes and zero dollars. Lifehacker found that even a 2017 TV supported it, so there’s a decent chance yours does too.

    Step-by-step: connect through your TV

    1. Set the PS5 to send audio to the TV. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and make sure the output device is your TV over HDMI.
    2. Set the TV to use its own speakers as output. If you normally use a soundbar or receiver, switch the TV’s output back to its internal speakers first, otherwise the Bluetooth option may be greyed out.
    3. Open your TV’s Bluetooth or sound settings. The menu is often under Sound, Audio, Audio Output or Connections, depending on the brand.
    4. Put your headphones in pairing mode.
    5. Choose Add Device or Pair New Device on the TV, then select your headphones from the list.
    6. Play something on the PS5. Audio should now come through your headphones.

    What you give up

    Sounds perfect, right? Not quite. TV Bluetooth adds its own delay, and Engadget warns that even when this method works, you’re left with high-latency audio that isn’t great for fast-paced games. Digital Trends adds that mic support won’t work the way it would with a headset connected to the console.

    There’s a simple fix for chat, though. Your DualSense has a built-in microphone, so your friends can still hear you while your headphones play the game sound. Just keep the controller speaker volume low to avoid feedback.

    The key takeaway here is simple: TV Bluetooth is brilliant for slower games and films, and a poor fit for twitchy shooters.

    Method 3: Plug into the DualSense controller (no lag at all)

    Let’s be honest about this one: it isn’t wireless. But if your Bluetooth headphones came with a 3.5mm audio cable, as many over-ear models do, this is the most reliable way to use them with a PS5.

    The DualSense has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom edge. Plug in, and the audio travels over the controller’s own connection to the console, not over standard Bluetooth audio. You get no added headphone lag, and a headset or cable with a built-in mic can handle chat too.

    Sony lists this as one of its official alternatives: connect your headphones to the DualSense’s 3.5mm jack with an audio cable, if your headphone model supports it.

    How to set it up

    1. Plug your headphones’ 3.5mm cable into the jack on the bottom of the controller.
    2. Press the PS button once to open the control center.
    3. Select Sound, then make sure the output device is set to the headset connected to your controller, as Push Square’s guide describes.
    4. Check what goes to your headphones. Under Settings > Sound > Audio Output, the Output to Headphones option controls which audio plays through headphones. If you only hear chat, change it so all audio comes through.
    5. Adjust volume under Settings > Sound > Volume, where you can set the headphones level separately from the controller speaker.

    Small things that make a big difference

    • Battery drain: Powering headphones through the jack uses controller battery, so you may need to charge more often.
    • Cable length: A short earbud cable is fine. A long over-ear cable can snag, so coil it or clip it.
    • Mono audio: If you have hearing differences between ears, PlayStation’s audio settings include Mono Audio for Headphones.
    • Sidetone: Some headsets let you hear your own voice via Sidetone Volume, though PlayStation notes it isn’t available for every headset.

    “If your headphones came with a cable, you already own the lowest-latency PS5 audio setup there is.”

    Method 4: Use PS Remote Play on your phone or tablet

    This one barely shows up in competing guides, which is a shame, because it’s clever. Your phone already pairs with your Bluetooth headphones perfectly. So instead of bringing the headphones to the console, bring the console to your phone.

    PS Remote Play streams your PS5 to an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet. Your phone’s audio then goes wherever it normally goes, including your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones.

    How to set it up

    1. Enable Remote Play on the PS5. Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play.
    2. Allow it from rest mode (optional but handy). Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode, then turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS5 from Network.
    3. Install the PS Remote Play app on your phone or tablet and sign in with the same PlayStation account.
    4. Pair your Bluetooth headphones with your phone as you normally would.
    5. Connect a controller to your phone if you prefer physical buttons. PlayStation says DualSense, DualSense Edge and DUALSHOCK 4 controllers work, and on-screen controls are available too.
    6. Start Remote Play and pick your console.

    Network needs and trade-offs

    PlayStation’s Remote Play guidance recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download, and 15 Mbps for the best experience. It also warns that Remote Play uses much more data than most video streaming services, so be careful on mobile data.

    You’ll feel some streaming delay on top of Bluetooth delay, so this isn’t the setup for a ranked match. But for a cosy RPG session in another room, it’s hard to beat. If your Wi-Fi struggles in the bedroom, our guide to WiFi boosters vs WiFi extenders explains how to fix weak spots.

    One more tip: long streaming sessions can warm your phone up. If it gets uncomfortable, our breakdown of why your phone gets so hot covers the usual causes and fixes.

    Method 5: Choose headphones that skip Bluetooth on the console

    Sometimes the best workaround is not needing one. Gaming headsets with their own USB receiver connect to the PS5 over a dedicated wireless link instead of standard Bluetooth, and many of them also have Bluetooth for your phone.

    Turtle Beach explains that dedicated 2.4GHz USB transmitters deliver low-latency audio that Bluetooth can’t match, with full mic support and a steady connection. The setup is usually just plug, power on, and confirm the output.

    Sony’s PlayStation Link option

    Sony’s own route is PlayStation Link. The PULSE Elite headset and PULSE Explore earbuds connect to the PS5 through a PlayStation Link USB adapter that comes paired out of the box. Both can also pair with a phone or other mobile device over Bluetooth, which gives you one set of headphones for both.

    PlayStation’s accessories pages list two adapter versions: one with a USB-A connector, and a newer one with a USB-C connector plus an included USB-A connector. Older PlayStation wireless headsets, such as the Pulse 3D, Gold and Platinum, also pair with PS5 consoles through their own USB adapters.

    Third-party headsets with dongles

    Plenty of third-party headsets work the same way. Turtle Beach, SteelSeries, Sony’s INZONE line and others sell PS5-compatible models with USB receivers. Sony’s support article suggests INZONE headsets for exactly this reason: they use a USB dongle or a wire instead of Bluetooth.

    If you want sound that matches the PS5’s 3D audio features, Engadget recommends picking a headset that supports Tempest 3D AudioTech. It’s a big upgrade in games designed around it.

    The key takeaway here is simple: if you game for hours every week, a dongle headset ends the Bluetooth problem for good. If you mostly use earbuds on the go, a dual-mode headset or earbuds with Bluetooth and a USB receiver is the best of both worlds. You can also compare options in our roundup of the best noise cancelling earbuds.

    How to connect AirPods to PS5

    AirPods are probably the most common Bluetooth headphones people try with a PS5, so they deserve their own section. The good news: every method above works with AirPods. The less good news: you’ll need the right pairing gesture for your model.

    Put your AirPods into pairing mode

    Apple’s guide to pairing AirPods with a non-Apple device lists slightly different steps depending on the model:

    AirPods modelHow to enter pairing modeWhat you’ll see
    AirPods 1, 2 or 3, AirPods Pro 1 or 2With AirPods in the open case, press and hold the setup button on the back for about 5 secondsStatus light blinks white
    AirPods 4 or 5, AirPods Pro 3Open the case with AirPods inside, hold it near the device, and double-tap the front of the caseStatus light blinks white
    AirPods MaxPress and hold the listening mode button for about 5 secondsStatus light blinks white

    Once the light blinks white, pair them with your adapter (Method 1), your TV (Method 2), or your phone for Remote Play (Method 4).

    What works and what doesn’t

    Apple notes that on non-Apple devices you can listen and talk, but you can’t use Siri. On a PS5 adapter, the mic is a separate question that depends on the adapter’s chat support. Features like automatic switching between Apple devices won’t apply here either, so if your AirPods keep jumping to your iPhone, turn off Bluetooth on the phone while you play.

    So should you use AirPods for PS5 gaming? For casual play, sure. For competitive shooters, a wired cable on the DualSense or a dongle headset will serve you better.

    Which method should you pick? A decision table

    Still torn? You see, the right answer depends less on your headphones and more on what you play. Use this table to match your situation to a method.

    Your situationBest methodWhy
    You play competitive shooters onlineDualSense 3.5mm jack or a dongle headsetNo Bluetooth delay, reliable mic
    You want your AirPods on the consoleUSB Bluetooth adapterDirect from the console, works with any TV
    You don’t want to spend anythingTV Bluetooth or DualSense jackUses gear you already own
    You need voice chat with Bluetooth headphonesAdapter with chat mode, or Remote PlayBoth can carry your voice
    You play story games late at nightTV BluetoothEasy, free, and lag matters less
    You want to play from bed or another roomPS Remote PlayYour phone handles Bluetooth perfectly
    You also use a PlayStation PortalPlayStation Link headset or wired earbudsThe Portal supports PS Link and 3.5mm audio
    You’re buying new headphones anywayDual-mode headset with a USB receiverConsole and phone covered in one device

    The key takeaway here is simple: start with what’s free, then spend money only on the weakness that actually bothers you.

    Getting your microphone working for party chat

    Here’s where most Bluetooth setups fall apart. Listening is easy. Talking is the hard part.

    Why the mic often fails

    Many Bluetooth adapters only send audio from the console to your headphones. They don’t bring your voice back. Avantree explains that steps like plugging in and pairing usually only let you listen, and that you need an adapter with a talk or conversation mode for the mic to work.

    Even then, Bluetooth’s call mode usually lowers audio quality while the mic is open. That’s not a fault in your gear. It’s how standard Bluetooth headsets share their limited bandwidth.

    Five ways to keep chatting

    1. Use the DualSense’s built-in mic. It works no matter where your audio goes, including TV Bluetooth.
    2. Buy an adapter with a chat mode, then set it as both the output and input device on the PS5.
    3. Use a wired headset or a cable with an inline mic in the controller’s 3.5mm jack.
    4. Use Remote Play, where your phone’s mic carries your voice.
    5. Chat on your phone instead. Some players run party chat on a phone with Bluetooth headphones while game audio comes from the TV. It’s a workaround, but it works.

    Check your mic level

    Once your mic is connected, open the control center with the PS button, choose Mic, then adjust the microphone level until it sits in the Good range, as PlayStation’s audio settings page recommends. Press the controller’s MUTE button to quickly mute your mic when needed.

    PS5 audio settings worth knowing

    Whichever method you pick, a handful of PS5 settings decide whether sound actually reaches your ears. Here’s where they live, based on PlayStation’s own audio settings page.

    SettingWhere to find itWhat it does
    Output DeviceSettings > Sound > Audio OutputChooses where sound goes (TV, USB adapter, controller headset)
    Switch Output Device AutomaticallySettings > Sound > Audio OutputSwitches output when you connect a headset
    Output to HeadphonesSettings > Sound > Audio OutputChooses what audio plays through headphones
    Mono Audio for HeadphonesSettings > Sound > Audio OutputPlays the same audio in both ears
    Sidetone VolumeSettings > Sound > Audio OutputLets you hear your own voice (not all headsets)
    Headphones volumeSettings > Sound > VolumeSets headphone volume separately from the controller speaker
    Microphone levelControl center > Mic > Adjust Microphone LevelSets how loud your voice is

    One more tip: turn on Switch Output Device Automatically if you swap between headphones and TV speakers often. It saves you a trip into the menus every time.

    Troubleshooting: when your headphones still won’t work

    So you’ve followed the steps and you’re met with silence. Don’t panic. Most problems come down to a few common causes.

    1. Check the output device first

    This is the fix for most no-sound problems. Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device and pick the adapter, the controller headset or the TV, depending on your method. With an adapter, remember: choose the adapter, not your headphones.

    2. Restart everything properly

    Turtle Beach recommends fully shutting down the PS5 rather than putting it in rest mode, then restarting it along with your headphones. It sounds basic. It fixes a surprising number of issues.

    3. Re-pair from scratch

    Remove the headphones from any device they were paired with nearby, put them back into pairing mode, and pair again. If you wait too long between putting both devices into pairing mode, Digital Trends notes, pairing may simply time out.

    4. Try a different USB port

    Front and back ports can behave differently with some accessories. If the adapter isn’t detected, move it. Turtle Beach also notes that USB 3.0 devices can cause interference with 2.4GHz wireless, so keep receivers away from busy ports and external drives if you can.

    5. Watch for interference and distance

    Walls, routers and other Bluetooth devices can all cut into the signal. Stay within about 30 feet of the console, keep the adapter in a clear line of sight, and turn off Bluetooth on your phone or tablet while you play.

    6. Charge and update

    A low battery causes dropouts. So does old firmware. Update your PS5 software, and check whether your headphones or adapter have a companion app with firmware updates.

    7. Confirm what kind of headphones you have

    If you’re trying to pair a gaming headset that uses its own USB receiver, it won’t pair over Bluetooth with an adapter. Plug its receiver into the PS5 instead. It’s an easy mix-up.

    8. Check your TV’s settings

    If the TV method gives you nothing, make sure the TV is using its internal speakers as output, not a soundbar or optical connection. Many TVs hide the Bluetooth option when audio is going elsewhere.

    Mistakes to avoid

    A few common mistakes waste people’s time and money. Here are the ones to avoid.

    1. Don’t buy a generic PC Bluetooth dongle

    Many cheap PC dongles are designed to receive Bluetooth on a computer, not to transmit audio from a console. Buy an adapter that names the PS5 and says it transmits audio.

    2. Don’t select your headphones as the output device

    With an adapter, the console only sees the adapter. If you’re hunting for your headphones’ name in the PS5’s output list, you won’t find it.

    3. Don’t expect the mic to work by default

    Most listings focus on audio out. If voice chat matters, check for a chat or talk mode before you buy.

    4. Don’t use TV Bluetooth for competitive games

    The extra delay can throw off your timing. Save TV Bluetooth for slower games and use a wired or dongle setup for anything fast.

    5. Don’t forget the free option in your box

    If your headphones came with a 3.5mm cable, try the controller jack first. It’s free, lag-free and takes 30 seconds.

    Bluetooth headphones vs gaming headsets for PS5

    Should you keep fighting with Bluetooth, or just buy a gaming headset? Let’s compare the two honestly.

    FeatureBluetooth headphones (via adapter)Dongle gaming headset
    Setup on PS5Extra adapter and pairingPlug in the receiver and power on
    LatencyHigher, depends on adapter and headphonesVery low, built for gaming
    Mic supportLimited, quality often dropsFull support with a dedicated mic
    Sound for music and callsOften excellentVaries by model
    Use on the goIdealBulkier, though some have Bluetooth too
    3D audioWorks, quality depends on headphonesMany models are tuned for it

    Here’s the thing. If you mainly play solo story games, good Bluetooth headphones plus an adapter can sound fantastic. If you spend your evenings in party chat or online shooters, a proper gaming headset is worth the money.

    “Bluetooth headphones are built for your commute. Gaming headsets are built for your squad.”

    What the PS5’s Bluetooth gap means for the games you play

    The method you choose should match your library. Fast fall shooters like Modern Warfare 4 and big action games like Gears of War: E-Day reward low-latency audio, because hearing footsteps and reload sounds on time matters.

    On the other hand, atmospheric, story-driven games such as Control Resonant are more forgiving. A tiny delay won’t ruin a slow-burning cutscene, which makes TV Bluetooth or a basic adapter perfectly fine.

    And if you’re working through this month’s PS Plus free games, it’s worth testing your setup on a mix of genres before you settle on one method.

    How the PS5 compares with other consoles

    Let’s put this in context. Lifehacker points out that Nintendo added Bluetooth audio to the original Switch years after launch, which shows a console maker can add the feature later. Sony hasn’t done the same for the PS5, and its current support pages still say Bluetooth headphones can’t be paired.

    That also covers the different PS5 models. Sony’s support pages don’t make an exception for the PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro, so the same workarounds apply to every model. The PlayStation Portal follows a similar pattern: PlayStation says it works with PlayStation Link headsets and earbuds, plus any headphones with a 3.5mm connection.

    Will Sony ever change its mind? There’s no official sign of it. So plan around the workarounds rather than waiting for an update.

    Your PS5 Bluetooth headphones checklist

    Here’s a quick checklist you can run through the next time you set things up. Keep it handy.

    • Pick your goal: low lag, free, mic support, or playing away from the TV.
    • Check your headphones: Bluetooth only, or do they include a 3.5mm cable?
    • Match the method: adapter, TV, controller jack, Remote Play, or a dongle headset.
    • Pair carefully: both devices in pairing mode at the same time, close together.
    • Set the output: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device.
    • Sort out the mic: adapter chat mode, controller mic, wired mic or phone mic.
    • Test before you play online: a quick party chat test saves an awkward silent match.

    FAQs: connecting Bluetooth headphones to PS5

    Do PS5 consoles support Bluetooth headphones out of the box?

    No. The PS5 uses its Bluetooth for controllers and select accessories, and Sony’s support pages say Bluetooth headphones can’t be paired with the console. You can still use them through a USB Bluetooth adapter, your TV’s Bluetooth, or PS Remote Play on a phone.

    Why did Sony leave Bluetooth audio off the PS5?

    Sony points to latency and bandwidth. Bluetooth audio can add a noticeable delay in games, and the DualSense controller already uses Bluetooth bandwidth, so adding audio could cause small delays. Mic quality and dropouts are also common Bluetooth headset problems.

    Can AirPods work with a PS5?

    Yes, but not by pairing them with the console directly. Put your AirPods in pairing mode (the status light blinks white) and connect them to a PS5-compatible USB Bluetooth adapter, a Bluetooth-capable TV, or your phone running PS Remote Play.

    Will the mic on my Bluetooth headphones work for party chat?

    Only in some setups. Many adapters send audio out but don’t carry your voice back, so you need one with a chat or talk mode. Otherwise, use the DualSense controller’s built-in mic, a wired headset in the controller jack, or Remote Play with your phone’s mic.

    Can I use Bluetooth headphones with a PS5 without buying an adapter?

    Yes. You can pair them with your TV if it supports Bluetooth audio, plug them into the DualSense controller’s 3.5mm jack with a cable, or use PS Remote Play on a phone or tablet that’s already paired with your headphones.

    Why won’t my wireless headphones pair with the PlayStation 5?

    If they’re standard Bluetooth headphones, the console won’t connect to them directly. If you’re using an adapter, check that both devices are in pairing mode, choose the adapter under Settings > Sound > Audio Output, try another USB port, charge the headphones and restart the console fully.

    Does the PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro handle Bluetooth audio differently?

    No. Sony’s support pages don’t make an exception for any PS5 model, so the same workarounds apply. The adapter, TV, controller jack and Remote Play methods all work on the original PS5, the Slim and the Pro.

    Are Bluetooth headphones good enough for competitive games?

    They’re usable, but not ideal. Bluetooth adds delay that can make footsteps and gunfire arrive slightly late. For ranked matches, a wired connection through the controller or a gaming headset with its own USB receiver is the better choice.

    The bottom line

    You can’t pair Bluetooth headphones with a PS5 the way you would with a phone, but you’re far from out of options. A PS5-compatible USB adapter brings your favourite headphones to the console, your TV can do the job for free, the DualSense jack gives you lag-free sound, and Remote Play turns your phone into a personal PS5 speaker system.

    So start simple. Try the free route that fits your setup tonight, and if lag or mic support starts to bug you, upgrade only the piece that’s holding you back. Your next late-night session can be quiet, immersive and entirely on your terms.

    AirPods Bluetooth Headphones Gaming Headsets PlayStation PS5 PS5 Accessories
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