Sony released the PlayStation 5 along with a handful of new accessories, including a new wireless headset called the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. These headphones, which can play 3D audio when hooked up to a PS5, have earned high ratings. They are a big part of Sony’s audio prospects, which aim to immerse users further into the soundscape of movies, music, and games. But can you use them on an Xbox?
The PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset works with the Xbox Series X or Xbox S via the 3.5-mm jack connection. However, this pairing lacks support for 3D audio and you won’t be able to regulate the volume, so it’s not an ideal setup.
Although the Pulse 3D is comparable to the best Xbox headsets, it features a 3.5mm jack port, which is absent on the Xbox Wireless headset. In comparison, the Xbox Wireless Headset is Bluetooth compatible, while the PS5 headset is not. Read on for the full story on using the Pulse 3D and how it compares to the Xbox Wireless Headset.
What Is the PS5 Pulse 3D Headset?
The PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (on Amazon) optimizes the PS5 3D audio technology to the fullest. The sound range is incredible and it’s designed to replicate the way audio sounds when it comes from every direction. For instance, when playing a game, you can hear the sound of footsteps behind you.
The effect of this feature is that the audio quality you get in games comes close to real surround sound, especially in games with custom audio that’s been designed for this system, such as Resident Evil Village, Demon’s Souls, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
A full charge will typically give you about 12 hours of battery life, and the internal mic handles the communication side of things (even if the headset does periodically have some mic echoes which are ultimately easy to fix).
The PS5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is not compatible with Bluetooth. Rather, the headset uses a USB Wireless adapter to connect to your console. This actually means it can also be used with the PS4 and certain PCs.
Can You Use Your PS5 Pulse Headset on Xbox?
The PS5 Pulse 3D wireless headset can be used on the Xbox series S or Xbox Series X through the 3.5 mm jack, however, the volume can’t be adjusted and this pairing doesn’t support the 3D audio.
In comparison, the official Xbox Wireless Headset (on Amazon) is not compatible with the PS5 at all. However, it is Bluetooth supported so it works with some PCs. If you’re using an external mic with your PS5 through USB, you may have some luck simply swapping it over to your Xbox!
How Do I Connect My PS5 Headset to Xbox?
To connect the PS5 Pulse Headset to the Xbox, you’ll need an auxiliary cable. Follow these steps:
- Connect one end of the auxiliary cable to the bottom of the Xbox controller.
- Connect the other end of your auxiliary cable to the jack on the PS5 Pulse Headset.
- Test to be sure that the headset and the microphone both work. To do this, follow steps 4 and 5.
- For the headset, move the controller around and try to click or select options within the software as you would do normally; you should hear the clicking sounds from the headset.
- To test that the microphone is working, speak into the microphone and watch for a blue light that comes up around your profile image on the screen. This is a sure indication that the microphone is working.
Which Headset Is Better: Pulse 3D or Xbox Wireless?
There are tons of available third-party headsets out there, so gamers are not short on options. However, these affordable headsets come with features that are either more advanced than what is obtainable with those of the competitors in the same price range or are simply absent.
Both the Pulse 3D and the Xbox Wireless headphones are incredible first-party headsets but how do they compare against one another?
Let’s look at a couple of factors before coming to a conclusion.
Price
It’s great that the official Xbox and PS5 headsets are both moderately priced under $100 in the US.
Though most people won’t consider this to be cheap in comparison to some more high-end headsets out there, the PS5 3D Pulse and the Xbox Wireless Headset both perform excellently when it comes to sound quality.
Battery Life
The gaming time provided by both headsets is decent, with the Xbox Wireless lasting about 15 hours while the PS3 3D Pulse will last about 12 hours. The three extra hours clearly put the Xbox Wireless at an advantage but this will likely make no difference to most gamers.
Concerning the charging process for each headset, the USB cable provided is required for both, and they both charge fast enough.
Design/Build
The Xbox Wireless Headset and the PS5 Pulse Headset are both good-looking gadgets. The Xbox Wireless looks perfect for aspiring streamers out there while the audio quality from the mic is good enough for any purpose, whether chatting with loved ones or streaming.
The PS5 Pulse, on the other hand, looks more versatile and some gamers may love this, especially now that more commuters and walkers are using big headphones.
The mic is built-in so it’s not distracting and it doesn’t have the appearance of a gaming headset at first sight. However, the Pulse has lower mic quality compared to the Xbox Wireless.
With respect to their build quality, the Pulse comes out on top when it comes to solid design and overall appeal.
Weight and Comfort
It must be noted that the two headsets are equal as far as comfort is concerned. The weight difference between both is negligible, with the Xbox Wireless measuring 11 ounces and the Pulse measuring 10.4 ounces.
However, the PS5 headset may feel a bit heavier due to how snugly the top band rests on top of the head when you wear it. It is an even tie between both headsets because the pros and the cons for each bring them to the same level.
Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, both headsets are useful to other systems in various ways. The PS5 Pulse Headset features a 3.5 mm jack which lets it connect to any PC, laptop, or TV that has a headphone jack. Besides that, the Pulse Headset also uses the USB dongle to connect to the PS4.
There is no 3.5mm headphone port on the Xbox wireless but it is Bluetooth compatible. This means it supports wireless connection to a mobile phone which will enable the user to hear and answer it while wearing the headphones. In addition, the Xbox headset can be used with PCs and Xbox one consoles.
Sound Quality and Audio Options
When it comes to sound quality, the headsets sound great while playing Tempest and Dolby Atmos-supported games. The audio delivery of the Pulse 3D is well-balanced right from the start, while the bass output of the Xbox Wireless is powerful and highly cinematic.
Overall Winner: Xbox Wireless Headset
Microsoft has taken a step further to introduce features that usually come with higher-priced headsets. It is Bluetooth compatible and has fully customizable features that can’t be found on the PS5 Pulse.
Nevertheless, both give great value and offer great audio, which is exactly what the players need for that price. Neither of these is really a wrong choice for Xbox and PS5 owners, but for people with both, the better option might be to go for a costlier headset that supports both consoles.
Xbox-Compatible Headsets
One sure way to get further immersed in your favorite game moments, worlds, and stories is to upgrade to one of the top Xbox-compatible headsets of 2022.
1. Steelseries Arctis 9X (on Amazon)
This is a well-rounded device that plays exceptionally well with the Xbox. If you are serious about investing in a headset that meets all your gaming needs and more, then you should really consider the SteelSeries Arctis 9x.
Pros:
- Superb battery life
- Excellent sound with 3D spatial on Xbox
- Wireless for Xbox
Cons:
- Only 40mm drivers
- Too costly
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 (on Amazon)
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 second-generation model has some upgraded features from the previous generation.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Incredible microphone response
- Twice the battery life of the last generation
Cons:
- Some might find it too tight on the head
3. Turtle Beach Recon 500 (on Amazon)
This is one of the best Xbox headsets that you will also find very useful for a new generation console if you use one or plan to. It’s all thanks to the simple wired connection that comes with the Recon 500, as well as the excellent audio quality and the incredible value it offers.
Pros:
- Zero distortion
- Excellent sound
- No design quirks or gamer aesthetic flare
Cons:
- Construction materials are not unique
4. Razer Nari Ultimate for Xbox (on Amazon)
The Razer Nari Ultimate is a great headset for gaming but its price is on the high side. Apart from providing excellent surround sound, it also delivers haptic feedback, meaning that it vibrates at the same time as the audio so you can really feel the big noises (explosions in most cases).
This may come across as a gimmick, but it does affect your gaming experience considerably. So if you’re a fan of action, then this is your ideal headset.
Pros:
- Great audio quality
- Amazing haptic feedback
- Very good wireless
Cons:
- The mic is not outstanding