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We've recently released our Test Bench 1.8 update for Headphones! Read the R&D Article to learn more.

Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headphones Review

Tested using Methodology v1.6
Review updated Jul 24, 2023 at 09:34 am
Latest change: Writing modified Apr 12, 2024 at 10:30 am
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Picture
7.3
Neutral Sound
4.7
Commute/Travel
5.7
Sports/Fitness
5.8
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
7.3
Wired Gaming
5.7
Phone Calls

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless is a gaming headset designed primarily for PS5 consoles. It's fully compatible with PC as well as PS4 and PS5 consoles, whether you're using its wireless USB receiver or the included 1/8" TRRS cable. It supports Tempest 3D Audio, a virtual surround sound feature on the PS5 advertised as generating a more immersive listening experience, though it only works with certain games. Unlike most gaming headsets, it has an integrated mic instead of a boom mic. Although you can use the headset with any console or even your phone using the included cable, you can only access the sound customization features when you connect to a PlayStation console.

Our Verdict

7.3 Neutral Sound

The Sony PULSE 3D are decent for neutral sound. The headphones' sound profile lacks a bit of low bass, which flattens the thump and rumble of sound effects in action-heavy games, but its well-balanced mid-range yields clear and present dialogue as well as vocals and lead instruments in music. Unfortunately, its uneven treble range can give some notes a slightly dull, veiled quality. While it has a graphic EQ and presets, these features are only available on the PS5. It also has virtual 3D audio, which is only available in some games.

Pros
  • Fairly well-balanced sound profile.
Cons
  • Limited sound customization features.
  • Closed-off soundstage.
4.7 Commute/Travel

The Sony PULSE 3D are bad for commuting, though they aren't designed for this purpose. These headphones let in a lot of ambient noise, especially the low rumble of bus and plane engines and the chatter of other commuters. They're not very portable or comfortable. They aren't Bluetooth-compatible, so you can't connect wirelessly with your phone, but you can listen to audio and use the mic by plugging the included 1/8" TRRS cable into your phone.

Pros
  • Decent build quality.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Terrible noise isolation capability.
  • Uncomfortable, somewhat unstable fit.
5.7 Sports/Fitness

The Sony PULSE 3D are middling for sports and fitness and aren't meant for that purpose. The headphones are lightweight but bulky and unstable on your head, so they will slip out of place during workouts. You need to use the included 1/8" TRRS cable to connect with your phone, which can get snagged on something while moving.

Pros
  • Decent build quality.
Cons
  • Bulky design.
  • Uncomfortable, somewhat unstable fit.
5.8 Office

The Sony PULSE 3D are inadequate for office use. Like many headphones meant for gaming, they do an awful job of blocking out the chatter of coworkers. They aren't very comfortable and can't connect to your computer over Bluetooth. They don't support handy features like multi-device pairing. Thankfully, they don't leak much audio and have enough battery life to easily get you through a day at work and the commute back home.

Pros
  • Decent build quality.
Cons
  • Terrible noise isolation capability.
  • Uncomfortable, somewhat unstable fit.
7.1 Wireless Gaming

The Sony PULSE 3D are decent for wireless gaming. The headphones transmit audio with low audio latency on PCs and PlayStation consoles using its wireless USB receiver. If you're gaming on PS5, you can also access EQ presets and a 5-band graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound to your liking. Unfortunately, the integrated microphone can make your voice sound a little muffled, and it struggles to isolate speech from loud background noise.

Pros
  • Low wireless audio latency.
  • Virtual surround sound feature for PS5.
Cons
  • Limited sound customization features.
  • Mediocre microphone noise handling performance.
7.3 Wired Gaming

The Sony PULSE 3D are decent for wired gaming. It comes with a 1/8" TRRS cable that allows for full audio and microphone compatibility with PlayStation as well as Xbox consoles and PCs. However, people on the other end of the line may hear your voice as being very quiet while using it on a wired connection with PCs. These headphones can also be a little uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.

Pros
  • Low wired audio latency.
  • Virtual surround sound feature for PS5.
Cons
  • Limited sound customization features.
  • Mediocre microphone noise handling performance.
5.7 Phone Calls

The Sony PULSE 3D are sub-par for phone calls. The headphones block out very little background noise, so it's hard to hear calls you make in noisy environments. The integrated microphone makes your voice sound relatively natural but also a little veiled, and it struggles to isolate your voice from even moderately loud ambient noise.

Pros
  • Fairly well-balanced sound profile.
Cons
  • Terrible noise isolation capability.
  • Mediocre microphone noise handling performance.
  • 7.3 Neutral Sound
  • 4.7 Commute/Travel
  • 5.7 Sports/Fitness
  • 5.8 Office
  • 7.1 Wireless Gaming
  • 7.3 Wired Gaming
  • 5.7 Phone Calls
  1. Updated Apr 12, 2024: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony PULSE Elite Wireless in Recording Quality.
  2. Updated Nov 23, 2023: The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
  3. Updated Nov 23, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
  4. Updated Jul 24, 2023: Made minor edits to the text to bring it up to date.
  5. Updated Sep 08, 2022: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony INZONE H7 Wireless in the 'Battery' test. While both headphones are manufactured by Sony and are intended for use on the PS5, the INZONE H7 have a better battery life, so you don't have to worry about charging them up as often.
  6. Updated Aug 26, 2022: We've added a comparison to the Sony INZONE H3 in the Build Quality test. Both are budget-friendly headsets from Sony, but the Pulse have a significantly better build quality.
  7. Updated Nov 10, 2021: We've retested 'App Support' and 'PlayStation Compatibility' due to a firmware update on the PS5 that offers sound customization features.
  8. Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
  9. Updated Jan 25, 2021: We've updated the results of the Xbox One Compatibility test.
  10. Updated Dec 14, 2020: Review published.
  11. Updated Dec 08, 2020: Early access published.
  12. Updated Nov 27, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  13. Updated Nov 26, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  14. Updated Nov 11, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless come in a few different colorways: White, Midnight Black, and Gray Camouflage. We tested it in 'White', but our results are also valid for the other variants.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Headphones

The Sony PULSE 3D are gaming headphones compatible with PCs and PlayStation consoles. They have a sleek, distinctive look and low wireless audio latency for gaming, not to mention a 3D audio feature for a more immersive gaming experience. Unfortunately, they aren't very comfortable and have an integrated mic, which doesn't perform as well as the boom mics found on other similarly-priced gaming headphones like the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless.

If you're looking for alternatives, look at our list of recommendations for the best PS4 gaming headsets, the best PS5 gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets.

Sony PULSE Elite Wireless

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless and the Sony PULSE Elite Wireless are both closed-back gaming headsets that share the same monochromatic aesthetic that's borrowed from the PS5. Unlike the PULSE 3D, the PULSE Elite have Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated retractable boom mic with great recording quality and excellent noise handling. They're also more comfortable and have a longer continuous battery life. On the other hand, the PULSE 3D can deliver audio more consistently, are better built, and have a more intuitive control scheme.

SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless are better gaming headphones for the PS4 and PS5 than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The SteelSeries are more comfortable and feel better-built. They have a better performing boom microphone, a longer-lasting continuous battery life, and support SteelSeries Engine so you can tweak their sound using this software's graphic EQ or presets. However, the Sony deliver audio more consistently. While you can also customize their sound using their graphic EQ and presets, this feature is only available on updated PS5 consoles.

Sony PULSE Explore Truly Wireless

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless and the Sony PULSE Explore Truly Wireless are gaming headphones meant for PlayStation consoles; which one you prefer mostly depends on what type of headphones you want. The Explore have a smaller, more portable in-ear design and use planar magnetic drivers, which is intended to improve the clarity of audio. They support Bluetooth, so you can connect them to your phone when you're on the go. On the other hand, the 3D are over-ears with a longer continuous battery life. Their design helps them create a more wide, spacious-seeming passive soundstage. They also have a dedicated app with a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

Sony INZONE H9 Wireless

The Sony INZONE H9 Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The INZONE H9 are more comfortable, have noise cancelling, which helps them block out significantly more ambient noise, and their microphone offers better overall performance. Their battery performance is better, they have more customization features, and they support Bluetooth, meaning you can stay connected to your console and smartphone simultaneously. However, the PULSE 3D have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, their passive soundstage is more immersive-feeling, and you can use them wired via a 1/8" TRRS cable.

Sony INZONE H7 Wireless

The Sony INZONE H7 Wireless are slightly better wireless gaming headphones than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The INZONE H7 are more comfortable and better-built, and their mic offers better performance. They also have more customization features, have better overall battery performance, and support Bluetooth, meaning you can stay connected to your smartphone and console at the same time. However, the PULSE 3D have lower latency and support an analog connection, which is nice if you want to use them wired.

Razer Kaira X

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Razer Kaira X. The Sony can be used wired or wirelessly with low latency. When connected to a PS5 console, they can also access a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking. However, the Razer are wired-only headphones but they're better built, more comfortable, and have a more neutral default sound profile.

Sony INZONE H3

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless and the Sony INZONE H3 have different strengths, and you may enjoy either. The PULSE are better-built wireless headphones, have more consistent audio delivery, and their passive soundstage performance is better. You can also use them wired. On the other hand, the INZONE are wired-only headphones that are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and have a better overall boom mic performance.

Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019

The Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 are better for wireless gaming than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The Astro are far more comfortable, better-built, and have a better-balanced sound profile that's delivered more consistently. They also have a better overall microphone. However, the Sony can also be used on a wired connection. They also leak less audio and charge faster, though they do have slightly shorter battery life. That said, while they can access a graphic EQ and presets, this feature is only available on updated PS5 consoles.

Xbox Wireless Headset

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless and the Xbox Wireless Headset are two gaming headphones and depending on your usage, you may prefer one over the other. The Sony have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, and they can be used on PC, PS4, and PS5 consoles with full compatibility using either their analog cable or USB wireless dongle. They also have lower wireless latency for gaming. You can customize their sound using their graphic EQ and presets too, but this feature is only available on updated PS5 consoles. However, the Xbox are better-built and more comfortable. While some users may find their sound profile to be very bass-heavy, you can adjust it to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets. They also have a longer-lasting battery life than the Sony. Since they're designed for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, they offer full compatibility with these consoles using their USB cable or by using Xbox Wireless.

Xbox Stereo Headset

The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the Xbox Stereo Headset. The Sony have more consistent audio delivery, their sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, and they have low non-Bluetooth wireless latency. However, the Xbox Stereo are more comfortable and have a better build quality. Their boom mic also offers a significantly better overall performance.

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless are more versatile than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The Turtle Beach are more comfortable, better-built, have a superior microphone, and have a companion app with a graphic EQ and audio presets. They're also Bluetooth-compatible. Meanwhile, the Sony headphones have a better-balanced default sound profile and can be used on a wired connection courtesy of their included 1/8" TRRS cable. They also have lower non-Bluetooth wireless latency. You can customize their sound using their graphic EQ and presets too, but this feature is only available on updated PS5 consoles.

SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless are better overall headphones than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The SteelSeries are more comfortable, are better built, and have a better microphone, not to mention a longer battery life and a feature-rich companion app. However, unlike the Sony, they can't be used on a wired connection. The Sony also exhibit lower non-Bluetooth audio latency and deliver audio more consistently.

SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless are better for wireless gaming compared to the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The SteelSeries are comfier, more sturdily-built, and have a considerably longer battery life. They're also compatible with the SteelSeries Engine companion app, which offers a fairly broad range of configuration options. That said, the Sony deliver audio more consistently and leak a little bit less audio.

HyperX Cloud Flight S

The HyperX Cloud Flight S are better overall headphones than the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless. The HyperX are comfier, feel sturdier, and have a superior detachable boom microphone and a much longer battery life. They're also compatible with a companion app that offers functions for control remapping and surround sound support. However, the Sony can be used on a wired connection via their included 1/8" TRRS cable and deliver audio more consistently.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic

Their look stands out among gaming headphones. They're heavily inspired by the Sony PS5 console and share the same white-over-black color scheme, accented with blue indicator lights. The two-piece headband, with a white outer edge and a padded adjustable inner band, is similar to the ski-band design found in other gaming headphones like the SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless.

6.0
Design
Comfort
Weight 0.65 lbs
Clamping Force
0.9 lbs

They're passably comfortable. The ear cups don't offer much range of motion and don't form a good seal against your ears, so the headphones have an unnatural, floaty feel. Thankfully, they're relatively lightweight and don't clamp very tightly. Their adjustable headband also lets them fit on a variety of head sizes.

6.4
Design
Controls
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use Decent
Feedback Decent
Call/Music Control No
Volume Control Yes
Microphone Control Mute/Unmute
Channel Mixing
Yes
Noise Cancelling Control No
Talk-Through
On/Off
Additional Controls No

The control scheme is passable. There are dedicated controls for volume adjustment and microphone muting, but no call or music management buttons. Unfortunately, it can also be hard to tell if your mic has been muted or not without feeling for the button. The buttons themselves are hard to tell apart, which isn't helped by the fact that they're all located on the left ear cup. That said, they mostly offer a good mix of physical and audio feedback.

On the left ear cup:

  • Mic button: Mute/unmutes the mic.
  • 'Monitor' switch: Toggle sidetone on and off.
  • Chat/Game buttons: Press either button to turn up the volume from that source. Press both together to reset their relative volumes.
  • Volume rocker: Adjusts the overall volume.
  • 5.3
    Design
    Portability
    L 8.2" (20.8 cm)
    W 7.3" (18.5 cm)
    H 3.6" (9.1 cm)
    Volume 216.00 in³ (3,539.59 cm³)
    Transmitter Required No

    They aren't very portable headphones. The headset is bulky overall, and you can't fold it into a more compact configuration when putting it in a bag.

    0
    Design
    Case
    Type No case
    L N/A
    W N/A
    H N/A
    Volume N/A
    7.0
    Design
    Build Quality

    The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless have a decent build quality. The ear cup padding is lined with faux leather, while the inner headband is made of rubber. The plastic outer structure feels fairly solid and seems more durable than the Sony INZONE H3. However, the mounting points between the cups and headband feel slightly flimsy, as does the connection between the inner and outer bands.

    6.5
    Design
    Stability

    They're reasonably stable. You can tilt your head at a steep angle without fear of the headphones falling off, even if you wear glasses, but shaking from side to side can cause them to slip off completely.

    Design
    Headshots 1
    Design
    Headshots 2
    Design
    Top
    Design
    In The Box

    • Sony PULSE 3D Wireless headset
    • USB receiver
    • USB-A to USB-C cable
    • 1/8" TRRS cable
    • User manual

    Sound
    Sound
    Sound Profile
    Bass Amount
    -4 dB
    Treble Amount
    -4.04 dB

    These headphones have a warm sound profile. Their flat, even mid-range yields clear and present vocals and lead instruments. Unfortunately, their underemphasized low-bass range means your audio doesn't have much thump and rumble. Also, their uneven treble range can veil the details of some higher notes. On the upside, if you're gaming on a PS5, once you've updated your console to the most recent firmware, you can access three EQ presets and a graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound to your liking.

    7.1
    Sound
    Frequency Response Consistency
    Avg. Std. Deviation
    0.58 dB

    These over-ears have satisfactory frequency response consistency. You may notice a drop in bass if you wear glasses or have thick hair. Depending on their fit and positioning, they're also prone to inconsistent treble delivery. It's important to adjust the headphones to hear consistent sound each time you wear them.

    Sound
    Raw Frequency Response
    7.4
    Sound
    Bass Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    3.72 dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    51.13 Hz
    Low-Bass
    -7.24 dB
    Mid-Bass
    -0.31 dB
    High-Bass
    2.08 dB

    The bass accuracy is decent. The underemphasized low-bass range slightly dampens the thump and rumble of sound effects in your favorite action games, but their fairly well-balanced mid and high-bass range results in sufficient warmth and body.

    8.8
    Sound
    Mid Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    1.55 dB
    Low-Mid
    0.04 dB
    Mid-Mid
    0.03 dB
    High-Mid
    2.46 dB

    This headset has amazing mid accuracy. The entire range is quite flat and balanced, resulting in clear, present, and detailed vocals and lead instruments.

    5.7
    Sound
    Treble Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    6.2 dB
    Low-Treble
    -2.65 dB
    Mid-Treble
    -6.44 dB
    High-Treble
    -10.05 dB

    The treble accuracy of these headphones is poor. The range is wholly underemphasized, resulting in a loss of clarity for vocals, lead instruments, and lispy and dull sibilants. Instruments like the violin in the main theme for Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom lack some articulation and sound dull instead of bright. That said, since their treble delivery can vary depending on their fit, seal, and positioning, your experience may vary.

    7.0
    Sound
    Peaks/Dips
    Peaks
    1.9 dB
    Dips
    1.61 dB

    They have a decent peaks and dips performance. An extended bump across the bass range generates some boominess while a slight dip in the low through mid-mid thins out vocals and lead instruments and nudges them toward the back of the mix. A bump in the high-mid and low-treble gives some vocals and lead instruments a harsh quality. The alternating drop and rise in the mid-treble can make sibilants sound alternatively dull and piercing.

    8.3
    Sound
    Imaging
    Weighted Group Delay
    0.28
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    4.2
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    1.07
    Weighted Frequency Mismatch
    2.26

    Their imaging performance is great, like most headphones from Sony that we've tested. Their weighted group delay falls entirely beneath the audibility threshold, resulting in tight bass and transparent treble. The L/R drivers are also well-matched regarding phase, frequency, and amplitude response, so objects like footsteps and voices are accurately placed in the stereo image. That said, imaging indicates the manufacturer's quality control and ergonomics and varies between units.

    5.6
    Sound
    Passive Soundstage
    PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
    3.34 dB
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    2.79 dB
    PRTF Distance
    8.05 dB
    Openness
    9.3
    Acoustic Space Excitation
    3.1

    They have a middling passive soundstage, which is normal for closed-back headphones. It's a small and fairly closed-off soundstage, and sound seems to come from inside your head rather than speakers placed in the room around you.

    2.0
    Sound
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    No
    Speaker Modeling
    On/Off
    Room Ambience
    No
    Head Tracking
    No
    Virtual Surround
    Yes

    The Sony PULSE 3D Headset is compatible with a 3D virtual sound feature called Tempest 3D AudioTech, but only on PS5 consoles and on some PS4 games. Using this feature, you can adjust the virtual center point between your ears, which raises or lowers the apparent source of your audio. The feature is intended to improve the virtual soundstage to help create a more immersive experience.

    7.4
    Sound
    Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    WHD @ 90
    0.297
    WHD @ 100
    0.182

    They have a decent weighted harmonic distortion performance. There aren't many spikes aside from a peak in the low to mid-treble range at moderate volumes, which won't be too noticeable overall. Audio reproduction is mostly clean and pure.

    Sound
    Test Settings
    Firmware
    Unknown
    Power
    On
    Connection
    Wireless (Proprietary)
    Codec
    PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
    EQ
    No EQ
    ANC
    No ANC
    Tip/Pad
    Default
    Microphone
    Integrated

    These are the settings used to test the Sony PULSE 3D Headset. Our results are only valid in this configuration.

    Note: Unfortunately, while the headset could connect to both PS4 and PS5 consoles, we couldn't manually update its firmware or check the current firmware.

    Isolation
    2.0
    Isolation
    Noise Isolation
    Isolation Audio
    Overall Attenuation
    -6.56 dB
    Noise Cancelling No
    Bass
    0.2 dB
    Mid
    0.76 dB
    Treble
    -20.22 dB

    They have bad noise isolation. They filter out almost no ambient noise in the bass or mid ranges, so you're likely to hear both the low rumble of buses passing by an open window and the chatter of people in a nearby room. They do a better job of blocking out high-pitched background noise, like the hum of a loud AC unit, but their performance here is still mediocre.

    7.3
    Isolation
    Leakage
    Leakage Audio
    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    37.91 dB

    They have a decent leakage performance. Most of the escaping audio occurs in the low-treble range, giving it a somewhat thin quality. That said, it isn't too loud overall and won't be disruptive to people nearby.

    Microphone
    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    Yes
    In-Line
    No
    Boom
    No
    Detachable Boom
    No
    Mic Yes
    6.8
    Microphone
    Recording Quality
    Recorded Speech
    LFE
    179.59 Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    3.66 dB
    HFE
    3,272.31 Hz
    Weighted THD
    0.191
    Gain
    -5.07 dB

    The microphone has okay recording quality. Your voice sounds fairly natural and mostly free of distortion but also somewhat veiled and muffled. If you're looking for gaming headphones with a better mic recording quality, consider the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless or the Sony PULSE Elite Wireless, which has a retractable boom mic.

    5.7
    Microphone
    Noise Handling
    SpNR
    11.29 dB
    Noise Gate
    Always On
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    5.5
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    6.0
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

    The microphone's noise handling performance is unremarkable. Online teammates may struggle to understand you if you're calling from somewhere even moderately loud, like a shared living room. If you're looking for gaming headphones with a better noise handling performance, consider gaming headphones with a boom mic, like the Razer Kaira X instead.

    Active Features
    7.3
    Active Features
    Battery
    Battery Type
    Rechargable
    Continuous Battery Life
    13.4 hrs
    Additional Charges
    0.0
    Total Battery Life
    13.4 hrs
    Charge Time
    3.3 hrs
    Power-Saving Feature
    No
    Audio While Charging
    Yes
    Passive Playback
    Yes
    Charging Port USB-C

    They have a decent battery performance. They supply over 13 hours of continuous playback, exceeding the manufacturer's claim of 12 hours, but they fall short of other over-ear headphones like the Sony INZONE H7 Wireless. However, battery life varies with use. You can also use them while they charge via the included USB-C cable. The 1/8" TRRS cable lets you use their mic and listen to audio passively.

    7.0
    Active Features
    App Support
    App Name PS5 Inferface
    iOS No
    Android No
    macOS No
    Windows No
    Equalizer
    Graphic + Presets
    ANC Control
    No
    Mic Control No
    Room Effects
    No
    Playback Control
    No
    Button Mapping No
    Surround Support
    No

    The Sony PULSE 3D have a decent app. On PS5, you can access a 5-band graphic EQ plus three EQ presets: 'Standard', 'Bass Boost', and 'Shooter'. You can see a comparison of the EQ presets here. Note that we played our calibration file through a USB connected to the console and could only get a maximum of 95 dB. We also level-matched our original curve measured on our PC (tested at 100 dB) to the 'Standard' preset (tested at 95 dB), and you can see that graph here.

    To access the sound customization features, you'll need firmware update 21.02-04.03.00.00-00.00.00.0.1 for PS5. Then press the 'PlayStation' logo on the controller and then click the 'Sound' tab.

    Connectivity
    9.9
    Connectivity
    Wired Connection
    Analog Audio
    Yes
    USB Audio
    No
    Detachable
    Yes
    Length
    4.10 ft (1.25 m)
    Connector
    1/8" TRRS
    Latency - Analog
    0.2 ms
    Latency - USB
    N/A
    Recorded Latency
    Recorded Latency Connection Analog

    These headphones come with a 1/8" TRRS cable allowing full microphone and audio compatibility with devices with an AUX port. They also come with a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging.

    0
    Connectivity
    Bluetooth Connection
    Bluetooth Version
    No Bluetooth
    Multi-Device Pairing
    No
    Quick Pair (Android)
    No
    Quick Pair (iOS)
    No
    Line Of Sight Range
    N/A
    Latency - SBC
    N/A
    Latency - aptX
    N/A
    Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
    N/A
    Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
    N/A
    Latency - LDAC
    N/A
    Recorded Latency
    N/A
    Recorded Latency Codec No Bluetooth Audio
    AAC Support
    No
    8.9
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connection (Dongle)
    Line Of Sight Range
    195.00 ft (59.44 m)
    Latency - Dongle
    24 ms
    Recorded Latency

    The Sony PULSE 3D Headset has excellent non-Bluetooth connectivity. The USB wireless receiver lets you use it wirelessly with PCs as well as PS4 and PS5 consoles. The headphones have low latency via that connection, so your audio and visuals stay in sync while gaming.

    Connectivity
    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Wired USB
    No
    Non-BT Wireless
    Audio + Microphone

    These headphones are fully compatible with PCs via a wireless connection using the USB dongle. You can also use the included 1/8" TRRS cable for a wired connection, which allows you to receive audio and use the mic.

    Connectivity
    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    PS4 Wired USB
    No
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    Audio + Microphone
    PS5 Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    PS5 Wired USB
    No
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    Audio + Microphone

    These headphones are fully compatible with PlayStation consoles, either using their analog cable or connecting them via non-Bluetooth wireless. If you're gaming on the PS5, you can also access EQ presets and a 5-band graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound to your liking.

    Connectivity
    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Xbox One Wired USB
    No
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    No
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    Audio + Microphone
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    No
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    No

    The Sony PULSE 3D have full audio and microphone compatibility with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X when you plug their 1/8" TRRS cable into the console's controller. However, they aren't compatible with the Xbox One or Xbox Series X when using a wired USB connection. If you're looking for a headset that supports Xbox Wireless technology, consider the Xbox Wireless Headset.

    3.4
    Connectivity
    Base/Dock
    Type
    Wireless USB Dongle
    USB Input
    Yes
    Line In
    No
    Line Out
    No
    Optical Input
    No
    RCA Input
    No
    Dock Charging
    No
    Power Supply
    USB

    The Sony PULSE 3D Headset has a wireless USB receiver providing a low latency connection with PlayStation consoles.