3D, 7.1, stereo: Which headphones to use on PlayStation 5?

The manufacturers of consoles and headsets like to shower us with acronyms and technologies so that we imagine that we are going to take our ears. Ray Tracing Audio, 3D Audio, 7.1, Surround, Dolby, Tempest, etc, we thought it was time to take stock and guide you to the headphones that will go “really well” with your console.

A story of compatibility

First good news, the PlayStation blog confirmed in August that the headsets that work on PS4 also work on PS5:

Platinum and Gold wireless headsets as well as third-party headsets that connect through the USB port or headphone jack will work on PS5

This includes USB wired models that connect to the console and wireless models that rely on a dongle or USB base. Therefore if you already play on PS4, no need to go to the cashier urgently to enjoy the sound on your new console, your current headset will do just fine, at least if you’re happy with it. Xbox One specific models that connect via USB (wired or wireless) are not PS4 compatible and should not be PS5 compatible. As for the purely PC USB models, they should remain compatible if their sound card does not require a driver and is limited to two simultaneous input channels.

The Tempest 3D Audio Tech, exclusive to the Pulse 3D headphones?

Sony is releasing the proprietary technology card here to counter the hegemony of Dolby Atmos embraced by Microsoft. This is not really a surprise, the Japanese company has long been an audio specialist with on one side a state-of-the-art cinema branch and on the other a TV / HiFi branch which surround sound bar product for a decade. But the Tempest 3D audio presented here for the PlayStation 5 is still blurry

. It is not known whether this is RayTracing-style source processing technology, virtual 7.1-style output signal processing, or a combination that contains both. What we do know, however, is that this technology is applicable to any model of headphones or speakers. Stereo, 5.1, 7.1 or other, if your headset plugs into the controller or into the console’s USB port, you can therefore enjoy this 3D Audio.

A wired and inexpensive headset

First of all, know that we select headsets for their audio qualities. The price, the functions, all that is obviously important and the impact on the final score is real, but the main thing for a headset is the sound quality it produces, whatever its price. And in our eyes (and our ears), the Turtle Beach Recon Spark is doing the best in the entry level. Nicely balanced, the headphones offer above all a real finesse of the treble able to offer clarity and precision, without hearing fatigue. The headphones also allow themselves to be comfortable, light, and offer good insulation against external noise, which allows listening at reasonable volume, even in a slightly noisy place.

Be careful though with the maximum volume, too high, that the headset can deliver if you give it to a child. For the rest, it’s all good and its 3.5 mini-jack connection makes it compatible with a wide range of machines : PS5 and PS4 via the headset port on the controller, ditto with Xbox consoles, but also Nintendo Switch, tablets and smartphones, or even laptop PCs as a stationary thanks to an adapter to 2 mini-jacks. Simple but effective.

Turtle Beach Recon Spark precio:

Wireless and flawless: The Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless

Here is a wireless model which combines many qualities. Despite a somewhat plastic construction, difficult to blame given the price, the headset plays the multi-platform card brilliantly, without systematically resorting to wired. On PlayStation 5, simply use the USB cord and its transmitter / receiver dongle or, in the event of battery failure, switch to wired directly on the controller. Ditto if you want to use the headset on Switch, PC or even smartphone and tablet with USB-C port. Only Xbox platforms will require a wired connection to the controller, in mini-jack.

For the rest, the Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless ensures without fail. It is comfortable, solid, offers good sound quality as long as you stay within reason in terms of volume, with an effective microphone in chat and a good battery life of 40 hours. Frankly, for this price, it’s a great achievement that no other competitive model has yet managed to match. You can go there with your eyes closed.

Back to wired with the now famous Beyerdynamic MMX 300. A very simple headset, without remote control, without accompanying software, but just with studio-quality speakers and microphone, in a high-level setting. A very clear sound, almost neutral, a microphone that accepts nuances very well, earpieces that strongly protect against external noise.

It has everything to be the companion of eSports players and streamers and thanks to its 3.5 mm mini-jack connection, it is fully compatible with our consoles and our computers.

Full immersion in 7.1: Astro Gaming A50 (4th Gen)

Despite a frankly high price, the performance of this 4th generation A50 remains very impressive. Truly qualitative in its manufacture, the A50 from Astro Gaming is above all comfortable, in particular thanks to its hoop with precise adjustment and its slightly mobile upper part. Sound side, it is also a success naturally as after treatment via the Command Center, the Windows software that accompanies the headphones. We also really like the virtual 7.1, which takes its source directly from the optical output of the console, as the independent management of the sound of the game and the chat, with a mixing which is done directly from the headphones. In the end, the Astro Gaming A50 is above all a very pleasant companion to use on a daily basis.

Like the Gold and Platinum models which have stood out for their qualities on PlayStation 4, Pulse 3D Wireless model is expected to be one of the most popular wireless headsets on the PS5. Its success with gamers is already guaranteed, the headphones being out of stock everywhere even before the release of the new Sony console. Equipped with two microphones with noise reduction, a PS4 / PS5 / PC dongle, a USB-C port for charging, it is particularly attractive for its sleek design, based on a headband lined with an elastic band, without visible microphone rod. In writing, we are eager in any case to get our hands on it to put it to the test bench.