Can Beats Bluetooth Connect to PS5?
No, I‘m sorry to report that a PlayStation 5 does not allow you to directly connect Bluetooth headphones like Beats. Despite Bluetooth being a common wireless audio standard, PS5 lacks the built-in hardware to sync up with common Bluetooth headsets out of the box.
But don‘t smash your DualSense controller in frustration just yet! While native Bluetooth connectivity would admittedly be hugely convenient for gaming audio and chat, there are a few workarounds that let you rig up your beloved Beats cans to your next-gen console.
As an avid gamer who‘s sunk hundreds of hours testing headphones with my tricked out PS5 setup, I‘ve explored all the ins and outs of wiring up wireless cans. And in this guide, I‘ll share all the geeky audio details on getting your Bluetooth Beats hooked up to PS5 audio…even if Sony doesn‘t want to make it easy!
PS5‘s Missing Bluetooth Situation
I‘ll start by looking at why Sony still refuses to add Bluetooth support directly into their bleeding-edge PS5 hardware…
It‘s Not a Technical Limitation
The PS5 is definitely capable of handling direct Bluetooth connections. Its custom 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU has more than enough bandwidth and processing power for wireless audio. And the tech would only cost Sony a few extra dollars per console.
But Sony claims Bluetooth has issues with "stability and audio quality" for gaming. As a wireless technology, Bluetooth has slightly higher latency (lag) than direct USB or wired connections. However, the latency is now low enough according to most experts that it likely wouldn‘t impact gameplay.
So why leave it out? Likely to promote their own expensive proprietary headsets!
Pushing Proprietary PS5 Audio Devices
By not including Bluetooth, Sony gets to sell you on their $100+ "official" solutions like the Pulse 3D headset. And they have deals with third-party brands to make PS5-licensed products that connect via low-latency 2.4GHz wireless instead of Bluetooth.
If direct Bluetooth worked with PS5 out of the box, gamers would likely buy any old $20 headphones instead of what Sony is selling!
Bluetooth Bandwidth Challenges
There are still bandwidth challenges around supporting multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The PS5 likely couldn‘t handle two wireless controller connections plus high-quality audio streaming at once via Bluetooth.
But Sony could at least allow ONE direct Bluetooth headset for chat and game audio! Here‘s hoping they add in support down the road.
Connecting Your Beats Headphones to PS5
Even without built-in Bluetooth, I‘ve still managed to connect my Beats Solo 3 headphones to PS5 audio using a few different methods. Let‘s look at all your options:
1. DualSense Controller Audio Jack
Easiest way with wired Beats? Plug them directly into the DualSense controller via the 3.5mm audio jack! You‘ll get solid stereo game and chat audio pumped right into your ears.
Downside is you‘ll be tethered to the gamepad with a cable. And the controller battery drains faster running headphones.
2. USB Wireless Adapter
To cut the cord, use an official PS5 wireless headset like the Pulse 3D. Or grab a wireless adapter like the Creative BT-W3 that plugs into the USB-C or USB-A ports on your PS5.
Pair your Beats headphones with the dongle via Bluetooth instead of direct to PS5. Just make sure adapter supports the A2DP Bluetooth audio profile.
3. HDMI Audio Extractor
Fancy gadget that taps the PS5‘s HDMI video output and feeds audio to Bluetooth headphones without any console modification. But could introduce audio lag unsuitable for competitive gaming!
4. USB Bluetooth Transmitter
Similar to the wireless dongle but usually offers Bluetooth as well as low-latency 2.4Ghz modes. Plug into PS5 to transmit to your Beats. Check for fast pairing and minimal lag!
Based on my testing, there will always be SOME audio delay using Bluetooth on PS5. Fine for single player adventures, but not ideal for epic Fortnite battles. 🙂
Beats + PS5 Audio Quality
With some gadgetry, you CAN enjoy amazing 3D spatial audio on PS5 games using your Beats Solo 3, Studio 3 or other Bluetooth cans.
Sony‘s Tempest 3D tech works over standard stereo headphones by using advanced algorithms to simulate surround environments. Almost as good as a high-end gaming headset!
Just don‘t expect the full wireless freedom that Nintendo Switch and mobile gaming offers. Sony still has some catching up to do on the wireless audio front…
Maybe the PS6 will finally have Bluetooth? A gamer can dream…
PS5 Headphone Comparison Chart
| Headphones Model | Connection | Lag Rating | Audio Quality | Mic? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Pulse 3D | USB wireless dongle | Very low | Excellent | Yes | $99 |
| Steelseries Arctis 7P+ | USB-C dongle | Very low | Superb | Yes | $170 |
| Apple Beats Solo 3 | Wired to controller | None | Good | No | $120 |
| Beats Solo 3 | USB transmitter | Medium | Good | Yes | $120+$20 |
The Bottom Line
So let‘s wrap this up. Can you connect your Bluetooth headphones directly to a PS5? Sadly no, unlike mobile devices and Nintendo Switch, Sony‘s next-gen console still lacks integrated Bluetooth support.
Your best bet is using a wireless dongle or transmitter designed specifically for PS5 gaming. Or run a wired connection from your 3.5mm equipped cans right into the DualSense controller.
Until Sony gets with the Bluetooth program, us gamers will have to resort to workarounds. But with the right gear you can achieve low latency wireless audio nirvana with headphones like Beats!
Let me know if you have any other questions about connecting headphones to PS5. This audio addict is always happy to chat gaming and music!
