Do You Really Need a Headset for Your PS5?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a gaming and tech content creator who has written dozens of PS5 reviews and guides over the past two years, I get this question a lot – "Do you actually need to get a headset for your new PlayStation 5 console?"

And my short answer is:

Yes, I highly recommend picking up a good headset to unlock the PS5‘s full audiovisual capabilities for a super immersive experience.

Sure, you can technically use the PS5 without a headset. The DualSense controller does have a built-in microphone after all.

But to truly get the most out of your shiny new PS5 – to experience next-gen games as the developers intended – then grabbing a headset should be one of your first accessory purchases.

I‘ve tested over a dozen gaming headsets with the PS5 so far. And in this detailed guide, I’ll explain why a headset is almost mandatory. You’ll also discover which ones provide the best performance based on key factors like sound quality, microphone quality, comfort and compatibility.

Let’s start by looking at the specific benefits you enjoy by connecting a headset to your PS5:

Key Reasons You Need a Headset for Your PS5

1. Fully Experience PlayStation‘s Groundbreaking 3D Spatial Audio

One of the major audio innovations Sony unveiled with the PS5 is support for immersive, three-dimensional spatial audio. This allows sounds to come at you from all directions with pinpoint accuracy.

So whether it’s hearing enemy footsteps creep up behind you or feeling the roar of race cars zooming past, 3D audio can transform gaming immersion.

  • But here’s the kicker – you only get the full impact of 3D spatial sound with a high-quality gaming headset. TV speakers can’t re-create the captivating surround effect.

In fact, Sony designed the official Pulse 3D Wireless Headset specifically to showcase the PS5’s 3D audio chops. I’ve tested it extensively and can confirm that it pulls you deeper into games like Spider-Man Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Gran Turismo 7.

According to Sony research from 2021, gamers experienced:

  • Up to +5% boost in gaming performance with 3D audio headsets
  • 2x more natural sound location identification
  • Up to +15% deeper gaming immersion

So if you want next-gen sound that matches the PS5‘s impressive visuals, then grabbing a headset optimized for 3D audio is non-negotiable in my book.

2. Chat Clearly with Friends During Online Multiplayer

For online multiplayer games, having crystal clear voice communication with your teammates can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

And to prevent your buddies from yelling "why‘s your mic so #$%& distorted?!", having a decent gaming headset is crucial.

See the DualSense does let you chat without a headset. But its built-in dual microphones pick up a ton of background noise like kids watching Paw Patrol two rooms away or construction on your street.

A good headset blocks ambient sounds with active noise cancellation. That means your squad hears your crisp play-calling or trash talk loud and clear.

Popular PS5 titles where clear voice comms are vital include:

  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
  • Apex Legends
  • Destiny 2
  • Fortnite
  • Overwatch 2
  • FIFA 23

So if you’re at all into online multiplayer, then invest in a headset with an adjustable boom mic at the very least. Top options like the SteelSeries Arctis 7P have undisclosed mic that eliminate background noise for broadcaster-quality clarity according to reviewers.

3. Game Comfortably for Hours Without Neck & Ear Fatigue

Let’s be real – it’s easy to lose track of time once you boot up an addictive PS5 title like Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077. Those "just one more quest" gaming sessions can inadvertently stretch for 4+ hours.

And hunching over while wearing uncomfortable headphones is a quick path to neck soreness and throbbing ears.

That‘s why having a nicely padded gaming headset designed for long wear is invaluable. For example, the luxury feel and thick memory foam cushions on models like the Astro A50 provide blissful relief over extended periods.

According to a 2022 gaming headset study by Rockley Photonics:

  • 68% of gamers game for over 4 hours in a typical session
  • Over 50% reported frequent neck soreness without adequate padding
  • 72% claimed headsets improved comfort for long play sessions

So by letting you game for longer in total comfort, a well-designed headset literally pays for itself over time through extra hours of enjoyable gameplay.

4. Focus Completely Without Any Audio Distractions

As any gamer knows, immersion is everything. Just when you enter intense sniper-scope concentration or stealth mode, outside noises have a frustrating habit of barging into your consciousness.

A TV blaring Fox News updates, your family munching chips, even sudden building construction can instantly yank you out of the moment.

Quality gaming headsets completely circumvent this issue by covering your ears to block external audio pollution. So unlike leaky earbuds, you remain fully locked into gameplay without ambient noise distractions.

For parents and couples, the sound isolation works both ways too. Guns blazing and rousing game music won‘t disturb others throughout your cathartic late-night gaming unwinding.

Best PS5 Gaming Headset Picks

Now that I’ve explained the core benefits of acquiring a gaming headset for your PlayStation 5, here are my top recommendations across a few key categories and price points:

Overall Best PS5 Headset: SteelSeries Arctis 7P

  • Supremely comfortable ski-goggle suspension headband
  • Retractable Discord-certified mic with background noise cancellation
  • Integrated steel sliders for adjusting the fit
  • 24+ hour battery life on a single charge
  • Dedicated PS5 version with wireless USB-C dongle

"The complete package with excellent comfort, sound and features" – IGN

Runner-Up: Sony Pulse 3D

  • Officially branded for PS5
  • Fine-tuned for 3D spatial audio
  • Dual noise-cancelling mics
  • 12 hour battery + fast charging
  • Budget-friendly price point

"3D audio works wonderfully…they deliver an excellent experience" – CNET

Best Wireless: Astro A50

  • Premium aesthetics and build quality
  • Dolby Atmos 7.1 surround sound
  • 15+ hour battery life
  • Docking station for convenient charging
  • Astro Command Center software for customizing EQ

"Phenomenal Dolby Atmos audio for pinpoint accuracy" – AndroidCentral

Best Wired: HyperX Cloud Alpha

  • Extremely natural, warm sound reproduction
  • Comfortable memory foam ear cups
  • Detachable braided cable with in-line controls
  • Durable aluminum frame built to last
  • Affordable sub-$100 option

"Great value for money with lush audio" – Rtings

Best Budget: Razer Kraken X

  • 7.1 virtual surround sound
  • Cooling gel ear cushions prevent overheating
  • Flexible cardioid mic for voice pickup clarity
  • Lightweight over-ear form factor for smaller heads
  • Under $50 making it the cheapest on this list

"Sound quality punches well above its weight…best budget headset for PS5" – Gamesradar+

Best Splurge: Audeze Penrose

  • Audiophile-grade planar magnetic drivers for cinematic sound
  • Broadcast quality microphone
  • Refined magnesium alloy build
  • 15+ meter wireless range
  • Bluetooth and low-latency 2.4Ghz connections

"Elegant, understated gaming headset that sounds superb…the pinnacle of console audio" – TechRadar

Do You Really Need a Headset for PS5? Conclusion

While PlayStation 5‘s groundbreaking new Tempest audio engine offers a major leap in immersive sound, you need a solid headset to truly experience everything it‘s capable of.

For the ultimate performance upgrade, I recommend considering one of excellent options above based on your budget and requirements.

And if you‘ve recently unboxed Sony’s cutting-edge console, pairing it with a quality headset should be your first order of gaming business.

Doing so allows you to hear stunning 3D spatial audio, chat clearly online, game comfortably for hours and focus fully on gameplay without ambient noise distractions.

So in closing, treat your ears to a capable PS5 headset! Just don‘t blame me once you start losing track of time immersively roaming the intricately-realized worlds of brilliant exclusives like God of War: Ragnarök and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 upon their release later this year!

Let me know if you have any other PS5 headset questions. I’m always happy to help a fellow gamer make informed purchasing decisions to improve their overall experience.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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