PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset: price, release date and features
Sony has another official PS5 headset available to buy called the Pulse Elite, and it's a step above the Pulse 3D
PlayStation 5 owners can purchase a new headset for Sony’s console, the PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset. The headset resembles the PS5 Pulse 3D wireless headset, but it's a significant improvement over Sony's more affordable set of headphones.
The Pulse Elite stands out for its lossless audio, AI-enhanced noise rejection when using the retractable boom mic, and planar magnetic drivers, providing an audiophile-level listening experience usually found in high-end headphones favored by sound engineers.
With that in mind, the PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset is more expensive than the $99 PS5 Pulse 3D wireless headset and is aimed at those looking to get the most out of PlayStation 5’s proprietary 3D audio. Its specs suggest it could make it onto our best PS5 headset list, but we’ll have to test it ourselves before we know for sure.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Pulse Elite PS5 headset. You can also check out our PS5 Pulse 3D vs PS5 Pulse Elite comparison to see how the two headsets stack up.
PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset price
The PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset is priced at $149.99, which is cheaper than the PlayStation 5 Earbuds at $199.99. The headset comes with a hanger, offering a convenient charging and storage option.
It's $50 more expensive than the PS5 Pulse 3D headset, which is often available for less than its $99 manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). However, the Pulse Elite is competitively priced for a high-end headset, especially considering it uses planar magnetic drivers.
PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset pre-order date
The PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset pre-order date was November 9 at 10 am local time. You can buy it directly from Sony’s PlayStation Direct store or other local retailers.
PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset release date
The PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset release date was February 28, 2024. That was a lot later than we initially thought, as like the PlayStation Explore wireless earbuds, they’re compatible with the PlayStation Portal which was released on November 15, 2023, so we thought Sony would release them alongside its handheld.
PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset features
The main feature of the PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset is its lossless audio quality. It should provide better sound quality than the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset, and it's unusual to find planar magnetic drivers on a headset that is priced below $200.
Unlike typical cone-shaped drivers, planar magnetic drivers are flat and can convey a wider range of nuanced sounds. Combine this with PlayStation 5’s 3D audio and players should be in for an immersive audio experience.
Sony revealed that you will be able to change equalizer settings when the Pulse Elite wireless headset is connected to the PS5, as it was missing from the Sony INZONE H9 headset. Being able to adjust the sound to your liking directly from the PS5 console is one of the biggest benefits of the Pulse 3D, so it’s great to see it come to the Pulse Elite.
If you spend a lot of time chatting with friends online, you'll be glad to know that the PS5 Pulse Elite wireless headset comes with a retractable boom microphone that features AI-enhanced noise reduction technology. It should be able to block repetitive noises, such as the humming of an air conditioning unit or someone vacuuming.
The headset will also connect directly to the PlayStation Portal, previously known as the Project Q PS5 handheld. It uses a new wireless audio technology called PlayStation Link to provide low latency, lossless audio, and easy switching between multiple PlayStation Link hosts, such as the PS5 with the USB adapter and handheld devices.
Considering the PlayStation Portal doesn’t support Bluetooth, the Pulse Elite headset might be the best way to enjoy audio on Sony’s new portable device, especially if you don’t like in-ear headphones.
Should you buy the PS5 Pulse Elite headset?
There is already a wide range of PlayStation 5 headsets available, but official products from Sony typically include extra features and provide consumers with peace of mind. For $149, the PS5 Pulse Elite offers a competitive price and should provide a significant improvement in sound quality compared to the PS5 Pulse 3D. If you've been looking for enhanced 3D audio on the PlayStation 5, the Pulse Elite headset could be perfect for you.
Last updated: March 5, 2024