How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To PS5

Best USB-C Bluetooth adapter

Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth transmitter

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Best overall Bluetooth headphones

Creative SXFI Air

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Best budget Bluetooth headphones

Tribit XFree Tune

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Apple's premium headphones

Apple AirPods Max

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Bluetooth headphones are one of the handiest accessories to have around, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop, and any number of other devices. But when it comes to connecting Bluetooth headphones to the PS5, things get a little tricky. Unfortunately, Sony's consoles don't let you connect Bluetooth audio devices directly. This is frustrating considering the large number of people who want to use their favorite pair of headphones with their brand-spankin' new console, but thankfully, there is a workaround. If you've ever wanted to pass on a gaming headset in favor of Bluetooth headphones, this guide is for you.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to the PS5

First, you'll need a pair of Bluetooth headphones, such as the AirPods Max or our personal favorite, the Creative SXFI Air. Any will work, so as long as you love them, you're good to go. Secondly, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter, either USB-C or the more common USB-A. With the PS5, there's only one USB-C port, so if you're using that for something like an external SSD or hard drive, then you'll want to snag a USB-A adapter. Thankfully, some USB-C adapters like the Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth dongle come with USB-A converters.

Once you've got both of these items in order, you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to your PS5. Just insert your selected adapter into one of your PS5's ports, then hold the sync buttons on your headphones and adapter. It may take some time to get right, but once you're connected, you're good to go. The PS5 will recognize the Bluetooth headphones as USB audio, and you'll have access to the full suite of audio options, including 3D audio.

What about using Bluetooth headphones on Xbox?

Unfortunately, if you're looking for a way to use Bluetooth headphones with the Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, you'll need to seek different options. Microsoft's consoles don't support all USB audio devices, which means you won't be able to use any of these adapters with the console. 3.5mm adapters can work if you plug them into your Xbox controller, but they're unwieldy, and when you can use most Bluetooth headphones with a 3.5mm cable, you're better off just doing that. Some wireless headsets use the same technology of Xbox Wireless Controllers to connect wirelessly, though.

You can see a few of our picks for the best PS5 Bluetooth adapters and headphones below. We've selected a variety of options, but while there are definitely some perks to certain Bluetooth adapters, you'll be happy with any one of them.

For more audio recommendations, check out our guide to the best PS5 gaming headsets for 2020 and beyond. Bluetooth headphones are excellent when it comes to audio quality, but gaming headsets are made specifically with--you guessed it--gaming in mind. They provide you with a high-quality microphone for chatting with other players as well as dials for mixing your chat and game volume. Both Bluetooth headphones and gaming headsets are great options for the PS5, so make sure to choose the best one for you.

Best USB-C Bluetooth adapter

Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth transmitter

Creative's USB-C Bluetooth adapter comes with everything you need to have a great audio experience on the PS5. It's a USB-C adapter, so you can plug it into the PS5's USB-C port, but it also comes with a USB-A converter, which makes it so you can use a USB-A port instead. It also comes with a 3.5mm microphone attachment that you can plug into the bottom of your PS5's DualSense controller if you'd rather use this microphone than the controller's.

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Best USB-A Bluetooth adapter

Avantree Leaf USB Bluetooth adapter

The Avantree Leaf's design allows for easy gripping while inserting or removing the adapter from your PS5. It also features an easy-to-use sync button that allows for both game audio and chat.

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A great option for Bluetooth audio

1Mii USB Bluetooth adapter

If you're looking to save some money, than 1Mii's USB Bluetooth adapter is a great choice. It features a sync button for easy connection to your headphones and will fit nicely in the back of your console.

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A great option for Bluetooth audio

Avantree DG80 USB Bluetooth adapter

If you need something a little more low profile, then Avantree's DG80 is a USB Bluetooth adapter that won't stand out.

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Apple's premium Bluetooth headphones

Apple AirPods Max

Apple recently revealed the next version of its lauded AirPods: the AirPods Max. Ditching the earbud form factor, the AirPods Max are a premium pair of Bluetooth headphones that claim to boast great audio quality and come with a huge price tag: $549. It's unclear how well the AirPods Max will perform, but if you're an Apple fan, you'll likely want to preorder a pair.

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Best overall Bluetooth headphones

Creative SXFI Air

Creative's Super X-Fi technology is among our favorite uses of virtual surround sound, providing a headphones experience that sounds like you're listening to speakers in a room. The Creative SXFI Air are the best Bluetooth headphones we've tested, utilizing this technology capably while also providing incredible sound quality and a comfortable fit.

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Best premium Bluetooth headphones

Razer Opus

Razer's first step into the Bluetooth headphones space is a great one. The Razer Opus are an impressive pair of premium Bluetooth headphones with a number of exciting features like active noise canceling and motion tracking that pauses your music when you take the headphones off. The audio quality is also excellent.

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Best budget Bluetooth headphones

Tribit XFree Tune

Tribit is one of the best brands on Amazon for products like headphones, earbuds, and speakers, and its line of audio accessories includes one of the best budget Bluetooth headphone pairs we've tested. The Tribit XFree Tune heaphones have impressive sound for being less than $50 and are very comfortable to boot.

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Best budget Bluetooth headphones with ANC

Cowin E7 ANC

If you're looking for active noise canceling, then the Cowin E7 ANC Bluetooth headphones are a great budget option. For only $60, you get a great-sounding pair of cans that can utilize ANC to eliminate the sounds around you.

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