Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review

A next generation system isn’t all it can be without a whack of additional next generation accessories to go along with it. We previously reviewed the Sony PS5 Media Remote and, for the most part, really enjoyed that product. Now it’s time to look at yet another next generation accessory from Sony – the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. In a market with so many amazing headset products, is Sony able to push through with this one? Let’s take a look.

The design of the Pulse 3D Wireless Headset very much matches that of the PS5. It’s got a modern, potentially futuristic (depending on who you ask) design that suites the entire lineup of PS5 products available at launch. The wireless cups are incredibly comfortable, even when worn for long periods of time. The various dials and switches you’ll need are neatly placed on the ear cup, and although I always prefer the dongle with buttons, this is a necessity for that wireless feature. I do really love, however, that Sony has embraced the ski-googles design. By using that inner band as a support, the headset feels much lighter on your head than it actually is. It’s a designed used by too few companies lately, in my opinion.

The quality, at least so far, has shone through. It is incredibly durable, and even through some abuse from my kids – you know, kids doing kid things – it’s still holding up. In fact, looking it over just now, I’d swear it’s brand new, just out of the box. If you are worried about scuffing – as some folks are – I’m pretty sure that won’t be an issue with this unit. Sony is utilizing dual microphones with what they claim is noise cancelling capabilities. I found that when chatting with friends, they could still faintly hear what was going on around me. The mic picks up my voice spectacularly, but also grabs some other noises as well. It’s not enough to be a problem, however.

Ultimately, however, Sony launched this headset to maximize the new audio features built into the PS5. When playing games like Spider-Man: Miles, you quickly realize how powerful and outstanding this particular model really is. Across all ranges – highs, mediums, and lows – the headset out performs many we have been testing over the last week – the bass sounds, particularly, are impressive to hear.

The PS5 is using new proprietary technology called Tempest 3D Audio. To break it down to the most easily understood definition, Sony is attempting to create that sense of directional surround sound, highlighting the direction that sounds comes from, how far it is away, and so on. While it felt muted – over overshadowed by the Dual Sense Controller sounds – in first party titles like Astro’s Playroom and Sackboy: A Big Adventure, it was incredibly impressive in both Demon Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. 

At 129.99, this isn’t the cheapest headset on the market, nor the most expensive. That being said, if you are all in on your PlayStation 5 this holiday season, this would be the first accessory I would buy. As both the system and the headset are created by Sony, you know that they are maximizing every new audio system they’ve built into the PS5, and giving you the ultimate audio experience, at least in those first party and exclusive titles. Whether using the Tempest 3D Audio or not, the sounds across all our titles has been phenomenal. This is an easy recommendation from us, and one you should purchase sooner rather than later.

In titles like Spider-Man, wearing a headset while playing produces a shockingly richer experience. It’s just a fact.