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5 Bluetooth USB Audio Adapters for PS5: What Works, What to Buy, and How to Set Them Up

The PS5 cannot pair ordinary Bluetooth headphones directly, but a compatible USB Bluetooth audio transmitter can route game sound to them. Here are five listed options, plus setup instructions, codec advice, microphone limitations, and troubleshooting.
Length7 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

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Yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or a speaker with a PS5—but not by pairing them directly in the console’s Bluetooth Accessories menu. The PS5 does not natively support ordinary third-party Bluetooth audio headsets. You need a USB Bluetooth audio transmitter that the console recognizes as a USB headset.

This guide covers five currently listed options, explains their important differences, and shows how to connect one without confusing it with a generic PC Bluetooth dongle.

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What to look for in a PS5 Bluetooth adapter

The correct device is an audio transmitter, not a general-purpose Bluetooth adapter. It should connect to a PS5 USB port, present itself as a USB audio device, and handle pairing with your headphones internally. A generic PC adapter that relies on Windows, macOS, or Linux drivers usually will not work because the PS5 does not install those drivers.

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Sony does not guarantee the compatibility or performance of third-party Bluetooth adapters. The safest alternatives remain a USB headset, an analog headset connected to the DualSense controller, or a headset with a PS5-compatible wireless receiver. For Bluetooth earbuds or headphones you already own, however, a USB audio transmitter is the practical workaround.

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UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5 with APTX Low Latency/aptX-Adaptive
  • User-Friendly: Connect your wireless headphones to your PS5 or other gaming consoles with the UGREEN adapter and enjoy high-quality audio with no wires, drivers, or software required. Also Add Bluetooth audio capability (AUDIO devices ONLY, no data) with ease to your Desktop, Computer, iMac
  • Support Audio Decoding: Support Key Switch APTX/APTX Adaptive Low Latency/APTX Adaptive High Quality/APTX HD/SBC. Corresponding LED lights display the working status. Equipped with a Qualcomm chipset that supports low-latency aptX LL, transmitting high-quality 24-bit dynamic audio via a stable, energy-efficient connection. NOTE: The headphones you use must also support the same standard
  • Wide Compatibility: Easily transmit audio wirelessly from your USB-C ported PS5, Switch, or PC/Laptop to your Bluetooth headphones or speaker. Note: 1. Compatible for Windows/macOS, not compatible for Linux. 2. Not Compatible with PS4
  • Low Latency Certification: Chip APTX-Adaptive with low latency encoder applied, the audio delay has been minimized to less than 100ms. The Bluetooth audio adapter will present fully synchronized audio & video, letting you enjoy high-quality music wirelessly without disturbing others
  • Note: 1. Our product is not compatible with the PS5 Portal. 2. Our product is incompatible with AirPods Pro 2 and does not support the dual-device pairing feature

Five PS5 Bluetooth USB audio transmitters

The products below are the five models listed in the current source used for this guide. The displayed prices are retailer-dependent and can change. They should be treated as reference prices rather than permanent rankings.

1. UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5, Bluetooth 5.3

Listed price: $26.99

This audio-only USB-C transmitter supports aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive when the connected headphones support the same codec. It requires no driver or software, which is the key distinction between this product and a generic PC Bluetooth dongle.

The listing says it is not compatible with PS5 Portal, AirPods Pro 2, or dual-device pairing. Choose it when you want a compact USB-C transmitter and your headphones support a compatible low-latency aptX mode.

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View the current UGREEN product listing.

2. Avantree C81-Gaming USB-C Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Adapter

Listed price: $29.99

The C81-Gaming is explicitly designed for PS5 use and supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency with compatible headphones. It is an audio transmitter, not a general Bluetooth accessory adapter.

Its most important limitation is microphone support: the product listing states that Bluetooth headphone microphone input does not work. You can still use the DualSense microphone or another compatible microphone. The adapter is also not intended for 2.4GHz headsets, PS Portal, Xbox, televisions, keyboards, mice, or controllers.

View the current Avantree product listing.

3. UGREEN Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PS4/PS5 USB Audio Transmitter

Listed price: $27.99

This UGREEN model is identified as a USB audio transmitter for PS4 and PS5, rather than a generic Bluetooth data adapter. That distinction matters: the PS5 needs to see the device as a USB sound device before it can route audio through it.

Rank #2
Avantree C81-Gaming - USB-C Bluetooth 5.3 Audio Adapter Dongle for PS5
  • 【For PS5 Users Only】 Specifically designed for PS5 to connect Bluetooth headphones (e.g., AirPods, Bose, & more) for audio playback. For optimal voice chat experience, please use the PS5 controller microphone instead of headphone mics.
  • 【Premium Sound, Low Latency】 Enjoy immersive, low-latency audio with aptX-Adaptive, aptX-HD & aptX-Low Latency. Achieve clear, dynamic audio for gaming and movies with compatible headphones (e.g., Bose QuietComfort Ultra). Note: Only aptX-Adaptive or aptX-Low Latency-enabled headphones support low-latency audio. (e.g., AirPods, Bose QC45 or QC35 do not support aptX-Adaptive and may experience audio delay.)
  • 【Limited Mic Support】 Due to Bluetooth bandwidth limits, microphone input will not work with Bluetooth headphones. Please use the PS5 controller mic for clear voice communication. Manual settings required: PS5 Settings > Sound > Microphone > Input Device: Microphone on Controller.
  • 【NOT FOR 2.4GHz Gaming Headsets & Other Devices】 Not compatible with Xbox, PS Portal, keyboards, mice, controllers, PS5 Pulse 3D Headset, or 2.4GHz wireless gaming headsets. Also, cannot be plugged into TVs, car systems, projectors, or printers.
  • 【Easy Setup & Reliable Connection】 Plug the USB-C dongle into your PS5 and set audio output to “C81-G” once. The adapter auto-reconnects for convenience, but manual microphone setup must be performed for voice chat.

It is a straightforward option for Bluetooth headphones when you do not need the extra features or USB-C form factor of the other models.

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View the current UGREEN product listing.

4. YOCOWOCO USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5

Listed price: $24.99

This audio-only transmitter offers both USB-C and USB-A connection options, along with aptX Adaptive and low-latency support. The dual-connector design can be useful if you change between PS5 models or want more flexibility over which port you use.

As with any aptX product, low latency depends on the headphones supporting the same codec. The adapter’s Bluetooth version or aptX label alone does not guarantee delay-free game audio.

View the current YOCOWOCO product listing.

5. UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter with LE Audio and Bluetooth 6.0

Listed price in the source table: $30.99

The product summary identifies LE Audio, aptX Adaptive, HD/aptX/SBC support, dual pairing, and one-to-many broadcast. However, the linked Amazon page showed “No featured offers available” when checked, so the table price is not a confirmed current selling price.

This model is worth considering for its newer feature set, but do not buy it solely because it says Bluetooth 6.0. Real-world latency still depends on the codec supported by both transmitter and headphones, as well as the transmitter’s PS5 compatibility.

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View the current UGREEN product listing.

Important: the published product list is inconsistent

The source article used for the five-item table names three UGREEN models, the Avantree C81-Gaming, and the YOCOWOCO adapter. Its later comparison section instead names Creative BT-W6, Avantree C81, Avantree DG80/DG80P, Skull & Co. AudioStick, and GuliKit Route Air Pro.

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UGREEN Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for PS4 PS5 APTX USB Audio Transmitter
  • Plug and Play: This PS5 bluetooth adapter is designed to work with a wide range of devices and makes it simple for previously unsupported devices to have Bluetooth capability now, adding Bluetooth audio capability (AUDIO devices ONLY, no data) with ease to your PS4, PS5, Switch, Desktop or iMac. No need to install any driver/software. Simply plug the CM668 into your device's USB port, then set your headphones or speakers to pairing mode, and an automatic connection will be made.
  • Low Latency: The bluetooth dongle for PS5 is compatible with aptX AD, greatly eliminating the frustrating Bluetooth audio lag issue. The audio lag will be reduced to less than 60ms, 4x shorter than standard Bluetooth (220ms for standard Bluetooth) – virtually unnoticeable.
  • High-Quality Audio: The Bluetooth 5.3 adapter supports APTX HD, APTX AD, APTX, and SBC, providing seamless, wireless voice chat via an included 3.5mm microphone to plug into your controller. Stream audio from your PS5, PS4, Switch, Mac, or Desktop into your favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones to get lossless sound quality and enjoy your late-night gaming session.
  • PC & Mac Compatible: The audio transmitter for is not only great for game audio streaming but it's also perfect for work-from-home conference calls and meetings. Skype, Zoom, Teams, Meet & more, the Bluetooth adapter automatically switches between Music and Talk modes when used on a Windows PC.
  • Long Range Coverage: The bluetooth dongle adopts the latest upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 BR+EDR technology, reduceing the possibility of signal interruption and power consumption, ensuring stable & reliable connectivity up to 33 ft (10 m) away.Need to step away from your screen? No problem. Walk around without the audio connection breaking up or dropping. Actual range may be affected by any physical obstructions.

Those are different lists, so neither section should be treated as a consistent definitive ranking. The products covered above are the models in the source article’s actual five-item table; confirm the current listing, connector, compatibility notes, and price before purchasing.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS5

  1. Plug the USB Bluetooth audio transmitter into a PS5 USB port.
  2. Put the transmitter into pairing mode.
  3. Put your headphones, earbuds, or speaker into pairing mode. For AirPods, open the case and hold the rear button until the status light flashes white.
  4. On the PS5 home screen, open Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Output Device.
  5. Select the adapter’s displayed name, such as C81-G, or the generic USB Headset label.
  6. Turn on Switch Output Device Automatically if you want the PS5 to switch to the adapter when it is connected.
  7. Set Output to Headphones to All Audio when that option is available.

You can also use the shortcut: press the PS button, select Sound, choose the adapter or USB headset under Output Device, and adjust the volume. If available, Voice Chat Balance appears in the same control area.

Using PS5 3D audio

Open Settings > Sound > 3D Audio for Headphones. A transmitter recognized by the PS5 as a USB headset can generally be used with the console’s headphone 3D-audio processing. This does not mean the transmitter creates 3D audio itself; the processing is handled by the PS5.

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Which PS5 USB port should you use?

PS5 model group Front ports Rear ports
CFI-1000 original PS5 One USB-A Hi-Speed; one USB-C SuperSpeed 10Gbps Two USB-A SuperSpeed 10Gbps
CFI-2000/7000 PS5 Slim and Pro groups One USB-C Hi-Speed; one USB-C SuperSpeed 10Gbps Two USB-A SuperSpeed 10Gbps

Sony lists a wireless-headset adapter as compatible with any PS5 USB port. The rear USB-A ports are the simplest choice for an adapter with a native USB-A connector. On CFI-2000 Slim models, a USB-A adapter used in a front USB-C port needs a separately sold USB-C-to-USB-A adapter. A USB-C transmitter should be connected to a matching USB-C port with the required data capability.

See Sony’s PS5 USB-port guide for model-specific port information.

Latency, codecs, and Bluetooth version numbers

Bluetooth 5.3 or Bluetooth 6.0 does not guarantee lag-free gaming. Latency depends mainly on the codec negotiated by the transmitter and headphones. For low-latency aptX operation, both devices must support the same codec. If the headphones support only SBC or AAC, the connection falls back to those codecs.

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UGREEN USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5 / PC with LE Audio, aptX Adaptive
  • Enjoy Wireless Audio on PS5 or PC: The UGREEN PS5 Bluetooth adapter is plug and play-no drivers required. Easily connect wireless headphones to PS5 or gaming consoles to enjoy high-quality game audio. This Bluetooth 6.0 adapter also allows PCs and iMac computers to add Bluetooth audio easily, providing a great listening experience. (Note: Supports Bluetooth audio devices only. Not compatible with mice, keyboards or other data devices.)
  • Flexible LE Audio Modes for Gaming & Music: This Bluetooth transmitter can easily switch to LE Audio mode and choose between Low Latency and High-Quality modes for different scenarios. Low Latency mode ensures better audio-video synchronization for gaming and video streaming, while High-Quality mode delivers richer sound and clearer details for music. (Note: Low Latency mode is enabled by default. LE mode requires headphones or speakers that support LE Audio.)
  • Multiple Codec Support for Better Sound: Compatible with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, and SBC Bluetooth codecs, this USB-C Bluetooth adapter supports matching the optimal audio format for different devices to ensure stable and clear wireless sound. Whether you're watching movies on your computer, gaming on a console, or streaming music through a home audio system, enjoy lower latency and richer audio details
  • Advanced Qualcomm Bluetooth 6.0 Chip: This USB Bluetooth adapter for PC is equipped with the Qualcomm QCC3086 Bluetooth 6.0 chip, enabling fast pairing and stable wireless connections. Even in environments with interference, UGREEN bluetooth dongle maintains a strong and reliable signal with minimal dropouts
  • Classic Dual Pairing & LE Audio Multi-Sharing: With advanced wireless technology, Classic Bluetooth mode supports dual-device connection and LE Audio mode supports one-to-many broadcasting. This adapter enables multiple listeners to enjoy wireless audio at the same time for sharing music, group gaming, or family movie nights. (Note: aptX HD does not support dual-device connection.)

AirPods can work through a compatible transmitter, but they do not support aptX Low Latency. An aptX-capable transmitter cannot force AirPods to use that codec, so noticeable delay is possible. If precise audio timing is your priority, a PS5-compatible 2.4GHz headset or a wired headset is usually a better fit.

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Will the headphone microphone work?

Often, no. Many Bluetooth transmitters provide audio output only and do not send microphone input from the headphones back to the PS5. The Avantree C81-Gaming listing specifically says Bluetooth headphone microphone input is unsupported.

For voice chat, use the DualSense microphone, a separate PS5-compatible microphone, or a headset with a compatible USB or 2.4GHz receiver. To select the controller microphone, open Settings > Sound > Microphone > Input Device > Microphone on Controller.

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Troubleshooting

The adapter powers on but does not appear under Output Device

The adapter is probably a generic Bluetooth host or controller dongle rather than a USB audio transmitter. The PS5 needs the device to enumerate as a USB sound device. Check the product description for explicit PS5 USB-audio-transmitter support, then try another USB port.

The headphones connect but the TV still plays sound

Press the PS button, select Sound, and choose the USB adapter or USB headset under Output Device. Then set Output to Headphones to All Audio if available.

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There is a delay

Check whether both the transmitter and headphones support the same low-latency codec. Bluetooth version numbers are not enough. AirPods may show more delay because they do not support aptX Low Latency.

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AMORNO USB-C Bluetooth Adapter for PS5, Bluetooth 5.4 Audio Adapter for PC, Plug and Play, Wireless Audio Transmitter for Bluetooth Headphones & Earbuds to PS4/PS5/Switch Dock/PC/Laptop/TV
  • Bluetooth 5.4 Technology: Featuring advanced Bluetooth 5.4 technology with low latency, this wireless USB bluetooth adapter can allow your non-bluetooth PC laptop/desktop/computer to feature Bluetooth 5.4 function, it offers faster data transfer speeds & a more stable connection, and it support A2DP, ensure that you can enjoy high quality music audio transmission and more stable bluetooth pairing.
  • Plug and Play: Designed for computer windows systems/laptop/tv/ps4/ps5 consoles, this Bluetooth transmitter is easy to set up and use. It requires no driver installation, just insert the usb bluetooth transmitter adapter and connect your device (headphones/headset/speaker) with it, then it can transform your device into a wireless bluetooth device.
  • Dual Device Connection, Wireless Sharing: The usb wireless Bluetooth transmitter allows you to connect 2 headphones/speakers at the same time without losing any sound quality, ideal for sharing music/movies together not to disturb others. Bluetooth pairing is fast easily & stable and the audio quality is really clear, no delays or interference, perfect for travel, home theaters and automotive use.
  • Sleek and Portable Design: The usb bluetooth adapter is small, compact and portable, you can take it to anywhere you want, perfect for placing it on a PC/TV/laptop. The longest transmission distance is 50m(164ft) and support to using in open space. The perfect using range is 10m(33ft).
  • What’s in the Box: The Package comes a USB Bluetooth Adapter and a type-c port conversion interface, you can connect it to PC,TV or any device that outputs audio via USB or Type C, very convenient to use. Note: This device is optimized for wireless audio transmission and is not compatible with data devices such as mice, keyboards, game controllers, or printers.

Only one earbud connects

Reset the earbuds or place both earbuds in their charging case before repeating the pairing process. Pairing behavior varies by transmitter. For AirPods, open the case and hold the rear button until the light flashes white, then repeat pairing.

The connection cuts out

Bluetooth operates in the crowded 2.4GHz range. Routers, wireless speakers, smart-home devices, USB 3.x equipment, metal shelving, and a closed cabinet can reduce range or cause dropouts. A short USB extension cable can move the transmitter away from interference and improve line of sight.

The adapter works on a PC but not on PS5

Many PC Bluetooth adapters depend on an operating-system driver. The PS5 does not install those Windows, macOS, or Linux drivers. Use a product designed to transmit USB audio without additional software.

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Do not confuse Bluetooth transmitters with PlayStation Link

PlayStation Link is Sony’s separate proprietary wireless system. Its USB adapter is intended for PlayStation Link-compatible products such as PULSE Elite and PULSE Explore. It is not a general-purpose Bluetooth adapter for arbitrary Bluetooth headphones.

Bottom line

A PS5 cannot directly pair with ordinary Bluetooth headphones through Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories. Buy a USB Bluetooth audio transmitter that explicitly presents itself as a PS5-compatible USB headset. The adapter can provide game audio, but microphone support is often unavailable, and low latency requires matching codecs on both sides.

Among the five listed options, choose based on connector type, explicit PS5 USB-audio support, headphone codec compatibility, and microphone requirements—not simply the Bluetooth version number or the lowest advertised price.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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