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The PS5 generally does not connect to ordinary Bluetooth headphones or earbuds as a direct audio device. That affects AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Bose and Beats headphones, generic earbuds, and many Bluetooth speakers. The console has Bluetooth hardware, but it does not offer universal Bluetooth-audio compatibility.
The simplest workaround is a USB Bluetooth audio transmitter: plug the transmitter into the PS5, pair your headphones with it, and select the resulting USB audio device. For the lowest latency and most reliable microphone, however, a wired headset connected to the DualSense or a PlayStation-compatible wireless headset is usually better.
What the PS5 actually blocks
The limitation is not that the PS5 has no Bluetooth. Rather, the console generally will not accept standard Bluetooth headphones as normal audio-output devices. A headset may fail to pair, connect without producing sound, or be rejected as an unsupported accessory.
This is different from wireless PlayStation accessories that use a USB receiver or PlayStation Link. Those products use a connection designed for console audio, voice chat, and gaming latency.
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- 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
Sony has not established a universal public explanation that every Bluetooth-audio restriction is caused by one factor. The commonly cited technical issues include audio delay, wireless interference, and the limitations of Bluetooth profiles when listening and microphone use happen simultaneously. A Bluetooth version number such as 5.0 or 5.3 does not guarantee low latency.
The same basic limitation applies to both the PS5 Disc Edition and PS5 Digital Edition. It concerns audio connectivity, not the console’s optical drive.
The fastest workaround: use a USB Bluetooth transmitter
A transmitter changes the connection path. Instead of pairing the headphones directly with the PS5, you pair them with a small transmitter that presents itself to the console as a USB audio device.
- Choose a transmitter that explicitly supports PS5 or USB audio transmission. Make sure it is a transmitter, not only a Bluetooth receiver.
- Plug it into a PS5 USB-A or USB-C port.
- Put the transmitter into pairing mode.
- Put your headphones or earbuds into Bluetooth pairing mode.
- Wait for the two devices to connect.
- On the PS5, open Settings → Sound → Audio Output.
- Select the USB audio device if it is not selected automatically, then choose the headphone output and adjust the volume.
- Play a game and test the audio before relying on the setup for party chat.
This often provides game audio through AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Bose headphones, Beats, and other Bluetooth devices. It does not automatically provide a working microphone. Many inexpensive transmitters are audio-output-only, so the earbuds may let you hear the game while their microphone remains unavailable to the PS5.
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- 【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.
If the microphone does not work
Use the DualSense controller’s built-in microphone, connect a separate USB microphone, or switch to a wired or dedicated PlayStation wireless headset. Do not assume that a transmitter supports voice chat just because it can transmit stereo audio.
USB transmitter troubleshooting
- No pairing: Remove other nearby Bluetooth devices from pairing mode, restart the transmitter and PS5, and reset the headset’s pairing list.
- No sound: Try the other USB port and check Settings → Sound → Audio Output. Confirm that the transmitter is in transmit mode rather than receive mode.
- The transmitter is not detected: Verify that it supports USB audio without proprietary drivers. Some devices require a specific button sequence before they enter pairing mode.
- Audio is delayed: Keep the headset close to the transmitter and use a lower-latency codec supported by both devices. Delay can remain noticeable, especially in rhythm or competitive games.
- Game audio works but chat does not: Check whether the transmitter has microphone support. If it is transmit-only, use the controller microphone or another USB microphone.
- Sound cuts out: Move the headset closer, reduce wireless interference, and check whether another USB wireless device is competing for space or signal.
- Two listeners: Use a transmitter that explicitly supports dual-link transmission. Pairing two headsets can reduce codec quality or stability.
The cheapest and most reliable option: a wired headset
For low latency, voice chat, and minimal setup, connect a compatible 3.5-mm headset to the DualSense controller.
- Plug the headset into the controller’s 3.5-mm jack.
- Open Settings → Sound → Audio Output.
- Confirm that the headset connected to the controller is the output device.
- Adjust Headphones volume and microphone input level in the sound settings.
- Press the controller’s mute button to make sure the microphone is not muted.
This route normally supports both game audio and voice chat with very little delay. It requires no charging or pairing and works with inexpensive headsets. The drawbacks are the cable running to the controller, possible compatibility problems with some four-pole earbuds, and additional controller battery use while powering the headset.
Best for voice chat: a dedicated PlayStation headset
A USB-dongle wireless headset or a PlayStation Link headset avoids the PS5’s direct Bluetooth-audio limitation. The USB receiver or PlayStation Link connection is designed for console audio rather than ordinary Bluetooth pairing.
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- 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.
This is generally the cleanest wireless choice when you need game audio, a dependable microphone, party chat, and lower latency. Sony’s PlayStation accessories include PULSE Elite and PULSE Explore. Check the current product specifications and compatibility details before buying.
The trade-off is price and flexibility. A dedicated headset costs more than using a controller cable or a transmitter, and it may be less convenient if your priority is using the same ordinary Bluetooth earbuds with many other devices.
Can you use AirPods on a PS5?
AirPods are not a special exception to the PS5’s Bluetooth-audio limitation. They normally cannot be selected as a direct PS5 audio device merely because they are Bluetooth earbuds.
A compatible USB Bluetooth transmitter can often provide listening audio, but the AirPods microphone may not work through a basic transmitter. Automatic ear detection and device switching can also behave differently when the AirPods are connected through third-party hardware. If the AirPods keep reconnecting to an iPhone, temporarily disable Bluetooth on the phone or remove the AirPods from its active connection while pairing.
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- 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.)
Pair headphones with the television or monitor
If your television or monitor supports Bluetooth audio, you can pair the headphones with the display instead of the PS5. The PS5 sends sound to the display over HDMI, and the display sends that sound to the headphones.
- Leave the PS5 connected to the television or monitor by HDMI.
- Open the display’s Bluetooth-audio settings.
- Put the headphones into pairing mode and connect them to the display.
- Set the display’s audio output to the paired headphones.
This can be convenient if you want the headphones to work with television apps and multiple devices. It also has important limits: PS5 party-chat microphone support usually will not pass through the television, delay depends on the display’s Bluetooth implementation, and the display may switch back to its internal speakers after standby. If the display has no Bluetooth, a transmitter connected to its 3.5-mm or optical output may work, provided the transmitter supports that input.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Game audio, microphone, and 3D Audio are separate questions
“It works” can mean three different things: you can hear the game, you can speak in party chat, and the console applies its available headphone audio features. These are not guaranteed by the same connection.
| Setup | Game audio | Voice-chat microphone | Typical latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headset through DualSense | Yes | Usually yes | Very low |
| USB Bluetooth transmitter | Usually yes | Model-dependent | Low to moderate |
| TV Bluetooth | Usually yes | Usually unavailable through PS5 | Model-dependent |
| Dedicated PS5 wireless headset | Yes | Usually yes | Low |
| Remote Play | Yes | Device-dependent | Network-dependent |
3D Audio also depends on the connection path, the transmitter, the headset, and the PS5’s current audio settings. Open Settings → Sound → 3D Audio for Headphones and run the personalization process if the option is available for your connected device. Do not assume that every television Bluetooth path or stereo-only transmitter preserves the same features as a directly supported headset.
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- 【Upgrade Your Devices with Wireless Audio】1Mii B10 PS5 Bluetooth Adapter lets you hear PS5, PS4, PC, Mac and laptop audio through your Bluetooth headphones. Simply plug in the adapter and enjoy wireless game sound, private listening, and a cleaner gaming setup without tangled cables.
- 【Plug & Play, No Drivers Required】This Bluetooth dongle features a simple plug-and-play design with no software installation required. Just connect the adapter, pair your Bluetooth headphones, and enjoy wireless audio in seconds—perfect for gaming, movies, and everyday entertainment.
- 【Low Latency Gaming Experience】 The Bluetooth adapter for PS5 with aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive delivers faster audio response and smoother wireless performance. Enjoy game sounds that stay in sync with every movement, from precise footsteps to critical action moments, so you can react faster and stay fully immersed in PS5, PS4, and PC gaming.
- 【Premium Sound Quality】Powered by aptX Adaptive and aptX HD audio codecs, this Bluetooth adapter delivers detailed, immersive sound from your PC. Hear every game effect with greater clarity, enjoy clearer movie dialogue, and communicate smoothly with teammates during online voice chats using Bluetooth headphones.
- 【Wide Compatibility】This Bluetooth 5.3 USB Adapter works with a wide range of Bluetooth headphones, AirPods, earbuds, and speakers. Easily connect your PS5, PS4, playstation, PC, desktop, and other compatible devices to enjoy wireless audio without complicated setup.
Which solution should you choose?
- Already own Bluetooth earbuds and only need game audio: Try a USB Bluetooth transmitter.
- Need the lowest latency and a working microphone: Use a wired headset through the DualSense or a dedicated PS5 wireless headset.
- Want the cheapest dependable solution: Use the controller’s 3.5-mm jack.
- Want headphones shared across television devices: Pair them with the television, accepting weaker party-chat integration.
- Need an AirPods microphone for party chat: A basic transmitter is a poor fit; use a wired headset, compatible USB microphone, or dedicated wireless headset.
- Need two people listening: Choose a transmitter that explicitly supports two simultaneous connections, and expect possible compromises in stability or codec quality.
What to check before buying a transmitter
- Explicit PS5 or USB-audio-transmitter compatibility.
- Transmit mode, not only receive mode.
- A USB-A or USB-C connector that matches the port you plan to use.
- Low-latency codec support that is also supported by your headphones.
- Microphone support if voice chat is essential.
- A physical pairing button and independent volume controls.
- Pass-through charging if it occupies a USB-C port.
- Whether it blocks an adjacent USB port.
- Evidence that it works with PS5 party chat, rather than only music playback.
Do not choose solely on a label such as “Bluetooth 5.3.” Bluetooth version alone does not guarantee low delay, microphone support, or compatibility with the PS5’s USB-audio path.
Another option: Remote Play
Remote Play can route the PS5’s audio through a phone, tablet, Windows PC, or Mac, where ordinary Bluetooth headphones can connect normally. It is useful when you need a temporary workaround or want to use headphones already paired with another device.
The trade-off is network-dependent delay and possible quality loss. It is a poor choice for latency-sensitive competitive games, but practical for turn-based games, streaming, or situations where direct console audio is inconvenient. Setup details and supported devices are available through the PlayStation support hub.
Bottom line
The PS5 does not generally support ordinary Bluetooth headphones as direct audio devices, but you do not need to replace your earbuds immediately. A USB Bluetooth transmitter is the practical workaround for game audio. Choose a wired DualSense headset for the lowest cost and latency, or a dedicated PlayStation wireless headset when reliable voice chat and a more integrated experience matter more than reusing standard Bluetooth earbuds.
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