How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5: If you’ve tried pairing your favorite Bluetooth headphones directly to your PS5, you’ve hit a frustrating wall. Despite having built-in Bluetooth, Sony deliberately blocks standard Bluetooth audio devices from connecting to the PlayStation 5. This restriction affects AirPods, Beats, Bose, Sony’s own consumer headphones, and virtually every third-party Bluetooth headset on the market.
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But here’s the good news: you absolutely can use your Bluetooth headphones with your PS5. This guide by hstech walks you through three proven methods that work with any Bluetooth headphones, explaining why Sony implemented this limitation and how to bypass it without compromising audio quality or performance.
Why Sony Blocks Bluetooth Headphones on PS5
Before diving into solutions, it’s worth understanding why this restriction exists. Sony hasn’t provided an official, detailed explanation, but the technical explanation centers on latency and bandwidth management.
Standard Bluetooth audio uses protocols like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), which introduces audio delays of 100 to 300 milliseconds. In competitive gaming where split-second timing matters, this lag creates a disconnect between on-screen action and audio cues. Imagine hearing gunfire or footsteps a quarter-second after seeing the muzzle flash or enemy movement; that’s a significant competitive disadvantage.
Additionally, the PS5’s Bluetooth chip supports multiple simultaneous wireless connections, including DualSense controllers, which require consistent, low-latency communication for haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Allowing standard Bluetooth audio could create bandwidth contention, degrading controller performance.
Sony’s official solution is their PlayStation-branded headsets and select licensed third-party models that use proprietary low-latency wireless protocols through USB dongles. These bypass standard Bluetooth entirely, achieving latency under 20 milliseconds.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5
Method 1: Bluetooth USB Dongle
Compatibility: Any Bluetooth headphones
Latency: Low to moderate (depends on dongle quality)
Audio Quality: Good to excellent
Cost: $15-60
Difficulty: Easy
A Bluetooth USB adapter plugs into your PS5’s USB port and acts as an external Bluetooth transmitter, bypassing Sony’s restrictions entirely. This is the most versatile solution and works with literally any Bluetooth headphones you own.
What You Need
- A Bluetooth 5.0+ USB adapter with low-latency support (look for aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive)
- Your Bluetooth headphones
- One PS5 USB port (front or back)
Recommended Adapters
Budget Option: Creative BT-W3 ($25-35)
Supports aptX Low Latency and aptX HD, works immediately with PS5, and includes a pairing button for easy connection. Latency around 40ms makes it suitable for most gaming.
Premium Option: Avantree DG80 ($45-60)
Dual-link capability (connect two headphones), FastStream codec for ultra-low latency (under 40ms), more extended Bluetooth range, and plug-and-play compatibility with PS5.
Alternative: TP-Link UB500 ($15-20)
Basic Bluetooth 5.0 adapter without low-latency codecs. Works but may have noticeable audio delay in fast-paced games. Suitable for story-driven or turn-based games where latency is less critical.
Setup Instructions
- Power off your PS5 completely (not rest mode) and unplug it for 30 seconds. This clears any cached device connections.
- Plug the Bluetooth adapter into a PS5 USB port. Either the front USB-C or the rear USB-A port works. Avoid using a USB hub if possible, as this can introduce connection instability.
- Power on your PS5 and navigate to Settings > Sound > Audio Output.
- Select USB Headset as your audio output device. The PS5 should automatically detect the adapter as a USB audio device.
- Put your headphones into pairing mode. This usually involves holding the power button for 5-7 seconds until you see a flashing LED light (consult your headphone’s manual for specific instructions).
- Press the pairing button on your Bluetooth adapter (if it has one) or wait for automatic pairing. Most quality adapters enter pairing mode automatically when powered on with no connected devices.
- Wait for connection confirmation. Your headphones should announce “Connected” or stop flashing. Audio should now route through your headphones.
- Test audio and adjust volume. Launch a game and verify audio is working. Use the PS5’s volume controls or your headphones’ built-in controls to adjust the volume.
Troubleshooting Tips
No audio after pairing: Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and ensure Output Device is set to “USB Headset,” not “TV” or “HDMI Device.”
Audio cutting out intermittently: The adapter may be experiencing interference. Try moving it to a different USB port (back ports typically have better shielding) or removing other wireless devices from the vicinity.
High latency/audio delay: Your adapter may not support low-latency codecs, or your headphones don’t support them. Check that both devices support aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive. You may need to upgrade your adapter.
Microphone not working: Most basic Bluetooth adapters only transmit audio in one direction (from the PS5 to headphones). For two-way communication, you need an adapter that supports bidirectional audio, such as the Creative BT-W4.
Method 2: PlayStation Remote Play (Wireless Freedom)
Compatibility: Any Bluetooth headphones
Latency: Moderate to high (network-dependent)
Audio Quality: Dependent on network quality
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Moderate
PlayStation Remote Play lets you stream your PS5 gameplay to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Since these devices support standard Bluetooth audio natively, you can connect any Bluetooth headphones to your streaming device and hear PS5 audio through them.
When This Method Works Best
- Casual gaming sessions where competitive advantage isn’t critical
- Single-player, story-driven games
- Playing in bed or away from your TV
- Times when you want to use high-end noise-cancelling headphones for immersion
When to Avoid This Method
- Competitive multiplayer games (latency stacks: network delay + Bluetooth delay)
- Games requiring precise timing (fighting games, rhythm games)
- When your home network is congested
- If you experience frequent WiFi interference
Setup Instructions
On Your Mobile Device or Computer:
- Download the PlayStation Remote Play app from your device’s app store (iOS, Android) or from PlayStation’s website (Windows, Mac).
- Sign in with your PlayStation Network account (the same account you use on your PS5).
- Connect your Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone/tablet/computer using the device’s standard Bluetooth settings. Ensure they’re paired and working before proceeding.
On Your PS5:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Remote Play and enable Remote Play.
- Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” to allow Remote Play even when the console is in rest mode.
- Set a PIN for connection security (optional but recommended).
Initiating the Connection:
- Launch the Remote Play app on your streaming device.
- Select “PS5” from the list of available devices. If your PS5 doesn’t appear, ensure both devices are on the same WiFi network.
- Enter your PS5 PIN if prompted, or wait for automatic connection.
- Start playing. Audio now routes through your streaming device and is output to your Bluetooth headphones.
Optimizing Performance
Network Requirements: For smooth gameplay with minimal lag, use a 5GHz WiFi connection (not 2.4GHz) with at least 15 Mbps upload speed from your PS5’s location. Wired Ethernet connection for the PS5 is even better.
Quality Settings: In Remote Play settings, choose “Standard” quality (720p) for better latency, rather than “High” or “Very High,” if you notice significant lag. The goal is responsiveness, not visual fidelity.
Frame Rate: Select the “Performance” frame rate option for 60fps streaming if your network can handle it. This reduces the feeling of input lag.
Reduce Interference: Close bandwidth-heavy applications on your network (4K streaming, large downloads) while using Remote Play.
Limitations to Consider
You’re adding two layers of latency: network streaming delay (typically 50-150ms depending on your network) plus Bluetooth audio delay (100-300ms). The combined lag makes this solution impractical for competitive gaming but perfectly acceptable for single-player experiences.
You cannot use Remote Play while someone else is actively using the PS5 on the TV. The console can only output to one display at a time.
Method 3: Monitor/TV Bluetooth Transmitter (Direct Audio Routing)
Compatibility: Any Bluetooth headphones
Latency: Low (comparable to USB dongle)
Audio Quality: Excellent
Cost: $30-70
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
If your TV or monitor doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth audio output, you can add this functionality with a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to your display’s audio output ports. This routes PS5 audio through your TV/monitor, then wirelessly to your headphones.
Advantages Over the USB Dongle Method
- Works with all devices connected to your TV (not just PS5)
- Can be left connected permanently without occupying PS5 USB ports
- Often supports simultaneous connections (private listening while TV speakers remain active)
- Typically, better audio quality since it receives processed TV audio rather than raw PS5 output
What You Need
- A Bluetooth transmitter with optical (TOSLINK) or 3.5mm audio input
- Appropriate cable (optical or aux, usually included)
- TV or monitor with an audio output port
Recommended Transmitters
For Optical Connection: Avantree Oasis Plus ($70)
Supports dual-link (two headphones simultaneously), aptX HD and aptX Low Latency, an impressive 100ft range, optical and 3.5mm inputs, and passthrough so TV speakers can play alongside Bluetooth.
For 3.5mm Connection: TaoTronics TT-BA09 ($35)
Compact, supports aptX Low Latency, reliable connection, affordable, easy setup with any 3.5mm jack.
Budget Option: 1Mii B06 Pro ($40)
Good middle ground with both optical and 3.5mm inputs, aptX Low Latency support, bypass mode for TV speakers, and dual-link capability.
Setup Instructions
Determine Your TV’s Audio Outputs:
- Check the back or side panel of your TV for available audio output ports. Look for:
- Optical (TOSLINK): Small square port with a protective flap, emits red light when active.
- 3.5mm headphone jack: Standard audio jack, may be labeled “Audio Out” or have a headphone icon
- RCA audio outputs: Red and white circular ports (requires RCA to 3.5mm adapter)
- Consult your TV manual if you’re unsure which ports are outputs and which are inputs.
Physical Connection:
- Connect the transmitter to your TV using the appropriate cable:
- Optical cable: Remove protective caps from both ends, align the square connector with the port (it only fits one way), and push until it clicks.
- 3.5mm cable: Plug into the headphone jack or audio out port.
- Power the transmitter. Most units include a USB power cable—plug this into your TV’s USB port or a wall adapter.
Configuration:
- Enable audio output on your TV. Navigate to your TV’s audio settings and:
- Set audio output to “External Speakers” or “Audio Out.”
- If using optical, select “Optical” or “Digital Audio Out.”
- Disable TV speakers if you want audio only through headphones
- Some TVs require you to change the audio format to “PCM” or “Stereo” for compatibility.
- Put your headphones in pairing mode (hold the power button for 5-7 seconds until the LED flashes).
- Press the pairing button on the transmitter, then wait for the connection. The LED indicator should turn solid or change color when the device is successfully paired.
- Test audio by playing content on your PS5.
TV-Specific Considerations
Samsung TVs: Often require turning off “Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)” to enable audio output when using external devices. Navigate to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ and turn it off.
LG TVs: Go to Sound Settings > Sound Out > select “Optical” or “Line Out.” May need to set Digital Sound Out to “PCM.”
Sony TVs: Settings > Sound > Audio Output > select “Audio System.” Set Digital Audio Out to “PCM” if using optical connection.
Vizio TVs: Press Menu > Audio > Digital Audio Out, select “Bitstream,” and ensure Speakers are set to “Off” for headphone-only audio.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No audio from headphones: Verify TV audio output is enabled and set to the correct port. Check that the transmitter is powered on (the LED indicator should be lit). Ensure headphones are fully charged and connected.
Audio delay when gaming: Your transmitter may not support low-latency codecs, or your TV is adding processing delay. Access your TV’s settings and:
- Turn off all audio enhancement features (surround sound, dialogue enhancement, etc.)
- Enable “Game Mode” or “PC Mode” to reduce processing lag.
- Switch audio format to PCM/Stereo instead of Dolby/DTS.
Audio cuts out intermittently due to Bluetooth interference from nearby devices. Move the transmitter closer to your seating position, away from WiFi routers, microwave ovens, and wireless controllers. Consider a transmitter with a more extended range or a stronger signal.
Can’t hear chat audio: This setup only transmits game audio and system sounds. PS5 voice chat requires either a microphone connected to the controller or a headset connected directly to the PS5. Some USB dongles support bidirectional audio for chat.
Comparison: Which Method Should You Choose?
Choose USB Bluetooth Dongle If:
- You want the most straightforward setup with the best performance
- You primarily game on your console
- You need low latency for competitive gaming
- You want to preserve TV audio output options
- You have a USB port to spare on your PS5
Choose Remote Play If:
- You want completely wireless freedom (no dongles/transmitters)
- You play casually or focus on single-player games
- You already use Remote Play for portable gaming
- You don’t mind moderate audio latency
- You want a zero-cost solution
Choose TV Bluetooth Transmitter If:
- You want wireless audio for all TV content (not just PS5)
- You prefer not occupying PS5 USB ports
- You have a quality TV with low-latency audio output
- You want simultaneous audio on TV speakers and headphones
- You have multiple consoles connected to the same display
Audio Quality and Latency: What to Expect
Understanding Bluetooth codecs helps you choose the right equipment and set realistic expectations for your wireless audio experience.
Standard Bluetooth (SBC codec): 200-300ms latency, compressed audio quality, universally supported—acceptable for casual gaming, but there is a noticeable delay in action games.
aptX: 100-150ms latency, improved audio quality over SBC, widely supported on quality headphones and adapters—good balance of quality and performance.
aptX Low Latency: 40ms latency, near-wired equivalent responsiveness, excellent for gaming. Requires both headphones and an adapter to support this codec.
aptX Adaptive: 50-80ms variable latency, adjusts based on content type, best audio quality with good gaming performance—newest standard with growing support.
AAC: 100-200ms latency, good audio quality, primarily for Apple devices. Not ideal for gaming latency, but acceptable for casual use.
For reference, wired headphones typically have under 10ms latency, and Sony’s official PlayStation wireless headsets achieve 15-20ms. A USB Bluetooth dongle with aptX Low Latency support gets remarkably close to this wired performance.
Voice Chat Considerations
All three methods in this guide transmit audio from PS5 to your headphones, but most don’t support microphone input back to the PS5 for voice chat. Here’s how to handle communication:
USB Dongle: Basic transmitters only send audio one way. For two-way communication, purchase a dongle that specifically advertises bidirectional audio or microphone support, such as the Creative BT-W4 or Avantree DG80. These cost more ($50-80) but provide complete headset functionality.
Remote Play: Supports microphone input through your smartphone/tablet/computer’s built-in microphone. However, the audio quality may not match that of a dedicated gaming headset, and you’ll need to position your device close to your face.
TV Transmitter: Doesn’t support microphone input. For voice chat, plug a microphone or headset into your DualSense controller’s 3.5mm port, or use a USB microphone connected to your PS5.
Alternative Solution: Many gamers use their Bluetooth headphones for game audio only and handle voice chat separately through a controller-connected mic or a USB microphone. This provides the best of both worlds: premium audio quality from your favorite headphones and clear voice communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect AirPods directly to the PS5?
No. Despite AirPods being Bluetooth devices, the PS5 blocks direct connection. You must use one of the three methods in this guide—a USB Bluetooth dongle works perfectly with all AirPods models.
Why can’t I see my headphones in PS5 Bluetooth settings?
Sony restricts the PS5’s Bluetooth menu to officially licensed PlayStation accessories only. Standard Bluetooth audio devices are deliberately excluded from this menu, even though the console supports Bluetooth.
Will this void my PS5 warranty?
No. Using a USB Bluetooth adapter, Remote Play, or TV transmitter doesn’t modify your console in any way and won’t affect your warranty. These are external accessories that connect via standard-supported interfaces.
Do official PlayStation headsets work better?
Sony’s PlayStation Pulse 3D and other licensed headsets use proprietary wireless protocols optimized for gaming, achieving latency under 20ms. However, quality Bluetooth dongles with aptX Low Latency come very close to this performance, and you can use headphones you already own rather than purchasing new ones.
Can I use my expensive audiophile headphones with the PS5?
Absolutely. High-end Bluetooth headphones from Sennheiser, Bose, Sony WH-1000XM series, or Bowers & Wilkins work excellently with a quality Bluetooth dongle. You’ll experience their superior audio quality on your PS5 games, though you won’t gain a competitive advantage over headsets specifically tuned for spatial audio gaming.
What about Bluetooth speakers?
The same methods work for Bluetooth speakers. A USB Bluetooth dongle or TV transmitter allows you to route PS5 audio to any Bluetooth speaker. Be aware that most Bluetooth speakers have higher latency than headphones, so this is best for casual gaming or media viewing rather than competitive play.
Does this work with PS4?
Yes. All three methods work equally well with PS4, which has the same Bluetooth audio restrictions as PS5. The setup steps are nearly identical.
The Bottom Line
While Sony’s decision to block standard Bluetooth audio on PS5 frustrates many gamers, the workarounds are straightforward, affordable, and deliver excellent results. A quality USB Bluetooth dongle costs $25-50 and instantly enables any Bluetooth headphones you own, with latency low enough for all but the most competitive gaming scenarios.
For most users, start with a mid-range USB Bluetooth adapter that supports aptX Low Latency. This provides the best balance of cost, performance, and convenience. The Creative BT-W3 ($30) and Avantree DG80 ($50) are both excellent choices that work reliably with PS5 and deliver low-latency audio suitable for gaming.
If you’re a casual gamer who prioritizes wireless freedom over competitive edge, Remote Play offers a zero-cost solution that works with equipment you already own. And if you want wireless audio for your entire entertainment system beyond just PS5, a TV Bluetooth transmitter provides the most versatile solution.
The key takeaway: you absolutely can use your favorite Bluetooth headphones with your PS5. With the correct adapter and a few minutes of setup, you’ll enjoy wireless audio freedom without compromising your gaming experience.