Yes, but only through a workaround — PS5 doesn't support AirPods directly
The PS5 does not have native Bluetooth audio support for wireless headphones. Sony built the console to use USB wireless dongles, wired headsets, or the controller's 3.5mm jack instead. AirPods will not pair with the PS5 the way they pair with your iPhone or Mac.
You have three actual routes: use a USB adapter that tricks the PS5 into recognizing AirPods as a standard Bluetooth device, connect AirPods through your TV's audio output if your TV supports Bluetooth, or switch to a headset the PS5 was designed for. Each route has different trade-offs in setup time, audio quality, and whether you can use the headset for other devices at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- The PS5 does not have built-in Bluetooth audio, so AirPods will not pair directly no matter what you try in the settings menu.
- A USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into the PS5 can make AirPods work, but audio may lag slightly during fast-action games and the adapter costs $15 to $40.
- If your TV has Bluetooth, you can pair AirPods to the TV and route PS5 audio through it, though this adds an extra device to manage.
- PS5-compatible wireless headsets from SteelSeries, HyperX, and other brands connect directly via USB dongle with no lag and work when ready after plugging in.
- The PS5 controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so wired headphones or a wired adapter will always work without any setup.
Using a USB Bluetooth adapter with your AirPods
A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports and broadcasts a Bluetooth signal. The PS5 treats it as a standard audio device. You pair your AirPods to the adapter once, then the adapter remembers them. Common models include the Avantree DG80, the TaoTronics adapter, and the ASUS USB-BT500. They cost between $15 and $40.
Plug the adapter into a USB port on the back of the PS5 (not the front). Put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. The adapter will find them and connect. Once paired, your AirPods will reconnect automatically when you turn them on and the PS5 is running.
The main drawback is audio latency — a slight delay between what happens on screen and what you hear. For story games or slower-paced titles, you will not notice it. For competitive shooters or fighting games where timing matters, the lag can affect your performance. Some adapters have lower latency than others, so read reviews before buying if you play fast games regularly.
Routing audio through your TV's Bluetooth
If your TV has Bluetooth audio output, you can pair AirPods directly to the TV and let the TV handle the sound from the PS5. This works because the PS5 sends audio to the TV through HDMI, and many modern TVs can then send that audio back out via Bluetooth to headphones.
Check your TV's settings menu for a Bluetooth or audio output option. The exact path depends on your TV brand — Samsung calls it "Bluetooth Audio", LG calls it "Bluetooth Device", and others vary. Put your AirPods in pairing mode and select them from the TV's menu. Once connected, any sound from the PS5 will play through your AirPods.
This route avoids buying an adapter, but it ties your AirPods to your TV rather than your PS5. If you want to use the AirPods with your phone or Mac while gaming, you will have to disconnect from the TV and reconnect to your other device each time. It also adds a step — you have to make sure the TV is on and Bluetooth is enabled before you start playing.
Headsets designed to work with PS5
The simplest route is a PS5-compatible wireless headset that connects via USB dongle. Brands like SteelSeries (Arctis Nova series), HyperX (Cloud Flight), and SCUF make headsets that plug in and work when ready. They connect to the PS5 directly, not through Bluetooth, so there is no latency. Audio quality is usually better than AirPods for gaming because the headsets are tuned for game sound.
These headsets cost $100 to $300 depending on features. They come with a USB dongle you plug into the PS5. Some also work on PC, Mac, or mobile devices if they include a separate connection method, but most are built primarily for console gaming. If you already own AirPods and want to avoid spending more money, this option does not explore — but if you are building a gaming setup from scratch, a dedicated headset often makes more sense than adapting AirPods.
Using the PS5 controller's headphone jack
The simplest no-setup option is to plug wired headphones or a wired adapter into the 3.5mm jack on the bottom of the PS5 controller. This works with any wired headphones, including AirPods with a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter (sold separately by Apple for about $9).
The trade-off is that you are tethered to the controller by a cable, and the cable can get in the way during gameplay. Audio quality is good because there is no wireless compression. This route works if you only game occasionally or if you want a backup option when your wireless headset is charging.
Why the PS5 doesn't support Bluetooth audio natively
Sony chose to exclude Bluetooth audio from the PS5 to reduce latency and interference. Bluetooth adds a delay of 100 to 300 milliseconds between the console and your headphones. For competitive gaming, that delay can mean the difference between hearing footsteps in time to react or not. USB dongles used by gaming headsets have lower latency — often under 50 milliseconds — because they use a direct connection rather than the Bluetooth standard.
Sony also wanted to avoid the technical headache of managing multiple Bluetooth connections at once. The PS5 controller already uses Bluetooth to talk to the console. Adding Bluetooth audio would create potential conflicts and require more complex software to manage. A USB dongle sidesteps that problem entirely.
This is the same reason the Xbox Series X and Series S also do not support Bluetooth audio for headphones, though both consoles do support Bluetooth for controllers. It is a deliberate design choice, not an oversight.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Setup Time | Audio Latency | Cost | Works With Other Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB Bluetooth adapter | 5 minutes | Moderate (noticeable in fast games) | $15–$40 | Yes, if adapter supports it |
| TV Bluetooth passthrough | 10 minutes | Low | $0 (if TV has it) | Yes, but must reconnect each time |
| PS5 wireless headset | 2 minutes | Very low | $100–$300 | Depends on headset model |
| Wired to controller jack | 1 minute | None | $0–$9 | Yes, anywhere with a 3.5mm jack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AirPods Pro work better than regular AirPods with a USB adapter?
No. Both versions use the same Bluetooth standard, so latency and compatibility are identical. The noise cancellation in AirPods Pro does not help with gaming because you still hear the game audio. Save the money and use whichever AirPods you already own.
Can I use AirPods Max with my PS5?
Yes, through the same USB adapter method. AirPods Max will pair with a Bluetooth adapter just like regular AirPods. However, they are expensive ($549) for a gaming headset, and the latency issue remains. They are better suited for music or movies than for competitive gaming.
What if my USB adapter keeps disconnecting?
Try plugging it into a different USB port on the PS5 — the back ports are more stable than the front. If it still disconnects, the adapter may be faulty or incompatible. Check the product reviews to see if other users report PS5 compatibility issues. Some cheaper adapters have poor range or drop connection frequently.
Do I need a special adapter or will any Bluetooth dongle work?
Most standard USB Bluetooth adapters will work, but gaming-specific adapters tend to have lower latency. Avoid very cheap adapters under $10 — they often have poor range or unstable connections. Read reviews mentioning PS5 specifically before buying.
Can I use AirPods and a PS5 controller at the same time?
Yes. The PS5 controller connects via Bluetooth, and a USB adapter uses a separate connection, so they do not interfere. You can have your AirPods connected for audio and your controller connected for input simultaneously.