Yes, you can connect AirPods to a PS5, but not the way you might expect

AirPods will pair with your PS5 using Bluetooth, but the PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth audio output to wireless headphones. Instead, you have to use a workaround: connect your AirPods to your phone or another device, then use that device to receive the PS5's audio through a separate app or cable connection. The most practical route for most people is to use a USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into the PS5, which tricks the console into treating your AirPods like a wired headset.

If you want to hear PS5 game audio through AirPods without extra hardware, you will need to use your phone as a middleman — streaming the PS5 output to your phone and then to your AirPods. This adds delay and is not ideal for games where timing matters. The USB adapter method eliminates that problem and costs between $15 and $40.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 Bluetooth does not send audio to wireless headphones, only to controllers and other gaming devices.
  • A USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into the PS5 is the simplest way to use AirPods for game audio without noticeable delay.
  • You can also connect AirPods to your phone and use the PS5 Remote Play app to stream PS5 audio to your phone, then to your AirPods, but this adds a half-second or more of lag.
  • The PS5 controller has a built-in speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug wired headphones directly into the controller if you prefer not to buy an adapter.

Why the PS5 does not send audio to AirPods directly

Sony built the PS5 to prioritize low-latency audio for gaming. Bluetooth audio has a natural delay — usually between 100 and 300 milliseconds — which is noticeable in fast-paced games where your actions need to sync with sound. The PS5 reserves Bluetooth for controllers and accessories that do not need audio, and uses HDMI or optical audio for headsets that do.

AirPods are designed for phones and computers where that delay is less noticeable. They work fine for watching videos or listening to music, but Sony did not build PS5 support for them because the lag would make competitive games and rhythm games feel broken.

Using a USB Bluetooth adapter to connect AirPods

A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into one of the PS5's USB ports and creates a Bluetooth connection that the console treats as a standard audio device. Common models include the Avantree DG45, the TaoTronics adapter, and the ASUS USB-BT500. Prices range from $15 to $40 depending on the brand and range.

To use one: plug the adapter into a USB port on the front or back of the PS5, put your AirPods in pairing mode (hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white), and select the adapter's Bluetooth menu on the PS5. Once paired, the PS5 will send audio through the adapter to your AirPods whenever you use them. The delay is minimal — usually under 50 milliseconds — because the adapter handles the connection locally rather than routing through the internet.

The main drawback is that you now have a small dongle taking up a USB port. The PS5 has three USB ports, so you can still use one for charging a controller or connecting other devices. Some people tape the adapter to the back of the console to keep it out of sight.

Connecting AirPods through your phone using Remote Play

If you do not want to buy an adapter, you can use the PS5 Remote Play app on your phone to stream the PS5 output to your phone, then connect your AirPods to your phone. This works on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows. read the app, sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and select your PS5 from the list of devices.

Once connected, your phone will display the PS5 screen and you can play games on it. Connect your AirPods to your phone as you normally would, and audio will play through them. The trade-off is noticeable lag — usually between 500 milliseconds and 1 second — because the video and audio have to travel from the console to your phone over your home network or the internet. This works fine for turn-based games, menu navigation, and single-player games where timing is forgiving. It does not work for competitive multiplayer or games that require split-second reactions.

Remote Play is free if you already have a PlayStation Network account. You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use it, though you do need one to play online games on the PS5 itself.

Plugging wired headphones into the PS5 controller

The simplest option if you already own wired headphones: the PS5 controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom. Plug any wired headphones or earbuds into it, and the PS5 will route game audio to them automatically. You can also plug a microphone into the same jack if your headphones have a built-in mic.

This method has zero lag and costs nothing if you already own wired headphones. The downside is that you are tethered to the controller by a cable, and if the controller battery dies, you lose audio. The controller battery lasts roughly 8 to 12 hours depending on use, so you may need to charge it mid-gaming session if you play for long stretches.

Connecting AirPods to the PS5 for voice chat only

If you only want to use AirPods for voice chat — talking to other players — rather than hearing game audio, you can connect them to your phone and use the PS5 app to join a party. The PS5 app lets you chat with friends and hear party audio through your phone's speakers or connected headphones, while game audio plays through your TV or other speakers.

This is useful if you want to hear your friends but do not care about hearing the game itself, or if you are playing a single-player game and want to listen to music or a podcast instead of game audio. The app is free and works on any phone with Bluetooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need PlayStation Plus to connect AirPods to my PS5?

No. Connecting AirPods through a USB adapter, Remote Play, or the controller jack does not require a subscription. You only need PlayStation Plus if you want to play online multiplayer games on the PS5 itself.

Will my AirPods work with PS5 games that require a microphone?

If you use a USB adapter, yes — the adapter will handle both audio output and microphone input if your AirPods have a built-in mic. If you use Remote Play, you can chat through your phone's microphone. If you plug into the controller jack, you need headphones with a microphone attached.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with the USB adapter method?

Yes. Any AirPods model will pair with a USB Bluetooth adapter the same way. AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have better noise cancellation and sound quality, but the PS5 will not use those features — it just treats them as regular Bluetooth headphones.

What if the USB adapter keeps disconnecting from my AirPods?

Move the adapter closer to your AirPods or away from other wireless devices that might interfere. If that does not work, unpair the AirPods from the adapter, restart the PS5, and pair them again. Some cheaper adapters have weak Bluetooth range — if the problem persists, a higher-end adapter like the Avantree DG45 usually performs better.

Can I use AirPods on PS5 without buying anything?

Yes, through Remote Play on your phone, but you will experience noticeable lag. You can also plug wired headphones into the controller jack. Both methods are free if you already own the hardware.