Yes, but with limits that catch most people off guard
Your PS5 can connect to Bluetooth headphones, but not the way you might expect. The console supports Bluetooth audio output to certain headsets — mainly PlayStation Link headsets and some gaming-specific models — but it does not work with standard Bluetooth headphones like AirPods, Beats, or most consumer wireless earbuds. If you try to pair a regular Bluetooth headset, the PS5 will either reject it or pair it for voice chat only, leaving you with no game audio.
The reason is technical: the PS5 uses a specific Bluetooth audio codec that most consumer headphones don't support. Sony designed the system to work reliably with their own PlayStation Link wireless headsets and a small list of third-party gaming headsets that meet those standards. This is different from connecting to a phone or computer, where almost any Bluetooth device works.
If you want wireless audio on your PS5, you have three real paths: use a PlayStation Link headset, connect headphones through the USB dongle that came with certain gaming headsets, or plug wired headphones into the controller's 3.5mm jack.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Bluetooth headphones like AirPods will not output game audio to your PS5, even if they pair successfully.
- PlayStation Link headsets and certain gaming headsets with Bluetooth support will work for both game audio and voice chat.
- Many gaming headsets come with a USB wireless dongle that works on PS5 without needing Bluetooth at all.
- Wired headphones plugged into your PS5 controller's 3.5mm jack are the most reliable way to get audio if you don't have a compatible wireless headset.
- You can pair non-compatible Bluetooth devices for voice chat only, but they will not play game sounds.
Which Bluetooth headsets actually work with PS5
PlayStation Link headsets are the primary option. These are Sony's own wireless headsets designed specifically for PS5, and they connect via a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless connection (not standard Bluetooth). The main models are the PlayStation Link headset and the PlayStation Link buds. Both pair directly with your PS5 and output full game audio plus voice chat.
Some third-party gaming headsets also support PS5 Bluetooth audio, but the list is small. SteelSeries, HyperX, and a few other gaming brands have released headsets with PS5 compatibility, but you need to check the product specifications before buying — not all headsets from these brands work. Look for language that explicitly says "PS5 compatible" or "supports PS5 Bluetooth audio."
Many gaming headsets do not use Bluetooth at all on PS5. Instead, they come with a USB wireless dongle that you plug into the console. This dongle creates its own wireless connection and bypasses Bluetooth entirely. If your headset came with a small USB adapter, that is likely your best option — just plug it in and the headset will connect without any pairing steps.
How to pair a compatible Bluetooth headset with your PS5
Start by putting your headset into pairing mode. This usually means holding a button on the headset for three to five seconds until a light blinks or changes color. Check your headset's manual if you are unsure which button or how long to hold it.
On your PS5, go to Settings in the home menu, then select Accessories. Choose Bluetooth Accessories and your PS5 will scan for nearby devices. When your headset appears in the list, select it and confirm the pairing.
Once paired, your headset should output both game audio and voice chat. Test it by starting a game or party chat. If you hear only voice chat but no game sounds, your headset is not on the PS5's compatible list — you will need to use one of the other connection methods instead.
Using a USB dongle headset instead of Bluetooth
If your gaming headset came with a USB wireless dongle, this is often simpler than Bluetooth. Plug the dongle into one of the PS5's USB ports on the front or back of the console. The headset should connect automatically within a few seconds — no pairing steps needed.
USB dongle headsets work reliably because they do not depend on the PS5's Bluetooth system. They create their own wireless connection between the dongle and the headset. This method works with most major gaming headset brands, including SteelSeries, HyperX, Corsair, and others. If you have the dongle, use it instead of trying to pair via Bluetooth.
Connecting wired headphones through your PS5 controller
The simplest option if you own any wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack: plug them directly into the PS5 controller. The controller has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, and any standard wired headphones will work there for both game audio and voice chat.
This method has no compatibility issues and requires no setup. Game audio routes through the controller to your headphones automatically. The only downside is the cable — you are tethered to the controller, which limits how far you can sit from it. But if you already own wired headphones, this costs nothing and works when ready.
Why your AirPods or standard Bluetooth headphones won't work
The PS5 uses a Bluetooth audio codec called LC3 for low-latency wireless audio. Most consumer Bluetooth headphones — including AirPods, Beats, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and others — use different codecs like AAC or SBC. The PS5 will not output game audio through a headset using an incompatible codec, even if the headset pairs successfully.
You may be able to pair your AirPods or similar headphones with the PS5 for voice chat only. The console will recognize them as a Bluetooth device and route party chat through them. But when you start a game, the audio will come from your TV or speakers instead of your headphones. This is a limitation of the PS5's Bluetooth implementation, not a problem with your headphones.
If you want to use your existing consumer Bluetooth headphones with PS5 games, your only option is to connect them to your phone or another device and use that device's audio output — you cannot route PS5 game audio through them directly.
Troubleshooting when your headset won't connect
If your headset pairs but produces no game audio, it is almost certainly not on the PS5's compatible list. Check the product manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm PS5 support. If the manual does not mention PS5, the headset will not work for game audio, even if it pairs.
If your headset won't pair at all, try these steps in order: put the headset into pairing mode again and make sure it is actively searching for devices. Restart your PS5 completely (shut it down, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on). Go to Settings, Accessories, Bluetooth Accessories again and scan for devices. If it still does not appear, the headset may not support PS5 Bluetooth at all — check whether it came with a USB dongle instead.
If you paired the headset successfully before but it is not connecting now, unpair it first. Go to Settings, Accessories, Bluetooth Accessories, find the headset in the list, and select the option to forget or unpair it. Then put the headset into pairing mode again and pair it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AirPods with PS5?
AirPods will not output game audio to your PS5, even if they pair. You can pair them for voice chat only, but game sounds will come from your TV or speakers. If you want wireless audio for games, you need a PlayStation Link headset or a compatible gaming headset.
Do all gaming headsets work with PS5?
No. Many gaming headsets use a USB dongle instead of Bluetooth, and those work fine. But Bluetooth gaming headsets must support the PS5's LC3 codec to output game audio. Always check the product specifications or manual before buying — look for explicit PS5 Bluetooth support.
What if my headset has a USB dongle?
Plug the dongle into a USB port on your PS5 and the headset will connect automatically. USB dongle headsets work reliably and do not depend on Bluetooth compatibility. This is often the easiest option if your headset came with one.
Can I use wired headphones on PS5?
Yes. Plug any wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack into the controller's headphone jack on the bottom. This works for both game audio and voice chat with no setup required.
Why does my paired headset only work for voice chat?
Your headset is not on the PS5's compatible list for game audio. The console paired it for voice communication only. Check the manufacturer's website to confirm whether your specific model supports PS5 game audio, or try connecting it with a USB dongle if one came with it.