Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review: An Aural Upgrade

Last updated on 2022-09-19
By Yvonne

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Review - An Aural UpgradeThe Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset pairs well with the PlayStation 5. It taps into 3D audio to create immersive sound effects. The headset is well-priced and easy to use.

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset

We like this

Great 3D audio features
Seamless PS5 functionality
Sleek, lightweight design
Comfortable, easy fit
Affordable price

The Things We Hate

Mic sounds a bit muffled
Non-3D audio quality isn't as impressive
Can slide around head

The Bottom Line

Sony Pulse 3D, an easy-to-use wireless headset that delivers 3D audio for PS5 users who don't want to spend a lot on it, is available.

This article explains

Design
Comfort
Sound Quality
These are the features
Prices
Sony Pulse 3D and SteelSeries Arctis7P
Final Verdict
Specifications

The Pulse 3D wireless headset was purchased by our reviewer to fully test it and evaluate its performance. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

Due to the booming demand for Fortnite, there is no shortage of gaming headphones on the market. There are many third-party headsets available that can be used with PlayStation consoles. However, Sony made their own models in the past couple of generations. They are simple, cost-effective, integrated with consoles and well-designed.

This trend continues with the Pulse3D Wireless Headset. The Pulse3D Wireless Headset was launched alongside the PlayStation 5, but is also compatible with the PS4 and PS4. It bears the same sleek design as the PlayStation 5 and allows players to connect and have fun with their friends. The name also suggests that the Pulse 3D offers 3D audio for PS5 via Sony’s Tempest 3D AudioTech. This amplifies the immersion in selected games. This headset is a must-have for PS5 users.

Design: Simple and Straightforward

Sony's Pulse3D Wireless Headset is more dynamic than the predecessor, which was called the Gold Wireless Headset. The headband is made of thin plastic and becomes slimmer when it attaches to big black cans. This recalls the curves of the unique (but not so awkward) PlayStation 5 console. With a cushy cushion that presses against your head, the earcups are big enough to completely cover your ears.

To accommodate each person's unique head contours, the cans may be a bit looser than others. However, the cans do not slip up and down nor retract or extend. The actual headband is covered by a rubberized, tensile band. The rubberized band provides slight resistance so that the Pulse3D is held in place when you put it on. It is easy to find the right fit, because it all happens as soon as you place the headset on your head.

It's a great choice for PlayStation 5 owners who want something simple to use and that works well with their console.

The left earcup houses all controls, such as the volume and power buttons, the chat and game audio balance rockers, the microphone mutes button and the monitor switch/off button. A USB-C charger port can be found between the controls on the left headset. A USB-C-to-USB-A cable is also included.

With the wireless USB dongle included, the Pulse 3D wireless headset can be paired with either the PlayStation 5 (or PlayStation 4), or both. It can be used to connect the headset with a PC, Mac or other device. You can use the included 3.5mm connector to wire the headset with almost any device. It is located on the left side of the can.

Comfort: Light but comfy

The headset adjusts automatically to fit your head because of its tensile range. The downside is that the headset does not feel as secure as other I have used. You cannot change the position or the band of the earcups to make them tighter.

The Pulse 3D was stable while seated and played games. It may slip a little if your head is moving a lot or if you move around a lot during gaming. It doesn't feel too snug, so you can enjoy extended gaming sessions. The same holds true for glasses. I was able to play hours without feeling any pressure or discomfort from the cups.

Sony's Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is more dynamic than the predecessor, which was the Gold Wireless Headset For PlayStation 4.

3D Sound: Better sound quality

For a $100 gaming headset, the Pulse 3D delivers very good sound—but there's a clear difference between games that support 3D audio and those that do not. Only a few early games support 3D audio, such as Sony's Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon's Souls.

Surprisingly, it was Astro's Playroom—a free pack-in game designed to showcase the PlayStation 5's new DualSense controller—that delivered the most impactful 3D audio during my testing. The effect was immediately stunning when projectiles flew toward the screen at specific moments. It sounded almost like they were flying past my ears and continued to fly through the screen. Astro's Playroom is an audio-visual feast that delights the ears and provides haptic feedback via the DualSense controller. It truly offers a variety of exciting and surprising ways to experience the joy and wonder in Astro's Playroom.

Spider-Man's effect was less impactful but made me feel closer to the sounds and conversations around me. Fortnite's positional audio gave Fortnite a slight edge in quickly detecting nearby dangers. Games that don't support 3D audio—such as Rocket League and Final Fantasy VII Remake—sounded clear in the headset, but with a more confined soundscape. I wanted something more. You'll be able to tell when the 3D audio effect doesn't work for you.

You can plug in the Pulse 3D headset to any device using the 3.5mm cable. It was used with my MacBook Pro, a Google Pixel 4a smartphone, and I found that the treble and low-end were a little too prominent in the sound. The Pulse 3D headset is not something I would use on a regular basis but it will do the job in an emergency.

Instead of having an earpiece that protrudes from your ear, the Pulse3D features a pair microphones integrated into its design. Although it works well in game chat, the sound quality is a little muffled compared with headsets that have a microphone extended in front of you.

The effect was immediately dazzled when projectiles flew toward the screen in certain moments. It sounded almost like they were going to keep flying past my ears and through the screen.

PlayStation Features

Sony estimates that the Pulse3D will last 12 hours on a full charge, which is consistent with my testing. This is shorter than most headsets, which can last around 20 hours while others may only last for around 30. The DualSense controller lasts just 10 hours. They can either give you long gaming sessions and recharge overnight, or they can provide a couple of shorter games before needing to be charged again.

It is easily integrated with the PlayStation 5 software. The headset's battery indicator is displayed on screen when you turn it on. You can also adjust volume and mute settings by pressing the buttons. Five height settings allow you to adjust the position of the 3D sound effect. The effect starts in the middle, and you can adjust the sound to alter the position of the centre point.

Prices:

The Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is $100. It's comparable in price to Sony's other base PlayStation headsets like the Gold Wireless Headset. This headset is a decent price considering the features and construction. It also has excellent audio quality. While there are cheaper headsets available from third parties (that start at $25), and others that can cost hundreds of dollars more, this is a great option for anyone who owns a PlayStation 5. It's easy to use and works well with their console.

Sony estimates that the Pulse3D will last approximately 12 hours on a full charge, which is consistent with my testing.

Sony Pulse 3D and SteelSeries Arctis7P

SteelSeries Arctis7P, another attractive option for PlayStation 5 users, is fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio technology on the PS5. The wireless headset is powered by a USB-C connector that plugs into any device. This allows wireless connectivity to the Nintendo Switch and Android phones, as well as double the battery life of the previous model at 24 hours. It also appears to have a retractable microphone that is Discord-certified and bidirectional. This could allow for clearer audio than the Pulse3D's internal mics.

The Arctis 7P costs $50 more at $150. You'll need to decide if the benefits like longer battery life or greater compatibility with wireless devices are worth it.

These are the 10 best gaming headsets for 2022

To enhance your PS5 gaming experience, make sure you check our guide on the top accessories.

Final Verdict

Stereo audio that works well with the PS5.

The Pulse 3D wireless headset, like the earlier PlayStation headsets from Sony, is a great compromise between price, quality and features. Although 3D audio is not yet supported by all games except Sony's original-party titles, its impact on early PS5 games can still be felt. While there are many premium headsets available, the Pulse3D headset is a good choice for most PS5 owners looking for a high-quality, yet easy-to use headset.

Specifications

Product name: Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Sony Product Brand
6430164
Prices starting at $99.99
Release date November 2020
Weighing 1.45 pounds
Product dimensions 8.4x7.3x3.6in
Colour White
1-year warranty
Sound Mode Surround
USB-C ports, 3.5mm
Wired/Wireless wireless
Battery life: 12 hours
Platforms Android, Mac/Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, iOS