Technology1 min read

Sony’s latest Pulse wireless headset packs planar magnetic drivers at a good price

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Sony's newly announced $99.99 headset features four-magnet planar drivers, an adjustable headband, and ear cups capable of rotating 180 degrees in either direction. Audio streams concurrently over standard Bluetooth and the proprietary PlayStation Link protocol via an included USB-C dongle or direct handheld connection. When both connection channels operate at once, the physical on-ear volume rocker automatically prioritizes the Link-connected system. Sony is also preparing a more premium model that will eventually double the driver magnet count and add active noise cancellation.

Key points

  • Sony is bringing planar magnetic driver technology down to an accessible $99.99 entry-lev…: Sony is bringing planar magnetic driver technology down to an accessible $99.99 entry-level price point.
  • The upcoming Pulse Edge model will expand the lineup with active noise cancellation, eigh…: The upcoming Pulse Edge model will expand the lineup with active noise cancellation, eight-magnet drivers, and a detachable boom mic.
  • Integrated on-ear controls manage phone calls, but the hardware prioritizes Link-connecte…: Integrated on-ear controls manage phone calls, but the hardware prioritizes Link-connected audio volume when streaming from two sources at once.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

It’s tempting to seek out the do-everything wireless gaming headset with noise cancellation, phenomenal sound quality, multiplatform connectivity, swappable batteries — you name it. But if you just want the basics done well, Sony’s new $99.99 PlayStation Pulse headset is worth considering. It has very good sound and just enough extras, even if you use more gadgets than just your PlayStation 5.

Sony’s latest Pulse wireless headset packs planar magnetic drivers at a good price

A comfortable, minimalist option that supports concurrent low-latency audio and Bluetooth.

A comfortable, minimalist option that supports concurrent low-latency audio and Bluetooth.

Inside the Pulse’s nondescript ear cup shells are custom planar magnetic drivers, which deliver clean, detailed sound whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or both. They aren’t bass-heavy or too shrill; their default equalizer is pleasing and punchy, though you can also tweak it in the PS5’s interface, like other Pulse headsets. They’re not Sony’s first audio gaming product to feature this type of high-end driver (the first was in 2023), but they are the most affordable at $99.

The Pulse comes with…

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