Sony is revising its PlayStation Pulse gaming headset lineup two years after pumping out its clear-sounding though uncomfortable original. Even with the new size and shape, the novel gaming cans are emphasizing sound quality above all else.
There are two wireless headset models: the Pulse and the Pulse Edge. They both operate on the same planar magnetic drivers; the regular Pulse includes four magnets per driver, while the high-end Edge headset features eight magnets per planar driver, which Sony says will offer a fuller, richer sound.
If you’re wondering how these compare to Sony’s other PC gaming headsets like the H9 II and H6 Air, those headsets were using the same 30mm carbon fiber dome drivers as Sony’s own WH-1000XM6 headphones. The other difference is that the base Pulse headset doesn’t include a boom mic but instead relies on an integrated microphone built into the headset. The Pulse Edge includes the plug-in boom mic alongside a backup built-in mic. Both mic setups include AI-enabled noise rejection to cut down on background chatter.
Considering the lack of mic or even a single microphone jack, the base Pulse will likely be the far cheaper option. The Edge is also going to be the first PlayStation headset with active noise cancellation. Both headsets will rely on Sony’s own PlayStation Link 2.4GHz wireless dongle. This proprietary connection standard will be compatible with other upcoming Sony gear, like the upcoming PlayStation FlexStrike fight stick.
I wasn’t a fan of PlayStation’s last Pulse Elite headset for PlayStation 5 when I reviewed it back in 2024. The sound quality and spatial audio features were perfect for Sony’s mainline console, but the bigger problem was comfort. The large earcups created an air pocket between my ears that made the headset awkward to walk around in. They also didn’t fold down, meaning they were harder to transport and store.
Sony’s VP of engineering, Joe Bentley, says the new headset was designed for “lasting comfort,” and now they include rotating earcups that can rest on your neck between play sessions. One of the images also shows a custom carrying case for the Pulse Edge, though the regular Pulse headset doesn’t get one.
Sony says it plans to launch the PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset sometime this holiday season “in select markets.” As for the PlayStation Pulse Edge, that may not arrive until 2027. The company’s blog post also doesn’t say how much these new cans may cost. The previous Pulse Elite headset started at $150, and that one came with both a PlayStation Link USB dongle and a mounting stand that could charge the headset that won’t come with the new Pulse headsets. If you were hoping for new earbuds to replace the Pulse Explore, sorry, that’s not in PlayStation’s cards this time around.
The entire PlayStation ecosystem is starting to seem more and more PC-like. Last month, Sony launched the first PlayStation monitor built with a DualSense controller charging hook. You could plug the PlayStation Link dongle into the monitor and connect it to the PlayStation 5, but only with an additional USB-B to USB-A cable connection. It seems like Sony’s Inzone PC brand is its own biggest competition for high-quality audio and ANC on PlayStation, and it’s still a head-scratcher why the company even has two separate gaming gear brands. Why doesn’t Sony merely make its Inzone headsets compatible with PlayStation Link? Then they could slap a PlayStation logo on the PC headset and call it a day.
