The PS5 Pulse Vs Xbox Wireless Headset: Which Is Better?

PlayStation 5

and

Xbox Series X/S

have been out for several months.

Machines are still hard to get

and the same goes for some of their accessories. Specifically, the first-party headsets, the PS5 Pulse 3D and Xbox Wireless Headsets, are still sought after by fans.

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It's not like players don't have a choice, as there are plenty of third-party options. The Turtle Beach Recons and the Arctic Steel series are still great options for owners of either machine. However, Sony and Microsoft are leading the pack. These reasonably priced headsets implementing features not found in competitors or simply better than the similarly priced kit. They're great first-party headsets, but how do they compare?

The price

When it comes to choosing a decent headset for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X, price is going to be a major factor for many gamers. Moreover,

other devices

like an extra controller, camera, or even a stand all start to add up when you shell out big bucks for a next-gen console.

Luckily, official PS5 and Xbox headsets retail for an average price of $99 in the US. While it's not cheap by most people's standards compared to some of the more premium headsets on the market, the Xbox Wireless Headset and PS5 3D Pulse compare very well in terms of sound quality. .

Winner - Draw

Xbox Wireless Headset $99.99

PS5 3D Pulse Headset $99.99

Battery life

As competitive gaming becomes more popular, it's become increasingly important for a good headset to have meaningful battery life. This is especially true for gamers who seem to get lost in their games like

Fortnite

and

call of duty

for hours at a time.

Luckily, both headsets offer a decent number of hours of gameplay with the PS5 3D Pulse lasting around 12 hours and the Xbox Wireless lasting around 15 hours. Obviously Xbox Wireless comes out on top here with those extra three hours, but most gamers probably won't notice. As for how each headset is charged, both require the included USB cable, and both charge fairly quickly.

Winner - Xbox Wireless Headset

Xbox Wireless Headset - 15 hours

PS5 3D Pulse – 12 hours

Design/build

The PS5 Pulse Headset and Xbox Wireless Headset are attractive kits. Xbox Wireless is perfect for budding streamers, and the mic offers just enough audio quality to get the job done, whether it's streaming or chatting with friends.

However, the PS5 Pulse has a more universal look that may appeal to some gamers in particular, as full-size headphones are becoming more common among walkers and commuters. The mic is built in so they don't get in the way and don't look like a gaming headset at first glance. However, the Pulse's mic quality isn't quite as good as the Xbox Wireless.

Both headsets are made of plastic, which is normal for a mid-range set, but still very solid. The Pulse is definitely better than the Sony Wireless Headset 2.0 for PS4 with its easily breakable plastic hinges. Instead, the Pulse helmet has a strap that adjusts to the size of the wearer's head. It must be said though that the strap can take a bit of getting used to especially if you have a bigger head. Luckily, most gamers will forget it's there as it extends around the top of the head.

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As for the Xbox Wireless, it has an adjustable strap that snaps on but it looks like it could break in the hands of a young gamer for example. In terms of build quality, the headsets are pretty much on par, but for universal appeal and solid design, the Pulse takes a win in this category. However, the Xbox Wireless also comes with very easy to use volume buttons that allow gamers to turn the volume up or down with just a twist of the headset. So there's no need to fumble around to find the volume button.

Winner - Draw

Xbox Wireless Headset - Easy to use volume buttons, thin plastic but slightly better mic quality.

PS5 3D headset - Built-in mic but with lower sound quality. Looks universal and has an adjustable headband.

Weight and comfort

As with most things in life, comfort can be very subjective when it comes to finding a good helmet. However, it must be said that these two helmets are quite equal in terms of comfort. There is very little difference in weight between the two with the Pulse weighing in at 10.4 ounces and the Xbox Wireless weighing in at 11 ounces. However, the band at the top of the PS5 headset can make it feel a bit heavier than it is due to its fit at the top of the head at the start.

Both headsets have an over-the-ear design that rests gently on the head thanks to the soft plush ear cups. They don't feel too tight like some gamers have complained about similarly priced third-party Turtle Beach 600 Gen 2s. Both the Xbox Wireless Headset and the PS5 Headset are comfortable to wear and won't make gamers too hot during those long summer gaming sessions. The pros and cons of both headsets bring them closer together, making them an equal draw.

Winner - Draw

PS5 3D Headset - Comfortable On the ear cups but the pressure of the band can make it heavier on the head right out of the box.