If you have a Bluetooth-only solution such as Apple Airpods, that’s not going to work, but there are Bluetooth USB port adapters on the market that will let you use virtually any Bluetooth headphones with your PS5.
How PS5 Bluetooth Audio Transmitters Work
Bluetooth Audio adapters are a special type of Bluetooth dongle that doesn’t work the same way as typical adapters you might use with your desktop computer. To the device that you plug the dongle into, it appears as a standard USB audio device. So anything that supports USB audio will work with one of these adapters.
The Bluetooth adapter handles all the Bluetooth stuff internally, so once you’ve paired your headphones with the adapter, there’s nothing left to worry about. ..
Bluetooth audio has inherent latency, which is why gaming consoles and other latency-sensitive audio applications use proprietary wireless standards. However, specialized Bluetooth USB audio adapters can cut that latency down to levels that are perfectly acceptable for gaming.
They usually support low-latency Bluetooth protocols, such as AptX. They also only handle a single wireless data stream. This is done to reduce the amount of bandwidth and processing time needed to process multiple data streams.
The Bluetooth Low Latency Adapter and Headphones both require the same low-latency protocols to be used in order to get the full benefit.
Bluetooth adapters that are meant to convert 3.5mm devices such as car stereos or TVs to Bluetooth are invariably too latency-heavy for gaming. ..
There are a few different adapters available for the PlayStation 5, and each has its own benefits. Now that we know what makes these adapters special, let’s look at the best options for PS5 owners. There are a few different adapters available for the PlayStation 5, and each has its own benefits. Some of the most popular adapters include the official Sony adapter, as well as third-party options like the Xbox One S or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Adapter. Now that we know what makes these adapters special, let’s look at some of the best options for PS5 owners. ..
1. Avantree DG80
The Avantree DG80 Bluetooth 5.0 adapter is a great option for people who want the best possible audio quality. It supports the aptX-LL protocol, which means that you’ll be able to play games with low latency. ..
This adapter does not support chat functions for multiplayer voice chat unless you use Avantree’s Fastream headset. As an audio-only dongle, this requires no setup or drivers if you want to use it with a Mac or a PC. It is easy to move the dongle and your headset to whatever device you want to use, as long as they support USB audio output. ..
The Sony Pulse 3D headphones come with a dongle that is very large and sticks out of the side of the headphones. The DG80 is tiny, comparably to a US Quarter coin in size, so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb when plugged into your PS5. Unlike the massive dongle that comes with the Sony Pulse 3D headphones, Avantree claims a maximum range of 100ft (30m), significantly more than most dongles of this size and price.
2. Avantree DG60
The DG60 and DG80 are both digital cameras, but the DG60 is meant for a different purpose than the DG80. The DG60 is cheaper, and is designed for basic photography needs. ..
The DG60 external antenna solves the problem of having a weak Bluetooth connection from a distance. It is designed to be long-range and provide a consistent signal.
The PS5’s DualSense wireless controller has a range of only 50-100 feet, so you’ll likely hit the limit first before reaching the maximum line-of-sight range of the DG60. ..
The DG60 is a new radio adapter that can solve issues where interference from objects or other radio or Bluetooth devices causes issues at normal ranges. theoretically, the DG60 should punch through more impediments than regular adapters.
3. Avantree C81
The PS5 has two USB-A ports on the front of the console, which can be used with a USB A to C adapter. However, the C81 offers a compact and native USB-C adapter, eliminating the need for a third party adapter. ..
Many devices now only have USB-C or mainly USB-C ports, so if you want to use your C81 with your PS5 and a MacBook, it’s the most elegant solution.
The C81 is a converter cable that includes a USB-A port and a USB-C port. This makes it perfect for using the USB-A ports on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the C81 also works with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. If you’re a PS5 and Nintendo Switch player, this is a great option to have!
4. Avantree Leaf
The Avantree Leaf is a Bluetooth Audio adapter compatible with the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. It is usually less expensive than other comparable options, and it is also one of the larger adapters, though certainly not anywhere as large as the DG60 with its external antenna. ..
The Leaf has a limited range compared to the DG60, but it’s a tradeoff between transmission strength and the size of the adapter. For most people, 60ft is certainly more than enough!
The Leaf supports aptX low-latency Bluetooth, but it’s only using Bluetooth 4.1, which is a few years behind the current standard. While you won’t have any compatibility issues with Bluetooth headsets, you may experience shorter battery life as the headset has to fall back on the older, more power-hungry standard. However, most modern Bluetooth headsets have such long battery endurance that a small reduction isn’t of practical significance. ..
5. Creative BT-W3
Creative is one of the most venerable audio companies in the world, but they’re not quite as big a name as they used to be. That’s because integrated sound cards have become more common, and Creative’s traditional market has shifted away from them. However, Creative still makes some great products, including this Bluetooth transmitter. The BT-3 wireless Bluetooth USB dongle offers both aptX low-latency and aptX HD sound quality, so you can enjoy high-quality audio for applications like music and games while still enjoying the low-latency performance that’s important for gaming. ..
The BT-W3 is a great adapter for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. It pairs easily and works with both devices. One complaint we’ve seen is that it grabs whichever other device is broadcasting the connection, so if you have other Bluetooth receivers, you may have to turn them off or disable their pairing broadcasts.
The Creative BT-W3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality audio device that can be controlled by plugging it into an outlet and using the on-screen controls. The codec selection button makes it easy to switch between low-latency and high-sound quality codecs, which is perfect for those who want to get the best sound possible.
That’s a Lot of Avantree Stuff…
We didn’t set out to compile a list of adapters that’s 80% Avantree from the outset. Still, for whatever reason, some of the most highly-recommended adapters that work with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 are either never available to purchase or have been permanently discontinued. However, Avantree seems to have the art of producing enough stock for everyone sorted.
