The PlayStation PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds are Sony’s wireless gaming earbuds for the PS5, featuring planar magnetic drivers that deliver audio with less distortion than dynamic drivers in most earbuds. They connect through PlayStation Link, Sony’s own wireless system, which sends lossless, low-latency audio to a PS5, PC, Mac, or PlayStation Portal through an included USB adapter. Two hidden microphones with AI noise rejection handle voice chat without a boom arm. Battery life runs about 5 hours per charge, and the included charging case holds roughly 10 more.
Convenient earbuds perfect for use with your PlayStation
What sets the PULSE Explore apart from a normal pair of earbuds is its planar magnetic drivers, a type usually found in full-size headphones rather than earbuds this small. A planar driver produces sound with a thin, flat membrane, which results in lower distortion than the dynamic drivers in most earbuds. The difference is clearest in games with a lot happening at once. So overlapping sounds stay separate instead of running together, and a quieter detail is easier to pick out.
The PULSE earbuds use PlayStation Link to connect to the PS5, and they offer lower latency than Bluetooth, so the audio stays in step with the gameplay. The USB adapter in the box plugs into a PS5, PC, or Mac for that connection. The PlayStation Portal handheld has PlayStation Link built in, so the earbuds pair directly with it without an adapter. It also runs losslessly, so the audio isn’t compressed like Bluetooth audio is.
On PS5, the earbuds support Sony’s 3D Audio, which uses virtual surround sound to rival a dedicated A/V system. For voice chat, there are two built-in microphones that use AI noise-reduction to keep your voice clear while reducing background noise. The earbuds can use PlayStation Link and Bluetooth simultaneously, so you can keep PS5 audio in your ears while a call or music plays from your phone. Volume controls sit on the earbuds, so you don’t have to reach for a controller.
You get six ear tips in the box in three sizes, so you can match the fit to your ears for a better seal and more consistent sound. The charging case stores and recharges the earbuds between sessions, which provides an extra 10 hours of battery life.
At $149, the PULSE Explore is aimed at PS5 and PlayStation Portal players, since PlayStation Link, 3D Audio, and the planar magnetic drivers all perform best on Sony hardware. Bluetooth support lets you take calls and play music from your phone even when you step away from the console. With the deal knocking off $50 from the list price, now’s a great time to upgrade your gaming audio experience.
