Last December, Sony released its renowned wireless headphones for the PlayStation ecosystem: the famous PlayStation Pulse Explore. After testing these headphones for several weeks, I shared my opinion that they were somewhat disappointing, especially considering their high price of 220€. You can find all the details in the video if you’re interested.However, today marks a change as the Japanese manufacturer has unveiled its new gaming headset: the PlayStation Pulse Elite, which is an evolution of its Pulse 3D model released alongside the PS5 approximately three years ago. The Pulse 3D had many commendable features but also significant drawbacks; however, it stood out for being affordable at 99€.So what can we expect from this new PlayStation Pulse Elite headset? After a week of daily and continuous use, I am ready to share my assessment.
When choosing between different audio headsets, several factors come into play. Performance is crucial, but comfort and design also matter significantly. The PlayStation Pulse Elite has adopted a distinctive style that Sony introduced with the PS5 and its ecosystem. This artistic direction, however, may not appeal to everyone’s taste. When it comes to aesthetics, personal preferences vary widely, making this aspect more subjective. It must be acknowledged that the design of the PlayStation Pulse Elite might not satisfy all users. This was also true for the wireless Pulse Explore earphones and other products in the PS5 ecosystem, which feature a rather unique futuristic aesthetic. People tend to either love it or hate it, but it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. Regardless, Sony remains committed to its design principles, offering headsets that are both streamlined and highly distinctive.
PRINCESS LEIA’S BUNS
It should be noted that the design of the Pulse Elite headset is an evolution from the Pulse 3D, as it retains similar curves, materials, and overall form. The primary difference lies in the extension of the headband and its rods located on either side of the ear cups. These two rods serve dual purposes: first, they free up all the buttons that were previously positioned around the right earpiece in the Pulse 3D model. Second, they accommodate a retractable boom microphone featuring PlayStation symbols and a mute button to silence the audio. The lower part of this rod houses the power On/Off button for the headset, which also initiates pairing with the dongle required for connection to your PS5. Additionally, you will find the volume control, a USB-C port for charging, and a 3.5mm audio jack in this area.
In terms of comfort, the Pulse Elite is pleasant to wear despite being slightly heavier than other competitor headsets and even compared to the Pulse 3D. Sony opted for a soft-touch material that feels great to the touch. This material is notably used on the second headband, a sort of headstrap that rests on top of the skull and is flexible enough to accommodate any head shape. Clearly, it’s the same setup as the Pulse 3D from three years ago. What changes in comfort are the ear cups, which are rounder in shape than the first model and made with a very soft and thin faux leather fabric that pleasantly envelops the ears. The only issue is that this fabric is so thin and fragile that it’s likely to wear out poorly, especially if you’re prone to carrying the headset around. Without a protective case, there’s a high risk of damaging it quickly, and even everyday conditions or temperature changes could deteriorate the earpads. I’ve experienced this with an old Turtle Beach headset of mine that I liked a lot. Beyond these details, the Pulse Elite is comfortable to wear; there’s no issue there. The main concern is its assertive design that might not match everyone’s face, especially since its curves give the impression of sporting Princess Leia’s hairstyle from Star Wars…
PERFORMANCE AND AFFORDABILITY
Regarding the technical aspects and audio performance of the headset, it’s difficult not to feel satisfied with its quality. As I have mentioned before, I do not prefer headsets that overemphasize bass, such as Beats by Dr Dre, but the Pulse Elite has achieved a good balance. Naturally, for a gaming headset where every sound and effect is crucial, clarity is essential to distinguish each detail. This was indeed evident during my tests with Helldivers 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and while watching numerous movies, the quality remained consistently high. With Helldivers 2, a game characterized by loud explosions where clear communication with teammates is vital, the performance was truly impressive. Additionally, the microphone sound quality is also noteworthy. In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, a game that highlights quiet, deliberate moments where music plays a significant role, all tones were perceptible. However, it was during Anatomy of a Fall, a film devoid of music and relying on subtle sounds, that I was genuinely surprised by its precision and clarity, as well as The Batman to test a more musically intense film, both validating the headset’s capabilities. While I am unsure if it is the planar magnetic speaker technology responsible for this clarity, considering Sony’s collaboration with Audeze (a company they acquired), these experts are undoubtedly skilled in their field. However, one drawback is that the Pulse Elite lacks active noise cancellation and instead features a software system managed by artificial intelligence. What impresses me most is the well-balanced, detailed, and precise sound quality, including deep, clearly defined bass. The pricing of the Pulse Elite at 150€ stands out as particularly noteworthy. While it is 50€ more than the original Pulse 3D model, the additional features and performance justify this cost. This leads me to believe that Sony may have overpriced its Pulse Explore headphones at 220€.
Lacks Haptic Feedback in Ears
Regarding autonomy, Sony offers a battery life of 30 hours with a full charge. I will be honest that I have not tested it because my habit is to plug the headset into the mains right after each session; there’s nothing worse than running out of battery in the middle of a game, particularly when playing Helldivers 2. So yes, if you can overlook the very futuristic design of the Pulse Elite and are looking for an excellent headset compatible with your PlayStation Portal, note that it works with PlayStation Link technology, which is supposed to reduce latency in games. It’s indeed a great product. Is it the best gaming headset available? Clearly not, and I personally prefer the Razer Kaira Pro Hyperspeed, especially due to its haptic feedback in the earcups. But then again, it comes at a different price point. That’s all there is to know!
