Sony’s previously announced Pulse headset launches on November 19

Sony is bringing premium audio technology to a more affordable price point with its new PlayStation Pulse wireless headset. Arriving on November 19 for $99.99 / €99.99 / £89.99 / ¥15,980, the headset retains one of the biggest selling points of the more expensive Pulse Elite while cutting several of its additional features. Preorders open October 29 across the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK, and much of Europe. Buyers can choose between White and Midnight Black.

The main attraction is Sony's custom planar magnetic drivers, which are designed to deliver precise positional audio and clearer separation between sounds. This should help players pick out important in-game cues, such as footsteps and weapon reloads, in competitive shooters. Sony says the drivers are larger than those in the Pulse Elite, offering deeper, fuller bass without sacrificing clarity. The standard Pulse uses four magnets per driver, compared with eight in the Pulse Edge.

Wireless connectivity is another highlight. The headset supports PlayStation Link for low-latency, lossless audio, with a USB-C adapter included in the box. Players can switch between a PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, and Mac, while maintaining a simultaneous Bluetooth connection to another device. An integrated microphone with AI-powered noise rejection and an earcup-mounted volume control round out the core features. Sony has also redesigned the earcups so they rotate and allow the headset to lie flat for easier storage and travel.

Naturally, the lower price comes with some compromises. Active noise cancellation, a carrying case, a 3.5mm audio jack, and dedicated game/chat audio balancing on PS5 remain exclusive to the Pulse Elite. The standard Pulse also has a fixed microphone, whereas the Elite features a detachable boom mic alongside a concealed backup microphone.

For players primarily interested in planar magnetic audio and PlayStation Link, those omissions may be an acceptable trade-off. The new headset offers a more accessible entry point into Sony's premium wireless audio ecosystem without requiring buyers to pay for features they might not need.

Sony is also preparing more hardware for the same ecosystem. The higher-end Pulse Edge is scheduled to arrive in 2027, while the company's $220 (€220 / £200) Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, which also use planar magnetic drivers, are set to begin shipping next month.

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