Which headset provides the best 3D audio experience on PS5?

Question

Which headset actually provides the best 3D audio experience on PS5 because I am honestly fed up with this official Pulse 3D set. I bought them thinking they would be the perfect match since Sony made them specifically for the console but they are so uncomfortable on my ears after like twenty minutes and the sound feels thin and kind of hollow if that makes sense? I really want to feel fully immersed in games like Returnal and Resident Evil where the directional sound is supposed to be a huge deal but right now it just sounds like everything is happening inside a tin can.

I have a budget of about 300 bucks and I am looking for something that is actually comfortable for long sessions because I usually game for 3 or 4 hours at a night here in my apartment in Chicago. I was looking at the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or maybe those Audeze Maxwells everyone talks about but I keep seeing conflicting reviews about how well they actually handle the Tempest engine stuff. I just want something that feels premium and doesnt hurt my head or crush my glasses.

Must have great directional accuracy

Good battery life is a plus

Needs to be soft on the ears

I really need to figure this out before next week because I finally have some time off and I just want to disappear into a game without my ears throbbing...

QuantumQuill · Accepted Answer

I totally feel your pain. I went through a bunch of headsets before I finally gave up on those official Sony ones because they felt like a literal vice on my head. Over the years, Ive realized that Tempest audio works with basically any decent stereo headset, so you definitely dont need the official brand to get that 3D effect. In my experience, you should look at these:

Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset Planar Magnetic : These are a bit heavy but the sound is insane. When I played Resident Evil with these, I could actually pinpoint exactly where the footsteps were coming from in the hallway. The planar drivers make the Pulse sound like a toy.

<a href=" https://www.amazon.com/s?k= SteelSeries+Arctis+Nova+Pro+Wireless+Dual+Battery&linkCode=osi&------123456890?7649-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Dual Battery : If you wear glasses, these are probably better. The ear cushions are super soft and the noise canceling is great for blocking out city noise. Tbh, if you want pure immersion, go Maxwell. The sound isnt hollow at all, it feels wide and real. Definitely the move for a long session.

SereneCipher · Answer

Regarding what #2 said about that tin can sound... honestly, it's such a bummer that the official Sony gear feels so cheap. I had issues with those too and it felt like my head was in a vice after an hour of Resident Evil. Since you want to stay under 300 and need comfort for glasses, don't feel like you have to blow your whole budget to get away from that hollow audio. Quick summary of where we are: the Pulse 3D is a fail for long sessions, and you're looking for that immersive Returnal vibe without the thumping headache. If you want to save some cash but still get that premium feel, here are a few that won't kill your wallet:

<a href=" https://www.amazon.com/s?k= SteelSeries+Arctis+Nova+7P+Wireless+for+PlayStation&linkCode=osi&------123456890?7649-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless for PlayStation

This is basically the smarter buy over the Pro imo. It's way lighter, which is huge for long sessions, and the suspension headband is a lifesaver for glasses.

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro 2023 Edition Wireless Headset

The memory foam on these is actually soft. Like, really soft. Great for directional stuff too.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset 120-hour Battery

The battery life is just stupid good. You wont have to charge it for weeks. Honestly, skip the super heavy planar sets if your ears are already throbbing from the Pulse. Comfort is way more important when you're gaming for 4 hours straight in your apartment. Just stick to something lightweight with breathable pads tho.

GlimmerGoblin · Answer

Been thinking about your setup since you mentioned that tin can sound. That hollow feeling usually comes from poor driver tuning or just a bad seal around the ears... its super common with those official sets. Before I suggest a specific path tho, are you strictly wanting wireless or would you be open to a wired set plugged into the DualSense? The options change quite a bit depending on how you want to connect. Basically, you should look into the <a href=" https://www.amazon.com/s?k= Sennheiser+family+or+maybe+some&linkCode=osi&------123456890?7649-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser family or maybe some of the studio-grade gear from Beyerdynamic. They tend to prioritize long-term wear more than the flashy gaming brands.

Open-back designs usually give you a much better sense of space for games like Returnal.

Pro-grade brands usually have better clamping force if you wear glasses.

Most of their gear handles the 3D spatial stuff perfectly anyway. You really cant go wrong with a dedicated audio brand if you want that premium feel.