Sony PlayStation 4 Platinum Wireless Headset

Product Information

If you've got the cash for it, we think that the SteelSeries Arctis 9 and the Astro A50s are pretty unrivalled when it comes to the best wireless headsets available on PS4. While some others may undercut in terms of price, the sound quality of these are paramount. How we test the best PS4 headsets There’s a lovely balance of directness and spaciousness to the sound, so central effects and dialogue are delivered with plenty of intensity but exist in a three-dimensional soundscape that lends plenty of atmosphere to the action. Obviously one of the the headset’s major selling points is its ability to go wireless but, should you decide to run it into a mobile device or your PlayStation VR, Sony includes a standard 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable inside every box.

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There’s plenty nice to say about Sony’s Platinum Wireless Headphones: They have exceptional –and balanced – audio performance and the mic sounds “above average” according to the people we spoke to. There’s also 3D Audio support that creates 100 virtual speakers, though honestly the headset doesn’t have the same panache in this area that you’d find on the competition’s pair of cans. Let's start with what's in the box. With the headset you get a wireless USB adapter, a micro-USB charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a carrying pouch. Setup from there is simple; you plug that USB adapter into your PS4, switch the headset on from the left cup, and the two pair automatically. This adapter is key to using the headset wirelessly, and even works on PC with no hassle - once you plug the adapter in, all drivers install immediately. As another bonus, you can wire the headset to mobile phones using the audio cable. This switches the headphones off completely, avoiding any of use the inbuilt rechargeable battery, and disabling the buttons. It basically turns into a regular, passive pair of headphones, but audio quality still holds up very nicely.

The PlayStation Platinum headset also supports a mode called “3D Audio”. While 7.1 surround sound may seem like more than enough, 3D audio somehow manages to rip you out of your sofa and put you into the action more than you would have ever thought possible. Playing through Drake’s latest adventure with the Platinum headphones on gave the cinematic video experience a matching aural one similar what you’d find at a movie theater. Obviously it wasn’t as immersive as using a traditional 7.1 speaker setup, but the Platinum Headset did help us realize the level of detail the development team at Naughty Dog put into the game. audio complements 7.1 surround sound to enhance its effects. Certain PlayStation 4 games fully support 3D audio, which will give you an even more breathtaking experience with sounds coming from all directions like above, behind, or below you.

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As the name suggests, at its core this is a wireless headset, with a bundled USB dongle acting as transmitter. That transmitter only works with PS4s, PCs and Macs, but a 3.5mm audio cable in the box means that Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and smartphone gamers can also get in on the action – and also means you can use the headset as a standard pair of everyday headphones. The current selection of EQ presets betrays the Platinum Wireless Headset's decidedly un-musical focus. The three music presets are Bass Boost, Hip Hop, and Techno, while the two movie presets are Action and Horror. The non-game-specific gaming presets are limited to only Fighting and Shooter, though in fairness those are the two most common console gaming genres that require a headset. Virtual Surround And you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair that feels as comfortable to wear, with cosseting ear cushions that are soft enough that you rarely feel any pressure against the side of your head, even when wearing glasses, while a suspended headband relieves pressure on the top of your head. So, if you’re looking for the perfect gaming microphone for team play, you might be disappointed by what the Platinum has to offer. You do get noise cancelling, and this works just as effectively as it does on other headsets on the market. Because the Platinum headset uses integrated mics as opposed to a boom mic, however, you’re left feeling like you’re just talking into a room. Of course, that being said, there are headsets out there that offer more pronounced surround sound –one area that we felt the Platinum’s could’ve improved upon. Footsteps and gunfire imparted a general sense of directionality, but they didn’t have the same precision on Sony’s PlayStation Platinum as we’ve heard on other headsets.First things first, though: Sony’s commitment to style and design really shines through in the Platinum headset. Aside from the rather annoying diamond-shaped USB dongle taking up another precious USB slot on the front of your PS4, the Platinum headset is exceptionally well designed. Speaking of, a lot could be done in the design department to make them look a lot less massive sitting on top of your head, and despite two metal alloy bars floating across the top, the headset’s plastic sections feel fragile. The metal, plastic and pleather coalesce into a comfortable –if a bit obtuse – pair of cans. Performance With the PS4 now just about a decade old (no, we can't believe it either), options for its best headsets are a dime a dozen. There are some exceptions of course, but we are seeing the heavy hitters in the industry retail these older models in the wake of the PS5 console entering its third year of market availability. We should stress that if you're after what's current-gen, then the best PS5 headsets are going to be more your speed.

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You may have heard of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. These are popular for home theater setups. Whereas 5.1 features six total speakers, 7.1 features eight. Now you can't exactly replicate this setup within a headset, but there are ways to virtually simulate it. With 7.1 surround sound, you're getting the best possible audio experience from more directions. Currently only available in Uncharted 4, although slated to appear in more games soon, 3D audio works by placing you within spherical sound spaces, plotting sound effects and audio in the space around you, a bit like Dolby Atmos but for headphones. Despite all the features, Sony’s Platinum headset isn’t strictly intended for the pro-level player. Instead, it’s for gamers who want the best audio experience for casual or semi-serious play.You want something built to last. Although it's a more affordable headset, this is reflected through its build. The construction feels cheap, so it's a case of getting what you pay for.