The PlayStation Pulse Elite is like no other headset I’ve ever had, and believe me I’ve had a bunch. This $150 wireless wonder gives off this cool retro-futuristic vibe that really makes it pop compared to all those other headsets with their typical black-and-neon looks. It’s got this groovy ’60s space-age feel that sets it apart, especially from Sony’s other gear like the PS5 Pulse 3D.

Now, as a gamer who’s all about that competitive multiplayer action, I need my headset to deliver. Can it help me hear an enemy Tracer sneaking up behind me in an intense Overwatch 2 match? Will my squadmates hear me loud and clear without picking up noises from my feline friend causing chaos in the background?

Sure, the older, cheaper Pulse 3D headphones still get the job done for PS5 players, and there are those newfangled Pulse Explore wireless buds that came out with the PlayStation Portal (if buds are your thing, but they’re not mine). But at $150, the Pulse Elites are where it’s at for top-notch sound and gaming comfort.

The PlayStation Pulse Elite rocks a modern vibe with a slick white headband and comfy black strap for the ultimate futuristic look. The ear cups are like supple pillows, that matte black finish screams sophistication. They’re pretty lightweight at just 12.2 ounces, a big plus for someone like me who wears them for hours on end. They may look a bit silly on me, especially head-on, but hey, most headsets do on my tiny noggin. Some folks gripe about discomfort, but for me, these bad boys feel great – and they pass the glasses test with flying colors.

The Pulse Elite’s retractable microphone on the left side is a cool touch, easy to use, but only time will tell if it stands the test of time. The mute button and LED light are handy features, keeping you in control. During a wild Helldivers 2 session, my crewmates gave me the thumbs up on my voice quality, even drowning out my upstairs neighbor’s noisy fridge.

On the right side, you’ve got ports for charging (via USB-C), a headphone cable (which, by the way, isn’t included), a power button, volume controls, and a PlayStation Link button. Just a heads up – you’ll need to plug in the USB dongle (included) to sync up with your PS5. If you’re not a fan of dongles and cable clutter, this might bug you a bit.

Man, these Pulse Elites got something special that I’ve never seen before in a headset a “charging hanger” and screw to slap on your wall. If you’ve got a spot for gaming in your place, this could be a neat way to keep your headset organized. But hey, in my tiny apartment where style matters, there’s no way I’m putting hole in my wall for this funky-looking headset to chill next to my hip entertainment setup, nope.

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside bad boys. The Pulse Elites rock planar magnetic drivers, which are all fancy and “studio-inspired”. These drivers are surprisingly lightweight and deliver a killer 3D sound experience with deep bass that’s crystal clear and all-around crispy. Playing Helldivers 2 with these babies is like a concert in my ears – the explosions hit hard without blasting my drums, the dialogue sounds like it’s in the room, and though my squad’s SOS calls can be a tad soft (common headphone issue), a tweak in the PS5 settings fixes that. And when I dive into Alan Wake 2’s spooky scenes with the spatial audio, man, it’s like I’m right there in the creepy tale with Sam Lake.

As for noise-canceling, the Pulse Elites don’t have that fancy feature, but let me tell you – the cup size and padding block out enough noise for me. No need for me to constantly yank an earcup off and yell “WHAT” at my fiancé when he talks dinner plans.

Now, the PlayStation Link is all about that quick connection to the PS5 with the dongle (or straight to the PS Portal, Mac, and PC without it). Just hit the link button on the headset, and boom, you’re in. You can also link up the Pulse Elites to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, but trust me, they shine brightest with the PS5.

Battery life? Well, I can’t back the claim of 30-hour juice for these bad boys, but that quick charge feature is legit. Just 10 minutes in and you get two hours of game time – talk about clutch! Charge ’em up with the USB-C cable or use the “charging hanger” with its own plug nearby – the choice is yours.

Should you buy the PlayStation Pulse Elite?

Thinking about grabbing the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset? Well, if you’re all about that PS5 life, these bad boys might just be what you’re looking for. At 50 bucks more than the Pulse 3Ds, they offer some serious bang for your buck. Sure, you could opt for the Pulse Explores if you’re into earbuds (weirdo), but be ready to drop $200 instead of $150. Or hey, why not check out Sony’s Inzone headsets? But if you’re after that sweet wireless connection, noise-canceling magic, and battery life that goes on for days be prepared to shell out some extra cash.

Now, if you’re the type who wants to rock a headset and look fly while doing it (maybe you’re a streamer or just like to turn heads, no judgment here), you might have some doubts about these babies. They do look a bit silly when perched on your head — no denying that. Me? I couldn’t care less about looking cool while I game (if you caught a glimpse of me through my window during a gaming sesh, you’d see a messy couch potato covered in snack crumbs), I’m all about that cozy vibe, and the Pulse Elites deliver on that front.

Considering the price, these headphones are a steal for any PS5 enthusiast seeking a top-notch headset. There’s a massive quality gap between a $150 headset and a $300 one, but the Pulse Elites punch above their weight class. They’re worth more than their price tag suggests, so in my book, they get a big thumbs up.