AirPods have significantly impacted our lives by revolutionizing wireless audio and becoming a cultural phenomenon. They have transformed the gaming experience, particularly for mobile gaming, by offering features such as low wireless audio latency and improved voice quality for in-game chat. Also, they help players experience minimal delay between their actions and the resulting sound. This offers a more responsive and immersive gaming experience.
Some people prefer using AirPods with the PlayStation 5 mainly for convenience and familiarity. But does PS6 support Bluetooth audio? Well, PS5 does not natively support Bluetooth audio, because its built-in Bluetooth is primarily for its controllers. However, you can connect AirPods indirectly. This article will explore some of the easiest ways to connect AirPods to PS5. So, keep reading to learn more.
How to Connect AirPods with PS5
First off, understand that you can directly connect AirPods to PS5, but there are other solutions you can try. PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio connections mainly due to concerns regarding latency and bandwidth limitations. However, if you wish to connect AirPods with PS5, there are two ways you can try:

Using a Bluetooth Adapter
Since the PS5 does not support direct Bluetooth audio, you will need a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the PS5’s port. An adapter acts as a bridge between the console and the AirPods. Once you plug the adapter into the USB port, put your AirPods into pairing mode by pressing the button on the back of the case until the light flashes. Then, follow the instructions of your specific adapter to put it into pairing mode as well. When both devices are in pairing mode, they should connect, and you will be able to hear PS5 audio through your AirPods.
In case you encounter any troubleshooting while pairing or if the connection fails, try restarting the PS5 and reinserting the adapter. Ensure both AirPods and the adapter are in pairing mode simultaneously and test the AirPods with another device to rule out any issues with the AirPods themselves. Also, refer to the adapter’s manual for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Connecting Through a Smart TV
Another way to connect AirPods to PS5 is to make a connection through a Smart TV. If your TV supports Bluetooth audio, you can easily connect your AirPods to the TV through its settings. Once this is done, you can connect your PS5 to the TV via HDMI.
Then, set the TV’s audio output to use the connected AirPods. Note that this method may introduce some audio lag or not support functionality for voice chat.
Important Considerations When Connecting AirPods with PlayStation 5
Here are some things to consider when connecting AirPods to PS5:
- Direct Bluetooth pairing with AirPods is supported because the PS5’s built-in Bluetooth is primarily for its own controllers.
- Keep in mind that if you use a Bluetooth adapter or connect via a Smart TV, neither of them offers full microphone support for in-game chat. You will probably need a separate microphone for voice communication.
- Some users have reported experiencing minor audio lag, though it can vary. While using AirPods.
- Not all Bluetooth adapters work perfectly with the PS5. So, ensure the Bluetooth adapter supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for optimal performance with AirPods.
- Even with an adapter, it is common to experience a slight delay in audio, especially for rhythm-based games.
- Note that the PS5’s 3D audio feature may not be fully compatible or optimized with AirPods through a Bluetooth adapter.
- You will only get the basic stereo sound and not the enhanced audio experience that the gaming headsets offer.
- Some Bluetooth adapters might have connection issues or may cause notifications on the console, which can impact the gaming experience.
- Audio quality can vary depending on the specific Bluetooth adapter used.
Related Coverage: PS5 Cache Clearing Tutorial: Fix Slow Load Times and Improve Gameplay
Conclusion
Using AirPods with PS5 is a good choice, but ensure the adapter is compatible and that you are aware of its limitations. You cannot connect your AirPods to PS5 directly, but you can do so using a Bluetooth adapter or connecting via a Smart TV.
However, they pose several limitations, such as potential audio lag, limited 3D audio support, and the inability to use the AirPods’ microphone for in-game chat. Even though these limitations are not critical, they will still impact your gaming experience, especially if you are someone who places importance on communication and audio precision.
If you’re looking for an optimal gaming experience, then AirPods won’t be the right choice. For voice chat, it is better to use a dedicated gaming headset. Other than AirPods, Sony’s Pulse 3D headset is the best alternative to pair with PS5 for an optimal gaming experience. Thus, it can be concluded that using AirPods with PS5 is possible, but not effective or necessarily the ideal choice.