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Can Any Headphones Work with PS4? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: mostly, yes, but with some crucial caveats. While the PlayStation 4 isn’t universally compatible with every headphone under the sun, it does offer a wide range of connectivity options, making it relatively easy to find a suitable audio solution for your gaming needs. Let’s dive deeper into what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of your PS4 audio experience.

Wired Headphones: The Simplest Solution

The most straightforward way to connect headphones to your PS4 is using a 3.5mm jack. The DualShock 4 controller features a headphone jack specifically for this purpose. This means that most standard wired headphones, including earbuds, gaming headsets, and even some high-fidelity headphones with a 3.5mm connector, will work seamlessly.

How to Connect Wired Headphones

Plug the 3.5mm jack cable of your headphones into the headphone jack on your DualShock 4 controller.
Press and hold the PS button on the controller to bring up the quick menu.
Navigate to Sound/Devices.
From this menu, you can adjust the output volume and prioritize which device to use for chat audio, and all game audio.

This method is incredibly easy, requires no additional setup, and offers reliable audio. It’s a perfect solution if you already own a pair of headphones with a 3.5mm jack.

Bluetooth Headphones: Navigating the Limitations

Things get a bit more complicated when it comes to Bluetooth headphones. Unlike some other devices, the PS4 doesn’t natively support all Bluetooth audio devices. Sony has a limited list of officially supported Bluetooth headphones, which are primarily their own brand. However, there are ways to work around this limitation.

Why Native Bluetooth Support is Limited

The primary reason for the limited Bluetooth support is that the PS4’s Bluetooth implementation is geared towards controllers, not audio devices. This can cause pairing issues, latency, and limitations in audio quality with unsupported devices.

Using a Bluetooth Adapter

The most common solution for using unsupported Bluetooth headphones, like many popular brands or models including AirPods, is using a third-party Bluetooth adapter. These adapters plug into the PS4’s USB port and act as a bridge, allowing your headphones to connect to the console.

How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones with an Adapter

Plug the Bluetooth adapter into an open USB port on the PS4.
Put your Bluetooth headphones in pairing mode.
Hold down the button on the Bluetooth adapter to begin pairing.
Once paired, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices on the PS4 to confirm the connection.
Select the appropriate audio input and output devices.

While using an adapter works, there can be a few caveats, such as potential additional latency or not having full mic support depending on the chosen adapter and your headphones.

Specific Headphones and Their Compatibility

Not all headphones are created equal when it comes to PS4 compatibility. Here’s a rundown of common headphone types and their behavior with the console:

Gaming Headsets: Many gaming headsets, whether wired or wireless, are designed with console compatibility in mind and will work seamlessly. Look for those that mention PS4 compatibility directly.
Apple AirPods and Beats: While these headphones are popular, they don’t work natively with the PS4, requiring a Bluetooth adapter, or using the controller’s 3.5mm jack for wired headphones.
Skullcandy: Select Skullcandy models, like the PLYR line, are designed to work across multiple platforms, including PS4. These often have both wired and wireless options available.
iPhone Headphones: Most iPhone headphones with a 3.5mm jack will work through the controller. Bluetooth models require a USB adapter.
Standard Wired Headphones: Any standard wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack should work fine via the DualShock 4 controller port.

Key Takeaways: Can Any Headphones Work on PS4?

Ultimately, the PS4 supports a variety of headphones using multiple methods:

Wired 3.5mm jack headphones work natively through the DualShock 4 controller.
Bluetooth headphones typically require a third-party USB adapter for wireless connectivity.
Not all Bluetooth headphones are guaranteed to work perfectly, so research and reviews are key to finding a good adapter.
Always ensure that your device is selected as the correct input and output in the PS4 settings menu.

With a little know-how, you can enjoy a great audio experience while gaming on your PS4 using many headphone types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 commonly asked questions about using headphones with the PS4, providing more in-depth answers:

Do normal headphones work on PS4? Yes, normal wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack will work perfectly when plugged into the controller.
How do I connect my Bluetooth headphones to my PS4 without an adapter? Unfortunately, you can’t connect most Bluetooth headphones directly to the PS4 without a third-party adapter. The console’s Bluetooth implementation is primarily for controllers.
Why won’t my wireless headphones work on PS4? There can be several reasons. Ensure your headset is charged, paired with the correct adapter, no other audio devices are interfering, and the software is updated if needed. Wireless headphones using a 2.4GHz USB connection may need an adapter for the PS4’s USB-A ports.
Why won’t my headphones work on PlayStation? Ensure that you have the correct devices selected for input and output in the PS4 settings under audio devices, your headset is charged, paired and within range of your console and adapter if using one. You may also need to restart the console or headphones for a proper connection.
Do AirPods work with PS4? AirPods require a third-party Bluetooth adapter to connect to the PS4. Native Bluetooth connectivity is not available without an adapter.
Can Skullcandy headphones connect to PS4? Yes, certain Skullcandy models like PLYR are designed to work with PS4, often providing both wired and wireless connection options.
Can any Bluetooth headphones work with PS4? While not officially supported for the PS4’s native Bluetooth, most Bluetooth headphones can connect with a Bluetooth USB adapter. It’s worth researching your specific headphone model for user reviews.
What headphones connect to PlayStation natively? Sony’s official PlayStation headsets like the Gold Wireless, PULSE Elite, and Platinum Wireless are natively compatible with the console and its official USB adapters.
Do iPhone headphones work on PS4? Most iPhone headphones with a 3.5mm jack will work with the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller headphone port. Bluetooth models require a USB adapter.
Does PS4 have Bluetooth audio? The PS4 does have Bluetooth capability, but it is primarily intended for controllers, not audio devices directly.
Do you need special headphones for PlayStation? No, while Sony’s official headsets have unique integration, many gaming headsets and standard headphones will work, either wired via the controller’s 3.5mm port or wireless via a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Can you use AirPods for PS4 mic? Yes, but typically only with the help of a Bluetooth adapter. Most adapters won’t natively support a microphone for all devices. Some third-party adapters may have specific mic features for AirPods.
How much is the PlayStation AirPods price? There are currently no official “PlayStation AirPods” directly from Sony, so prices on third-party adapters can vary. If any official PlayStation-branded headphones are ever released they will likely follow similar pricing to other high quality gaming headphones on the market.
Why don’t my AirPods work on PS4? AirPods lack native support with the PS4 and require a third-party Bluetooth adapter for connection.
How do I get my USB headphones to work on my PS4? Plug the USB headphones into the PS4, then go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices to select the correct input and output. USB headphones with 2.4GHz connections may require an adapter for the PS4 USB-A port.

Can any headphones work with PS4?