I recently picked up the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset during the Black Friday sale in 2024. Normally priced at €180, I snagged them for €120. But were they worth the discounted price—or even the full retail price? Let’s find out!

Design

The PlayStation Pulse Elite launched on February 21, 2024, and it’s an absolute head-turner. The sleek, futuristic design makes it feel like you’re stepping into a sci-fi movie. Honestly, when I put them on, I feel like I’m gearing up as an alien pilot or some advanced space explorer—it’s that cool.

The fit is equally impressive. Thanks to an adjustable headband that molds perfectly to your head, they’re neither too tight nor too loose. Comfort is clearly a priority here, and it shows.

On the outside, you’ll find:

  • Volume controls
  • Power button (doubles as the Bluetooth toggle)
  • USB-C port for charging
  • 3.5mm jack to use them as regular headphones
  • Retractable microphone, perfect for gaming sessions.

The build quality feels solid, and the overall design screams comfort and sophistication.

Sound

For the €120 I spent, the sound is simply out of this world. The audio quality, especially in gaming, is phenomenal. Every footstep, distant breath, or subtle background noise is crystal clear, fully immersing you in the action. These headphones truly elevate your gaming experience—it’s like they beam you straight into the game world.

I previously used a Razer headset I bought back in 2018, and the difference is staggering. Listening to music is also a joy, with rich, balanced sound across all frequencies.

One feature I love is the ear isolation. The cups fit snugly, blocking out most outside noise without the need for active noise cancellation. While ANC would’ve been a nice bonus, the isolation is good enough that I didn’t find myself missing it.

Technical Features

The Pulse Elite is packed with smart features:

  • Battery Life: A single charge (via USB-C) lasts up to 20 hours, which is excellent for gaming marathons.
  • Connectivity: These headphones can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at once. Pairing with both a PS5 (or PC via PlayStation Link) and a phone is seamless. They automatically switch to the device producing sound, which is incredibly convenient.
  • PlayStation Link: With PlayStation Link, you can enjoy simultaneous audio from both your console/PC and your phone.

That said, the multi-device connectivity can get a bit finicky. Switching too frequently between two devices sometimes confuses the headset. However, this is a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth experience.

Summary

The PlayStation Pulse Elite is an incredible headset for gamers looking to level up their audio experience. The sound quality is immersive, the design is futuristic and comfortable, and the connectivity is seamless for the most part. Every time I wear them, I feel like I’m stepping into a high-tech alien cockpit—it’s an experience that sets these headphones apart.

While the lack of active noise cancellation and occasional Bluetooth hiccups are minor drawbacks, they don’t overshadow the excellent value this headset provides.

Rating: 4/5

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Immersive gaming and music sound quality
  • Stylish and comfortable design
  • 20-hour battery life
  • Retractable built-in microphone
  • Supports both Bluetooth and PlayStation Link

Cons:

  • No active noise cancellation
  • Occasional issues with switching between Bluetooth devices

Rating: 4 out of 5.