Gaming earbuds review

Sony PULSE Explore™ wireless earbuds

The first true wireless earbuds built from the ground up for PlayStation gaming. Here's whether they're worth it.

5 + 10 hrs battery6g per earbudPlanar magnetic driversPS5 · PC · Mac · PortalDual Bluetooth + PS Link

Pros

Lossless PlayStation Link delivers no-compromise wireless audio — every footstep, cue, and explosion lands cleanly

Planar magnetic drivers produce strikingly low distortion and precise directional detail

AI mic noise rejection keeps your voice front and centre, even in loud rooms

At just 6g per bud, it's comfortable even in marathon sessions

Bluetooth + PS Link simultaneously — stay on Discord while playing on PS5

Cons

Only 5 hrs per charge; heavy daily gamers will rely on the case frequently

PS Link dongle required for PC/Mac — not plug-and-play everywhere

Tuned for gaming, not music — audiophiles may find the sound profile narrow

Some users report needing 75–80% volume to feel fully immersed

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4.2/5

Bottom line — buy if you're a PS5 gamerIf you play on PS5 regularly and want earbuds built specifically for that experience, nothing else comes close at this price. The PS Link connection and planar drivers alone justify the cost. Skip if you need an all-day battery or a general-purpose daily driver.

Available now · Launched October 2024