When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

This headset is very comfortable, and its long battery life means you wont run out of juice mid-battle.

Theyre also extremely comfortable to wear during long gaming sessions.

PlayStation Pulse Elite headset

PlayStation Pulse Elite (left) and PlayStation Pulse Explore (right).

Luckily, there are great options for every budget.

But what’s the difference between thePlayStation Pulse Eliteand thePulse Explore?

Is there a difference in the sound, customization capabilities and battery life?

PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds

The Pulse Elite takes this one given the overall performance and lower price tag.

What the two have in common is the classic black-and-white aesthetic.

This means that both will fit right into your existing PS5 or PS Portal ecosystem.

Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite and Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

PlayStation Pulse Elite (left) and PlayStation Pulse Explore (right).

Both are made of hard plastic that never feels or looks cheap.

The Pulse Elite is, of course, heavier and looks bulky when worn.

Similarly, the Pulse Explore earbuds are very comfortable, too.

A pair of white and black PlayStation Pulse Explore wireless gaming earbuds

PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds and their case.

This is where the Pulse Explore wins a couple of brownie points, as this issue doesn’t exist.

Instead, four different tip sizes are included in the box so they can be replaced at any point.

The other big difference is that the Pulse Explore sits inside a charging case.

Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite and Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

PlayStation Pulse Elite (left) and PlayStation Pulse Explore (right).

It measures 3.46 x 1.49 x 1.49 inches, so it’s quite bulky.

The small form factor and unique design contribute towards this.

The bottom of each bud hosts a Link button, which toggles the connection between other Link-enabled devices.

A black and white Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless gaming headset for PS5 and PS Portal

PlayStation Pulse Elite.

This button, again, is difficult to access.

To change either the volume or the gadget, youll have to remove the earbud in most cases.

Its like spatial audio but better.

A screenshot of the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset settings on a PS5

Battles sound much more immersive, too.

you might clearly hear an arrow leaving your bow and the slashing action of your sword.

Both the Pulse Elite and the Pulse Explore have fully customizable audio profiles.

Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite and Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

PlayStation Pulse Elite (left) and PlayStation Pulse Explore (right).

Think of this as customizing the EQ on a speaker or a pair of regular earbuds.

However, the Pulse Explore one-ups the Pulse Elite regarding how dialogues sound.

They don’t feel true to life and might ruin your immersion.

Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite and Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

PlayStation Pulse Elite (left) and PlayStation Pulse Explore (right).

When I played EA Sports FC 24, the commentators voices sounded tinny too.

Thankfully, this isn’t the case with the Pulse Explore.

Both are brilliant in their own right, so in terms of sound quality, they areveryclose.

PlayStation Pulse Elite…

This is where the Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore comes out on top.

On the flip side, the Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite struggles.

It has a retractable microphone that can be tucked away when not in use nifty.

PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds

But the voice sounds muffed on the other end, and for $149, you’d expect better.

Compared to its predecessor, the Pulse 3D, there isnt much improvement in this area.

The Pulse Explores case doesnt support wireless charging either.

A black and white Sony PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless gaming headset for PS5 and PS Portal

The mic quality and quality of the earcups could be better, so there’s room for improvement.

A black SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P wireless gaming headset

Best PS5 accessories

A black Cherry XTRFY H3 gaming headset

A photograph of the Audeze Maxwell on a person�s head while they are touching the headset with their left hand

A pink and teal Cooler Master CH351 wireless gaming headset

A black GameSir Cyclone 2 gaming controller for PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android

Razer Kitsune

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller in hand with Mario Kart World on TVs in the background

Scuf Valor Pro

The DXRacer Maritan in front of a desk with a gaming PC on it

Qanba Drone 2

The LG C5 (on left) faces off against the Samsung S95F (on right).

HDMI input

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

google pixel 9a and google pixel 8a in white and black side by side

The image shows the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology pillow on the left and the Coop Cool+ pillow on the right in a side by side comparison

Apple Watch Series 10 lowest price