AirPods work with PS5, but not the way you might expect

Yes, you can connect AirPods to your PS5, but the process is different from pairing them with an iPhone or Mac. Your PS5 does not support standard Bluetooth audio connections — it uses a proprietary wireless protocol for controllers and headsets. To use AirPods, you need either a USB adapter or a workaround through your TV or receiver.

The most reliable method is using a USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into one of your PS5's USB ports. This creates a bridge between your AirPods and the console. Alternatively, if your TV or audio receiver has Bluetooth, you can pair your AirPods there and route PS5 audio through that device instead.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 does not have native Bluetooth audio support, so you cannot pair AirPods directly to the console like you would with a phone.
  • A USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into your PS5 is the most straightforward solution and costs between $15 and $40.
  • If your TV or soundbar has Bluetooth, you can pair AirPods to that device and listen through your existing setup without buying anything new.
  • Game chat and party audio may not work through AirPods connected via USB adapter, depending on the adapter model.

Using a USB Bluetooth adapter with your PS5

A USB Bluetooth adapter is a small dongle that plugs into your PS5 and lets it communicate with Bluetooth devices. Popular options include the Avantree DG40S, ASUS USB-BT500, and generic adapters from Amazon or Best Buy. Plug the adapter into one of the USB ports on the back or front of your PS5 — the back ports are less likely to get bumped.

Once plugged in, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the charging case until the light flashes white. Your PS5 should detect the adapter and show available Bluetooth devices in the settings menu. Select your AirPods from the list, and they will connect. You can then adjust audio output in your PS5 sound settings to route game audio through the headphones.

The main limitation is that some adapters do not support two-way audio, meaning you may hear game sound but the PS5 cannot pick up your voice for party chat or game chat. Check the adapter's product page before buying to confirm it supports both input and output if you plan to use voice communication.

Connecting AirPods through your TV or soundbar instead

If your TV or soundbar has Bluetooth built in, you can pair your AirPods directly to that device and listen to PS5 audio without any adapter. This works because your PS5 sends audio to your TV through HDMI, and your TV can then broadcast that audio via Bluetooth to your AirPods.

To set this up, put your AirPods in pairing mode and go to your TV's Bluetooth settings. Select your AirPods and confirm the connection. Then play audio or a game on your PS5 — the sound will travel through HDMI to your TV and then wirelessly to your AirPods. This method preserves all audio, including game chat, as long as your TV supports Bluetooth audio output.

The downside is that your TV must have Bluetooth capability, which not all models do. Older TVs or budget models may lack this feature. If you are unsure, check your TV's manual or settings menu for a Bluetooth option.

Why PS5 does not support Bluetooth audio natively

Sony designed the PS5 to use a closed wireless system for controllers and official PlayStation headsets. This choice reduces interference and latency — important for gaming where audio delay can affect your experience. Standard Bluetooth has more latency and potential for connection drops, which is why Sony excluded it.

This is also why you cannot simply pair AirPods the way you would with a computer or phone. The PS5 firmware does not include Bluetooth audio drivers. A USB adapter works around this by providing its own Bluetooth radio and drivers, but it is a workaround rather than a native feature.

Game chat and voice communication with AirPods

If you play online games that require voice chat, check whether your chosen connection method supports microphone input. A USB Bluetooth adapter may or may not pass your voice back to the PS5 — this depends entirely on the adapter model and its drivers.

The safest approach is to use your TV or soundbar for audio output and keep a separate microphone or headset for voice input. Many gamers use this hybrid setup: AirPods for game sound and a USB microphone or PlayStation-compatible headset for talking to teammates. This avoids the uncertainty of whether an adapter will handle two-way audio.

Alternatives if you want wireless audio without adapters

If you prefer not to buy a USB adapter, consider PlayStation's official wireless headsets. The PlayStation Link headset and PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D headset connect directly to the PS5 without adapters and support full game chat. They cost more than a USB adapter but may provide compatibility.

Another option is to use wired headphones or AirPods with a 3.5mm cable connected to your PS5 controller. This gives you full audio and microphone support without any adapter, though you lose the wireless convenience of AirPods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific brand of USB Bluetooth adapter?

No. Most USB Bluetooth adapters work with PS5, but read reviews to confirm the model supports audio output and input if you need voice chat. Avoid very cheap adapters under $10, as they often have poor range or unstable connections. Mid-range adapters ($20–$40) from brands like Avantree or ASUS are more reliable.

Will my AirPods battery drain faster when connected to PS5?

Bluetooth audio uses similar power whether you are connected to a phone, TV, or PS5 adapter. You should see similar battery life. If your AirPods drain noticeably faster, the USB adapter may have a weak Bluetooth signal, forcing your AirPods to work harder to maintain connection.

Can I use AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with PS5?

Yes. All AirPods models work the same way with PS5 — through a USB adapter or via your TV's Bluetooth. The connection method does not change based on which AirPods you own.

What if my TV does not have Bluetooth?

A USB Bluetooth adapter is your best option. You can also buy a separate Bluetooth receiver designed for TVs and connect it to your TV's audio output, then pair your AirPods to that receiver instead.