Yes, you can connect Beats to PS5 using Bluetooth, but the process depends on which Beats model you own

Most Beats headphones work with PS5 through standard Bluetooth pairing. The PS5 has built-in Bluetooth support, and Beats headphones — whether they're Beats Studio Pro, Beats Solo 4, Beats Fit Pro, or older models like Beats Solo 3 — can connect the same way they connect to your phone or laptop. The catch is that PS5's Bluetooth implementation has some quirks that don't affect phone pairing, so the steps aren't quite what you'd expect.

The main limitation: PS5 doesn't support Bluetooth audio output to headphones in the way most devices do. You can pair Beats to PS5, but the console won't send game audio through them automatically. Instead, you'll need to use a USB adapter, an optical cable, or route audio through a different device. This is a deliberate design choice by Sony, not a limitation of Beats.

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 can pair with Beats headphones via Bluetooth, but the console blocks Bluetooth audio output, so you won't hear game sound through them without a workaround.
  • The most reliable method is a USB Bluetooth adapter plugged into PS5's USB port, which tricks the console into sending audio to wireless headphones.
  • You can also connect Beats through a separate device — like a phone or laptop — that receives PS5's audio and forwards it to your headphones.
  • Beats with a 3.5mm cable can connect directly to PS5's controller using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, though this limits controller features.
  • Some Beats models support multi-device pairing, so you can keep them connected to your phone while also pairing with PS5.

Why PS5 blocks Bluetooth audio to headphones

Sony disabled Bluetooth audio output on PS5 for a specific reason: to prevent interference with the PS5 controller's Bluetooth connection. The PS5 controller uses Bluetooth to communicate with the console, and adding audio streaming over the same Bluetooth radio can cause lag, disconnections, or input delay. This is a technical trade-off Sony made to prioritize controller responsiveness over wireless audio convenience.

This limitation applies to all Bluetooth headphones, not just Beats. Even Sony's own WH-1000XM5 headphones won't receive game audio directly from PS5 via Bluetooth. The workaround is always the same: use a USB adapter, a wired connection, or route audio through another device.

Using a USB Bluetooth adapter (the easiest method)

A USB Bluetooth adapter is the simplest way to use Beats with PS5 for game audio. Plug a standard Bluetooth USB adapter into one of PS5's USB ports — the console has two USB-A ports on the front and two on the back. The adapter creates a separate Bluetooth radio that doesn't interfere with the controller, so PS5 will send audio through it to your Beats.

Here's the process: First, plug the USB adapter into PS5. Then, put your Beats into pairing mode (usually by holding the power button for several seconds until the light flashes). Open PS5's Settings menu, go to Accessories, then Audio Devices, and select your Beats from the list. Once paired, game audio will play through your headphones while the controller stays connected normally.

Popular USB Bluetooth adapters that work with PS5 include the ASUS USB-BT500, the Avantree DG80, and basic generic adapters under $20. You don't need an expensive one — any standard Bluetooth 5.0 adapter will work. Some adapters come with a small antenna; if yours does, position it away from the console to reduce interference.

Connecting Beats through a phone or laptop

If you don't want to buy an adapter, you can route PS5 audio through a device you already own. Connect your Beats to your phone or laptop, then use that device to receive audio from PS5 and forward it to your headphones. This works through apps like Discord, streaming software, or even a simple audio cable.

The Discord method is straightforward: Start a Discord call on your phone or laptop, then on PS5, open Discord (if you have the app) or use the PS5 web browser to join the same call. Set your PS5 to output audio to the Discord call, and your Beats will hear the game through Discord. This adds a small delay — usually less than a second — but it works reliably.

Alternatively, if your laptop has an audio input jack, you can plug a 3.5mm cable from PS5's controller headphone jack into your laptop's microphone input, then set your laptop to play that input through your Beats. This is more cumbersome but requires no extra software or subscriptions.

Wired connection using an adapter

Some Beats models come with a 3.5mm cable or support one as an accessory. You can connect Beats directly to PS5's controller using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which plugs into the controller's USB-C charging port. This sends audio through the controller's headphone jack to your Beats.

The downside: your controller will be tethered to your headphones by a cable, and the USB-C port is occupied, so you can't charge the controller while using this setup. This method works if you're sitting close to the console and don't mind the cable, but it's less convenient than wireless options.

Checking if your specific Beats model will work

Nearly all Beats headphones use standard Bluetooth, so they'll pair with PS5. However, some older Beats models — particularly very old Beats Solo or Beats Pro units from the early 2010s — may have outdated Bluetooth versions that don't pair reliably. If your Beats are more than 8 years old, check the model number on Apple's support site to confirm the Bluetooth version.

Beats Studio Pro, Beats Solo 4, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Solo 3, Beats Studio 3, and Beats X all pair without issues. If you're unsure about an older model, try pairing it to your phone first — if it connects there, it will pair with PS5 the same way.

Multi-device pairing with Beats

Many Beats models support pairing with multiple devices at once. You can keep your Beats connected to your phone for notifications and calls while also pairing them with PS5 through a USB adapter. When you switch between devices, your Beats will automatically route audio to whichever device is actively sending sound.

This is useful if you want to receive a phone call while gaming — your Beats will switch to the call, then back to the game when the call ends. Check your specific Beats model's manual to confirm it supports multi-device pairing; most current models do, but some older ones don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Beats without a USB adapter?

Not for game audio. PS5 blocks Bluetooth audio output, so you need either a USB adapter, a wired connection through the controller, or audio routed through another device like a phone or laptop. Pairing Beats to PS5 directly won't produce sound from games.

Will my Beats work with PS5 party chat?

Yes, if you use a USB adapter. Party chat audio will come through your Beats the same way game audio does. Without an adapter, you won't hear chat through Beats, though you can still hear it through PS5's speakers or a headset plugged into the controller.

Do I need to unpair my Beats from my phone to use them with PS5?

No. If your Beats support multi-device pairing, they can stay connected to your phone while also paired with PS5. Just make sure your phone isn't actively playing audio when you want to hear PS5 game sound, or your Beats will route to the phone instead.

What if my USB adapter doesn't show up in PS5 settings?

Try plugging it into a different USB port on PS5 — the front ports sometimes work better than the back. If it still doesn't appear, restart PS5 with the adapter plugged in. Some adapters need a few seconds to be recognized. If it never appears, the adapter may not be compatible; try a different brand.

Can I use Beats with PS5 Remote Play?

Yes. If you're playing PS5 through Remote Play on your phone or laptop, your Beats will connect to that device normally and work without any adapter. The limitation only applies to audio coming directly from the PS5 console itself.