Yes, you can connect AirPods to PS5, but the process depends on which AirPods model you have
AirPods will work with PS5, but not in the way you might expect if you're used to connecting them to your iPhone or Mac. The PS5 doesn't support the direct wireless connection that AirPods use with Apple devices. Instead, you have three real options: use a USB adapter, connect through a standard Bluetooth dongle, or plug them in with a cable. Which one works best depends on your AirPods model and what you have on hand.
The reason for this limitation is that PS5 uses standard Bluetooth, while AirPods use Apple's proprietary connection protocol. They can technically see each other, but they won't pair the way you'd expect. Understanding this upfront saves you time troubleshooting a connection that simply won't work through the normal Bluetooth menu.
Key Takeaways
- AirPods won't connect directly through PS5's Bluetooth settings because Apple uses a proprietary protocol that PS5 doesn't support.
- A USB Bluetooth adapter (like the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2) plugged into PS5's USB port is the most reliable workaround and costs $20 to $30.
- Standard Bluetooth dongles work with most AirPods models but require you to put your AirPods in pairing mode each time you want to use them with PS5.
- A 3.5mm headphone cable connected to your PS5 controller works immediately but requires AirPods Pro or another model with a wired option.
Using a USB Bluetooth adapter is the most straightforward method
A dedicated USB Bluetooth adapter designed for gaming is your best option if you want a reliable connection that works every time. The 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 is the most popular choice for PS5 because it's designed specifically for game consoles and costs around $20 to $30. You plug it into one of PS5's USB ports on the back or front, and it creates a standard Bluetooth connection that your AirPods will recognize.
Once the adapter is plugged in, put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Your AirPods should appear in the adapter's pairing menu within a few seconds. After the first pairing, the connection will happen automatically when you turn on your AirPods near the PS5. The adapter works with AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and standard AirPods, though battery drain on your AirPods will be slightly higher than with Apple devices because the connection is less efficient.
Standard Bluetooth dongles work but require manual pairing each session
If you already own a generic Bluetooth dongle, you can use it with PS5, though the experience is less seamless than with a gaming-specific adapter. Plug the dongle into a USB port, then put your AirPods in pairing mode. The dongle should detect them, but you'll typically need to repeat the pairing process each time you want to use your AirPods with PS5, which gets tedious quickly.
The reason for this is that standard Bluetooth dongles don't have the same persistent memory as gaming adapters. They work fine for a single session, but PS5 doesn't always remember the pairing between power cycles. If you only use your AirPods with PS5 occasionally, this method is free if you have a dongle lying around. If you use them regularly, the USB adapter designed for consoles is worth the investment.
Wired connection through your PS5 controller is instant but limited
The fastest way to get audio from your AirPods to PS5 is to plug them in with a cable. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, both come with a 3.5mm cable option. Plug the cable into your AirPods, then connect the other end to the 3.5mm jack on your PS5 controller. Audio will work immediately with no pairing needed.
This method has one major limitation: your AirPods are now tethered to your controller, which limits how far you can move away from the console. You also can't use the wireless features of your AirPods at all. This works best if you're sitting close to your PS5 and want a quick, no-setup solution. Standard AirPods don't have a wired option, so this method only works if you own the Pro or Max models.
What to expect in terms of latency and battery life
When you connect AirPods to PS5 through any wireless method, you'll notice a slight delay between what happens on screen and what you hear. This latency is usually between 100 and 200 milliseconds, which is noticeable in fast-paced games like shooters but barely perceptible in slower games. This delay exists because Bluetooth itself introduces lag, and it's not specific to AirPods — any wireless headphones will have the same issue on PS5.
Battery drain is also faster than when you use AirPods with an iPhone or Mac. A typical charge lasts 4 to 5 hours of continuous gaming instead of the 6 hours you'd get with Apple devices. This is because PS5's Bluetooth implementation is less power-efficient than Apple's ecosystem. If you plan to game for longer sessions, bring your charging case or consider wired headphones designed for gaming, which have no latency and no battery concerns.
Why direct Bluetooth pairing doesn't work on PS5
You might try to pair your AirPods directly through PS5's Bluetooth menu and find that they don't show up or won't stay connected. This happens because AirPods use Apple's proprietary AAC codec and connection protocol, while PS5 expects standard Bluetooth codecs like SBC or aptX. The two devices can technically detect each other, but they can't establish a stable connection without an intermediary adapter that translates between the two standards.
This is a hardware limitation, not a software one, so no PS5 update will fix it. Apple has chosen not to make AirPods compatible with non-Apple devices in this way, which is why you need an adapter as a workaround. If you're considering buying headphones specifically for PS5, standard gaming headsets or headphones that support aptX will connect more reliably without an adapter.
Comparing your connection options
| Method | Setup Time | Cost | Latency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB Gaming Adapter (8BitDo) | 5 minutes first time, automatic after | $20–$30 | 100–150ms | Regular gaming, reliable connection |
| Standard Bluetooth Dongle | 5 minutes each session | Free if you own one | 100–200ms | Occasional use, budget option |
| Wired (3.5mm cable) | 30 seconds | Free if you own AirPods Pro/Max | None | Quick sessions, no latency needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AirPods Pro work better with PS5 than regular AirPods?
No, both models have the same limitation with direct Bluetooth pairing. AirPods Pro have one advantage: they come with a 3.5mm cable, so you can use the wired method if you want zero latency. Otherwise, they connect the same way through an adapter as standard AirPods do.
Will my AirPods connect automatically to PS5 after the first time?
It depends on which method you use. With a gaming adapter like the 8BitDo, yes — they'll connect automatically when you turn them on. With a standard Bluetooth dongle, usually not — you'll need to put them in pairing mode each time. With a wired connection, they work immediately with no pairing at all.
Can I use AirPods Max with PS5?
Yes, AirPods Max work the same way as other AirPods models. You'll need a USB adapter or standard Bluetooth dongle. AirPods Max also come with a 3.5mm cable, so the wired option works if you want to avoid wireless latency.
Is the latency bad enough to ruin gaming?
For most games, no. The 100–200ms delay is noticeable in competitive shooters where split-second timing matters, but it's barely perceptible in story games, sports games, or slower-paced titles. If latency is a concern, a wired connection through your controller eliminates it entirely.
What's the cheapest way to connect AirPods to PS5?
If you already own a Bluetooth dongle, use that for free. If you don't, the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 at $20–$30 is the most reliable long-term investment. A wired connection is free if you own AirPods Pro or Max, but it limits your movement.