Sony Pulse Explore earphone test: good for gaming but also for music

 Most gamers I know use over-ear headsets, whether on their consoles or PCs. In recent years, we've seen more and more low-latency gaming headphones from JBL, Razer, HyperX and others. Sony joins the fray with the Pulse Explore at 220 euros. They feature planar magnetic drivers, a speaker technology typically found in high-end over-ear audiophile headphones, but rarely in earphones.

Un design unique

photo credit: David Carnoy/CNETThe headphones with their USB dongle, which you plug into the USB-A port of the PS5. You can also plug it into a computer

A bit bulky and awkward once in the ears, the Pulse Explores are designed for use with the PlayStation 5 and the new PlayStation Portal , as well as Windows and Mac computers (the included PlayStation Link USB adapter is required for PS5 and Nintendo Switch). In addition, like most other wireless headphones, the Pulse Explore can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Audio performance for video games is not surprising given that this is their primary purpose. The nice surprise is that these Sony headphones are also good for listening to music. Their sound is clearer and more articulate than that of the excellent WF-1000XM5 , with precise and powerful bass. This doesn't necessarily mean they sound better than the XM5s, which sound a bit fuller. But we didn't at all expect them to compete like this with Sony's high-end models.

The reason for this performance is due to the planar magnetic drivers. Sony recently acquired Audeze, known for this technology. Planar magnetic drivers are popular for their sonic precision and for being less prone to distortion. They are generally larger than the standard dynamic drivers found in most headsets.

However, we cannot say that the plastic finish of the Pulse Explore gives them a high-end appearance. Their charging case, which has a sliding cover, is also large, but we liked it for its practicality.

The Pulse Explores come with four sets of tips. Like all in-ear headphones, you need to find the most airtight fit possible to benefit from optimal audio quality.

They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The earbuds last for five hours at moderate volume levels with two additional charges in their charging case.

photo credit: David Carnoy/CNET

Simultaneous connection to two devices

Pairing with a PS5 is easy. You plug the PlayStation Link USB adapter included with the headphones into the USB-A port on the console, then press the link button on the case while the headphones are inside.

What is nice is being able to simultaneously be connected to a phone via Bluetooth to take a call while playing. You can also connect via Bluetooth to a PC or Mac, but it is better to do it with the PlayStation Link adapter which creates a lossless and low latency connection.

With the Nintendo Switch , you'll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter to plug in the PlayStation Link. This accessory is not required for PlayStation Portal.

We tested the headphones by switching between the PS5 and PlayStation Portal. Once connected, the Pulse Explore automatically connects when taken out of its case while remaining connected to the phone. During our 10-odd hours of testing with video games, we experienced no latency and the sound was very good, providing an immersive experience similar to that provided by a well-made over-ear headset.

The headphones are compatible with Sony 3D Audio games (we tried Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater ).

Microphone performance is pretty good for multiplayer gaming, and the built-in volume controls work great when connected to both the PS5 and PlayStation Portal.

photo credit: David Carnoy/CNET

Limited but relevant features

Headphones in this price range generally have a fairly comprehensive feature set. By comparison, the Pulse Explores offer no active noise reduction, no wearing sensors that automatically pause music when you remove the earbuds, and no apps with an equalizer or other features.

These are really basic headphones. The volume control buttons only work when using the headphones with a PS5 and PlayStation Portal. There are no controls to skip tracks when using it with a phone.

We spent more time listening to music than playing and were surprised by the sound quality. Too bad the headphones don't support Sony's LDAC audio codec for Bluetooth streaming. They are AAC audio compatible.

Although they don't offer the same audio quality as a high-end planar magnetic headset, they have some of the same sound characteristics: well-balanced, clear, precise and open sound, with well-defined deep bass. These headphones make you want to dive deep into your music library to hear how they sound with different tracks. The Sony WF-1000XM5s sound louder, the rendering is a little richer with deeper bass.

The Pulse Explore also impressed us with their performance for voice calls. Our interlocutors heard us clearly despite the hubbub of the streets of New York. They rank at the top of the list of best headphones for phone calls.

Conclusion: our opinion on the Sony Pulse Explore

220 euros for wireless headphones dedicated to video games may seem expensive. But the presence of planar magnetic speakers is exceptional enough to justify this price.

The Pulse Explore lacks the features that one would expect at this price level equivalent to that of Apple's AirPods Pro 2 . But if you get a perfect seal, the audio quality and performance for voice calls are very satisfactory. The Pulse Explore has what it takes to be used every day.