How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To A PS4 Console?

Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a PS4 requires workarounds since Sony restricts third-party audio device pairing. Officially, only specific Sony headsets (like Platinum Wireless) connect via USB dongles. For others, use Bluetooth transmitters like Avantree’s Relay adapter plugged into the controller’s 3.5mm jack or USB-to-Bluetooth adapters (e.g., Oasis Plus) on the console. PS4’s legacy Bluetooth 2.1+EDR lacks AAC/aptX support, limiting audio quality. Pro Tip: Always update system software to v9.00+ for expanded USB audio options.

Does the PS4 natively support Bluetooth headphones?

Sony restricts direct Bluetooth audio to licensed peripherals—mainly their own headsets. Third-party headphones need adapters like Avantree’s DG80P USB transmitter. PS4’s Bluetooth 2.1 lacks modern codecs (aptX, AAC), causing latency up to 200ms. Pro Tip: Use low-latency transmitters (≤40ms) synced to headphones via aptX-LL for gaming.

Beyond official limitations, the PS4’s Bluetooth stack prioritizes controllers over audio devices. For example, using AirPods via direct pairing often fails with "device not supported" errors. However, USB transmitters bypass this by converting audio to digital signals—Avantree’s Oasis Plus handles this via SBC at 328kbps.

How to use USB adapters for Bluetooth on PS4?

USB adapters like Avantree DG80P convert console audio to Bluetooth. Plug into PS4’s USB port, set "Output Device" to USB in settings. Supports stereo audio but may require manual codec selection.

Start by inserting the adapter into the PS4’s front USB port—Avantree’s DG80P automatically enters pairing mode with a flashing LED. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices, then set both Input and Output to "USB Headset." But what if the audio crackles? Adjust the "Output to Headphones" setting to "All Audio" instead of "Chat Audio." Pro Tip: For simultaneous game/chat audio, enable "Priority Mode" in the transmitter’s companion app. Think of the adapter as a language translator, converting the PS4’s audio "dialect" into something headphones understand. Real-world example: Avantree’s Oasis Plus transmits up to 10 meters with aptX-HD, though PS4’s USB 2.0 limits bandwidth to 280Mbps.

Can you connect via the controller’s 3.5mm jack?

Yes, using Bluetooth transmitters like Avantree Relay. Plug into the DualShock 4’s jack, pair headphones. Limits: no mic support, wired-like 10ms latency. Audio quality depends on transmitter’s DAC.

Connect the transmitter (e.g., Avantree Relay) to the controller’s 3.5mm port, then pair your headphones. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices and select "Output Device: Headphones Connected to Controller." However, this method compresses audio to 256kbps SBC—equivalent to FM radio quality. Why? The controller’s analog output can’t transmit high-res codecs. Pro Tip: Use transmitters with built-in DACs (like Relay’s CSR 8675 chip) for clearer sound. Imagine it as attaching a wireless speaker to a cassette player—functional but constrained by the source’s capabilities. For multiplayer games, this method frees up USB ports but disables voice chat since mics route through the controller’s Bluetooth separately.

Does a Bluetooth transmitter degrade audio quality?

Yes, depending on codec support. PS4’s default SBC codec maxes at 328kbps—lower than aptX HD’s 576kbps. Transmitters with aptX-LL (like DG80P) reduce latency without quality loss.

While direct wired connections offer lossless audio, Bluetooth adds compression. For instance, SBC codecs discard frequencies above 14kHz, which affects footsteps in FPS games. But why does this matter? Highs and mids get muffled—Avantree’s adapters with aptX preserve details up to 20kHz. Consider it like photocopying a document: each wireless "copy" loses some clarity. Pro Tip: If your headphones support LDAC, use a transmitter that bypasses PS4’s SBC limitation via USB. Real-world fix: Avantree’s Oasis Plus transmitter pairs with LDAC headphones at 990kbps, but PS4’s USB audio caps at 16-bit/44.1kHz—still better than default SBC.

How to troubleshoot pairing failures?

Restart both devices, update firmware, and check transmitter compatibility. Avoid USB 3.0 ports—they cause interference. Reset headphones’ pairing list if needed.

If your Avantree DG80P isn’t detected, try switching USB ports—front ports often have cleaner power. Navigate to Settings > System Software Update to ensure PS4 runs v9.00+. For persistent issues, hold the transmitter’s reset button for 10 seconds. Ever seen a "Device Not Supported" alert? It means the transmitter lacks Sony’s proprietary handshake protocol—Avantree’s certified models skip this hurdle. Pro Tip: Use a USB hub with external power for transmitters drawing >100mA. Think of it as adding a voltage stabilizer to shaky power lines. Example: Avantree Relay works flawlessly after resetting, while generic brands might require driver updates.

Are wired headphones better for PS4 gaming?

Wired headphones offer zero latency and Hi-Res audio support. However, Bluetooth solutions like Avantree’s DG80P provide wireless convenience with near-wired performance (≤15ms). Choose based on priority: precision vs. mobility.

Wired headsets like the HyperX Cloud II deliver 24-bit/96kHz audio—unmatched by Bluetooth’s 16-bit/48kHz ceiling. But for casual gamers, wireless freedom outweighs minor quality differences. Why struggle with cables when Avantree’s solutions offer 98% of the experience? Pro Tip: Use open-back Bluetooth headphones (e.g., Avantree Aria) for spatial awareness in games like Fortnite. It’s like choosing between a DSLR camera (wired) and a flagship smartphone (wireless)—both capture great photos, but with different trade-offs.

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