Can You Use The AirPods Max For PS5 Gaming? Sort Of…

One of the most important aspects of any video game is the audio. Good sound effects create an immersive and exciting gaming experience. Unfortunately, not all headsets have excellent audio quality. This is where the AirPods Max comes in, featuring some of the best audio quality you’ll find on any headset. Its sound quality is so good it is usable for gaming.

While the AirPods Max offers Spatial Audio that can improve your gaming experience, they need to be connected to an external Bluetooth adapter or the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable to work with a PS5 console, and even then the Spatial Audio experience will be limited to 5.1 surround sound.

While you can technically use the AirPods Max for PS5 gaming, you need a wired connection or an external Bluetooth adapter to channel the sound to your headphones. Let’s look at the best options for using the AirPods Max with PS5.

What Are the AirPods Max?

The AirPods Max (on Amazon) is Apple’s first over-ear headphones. The model was released in December 2020 and features some of the best audio quality you’ll find on any headset. In addition to excellent sound quality, the AirPods Max also features spatial audio support and active noise cancellation.

Unfortunately, they don’t work with the PS5 out of the box since the console offers a 3.5 mm audio jack and USB audio outputs. This interferes with spatial audio, which is the primary reason why the Max is perfect for gaming in the first place. 

What is Bluetooth Technology, and How Does it Work?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect and share data. Bluetooth works by sending and receiving signals between devices using radio waves, and it can connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Bluetooth is typically used to connect devices such as headphones, speakers, and keyboards to phones, laptops, and other devices.

 Bluetooth uses a frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) to send data over radio waves. It also uses an adaptive frequency-hopping spread spectrum (AFH), which minimizes interference by choosing the best channels to use based on the environment.

During inquiry scanning, a Bluetooth device sends out radio signals to find other Bluetooth devices in the area. When a device is found, the inquiring device can connect to it. 

Will My Airpods Work with the Ps5?

Unfortunately, you cannot connect your AirPods directly to the PlayStation 5 console. The only way to connect them is with an external Bluetooth adapter or the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable. This is not limited to the Max but all wireless headphones.

The PS5 features Bluetooth 5.1, an advanced version of Bluetooth technology, but it is only compatible with the DualSense controllers.

Bluetooth adapters suffer from poor audio quality and latency issues that can interfere with your gaming experience. Follow the steps below to learn to connect your AirPods Max to the PS5 using a Bluetooth adapter.

1. Connect the Bluetooth to the console using the 3.5mm or USB port

2. Power on your AirPods Max and put them in Pairing Mode by holding the button on the back of the right ear cup.

3. Choose the Transmit Mode on the Bluetooth adapter.

4. Connect your AirPods Max to the adapter, and you should be good to go.

Your best bet to having a good gaming experience with the AirPods Max is to use a wired connection. This will provide the best audio quality and lowest latency.

You can use the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, which offers better sound quality and low latency compared to the Bluetooth adapters.

Best Bluetooth Adapters for PS5

There are a few Bluetooth adapters that work with the PS5. Here are our top picks:

1) Avantree DG80

The Avantree DG80 is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable Bluetooth adapter. It has a range of up to 10 meters and supports aptX Low Latency so that you can enjoy gaming without lag.

It comes as a USB dongle that you can plug into the PS5’s USB port. For $29.99, it’s a great option if you want to start using Bluetooth headphones with your PS5.

2) TROND Bluetooth 5.0

The TROND Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter is another excellent option for using Bluetooth headphones with your PS5. It supports aptX Low Latency for lag-free gaming and has a range of up to 10 meters.

It’s also effortless to set up, as it plugs into the PS5’s 3.5mm port and doesn’t require any drivers. At $24.65, it’s a great budget option for adding Bluetooth to your PS5.

3) GTRACING Bluetooth USB Adapter

This Bluetooth adapter is slightly larger than the others on this list, but for a good reason. It is more advanced and supports Bluetooth 5.1, which is more stable and has a more extended range.

Additionally, it supports aptX HD, so you can enjoy high-quality audio when using the AirPods Max with your PS5. It’s also straightforward to set up; plug it into the PS5’s USB port. At $29.99, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality Bluetooth adapter.

4) Zamia Mini Adapter

This Bluetooth adapter is one of the smallest on the market. Zamia’s mini adapter is only 0.5 inches in length, making it portable. In addition, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 and has a range of up to 33 feet.

When plugged in, the adapter will connect to any wireless devices automatically. At $11.99, it’s a great option for those looking for a small, portable Bluetooth adapter.

5) ZOOM USB Bluetooth

This Bluetooth dongle adds wireless audio capability to your PS5 by connecting to the console’s USB port. It has a range of up to 10 meters and supports aptX Low Latency for lag-free gaming.

It is more stable, energy efficient, and compatible with more devices than older Bluetooth versions. In addition, you don’t need to install any drivers, as it’s plug-and-play. At $24.99, it’s a great addition to your PS5 accessories.