UPDATE: I’ve updated this article with a few new sections, including a section detailing the advantages of using Bluetooth speakers over your TV speakers. Plus, I’ve added a new conclusion and “What Next?” section. I hope you enjoy them!
Since its launch, PS5 has created a massive buzz in the virtual world of gaming. Being an avid gamer myself, how could I stay away from all the excitement for long?
After setting the PS5 up with my 40 inches 4K LED, I went to fetch my Bluetooth speaker from the adjacent room to connect it with my console. But no matter how hard I tried, it just wouldn’t let me connect the speaker to the console.
A stark revelation came up during my fruitless struggles.
Can A PS5 Connect To A Bluetooth Speaker? The answer is both yes and no. PS5 (just like the PS4) does not support Bluetooth speakers (or headsets) directly. However, you can connect a Bluetooth speaker to your PlayStation 5 indirectly by using a PS5 Bluetooth audio adapter.
After you have plugged in the Bluetooth adapter, you’ll be able to connect your PS5 to your Bluetooth speaker and enjoy high-quality audio from your Bluetooth speaker.
Now that you know that you can hook your speaker to your console, it’s time to shed some light on the more essential details to help you walk through the process.
Can A PS5 Connect To A Bluetooth Speaker?
A PS5 has essentially 3 ports that can be used to connect a Bluetooth speaker adapter:
1. USB-A input port
2. Type-C input port
3. The Aux jack on the DualSense Controller
You can only connect a Bluetooth speaker to the PS5 via a Bluetooth USB adapter or a Type-C adapter. That’s because the PlayStation 5 inherently doesn’t support Bluetooth audio.
And I really don’t know why Sony won’t take this issue seriously and listen to us gamers by installing a built-in Bluetooth adapter.
If you want to use a Bluetooth speaker anyway, you need an external Bluetooth USB or Type-C adapter. You can plug the adapter into the USB (or Type-C, whichever you have) port on your PS5 or on your TV to connect and use it.
That allows you to use your speaker via Bluetooth. The only unfortunate thing here is that you have to purchase a Bluetooth USB adapter separately and connect it to a USB port on the PS5. Plug in the adapter to the console and connect it to the speaker via Bluetooth.
Once you have done this, the sound will come from your speaker.
Unfortunately, Bluetooth adapters are not included in the package, and you’ll have to buy them separately from a third party. Also commonly referred to as a Bluetooth dongle, this accessory is not costly.
You can get several affordable options on Amazon.
If you are looking for an inexpensive one that suits your needs, I’d recommend the Avantree USB Bluetooth Audio Transmitter Adapter.
Now that we know we can connect our new console to a Bluetooth speaker, let’s understand exactly which steps to follow to connect a PS5 to a Bluetooth speaker and where to get the relevant accessories.
How To Connect A Bluetooth Speaker To PS5 Using a USB Adapter?
Connecting a Bluetooth speaker to your PS5 is pretty easy when using a USB Bluetooth dongle. Below I’ll show you how to do it.
What you’ll need:
- PS5 + controller
- Skull & Co. USB Bluetooth adapter
The Method:
- Plug in the Skull & Co. USB Bluetooth adapter to the front of your PS5 using the USB-C slot. Turn it on.
- Now on your PS5, open the settings from the top-right corner of the dashboard after plugging in the Bluetooth adapter.
- Then to ensure that your PS5 has recognized the adapter, scroll down and go to ‘Accessories’.
- Under ‘General’ settings, select ‘Bluetooth Accessories’.
- Under ‘Accessories Found’, you should see any available adapters that are set to Pairing Mode.
- Select your USB-Bluetooth adapter as Default Audio Device
- Next, follow your Bluetooth adapter instructions to pair your Bluetooth speaker.
- Once your speaker is paired you need to set it as the default audio device.
- Go to ‘Setting’> ‘Sound Settings’.
- Now select ‘Audio Output’ and then ‘Output Device’.
- Under this option, you’ll see a list of audio devices. Select your Bluetooth speaker as default.
Here you go, you’ve done it. You just have to plug in the Bluetooth adapter, pair it, and then select it as your default audio output.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker Using an Aux Bluetooth Adapter
You may have noticed that connecting a Bluetooth speaker using a USB Bluetooth adapter is not exactly straightforward. You’d think, given how popular Bluetooth speakers are these day’s Sony would give you an easy way to connect them to your PS5?
Well, actually, they have given you an easier way:
You can use the Aux jack on the DualSense controller, along with an Aux Bluetooth adapter to connect a Bluetooth Speaker.
Here’s how to do it…
What you’ll need:
- SONRU AUX to Bluetooth adapter
- DualSense controller
- PS5
The Method:
- First, buy the SONRU AUX to Bluetooth adapter. You’ll need it for this to work
- Once your Adapter has arrived, make sure it is fully charged before using it. It can be charged using the supplied Micro-USB
- Once the adapter is fully charged, plug the supplied short AUx cable into it.
- Next, plug the other end of the aux cable into the bottom of your DualSense controller.
- Your PlayStation 5 should automatically detect that an aux lead has been plugged into your DualSense controller. The PS5 will not push the sound out through the Aux instead of your TV.
- Now you’ll need to pair your Bluetooth speaker to the Bluetooth adapter. Follow both the Bluetooth adapter and the speaker’s instructions.
- Once you have paired your speaker with the Bluetooth adapter, you should hear sound coming from your speaker.
- And that’s it, you’ve paired your Bluetooth speaker with your PS5.
Extra Tips
- You may notice that the Bluetooth Dongle hangs down from the DualSense controller. To solve this, I bought a roll of Velcro tape. I then applied one part of the velcro to the back of the DualSense controller, and one part to the Bluetooth adapter. That way, you can easily remove the adapter for charging.
- Remember, the adapter will need charging every few days.
The Benefits of Using Bluetooth Speakers with Your PS5 Over TV Speakers
When it comes to gaming, immersive audio is just as important as crisp, detailed visuals. Your PlayStation 5 might be delivering high-definition graphics, but are you getting the best audio experience from your setup? If you’re using your TV speakers as your primary audio output, you might be missing out on a world of aural delights. Here’s why you might want to consider using Bluetooth speakers when playing your PS5 instead of your TV speakers:
- Superior Audio Quality: Bluetooth speakers generally offer a higher sound quality compared to built-in TV speakers. They are specifically designed for audio output, whereas the speakers in your TV are just one part of the whole system and often not the primary focus. High-quality Bluetooth speakers can deliver rich, deep bass and clear, detailed highs that can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
- Spatial Audio: Bluetooth speakers, especially if you have a stereo pair or more, can provide a more immersive audio experience by delivering spatial audio. This can be crucial when playing games where the in-game audio can give clues about enemy positioning, upcoming hazards, or the direction of your objectives. You won’t get the same level of audio depth and direction from most TV speakers.
- Placement Flexibility: Bluetooth speakers offer the flexibility to be placed wherever you want, allowing you to optimize the sound based on your room setup. Whether you want to create a surround sound environment or place the speaker close to your gaming chair, Bluetooth speakers give you the freedom to create your perfect audio setup. On the other hand, TV speakers are fixed, limiting your options for audio placement.
- Aesthetics: Modern Bluetooth speakers are not just audio devices; they are also designed to add to the aesthetic appeal of your gaming setup. With sleek designs and customizable LED lighting available on some models, Bluetooth speakers can enhance the look of your gaming station, making it a space that truly reflects your personality and gaming style.
- Portability: If you like to move around while gaming, Bluetooth speakers are a perfect choice. They are portable and can be easily carried from room to room or even outside for outdoor gaming sessions. They also work with other devices, so you can use them with your phone, tablet, or laptop when you’re not gaming.
- Less Strain on TV: By using Bluetooth speakers, you’re putting less strain on your TV’s built-in speakers. This could potentially increase the lifespan of your television, especially if you tend to game with high volume levels.
In conclusion, while the convenience of using built-in TV speakers can be appealing, investing in a set of good Bluetooth speakers can dramatically elevate your gaming experience. From the improved audio quality to the flexibility in placement and the enhanced aesthetics, Bluetooth speakers offer benefits that can make your gaming sessions even more enjoyable and immersive. So, next time you boot up your PS5, why not try pairing it with a Bluetooth speaker and hear the difference for yourself?
Conclusion
To sum up, connecting a Bluetooth speaker to the PS5 is indeed possible despite Sony’s lack of built-in support for Bluetooth audio. This workaround necessitates an external Bluetooth USB or Type-C adapter, or an Aux Bluetooth adapter for the DualSense controller, both of which can be acquired relatively inexpensively from a range of online retailers. Here are the main takeaways:
- The PS5 lacks in-built support for Bluetooth audio, which includes Bluetooth speakers.
- To connect a Bluetooth speaker, an external Bluetooth USB or Type-C adapter is required, such as the Skull & Co. USB Bluetooth adapter.
- These adapters can be plugged into a USB (or Type-C) port on the PS5 or the TV.
- The DualSense controller can also connect a Bluetooth speaker via its Aux jack with the help of an Aux Bluetooth adapter.
- A recommended Bluetooth USB adapter is the Skull & Co. USB Bluetooth adapter.
- While connecting a Bluetooth speaker is a fairly straightforward process, it involves a few essential steps: plugging in the adapter, pairing it with the speaker, and then setting it as the default audio output in your PS5 options.
To understand how to implement these findings and get the most out of your PS5, be sure to check out the “What Next?” section below.
What Next?
As a reader of our articles, we strive to provide you with actionable tasks to enhance your gaming experience. Here are five steps you can take after reading this article:
- Research and purchase a Bluetooth USB, Type-C, or Aux adapter that suits your needs and budget. Consider the Skull & Co. USB Bluetooth adapter.
- After acquiring the adapter, follow the article’s detailed instructions to connect it to your PS5.
- Pair your Bluetooth speaker with the adapter, ensuring that the pairing process is completed successfully.
- Set the paired speaker as your default audio output on your PS5.
- Finally, remember to manage your adapter efficiently; note that it may need regular charging and secure storage when not in use.
With these actionable steps, you can optimize your gaming sessions and experience high-quality audio via your Bluetooth speaker while using your PS5. Happy gaming!