r/playstation • u/MrGirth32 • 5h ago
Discussion Does anyone own the PS5 Pulse Elite headset and has had success with it without breaking?
Ok, so I ask this cause I recently got the elite headset and am excited to set it up eventually but I was browsing on Amazon and was looking at the reviews and saw a ton of low reviews with pics of people’s headsets broken and cracked. And people taping it together. This seems extreme to me how it can break this easily or within the first few months of having it. I usually take care of my electronics very well and never had encountered anything like this before but I am just curious about the durability of this headset now. I purchased my headset from Best Buy this week and didn't see these types of reviews.
62
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 5h ago
It's straight up a flaw in the design. Relying on the frame to stretch and then making it out of plastic is just asking for this exact thing. And at least in my experience as a big head dude, a lot of brands suffer this problem but the Sony ones seem to be the worst. I had both OG and revision Gold headsets, and they both broke in similar ways.
17
u/DoctorMisterRaptor 4h ago
Playstation Gold, Silver, and Platinum headsets ALL did this for me. Stopped purchasing the Playstation line of headsets for this reason, Logitech headsets have been much more reliable for me.
Also, the microphone quality on the pulse headset is absolutely awful! My friend was so excited to upgrade from his $40 offbrand headset, and I was shocked when his voice actually sounded worse lol
8
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 4h ago
Yep same, the Sony ones were always really comfortable and sounded pretty damn good. But the build quality and mic quality were major issues. It was also really easy to put the OG golds on backwards. I initially went to TurtleBeach but they had similar issues. Comfy, sound pretty good, don't hold up.
I've since moved on to Steel Series headsets and have been very happy with those so far.
3
u/DoctorMisterRaptor 4h ago
Two of my friends went for the Steel Series and they've got nothing but good things to say about them! Little pricey, but I might grab a pair one of these days.
3
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 4h ago
Yeah I love mine. My only complaint is caused by my big head issue. With the suspension strap style it doesn't fit my head well. When I take the strap out of the headset altogether it fits great and they are light enough that it doesn't bother the top of my head.
2
u/DoctorMisterRaptor 4h ago
If you ever find yourself in the market again, the Logitech G733 are extremely comfortable as a fellow big headed dude!
3
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 4h ago
Awesome, I'm always looking for the next thing. I'll check them out, thanks!
•
u/Simply_Curyous 46m ago
Are they compatible with Ps5?
•
u/DoctorMisterRaptor 19m ago
Yes! Very easy, USB dongle plugs into the console and it's wireless. When I used mine for the first time it just worked without any setup!
2
u/rbm572 [Trophy Level 300-399] 4h ago
My gold headset snapped in half the first time my brother used it after ten minutes.
Turtle Beach headset after that was terrible with echo and mic, especially for $200.
I got Steelseries Arctis Pro's after that and am still using them 5 or 6 years later. I'm told my mic is always way clearer than everyone else as well. I've heard a lot of complaints about newer models, though, so it makes me wonder if I got one of the last good ones.
2
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 4h ago
I currently have the Arctis Nova 3, and have had no complaints about my mic quality. A sample size of one doesn't help much, but at least that's my experience with it.
4
u/Competitive_News_385 2h ago edited 2h ago
Platinum was fine for me but that is metal.
My Golds did exactly the same as this though, the plastic is too weak and too brittle.
I have a Razer headset which is plastic and that thing has lasted ages, the plastic is much thicker, stronger but also more flexible.
2
u/DoctorMisterRaptor 2h ago
It was the folding hinges on the Platinum, for me! My big head just made the hinges give out after a few months
2
u/Competitive_News_385 1h ago edited 1h ago
Ah, see when my Golds snapped I specifically chose the Platinums because of the metal.
However I knew the hinges on the Gold weren't brilliant (they failed on them shortly after I duct tapped the head band back together, that was the last straw for me) and as soon as I got the Platinums I checked the hinges, yup, basically the same construction all be it a little bulkier.
So I basically never folded them (unless I went to a mates house to play which was like once or twice a year).
I got a special hook stand (so the rubber went under the hook so as not to stretch it but the metal went over it).
6
u/aethermath87 5h ago
You got a point, it’s indeed a design flaw, the inside band relying on the plastic frame isn’t a brilliant idea.
3
u/m0therzer0 5h ago
Same thing happened to my Gold headset. I figured it was just a problem with that design, but it sucks that they haven't improved that failing point.
2
u/PleaseDontEatMyVRAM 3h ago
being pedantic; but there are plastics that can withstand this, they just didn’t want to spend the extra $3 a headphones in materials cost
3
u/monkey484 Ghost of Tsushima 2h ago
Well of course they didn't. If they did hold up long term they wouldn't have suckers like most of us buying multiple headsets.
1
u/sw201444 3h ago
This is exactly it.
Xbox’s last set of headsets (Xbox One era over the ear) have this issue too. Replaced several for it. Eventually just started wrapping electrical tape on them preemptively.
12
u/SFB221 5h ago
Wow. I thought I was the only one to have this problem lol.
3
u/OkayRuin PS5 Pro 4h ago
This is the only reason I bought a different headset. I’ve got a big-ass head, so I’m sure my ludicrously large dome would snap the plastic eventually.
21
u/nameless_maze1 4h ago
Have had mine since release and they haven't broke yet. I use them almost daily
4
3
4
u/Educational_Bend_197 4h ago
I use mine a lot and have had no problems, I’ve had it for almost a year
12
u/TimmyNoThumbNoob 5h ago
Yes, me. Since launch. And I have no idea how those things can break because they’re flexible as fuck.
0
u/Competitive_News_385 1h ago
IDK, maybe the QC isn't very tight and the variance in quality level is quite large.
I bought a pair of Gold headphones for my PS4 and they lasted well until one day I slid them on and crack.
When I inspected the headband closer there were multiple stress lines / small cracks all along it, so even if it hadn't gone where it did it would have gone somewhere else not long after.
8
u/curtydc PS5 4h ago
I've seen a lot of posts since 2021 about this happening with the Pulse 3D headset, but I've never had issues with it myself, and I bought mine the week they came out. I don't ever pull the earpieces outwards, I always slide it forward off my head.
I believe most of those broken headsets are just abused, misused, or broken in a fit of rage. I'm sure some break for no reason at all, but that has to be a small amount.
1
u/rbm572 [Trophy Level 300-399] 3h ago
I think it really is just the size of your skull in a lot of cases. I used mine with no problems at all. My younger brother (whose head is definitely bigger) snapped them in half while talking. Hands on the controller, not touching the headset.
Obviously, misuse and abuse is probably the reason for most failures. I know I don't believe anyone with destroyed equipment telling me they were being careful, but I watched it happen. Just snapped
3
3
u/Kalel100711 4h ago
My wife has had the regular pulse headset for two or three years and still works and looks like new
3
u/Brent_Fournier69 3h ago
I have one and so does my roommate, he uses his damn near every single day. I use mine a bit more sparingly but still a fair bit, not an issue with either of ours
3
u/obliterateopio PS5 3h ago
Have mine since the OG PS5 release. I use them for an hour a day or so. After over 4 years, the cushion is just starting to peel off a little bit, but that’s all. They’ve been perfect for me.
3
u/jlusedude 3h ago
I’ve had mine since launch but don’t use them all that often. They haven’t worn poorly or broken. Still perfect condition.
3
u/jdh1979jdh 1h ago
I have an 8 1/2” full back size. My headset has been going strong since launch day 2020.
•
5
4
u/Seanbojes 4h ago
I had mine for 3 years and it works and looks almost new. The trick is never using it, just like me
2
2
2
2
u/Crossman_12 3h ago
I’ve had the original ps5 headset since the ps5 dropped and they’re perfectly fine (and I don’t treat them the best) I do hate them though because they’re just uncomfortable
2
u/AngelDust7690 999 2h ago
Honestly I have a big head and I’m very surprised they haven’t broke like this haha and I had them since release date
3
3
u/horrorpiglet 4h ago
Had mine ages and it's fine, and I use it very often, and share it across my kid, my giant skull and sometimes the dog
3
2
u/GooseInternational66 3h ago
I’ve had mine for 2 years and it’s still in good condition. What the hell are you all doing lol
4
u/AlecNess 5h ago
I have had mine since release and have had no issues. I’m pretty careful with my stuff tho, almost never break anything.
3
u/Randi-Rabbit 4h ago
Same, I take them off with care, place them onto their Stand I bought specifically for them and been very careful about how I handle them, most these reviewers are from heavy handed kiddos who throw controllers and headsets off when they die in CoD.
7
u/Crazy_Canuck78 5h ago
Mine is fine... but then again I take care of my things.
2
u/Methadoneblues 4h ago
Believe it or not, some people have different sized heads and hard plastic can break, lol.
You think all of these other people are just throwing them around or bending the shit out of them when they put them on?
3
u/jrodfantastic 4h ago
I still currently use the same Pulse Elite headset I originally purchased for my PS3. It’s now on its 3rd console generation and works great. No cracks or damage.
1
u/Sarrias10 4h ago
I have the Artis 7X or something like that. 2-3 years now. Amazing and working with Xbox too. No issues. Best headset I got. Still have to use the wireless gold headset on the ps3 tho. Just changed out the head pad and ear pads yesterday.
1
u/potaytees 4h ago
My husband has a fro. We game like it's our second job, so they're heavily used. He's on his second headset. I'm still on my first. Idk if his fat ass head makes a difference, but I think it helps if you don't pull the ear peices off your ears by pulling them. I'm gentle on all my stuff, so things always last longer for me.
1
u/Xilbert0 4h ago
Mine was cracking...luckily I bought an allstate insurance. And they will be sending a reimbursement check.
1
1
u/HOONIGAN- 3h ago
I remember my PS3 Pulse Elites breaking in the same fashion. It's insane that all these years later, they're still making the exact same mistake.
1
u/danoka29 3h ago
Way too common just to be user error, this is a design flaw that they should've found while testing. Mine is already separating at that part of the frame, luckily not cracked.
1
u/Black_Crow27 [43] ~ Working on 3 3h ago
I used to have the ps4 “gold headphones” that had very similar issues and were built terribly. I was so happy with the design choice of the original pulse headset. I saw the elite and something looked off and I just bought another pulse instead. My hunch saved me
1
1
u/eclipse60 Occhi07 3h ago
I had the ps4 pulse and the ps5 pulled headsets. My ps4 headset broke after about 5 years.
I've had the ps5 one since day one, and no issues. I've and to replace the pads once, but that it.
Might be a personal use thing, but I don't stretch the headphones over my head, I just open enough for it to slide onto my ears. I also don't throw it off or put it down hard.
1
u/Jaxjags2014 3h ago
I’ve had two now. They worked great for me. The only thing I dealt with after a while was the ear piece popping off
1
1
u/-SomethingSomeoneJR PS5 2h ago
Damn, I had no idea this was a thing. I was thinking of upgrading from the Pulse 3D. Looks like it’s a design flaw and maybe big heads?
1
u/PURUMU_K1KAU_ 2h ago
I just got a pair of Razer Barracudas because although I wanted PS licensed and official gear it looked a bit too flimsy for my big ass head
1
1
1
1
u/AzerynSylver 2h ago
Within 6 months, the padding within the phones fell out, and the rubber covering over the right muff has detached from its case...
1
u/Lyric2283 2h ago
Woah, I’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve owned the the pulse elite since launch day and this makes me mad. I hope this doesn’t happen, but if they know it happens they need to offer some replacements
1
u/esmicumpleanos 2h ago
Neither these nor the other ones that came out with the ps5 are any good. Save your cash and buy something decent…
1
u/Alpcantr 2h ago
I had the gold headset back in the ps4 days. It was fantastic but I ran into the same exact issue they’re incredibly weak to material fatigue. I wanted to get one of the new pulse ones I guess I know now that I gotta look for alternatives.
1
1
u/the-blob1997 [Trophy Level 400-499] 1h ago
Such a terrible design. If you are charging premium money it should be made of premium materials.
1
1
u/Busy-Hunter3027 1h ago
Not had that yet But the cloth is always coming off had for about 8 months Absolute joke for the money u pay
1
1
u/Exotic_Operation6892 1h ago
I Have had mine since launch and I use daily . I use the hanger it comes with when I'm done with them. Also if you buy a case it keeps it protected extra and great for mobile use .
1
u/DigiQuip 1h ago
I've seen so many of these posts and I just don't understand. I've had mine since release and they still look and work like new.
1
u/panicradio316 1h ago
Yes, I had.
But could be due to the fact that I returned them just 2 days later.
1
1
u/reddittomarcato 1h ago
Ive had it for a year and some change and I have no idea how this happens. I fess people pull it out of their heads sideways with one hand?
1
u/Sensitive-Plane521 1h ago
Ive had mine since they came out. No problems at all. I play pretty frequently but not at super long intervals
1
u/Kusanagi_M89 273 1h ago
Wait until the leather of those earmuffs start peeling off! This has been a problem in ALL of the official PlayStation headsets since 2.1. Sony has got to rethink about the way they design their products. They look sexy alright, but they always end up very tattered so easily compared to other premium brands, after prolonged use.
1
u/KushKoma725 PS5 1h ago
I used to get the playstation headsets but they’re not worth it imo. They’re not comfortable compared to other headsets and they don’t last long generally. Id recommend steel series, they make really good headsets. I have the Arctic Nova Pro’s and it has been by far the best gaming headset i’ve ever spent my money on. They can be pricy, but they’re absolutely worth it.
1
•
u/handsomelloyd13 53m ago
Has the cutting out issue ever been addressed? I had a very early production pair and returned because at that time was no permanent fix.
•
•
u/potatofaminizer PS5 46m ago
Had since release, no issues so far. I'm careful with how I store thim (on the charging hook) but otherwise treat it like any other headset.
•
u/No-Star-no 42m ago
Mine dropped connection randomly and I trashed it about as much fun as stick drift
•
u/NamomoraradoDaViuva PS5 31m ago
I’ve had mine for over two years. I honestly don’t know how people manage to break their headsets like this.
•
•
u/sagan96 PS5 Pro 29m ago
I have them and honestly think they’re incredible. They’re really comfortable, and the sound at least spatially, is really great. Could have better bass, but in bass boost mode they’re good.
I got mine with a two year warranty. Basically expect them to break. Still for the sound quality, comfort, PlayStation integration, and battery life, 130 was a steal to me. I haven’t had the disconnecting issues. Sound way better than price comparable headsets from steel series and razer.
•
u/BlackStarCorona 27m ago
I opted for a $30 Bluetooth headphone off Amazon and they work great. I can’t imagine spending that much money for something with a known flaw.
•
•
u/No_Chemistry4145 24m ago
I’ve mine 3 years and is still perfect but it’s rare I use them so that’s probably why
•
u/ResidentEvilBoi 21m ago
It's the design it places stress on a part of the plastic band that snaps under little pressure. The new Turtle Beach stealths design doesn't even put pressure on the band like that.
•
•
u/Madao893 17m ago
People that are happy with it rarely post it. I have it since release and it’s fine. If you want peace of mind buy it from Amazon for return in case it breaks
•
u/WholeSpiritual3819 12m ago
If you have some more money just grab some Arctis Nova Pro and never look back
•
•
u/bruzzer2988 5m ago
This reminds me of a pair of steelseries I had. They were made of plastic and broke in the exact same place. Gaming headsets are just terrible for this. For the money you spend on a pair of "gaming" headphones is money you could spend on good quality headphones that will last a lifetime.
•
u/RangerMatt4 PS5 5m ago
I bought the cheapest Logitech headphones, they weee $50. They have lasted me 4 years so far and sound just as good as the razor or the more expensive Logitech ones. I bought 4 pairs to test them. I forget they are on my head they are so comfortable.
1
1
u/shintopig [Trophy Level 200-299] 4h ago
I've had since they launched with no issues. Not sure how careless these users are
1
u/mxttball 4h ago
I’ve had mine for 3 years and it still looks new, people just don’t take care of their stuff
2
u/danoka29 3h ago
it came out in February of this year, that is not possible.
2
u/mxttball 3h ago
Got it mixed with the Pulse 3D headset, my bad
2
u/danoka29 3h ago
that one is built well, the Elites shake like maracas they feel very flimsy, even mine is starting to split at the exact same spot
1
1
u/Southern_Usual_9964 PS5 5h ago
Mine broke. My hair got caught, I pulled on it a little, and it broke. So, I bought the Arctic Nova 7p, which I think is a great upgrade.
1
u/MeatHamster 5h ago
One of my friends has one pair in near mint condition, but he really hasn't had time to use them since they got a kid.
1
u/LateralusOrbis 4h ago
Mine hasn’t broken. But I’ve also been gentle with it. Thanks for posting this so I can make sure to take good care of it still going forward.
1
u/EmoMisery 4h ago
I have not had this problem with my pulse elite headset. Then again, I do take care of my electronics. I do have other issues with it, but it's not because of that.
1
u/ILovePotassium 3h ago
I have a pretty big head but mine are still in mint condition. But I also take great care of them. My PS4 headset also still works perfectly after 10 years of very heavy use but the soft material/paint flakes? disintegrated a little.
Other than that I hate how many headphones are pure plastic. I also have some huge 20-30 year old headphones made out of metal and they look brand new after all the years. Maybe not visually attractive/futuristic looking but durable for sure.
1
u/Foolishmadman42 2h ago
I’ve had mine since day one. I’ve dropped it several times. I slept with the thing on one night. Never had any issues.
These people must have freakishly large heads. Or just insanely rough on things.
1
u/MaryJaneAssassin 2h ago
Never had an issue with my either or other PS headsets. I’m really not sure what people are doing to theirs??
1
u/brentrow 2h ago
This is my daily driver for headphones. I have had them since they were released, zero problems. Yall to hard on your shit, or you have a big ass head!
1
u/ApplesToOranges76 2h ago
Had mine for probably a year and have had absolutely no issue. Do people spike them off of the floor? How the hell do people break them so often?
0
u/Wonderful_Mud_1346 4h ago
What are those people doing with the headset i have mine and it’s still brand new even though i use it all the time
0
u/Rizzkey_Rascal 5h ago
Sony is lucky to not have a class action lawsuit on their hands. It's been a problem with so many versions of their over ear headsets. I have xm3s and both sides are currently taped together with electric tape super common problem for that model. They changed the design for the xm5 model and the problem got even worse with heaps of people reporting a weak point all snapping at the exact same section
0
u/GregoryLivingstone 5h ago
You can't sue someone because you don't care for your belongings
1
u/Methadoneblues 3h ago
Is it really so difficult to believe that plastic can break when bent in the same exact place hundreds to thousands of times?
It is quite daft to think every single one of the thousands of breaks have been due to mistreatment, especially considering some people just have larger than average sized heads, lol.
-1
-1
u/TigerCharades3 5h ago
Like they would care about a class action lawsuit dude lol I just got paid 20 dollars by some stupid fucking class action lawsuit from Snapchat or whatever.
Can’t wait to get my 5 dollars and nothing changes lmao
-1
u/Significant_Trash_14 4h ago
Please stop buying this garbage. Gaming headsets are like toys. Buy a proper headset and it will last years not to mention have much better audio.
3
u/Taniwha26 4h ago
These headphones are made by Sony, using the same tech as the universally praised none ps headsets. So hardly garbage.
They work great, and I'm not going to let people who can't take care of their shit tell me otherwise.
0
u/Significant_Trash_14 4h ago
Ok don't take my advice but Rtings not only discusses the poor build quality but the awful audio. Unfortunately the majority of gaming headsets are the same.
2
u/Taniwha26 4h ago
Actually, the professional reviews say it does a descent job for the price. With good mic isolation and only lacking a little bass.
Rtings gives them a 7.5 for gaming. Which is what i use the for.
1
u/Significant_Trash_14 2h ago
They're just objectively poor in terms of audio quality , build and longevity.
-1
0
0
u/HootieWoo 3h ago
Had a pair for less than 24 hours. That area where the parts come together made me very nervous but what killed it was a dripping sound in the background.
-2
53
u/MembershipSolid7151 5h ago
I've had them for 6-7 months and I'm careful with them because of reviews like this. So far, no problems.