Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds Review: Your Ultimate Guide

Gaming audio has changed forever. The Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds bring something special to your gaming setup. These earbuds look different from anything you have seen before.

Sony created them specifically for PlayStation gamers who want serious sound quality. The white and black design matches your PS5 perfectly. But do they deliver on performance?

Can they compete with other wireless earbuds in the market? This review dives deep into every aspect of these gaming earbuds. You will discover their strengths and weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

• Premium Gaming Features: The Pulse Explore earbuds feature planar magnetic drivers that deliver exceptional sound clarity. This technology is rare in wireless earbuds. Most competitors use standard dynamic drivers. The planar magnetic setup gives you better accuracy and less distortion during intense gaming moments.
• PlayStation Link Technology: Sony built these earbuds with their custom PlayStation Link wireless protocol. This connection method provides lossless audio transmission. You get zero lag during gameplay. The audio stays perfectly synced with your on screen action. Traditional Bluetooth connections cannot match this performance level.
• Comfortable Design for Long Sessions: Despite their bulky appearance, these earbuds feel surprisingly comfortable. You can game for hours without ear fatigue. The package includes four different ear tip sizes. Finding your perfect fit becomes easy. The unique twisty shape might look odd but works well once properly positioned.
• Limited Battery Life: The earbuds last around 5 hours on a single charge. The charging case provides two additional full charges. This gives you about 15 hours total. Competitors often offer longer battery life. You need to plan your charging schedule around long gaming sessions.
• Mixed Use Cases: These earbuds shine during PS5 gaming sessions. They work with Bluetooth devices too. However, they lack features like water resistance and noise cancellation. The bulky case makes portable use challenging. They work best as dedicated gaming earbuds for home use.

Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds

The Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds represent Sony’s first attempt at gaming focused true wireless earbuds. These earbuds target PlayStation fans who want premium audio without a bulky headset. Sony packed them with advanced technology.

The planar magnetic drivers set them apart from regular earbuds. Most wireless earbuds use cheaper driver technology.

The Pulse Explore goes beyond basic specifications. Sony created these earbuds to match the PS5 ecosystem perfectly. The white and black color scheme looks stunning next to your console.

The earbuds feature an unusual twisted design. They look futuristic and distinctive. Some people might find them strange at first glance. The design serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.

The shape helps create a secure fit inside your ear canal. Physical buttons sit on each earbud for easy control. You get volume rockers and pairing buttons.

These physical controls feel more reliable than touch sensitive surfaces. The build quality feels solid and premium. Sony used quality materials throughout the construction.

Design and Comfort Features

The Pulse Explore earbuds break away from traditional earbud designs. They feature a twisted sculptural shape that catches your eye immediately. The black and white colorway matches PlayStation’s signature aesthetic.

These earbuds make a statement when you wear them. They protrude visibly from your ears. Some users might feel self conscious about the size. The unique shape actually improves comfort during extended use. The earbuds distribute pressure evenly across your ear.

Sony included four sets of silicone ear tips in different sizes. You can choose small, medium, or large options. Finding the right fit matters for both comfort and sound quality. The correct ear tip creates a proper seal.

This seal improves bass response and isolation. Most users can game comfortably for several hours straight. The earbuds stay secure even during head movements. You won’t worry about them falling out during intense gaming moments.

The twisty installation method takes practice. You need to corkscrew the earbuds into your ears. The PlayStation logo should face upright when properly inserted. First time users might struggle with the correct angle.

The package lacks clear installation instructions. Some visual guidance would help new users. Once you learn the technique, insertion becomes quick and easy. The physical buttons on each earbud feel responsive and clicky. You can adjust volume without looking at the earbuds.

Sound Quality and Audio Performance

Sound quality defines the success of any audio product. The Pulse Explore earbuds deliver impressive performance for gaming. The planar magnetic drivers create a wide soundstage. You can pinpoint enemy footsteps with precision.

Environmental sounds feel realistic and immersive. Games with good audio design truly shine through these earbuds. The frequency response follows a balanced approach. Bass doesn’t overpower other frequencies like some gaming headsets.

Sony’s 3D audio technology transforms compatible games. The spatial audio creates a sense of depth and direction. You hear sounds coming from specific locations around you. Helicopters flying overhead sound convincingly realistic.

Enemies approaching from behind trigger your defensive instincts. The vertical audio positioning impresses during gameplay.

Not all games support 3D audio equally well. PlayStation exclusive titles optimize better for this feature. Third party games show varying results.

Music listening presents a different story. The earbuds perform adequately for casual music enjoyment. They don’t match dedicated music earbuds in the same price range. High frequency details sound less clear than expected.

Cymbal crashes and hi hats lack sparkle. Vocal reproduction sounds natural and clear. Bass response stays controlled without excessive boom. These earbuds prioritize gaming performance over music quality. Audiophiles will notice the compromises Sony made.

Top 3 Alternative for Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance determines how long you can game without interruption. The Pulse Explore earbuds deliver approximately 5 hours of continuous use. Real world testing shows slightly better results.

Some users report getting closer to 8 hours per charge. Your actual battery life depends on volume levels and connection type. Louder volumes drain the battery faster. PlayStation Link connections use more power than Bluetooth.

The charging case holds enough power for two complete recharges. This extends your total playtime to around 15 hours. The earbuds charge quickly inside the case. A full recharge takes less than one hour.

The case itself charges via USB C cable. Sony did not include wireless charging support. This omission disappoints considering the premium price point. Competitors often include wireless charging at similar prices.

Battery life falls short compared to modern wireless earbuds. Many alternatives offer 8 to 10 hours per charge. The total playtime with charging cases often exceeds 30 hours. The Pulse Explore earbuds trail behind these numbers.

Serious gamers need to charge more frequently. The short battery life impacts portable gaming sessions. PlayStation Portal users feel this limitation more strongly. Home PS5 gamers can dock the earbuds between sessions.

The lack of fast charging technology creates another inconvenience. Some competitors offer quick charge features. These features provide hours of playtime from minutes of charging. The Pulse Explore requires patient charging sessions.

PlayStation Link Technology Explained

PlayStation Link represents Sony’s answer to Bluetooth latency problems. Traditional Bluetooth connections introduce audio delay. This delay disrupts gaming immersion and competitive performance.

PlayStation Link eliminates latency through dedicated wireless technology. The connection delivers audio instantly to your earbuds. Your gunshots and footsteps sync perfectly with on screen action.

The technology uses a proprietary wireless protocol. This protocol transmits audio without compression. You hear every detail exactly as developers intended. The lossless audio quality preserves dynamic range and clarity.

Standard Bluetooth codecs compress audio to save bandwidth. This compression removes subtle details from the soundscape. PlayStation Link maintains full audio fidelity throughout transmission.

Setting up PlayStation Link requires the included USB dongle. The dongle plugs into your PS5 console’s USB port. This requirement creates a small inconvenience. The PS5 already has limited USB ports available.

Gamers with multiple peripherals might struggle with port management. The dongle protrudes noticeably from the console. PlayStation Portal users enjoy built in Link support. No dongle installation becomes necessary for portable gaming.

The connection remains stable across typical gaming distances. You can move around your room without audio dropouts. Some users report occasional disconnection issues. The audio briefly cuts out before reconnecting automatically.

Microphone Quality and Communication

Voice communication quality matters for team based multiplayer games. The Pulse Explore earbuds include two hidden microphones. Sony positions these microphones strategically for voice pickup.

The microphone performance delivers mixed results in practice. Your teammates will hear you clearly in quiet environments. Background noise creates more problems for voice clarity.

Sony advertises AI powered noise rejection technology. This feature attempts to filter ambient sounds from your voice. The implementation shows limited effectiveness. Loud background noises still reach your teammates.

Office environments with multiple conversations cause issues. Traffic sounds and music interfere with voice transmission. The AI processing adds noticeable audio artifacts. Your voice sometimes sounds slightly robotic or compressed.

The microphone quality falls below expectations for the price point. Competitors offer superior voice communication at similar costs. Gaming headsets with boom microphones dramatically outperform these earbuds.

The hidden microphone design prioritizes aesthetics over function. Voice chat quality matters less if you primarily game solo. Single player focused gamers won’t mind the compromises. Competitive multiplayer enthusiasts should consider alternatives.

Recording quality shows similar limitations during phone calls. Your voice comes through understandably but not clearly. Professional calls demand better audio quality. The distortion becomes more apparent in quiet recording conditions.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Pulse Explore earbuds support multiple connection methods. PlayStation Link provides the primary gaming connection. Bluetooth 5.3 handles connections to phones and tablets.

You can use both connections simultaneously without conflicts. This dual connection capability adds practical flexibility. Answer phone calls without pausing your game audio.

PlayStation Link works exclusively with compatible Sony devices. Your PS5 console requires the included USB dongle. The PlayStation Portal includes built in Link support. Other gaming platforms cannot use PlayStation Link.

PC gamers need to rely on Bluetooth connections instead. The platform limitation reduces versatility. Competitors often support multiple platforms equally well.

Bluetooth connectivity follows industry standards. The earbuds support AAC codec for improved audio quality. AAC works better than the basic SBC codec. Android users benefit from AAC support.

The connection process follows standard Bluetooth pairing procedures. Press and hold the pairing button for eight seconds. Your device will detect the earbuds in Bluetooth settings.

Multi device switching requires manual intervention. The earbuds don’t automatically switch between devices. You must press the Link button to change connections. This manual process feels outdated compared to modern alternatives.

Gaming Performance Across Different Titles

Real gaming performance reveals the true value of any gaming audio product. The Pulse Explore earbuds excel with PlayStation exclusive titles. Games like Spider Man 2 showcase the 3D audio capabilities.

You hear the city sounds surrounding you from all directions. Web swinging feels more immersive with spatial audio cues. The planar magnetic drivers reproduce the musical score beautifully.

Horror games benefit tremendously from the precise audio positioning. Alan Wake 2 creates genuinely unsettling audio experiences. You hear whispers approaching from behind you. The eerie soundscape heightens tension during exploration.

Jump scares land harder with convincing directional audio. The sound design tricks your brain into feeling present. Atmospheric games gain significant impact from quality audio.

Competitive multiplayer games show the importance of audio precision. Call of Duty and Apex Legends demand accurate sound positioning. Enemy footsteps telegraph opponent locations clearly.

Comparison with Traditional Gaming Headsets

Gaming headsets have dominated console gaming for decades. The Pulse Explore earbuds challenge this established preference. Earbuds offer distinct advantages over traditional headsets.

The lightweight design eliminates pressure on your head. Your ears stay cooler during extended gaming sessions. The compact size makes storage incredibly convenient.

Headsets typically provide better passive noise isolation. The over ear cups block more ambient sound. This isolation improves focus during competitive gaming. The Pulse Explore earbuds offer less environmental blocking.

You remain more aware of your surroundings. This awareness helps you hear doorbells and phone calls. The trade off depends on your gaming environment.

Microphone quality strongly favors gaming headsets. Boom microphones capture voice more clearly. They position closer to your mouth for better pickup. The physical separation from ear cups reduces audio feedback.

Value Proposition and Pricing

The Pulse Explore earbuds retail for 169 dollars. This price positions them in the premium wireless earbud category. Consumers expect comprehensive features at this price point.

Competitors include advanced features like noise cancellation. Water resistance becomes standard in this price range. The Pulse Explore lacks both features entirely.

The planar magnetic drivers justify some premium pricing. This driver technology costs more to manufacture. Most wireless earbuds use cheaper dynamic drivers.

The superior sound quality commands higher prices. Audiophiles recognize the value of planar magnetic technology. Casual listeners might not appreciate the difference.

PlayStation Link technology adds unique value for PS5 owners. The lossless low latency connection improves gaming experiences. No competing product offers equivalent PlayStation integration.

Pros and Cons Summary

Every product brings strengths and weaknesses. The Pulse Explore earbuds deliver specific advantages. They also show clear limitations compared to alternatives.

Understanding both sides helps you make informed decisions. Your specific needs determine if these earbuds suit you.

The major strengths include exceptional gaming audio quality. The planar magnetic drivers create detailed soundscapes. PlayStation Link eliminates latency completely. The 3D audio support enhances compatible games.

Physical buttons provide reliable control. The unique design looks distinctive and memorable. Comfort remains solid during extended gaming sessions. The simultaneous dual connection supports multitasking.

The significant weaknesses cannot be ignored. Battery life falls short of modern standards. No active noise cancellation disappoints at this price. Water resistance remains completely absent. The bulky case challenges portable use.

Microphone quality trails behind competitors. No wireless charging support feels outdated. Limited platform compatibility reduces versatility. The volume controls only work with PlayStation Link.

Who Should Buy the Pulse Explore Earbuds

Target audience identification helps clarify purchase decisions. The Pulse Explore earbuds suit specific gamer profiles. PlayStation 5 owners who game primarily at home gain maximum value.

The PlayStation Link integration works best in this scenario. The 3D audio features shine with PS5 exclusive titles. The aesthetic design matches your console perfectly.

Gamers who prefer earbuds over headsets should consider these. The lightweight comfort suits players with headset fatigue. Glasses wearers appreciate the pressure free design.

The discrete profile appeals to minimalist setups. Your gaming room looks cleaner without bulky headsets. The charging case stores easily near your console.

Players who value audio quality over convenience find appeal. The planar magnetic drivers deliver audiophile grade sound. You appreciate the technical sophistication behind the technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Pulse Explore earbuds work with iPhone and Android phones?

Yes, the Pulse Explore earbuds connect to smartphones via Bluetooth 5.3. They support the AAC codec for improved audio quality on compatible devices. The PlayStation Link technology only works with PS5 and PlayStation Portal. Phone connections rely on standard Bluetooth. You can take calls while gaming through the dual connection feature.

Can you use the Pulse Explore earbuds with Xbox or Nintendo Switch?

The PlayStation Link technology does not support Xbox or Nintendo Switch consoles. You can potentially use Bluetooth connections if the console supports it. However, Bluetooth introduces audio latency during gameplay. The gaming performance suffers compared to PlayStation Link.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

Sony advertises 5 hours of battery life per charge. Real world testing shows approximately 8 hours under normal conditions. Your actual battery life depends on volume levels and features used. Louder volumes and PlayStation Link drain power faster. The charging case provides two additional full charges.

Do the Pulse Explore earbuds have active noise cancellation?

No, the Pulse Explore earbuds lack active noise cancellation technology. They rely entirely on passive noise isolation. The ear tips block moderate ambient sounds when properly fitted. Loud environmental noises penetrate through the earbuds. This limitation affects PlayStation Portal users more significantly.

Are the Pulse Explore earbuds waterproof or sweat resistant?

The Pulse Explore earbuds have no water resistance rating. Sony designed them exclusively for indoor use. Sweat and moisture can damage the internal components. You should avoid wearing them during workouts. Rain and humid environments pose risks to the electronics. The lack of water resistance limits versatility.

Can you adjust the EQ settings on the Pulse Explore earbuds?

PS5 users can access EQ customization through the console settings. You can adjust the sound profile to match your preferences. The EQ settings work exclusively through the PlayStation 5 system. No dedicated mobile app exists for EQ adjustments. Bluetooth connections offer no customization options.