Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

Quick Overview: Key Features of the Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore

• Planar magnetic drivers: Clear, distortion-free sound reproduction
• PlayStation Link & Bluetooth: For lossless audio transfer and flexible use
• Separate Link adapter: Direct connection to PS5, PlayStation Portal, or PC
• Built-in microphones: With AI-powered noise reduction
• Charging case included: Practical for use on the go

Design

The Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore follows Sony’s PlayStation design language, with a futuristic look, clean lines, and a matte finish. The shape is quite different from typical in-ears, making them stand out visually. Despite the relatively large housings, they sit comfortably and securely in the ear.

Sony includes four different sizes of silicone ear tips for a custom fit. Once you find the right size, they provide a firm hold without pressure, even during long sessions—though it can take some trial and error to get the fit right.

The charging case is solidly built but noticeably larger than that of most true wireless models. It adds some bulk in a trouser pocket but offers reliable protection and extra battery life for travel. Ideally, it’s best kept in a backpack or jacket pocket.

Compatibility & Connectivity

The Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore works best with the PlayStation 5 or PlayStation Portal, where the included PlayStation Link adapter ensures lossless audio and virtually lag-free gaming. For other devices, such as PCs or smartphones, Bluetooth is used.

While the Explore still sounds good via Bluetooth, audio quality and latency are noticeably better with PlayStation Link. An added benefit of Link mode is dual-device connectivity—you can connect to the PlayStation and a smartphone simultaneously, taking calls or listening to music while still hearing in-game audio.

Controls

Controls are located directly on the earbuds via easy-to-reach buttons. Volume adjustment, media control, and switching between PlayStation Link and Bluetooth can be done quickly and directly. Pairing is simple, and switching between console and phone is possible with a single press. Pairing with other devices is done via the Link button in the charging case.

Battery Life

The Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore offers around 5 hours of playback per charge, with up to 15 extra hours via the charging case. A quick-charge function delivers enough power for a short gaming session in just a few minutes. While battery life doesn’t match that of over-ear headsets, it’s perfectly reasonable for in-ears.

Noise Reduction

TheSony PlayStation Pulse Explore does not feature traditional active noise cancelling. Instead, AI-powered noise reduction works via the built-in microphones to filter out background sounds, improving clarity during voice chats. This works surprisingly well for things like vacuum cleaner noise or traffic. There is no transparency mode—if you need to hear your surroundings, you’ll have to lower the volume or remove one earbud, as the silicone tips seal the ears very effectively.

Sound Quality

Despite their compact form, the Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore delivers impressively detailed audio. On the PlayStation 5, the soundstage is particularly spacious and precise—footsteps can be pinpointed, directional changes are easy to track, and explosions have a satisfying punch. Bass is even fuller than on the larger Pulse Elite, and voices sound natural and clear, adding immersion to story-driven games.

On PC and smartphone, performance remains strong. Bluetooth audio is slightly less dynamic than via PlayStation Link but still balanced and clear. Bass is present without overpowering, and highs remain smooth even at higher volumes.

The level of detail is outstanding for in-ears: subtle background sounds like a crackling campfire or rustling leaves remain distinct. The stereo image is impressively wide, benefiting action games and multiplayer matches alike. Music and films also benefit from precise instrument separation and a lively presentation. Sony has not disclosed details on supported Bluetooth codecs.

Conclusion

The Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore is aimed at gamers who want high-quality sound both on the go and at home. At its best when paired with the PS5, it delivers lossless, low-latency audio via PlayStation Link, but it also performs well on smartphones and PCs. Controls are intuitive, sound quality is excellent for in-ears, and multipoint connectivity is useful for everyday life.

The lack of ANC, transparency mode, and the somewhat large fit are drawbacks, but overall, the Pulse Explore offers a well-thought-out package for PlayStation fans and frequent mobile users.