Notice: Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
Notice: We're proud to introduce Test Bench 2.0, which overhauls our audio measurements, with new tests and usages. There's even a brand new multi-target graphing tool! You can read all about this in our changelog, featuring commentary from our Test Designer, Pierre.
- Table of Contents
- Top
- Main Differences
- Sound
- Design
- Isolation
- Microphone
- Active Features
- Connectivity
- Comments
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless vs Sony PULSE Elite
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless
Sony PULSE Elite
Tested using Methodology v1.6
Updated Apr 12, 2024 02:29 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v2.0
Updated Apr 22, 2025 12:55 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
WirelessYes
TransducerDynamic
MicYes
TypeOver-Ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass AmountSlightly Emphasized (1 dB)
WirelessYes
TransducerPlanar Magnetic
Treble AmountSlightly Emphasized (1 dB)
MicYes
Sound SignatureBalanced
Variants
- PULSE 3D (Gray Camouflage)
- PULSE 3D (Midnight Black)
- PULSE 3D (White)
- PULSE Elite (White)
Our Verdict
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless
Sony PULSE Elite
The Sony PULSE 3D Wireless and the Sony PULSE Elite are both closed-back gaming headsets that share the same monochromatic aesthetic that's borrowed from the PS5. Unlike the PULSE 3D, the PULSE Elite have Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated retractable boom mic with great recording quality and excellent noise handling. They're also more comfortable and have a longer continuous battery life. On the other hand, the PULSE 3D can deliver audio more consistently, are better built, and have a more intuitive control scheme.
Check Price
White
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comGray Camouflage
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comMidnight Black
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.comMain Differences forNeutral Sound
Neutral Sound
Threshold
Neutral Sound
7.3
Full Comparison
Sound
Sound Profile
Sound Profile
Normalization Frequency
1,350 Hz
Bass Amount
Slightly Emphasized (1 dB)
Bass Amount
-4 dB
Treble Amount
-4.04 dB
Treble Amount
Slightly Emphasized (1 dB)
Sound Signature
Balanced
Frequency Response Consistency
7.1
3.3
Consistency L
Consistency R
Avg. Std. Deviation
0.58 dB
3.47 dB
Raw Frequency Response
Bass Profile: Target Compliance
7.4
8.5
Bass Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
3.72 dB
3.5 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
51.13 Hz
21.65 Hz
Low Bass
-7.24 dB
-1.16 dB
Mid Bass
-0.31 dB
4.4 dB
High Bass
2.08 dB
1.8 dB
Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
8.8
8.4
Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
1.55 dB
2.14 dB
Low Mid
0.04 dB
-1.78 dB
Mid-Mid
0.03 dB
0.84 dB
High Mid
2.46 dB
-1.18 dB
Treble Profile: Target Compliance
5.7
6.6
Treble Profile: Target Compliance
RMS Deviation From Target
6.2 dB
4.6 dB
Low Treble
-2.65 dB
-3.21 dB
Mid Treble
-6.44 dB
4.4 dB
High Treble
-10.05 dB
-1.33 dB
Peaks/Dips
7.0
6.5
Peaks/Dips Graph
Peaks
1.9 dB
2.04 dB
Dips
1.61 dB
2.59 dB
Stereo Mismatch
5.6
Frequency Response Mismatch
Phase Response Mismatch
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
1.07
0.9 dB
Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch
2.26
2.1 dB
Weighted Phase Mismatch
4.2
4.7°
Cumulative Spectral Decay
CSD
PRTF
5.6
6.9
PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation)
3.34 dB
4.11 dB
PRTF Size (Avg.)
2.79 dB
4.41 dB
PRTF Distance
8.05 dB
14.2 dB
Openness
9.3
Acoustic Space Excitation
3.1
Harmonic Distortion
8.5
Harmonics Levels
WHD @ 94 dB SPL
0.297
0.12%
WHD @ 104 dB SPL
0.182
0.38%
Electrical Aspects
Impedance
Sensitivity @1kHz-1V
N/A
Bluetooth Max SPL
N/A
Virtual Soundstage
2.0
2.0
Virtual Soundstage
Head Modeling
No
No
Speaker Modeling
On/Off
On/Off
Room Ambience
No
No
Head Tracking
No
No
Virtual Surround
Yes
Yes
Test Settings
Firmware
Unknown
0136
Power
On
On
Connection
Wireless (Proprietary)
Wireless (Proprietary)
Codec
PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz
PCM, 16-bit, 48kHz
Test Instrument
Audio Precision APx517B
EQ
No EQ
No EQ
ANC
No ANC
No ANC
Tip/Pad
Default
Default
Microphone
Integrated
Boom
Imaging
8.3
Group Delay
Phase Response Mismatch
Weighted Group Delay
0.28
Weighted Phase Mismatch
4.2
4.7°
Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
1.07
0.9 dB
Weighted Frequency Mismatch
2.26
2.1 dB
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
7.4
Weighted Harmonic Distortion
WHD @ 90
0.297
0.12%
WHD @ 100
0.182
0.38%
Design
Style
Design Picture 2
Type
Over-ear
Over-Ear
Enclosure
Closed-Back
Closed-Back
Wireless
Yes
Yes
Transducer
Dynamic
Planar Magnetic
Comfort
6.0
7.0
Comfort Picture
Weight
0.65 lbs
0.75 lbs
Clamping Force
0.9 lbs
0.83 lbs
Controls
6.4
5.6
Controls Picture
OS Compatibility
Not OS specific
Not OS specific
Ease Of Use
Decent
Decent
Feedback
Decent
Good
Call/Music Control
No
No
Volume Control
Yes
Yes
Microphone Control
Mute/Unmute
Mute/Unmute
Channel Mixing
Yes
No
Noise Cancelling Control
No
No
Talk-Through
On/Off
No
Additional Controls
No
Bluetooth + Multi function
Breathability
Breathability After Picture
Avg.Temp.Difference
Portability
5.3
5.2
Portability Picture
L
8.2" (20.8 cm)
8.4" (21.3 cm)
W
7.3" (18.5 cm)
6.1" (15.5 cm)
H
3.6" (9.1 cm)
5.1" (12.9 cm)
Volume
216.00 in³ (3,539.59 cm³)
259.90 in³ (4,258.94 cm³)
Transmitter Required
No
No
Case
0.0
0.0
Case Picture
Type
No case
No case
L
N/A
N/A
W
N/A
N/A
H
N/A
N/A
Volume
N/A
N/A
Build Quality
7.0
6.0
Build Quality Picture
Stability
6.5
6.2
Stability Picture
Headshots 1
Angled Picture
Side Picture
Headshots 2
Front Picture
Rear Picture
Top
Top Picture
In The Box
In The Box Picture
Isolation
Noise Isolation - Full Range
2.0
3.4
Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph
Noise Cancelling
No
No
Overall Attenuation
-6.56 dB
-7.80 dB
Isolation Audio
Bass
0.2 dB
4.00 dB
Mid
0.76 dB
-7.92 dB
Treble
-20.22 dB
-21.95 dB
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
3.2
Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph
Airplane Noise Attenuation
-5.77 dB
Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
Office Noise Attenuation
-6.47 dB
Office Noise Isolation Audio
Street Noise Attenuation
-6.87 dB
Street Noise Isolation Audio
Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
Female Voice 1
Male Voice 1
Female Voice 2
Male Voice 2
ANC Wind Handling
ANC Wind Handling Graph
ANC Wind Noise
N/A
Leakage
7.3
5.9
Leakage Audio
Overall Leakage @ 1ft
37.91 dB
45.46 dB
Microphone
Microphone Style
Integrated
Yes
No
In-Line
No
No
Boom
No
Yes
Detachable Boom
No
No
Mic
Yes
Yes
Recording Quality
6.8
7.9
Microphone Frequency Response
Recorded Speech
LFE
179.59 Hz
113.14 Hz
FR Std. Dev.
3.66 dB
0.99 dB
HFE
3,272.31 Hz
6,736.4 Hz
Weighted THD
0.191
1.821
Gain
-5.07 dB
8.46 dB
Noise Handling
5.7
8.8
SpNR
11.29 dB
63.8 dB
Noise Gate
Always On
Always On
Speech + Pink Noise Handling
5.5
9.0
Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
Speech + Subway Noise Handling
6.0
8.5
Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
Active Features
Battery
7.3
8.9
Battery Type
Rechargable
Rechargable
Continuous Battery Life
13.4 hrs
53 hrs
Additional Charges
0.0
0.0
Total Battery Life
13.4 hrs
53 hrs
Charge Time
3.3 hrs
2.5 hrs
Power-Saving Feature
No
Auto-Off Timer
Audio While Charging
Yes
Yes
Passive Playback
Yes
No
Charging Port
USB-C
USB-C
App Support
7.0
7.0
App Picture
App Name
PS5 Inferface
PS5 Inferface
iOS
No
No
Android
No
No
macOS
No
No
Windows
No
No
Equalizer
Graphic + Presets
Graphic + Presets
ANC Control
No
No
Mic Control
No
Adjustable Level
Room Effects
No
No
Playback Control
No
No
Button Mapping
No
No
Surround Support
No
Yes
Connectivity
Wired Connection
9.9
8.4
Cable Picture
Analog Audio
Yes
Yes
USB Audio
No
No
Detachable
Yes
Yes
Length
4.10 ft (1.25 m)
N/A
Connector
1/8" TRRS
1/8" TRRS
Latency - Analog
0.2 ms
3.8 ms
Latency - USB
N/A
N/A
Recorded Latency
Recorded Latency Connection
Analog
Analog
Bluetooth Connection
0.0
7.4
Bluetooth Version
No Bluetooth
Unspecified
Multi-Device Pairing
No
Bluetooth + Console/Non-BT Wireless
Quick Pair (Android)
No
No
Quick Pair (iOS)
No
No
Line Of Sight Range
N/A
334.65 ft (102.00 m)
Latency - SBC
N/A
325 ms
Latency - aptX
N/A
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
N/A
N/A
Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
N/A
N/A
Latency - LDAC
N/A
N/A
Recorded Latency
N/A
Recorded Latency Codec
No Bluetooth Audio
SBC
AAC Support
No
No
Wireless Connection (Dongle)
8.9
7.7
Line Of Sight Range
195.00 ft (59.44 m)
104.99 ft (32.00 m)
Latency - Dongle
24 ms
26 ms
Recorded Latency
PC Compatibility
Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone (Not Included)
Wired USB
No
No
Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
PlayStation Compatibility
PS4 Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone (Not Included)
PS4 Wired USB
No
No
PS4 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
PS5 Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone (Not included)
PS5 Wired USB
No
No
PS5 Non-BT Wireless
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone
Xbox Compatibility
Xbox One Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone (Not Included)
Xbox One Wired USB
No
No
Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
No
No
Xbox Series X|S Analog
Audio + Microphone
Audio + Microphone (Not Included)
Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
No
No
Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
No
No
Base/Dock
3.4
3.4
Type
Wireless USB Dongle
Wireless USB Dongle
USB Input
Yes
Yes
Line In
No
No
Line Out
No
No
Optical Input
No
No
RCA Input
No
No
Dock Charging
No
No
Power Supply
USB
USB
Check Price
White
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comGray Camouflage
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comMidnight Black
PULSE 3D
Searching
Finding storeWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.comWhite
PULSE Elite
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless
Sony PULSE Elite
Comments
Sony PULSE 3D Wireless vs Sony PULSE Elite: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.