Pulse Elite vs Pulse Explore: Which One is The Winner?
By Elisabeth Christ
Published March 2024
Are you looking for a pair of headphones or earbuds that can keep up with your active gaming style?
We’ve got Sony Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore for you to look into.
In this comparison article, we'll take a closer look at these two top-of-the-line headphone and earbud to help you decide which one is the winner. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just someone who wants high-quality sound on the go when you want to put up your console, we've got you covered.
So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of wireless headphones.
Key Takeaways
Overall, the Pulse Elite has superior noise-cancelling technology and a wider range of features, making it the better choice for audiophiles who value customization and immersive sound experiences, while the Pulse Explore is a pair of earbuds that deliver impressive sound quality and durability, making it an excellent choice for those who look for a smaller, portable form with less demanding audio needs.
Pulse Elite
Best for Immersive Audio
✓ Luxurious & ultramodern appearance
✓ Planar magnetic drivers
✓ Passive noise isolation
✓ Sound settings customization on PS5
Pulse Explore
Best for Gaming Earbuds
✓ Modern design with volume and PlayStation Link button
✓ Planar magnetic drivers
✓ Ultra-low distortion soundscapes
✓ No latency
#1 Price
Pulse Elite
The Pulse Elite, with its price tag of $150, sits comfortably in the mid-range bracket, offering a balance between luxury and functionality. It's an appealing choice for gamers who want a bit of style without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Pulse Explore leaps into the higher end at $200, reflecting its advanced features and possibly its more refined audio technology. This difference sets expectations for what each headset should deliver in terms of performance and features.
#2 Design
Pulse Explore
The Pulse Elite strikes a balance between stylish looks and comfort, featuring an ultramodern design with enhanced ear cups and soft ear pads for extended gaming sessions. However, its somewhat plasticky feel and the vulnerability of the black ear cup exterior to damage might be drawbacks for some. The headband strap is a thoughtful addition, aiming to reduce head pressure during long use.
In contrast, the Pulse Explore opts for a modern design with a practical volume rocker and PlayStation Link button. The inclusion of four sets of silicone ear tips shows a commitment to accommodating a wide range of users, ensuring comfort despite its chunkier dimensions.
#3 Features & Audio Quality
PlayStation Pulse Elite
Both headsets boast planar magnetic drivers known for their sonic accuracy and low distortion, ensuring a high-quality audio experience. The Pulse Elite offers a bendable mic with mute functionality and excels in voice-calling performance with impressive background noise suppression. Although it lacks active noise cancelling, passive noise isolation and the ability to tweak sound settings on the PS5 enhance its appeal.
The Pulse Explore, meanwhile, steps up with AI-enhanced noise rejection for its microphones and promises detailed soundscapes with deep, clear bass. However, the absence of active noise cancellation in both models might be a missed opportunity for immersive gaming.
#4 Connectivity
Pulse Explore
Connectivity is a strong suit for both models. The Pulse Elite provides seamless connection to the PS5 and supports dual-device connectivity via Bluetooth, making it versatile for various gaming setups. The lack of a provided cable for wired use is a minor inconvenience.
The Pulse Explore extends compatibility to PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, with the added advantage of simultaneous connections to PlayStation Link and a Bluetooth device. However, its approach to connecting with the Nintendo Switch might introduce latency, which could be a drawback for some users.
#5 Battery Life
Pulse Elite
Battery life is where the two models diverge significantly. The Pulse Elite impresses with 30 hours of listening time and a quick-charge feature that adds two hours of battery life from just a 10-minute charge. This endurance is suited for marathon gaming sessions without frequent interruptions.
The Pulse Explore, however, offers a mere 5 hours of continuous playback, with an additional 10 hours provided by the charging case. This shorter battery life might limit its appeal to gamers who prefer longer, uninterrupted playtimes, despite its higher price point and advanced features.
PlayStation 5 Pulse Elite vs Pulse Explore
Final Thoughts
Pulse Elite vs Pulse Explore
In conclusion, both the Sony Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore are top-of-the-line headphones that offer exceptional sound quality, design, and connectivity. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
If you're a gamer who values long battery life and passive noise isolation with customizable sound settings for PS5 gaming, then the Pulse Elite might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for advanced features such as AI-enhanced noise rejection or compatibility with multiple devices including PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and PlayStation Link, then the Pulse Explore could be a better fit.
At the end, whichever model you choose will deliver high-quality audio performance that makes your listening experience immersive and enjoyable. So go ahead and pick one of these wireless headphones to elevate your gaming experience or just enjoy music on the go!
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