PS3 Bluetooth Headset – PS3 – Review

I have to admit that I’ve been greatly disappointed with the quality, comfort and oftentimes the compatibility of headsets for the PlayStation 3. Sure, the Jabra Bluetooth Headset that was packaged with Warhawk wasn’t entirely bad and the Metal Gear Bluetooth by PDP had clear wideband voice quality, but they just didn’t do it for me in other departments. I’m that meticulous hardware fellow that wants it all and I felt that there just isn’t a headset that would satisfy my personal quest for one that would suit me.

Then again, along comes the Official Bluetooth Headset that accompanied the retail version of the multiplayer-only SOCOM: Confrontation and my quest was finally over.

While not as sleek as the Jabra Bluetooth, the Official Bluetooth Headset is tall, slender and compact. It’s look is both plain and cool at the same time seeing as the Mic Mute button (more on that a bit later) lights up when pressed and the ear clip doesn’t stick out like the Metal Gear Bluetooth headset. In other words, it’s not too flashy that it catches too much attention if you decide to use it with a Bluetooth 2.0 or Bluetooth 1.1 compatible phone. It actually worked a lot better than the headset that came with my new phone.

As an online gamer, however, the headset is downright perfect in mostly every way that counts. First, my PlayStation 3 identified it right away. Some gamers might have to go through a System Update (version 2.50 or later) for the quick automatic pairing as well as the headset status indicator that appears on screen. In no time, you’ll have the headset working to your personal specifications (e.g. volume control and voice level).

The headset also comes with the USB and a charging cradle that can be propped up on a hard surface so you can use it as a desktop mic that works great with games like Rock Band. One of the headset’s most prominent feature, however, is the circular Mic Mute button that‘s easily accessible. When you want to suddenly cut off communication, simply tap the button and tap it again when you want to continue.

Say you’re in the middle of a Unreal Tournament 3 multiplayer match or playing Saint’s Row 2’sonline co-op when your parent/significant other comes into the room and announces something embarrassing like “I know how much you like Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars so I bought you those Jar Jar pajamas you‘ve been wanting so badly.” You would certainly save yourself from some truly awkward moments.

In the headset’s High-Quality mode, you’ll clearly hear the difference. While playing a Metal Gear Solid 4 online match between two fellow reviewers, the reviewer with the same Official Bluetooth headset came through significantly clearer than the other reviewer that didn’t have one.

Another plus is that the headset charges rather quickly and can easily be used for up to 8 hours before charging it again. It also has an impressive 300 hours of standby time so you don’t have to charge it frequently when it’s not in use. Just about the only problem with the headset is that it also tends to pick up other people’s voices within its range. While other gamers won’t notice the “extra” voices in the background, those who do will bring it up.

“What was that, bro?”

“Um, I didn’t say anything. I think you just heard one of my roommates … all the way from the kitchen.”

The Official Bluetooth Headset is a must for any gamer who spends a great deal of time playing online. I recommend that SOCOM fans pick up the version that includes the headset but everyone else can buy it individually for $49.99. Either way, this is the headset PlayStation 3 gamers will certainly appreciate.

Reviewer's Conclusions for Bluetooth Headset for PlayStation 3

Pros: 

  • Surprisingly fast and easy to pair up with your PlayStation 3 and most new phones.

  • The inclusion of a Mute button is brilliant.

  • The sound quality is superb to the point that you’ll notice when other gamers are using the same Bluetooth headset.

  • It doesn’t take too long to charge.

  • I clocked in about 8 hours of use before recharging the headset.

  • In its charging cradle, you can use the headset as a desktop microphone. 

  • Headset comes included with the $59.99 retail version of SOCOM: Confrontation.

Cons: 

  • It’s powerful enough to occasionally pick up conversations in nearby areas … that might confuse other players during matches.

  • It can become just a tad uncomfortable for very long periods of use. 

Verdict: 9.5
It’s no surprise that Sony made this Bluetooth headset the Official Bluetooth Headset for the PlayStation 3 seeing as it easily surpasses other recently released headsets already available. You’ll immediately notice the difference in sound quality and including a mic mute button is a stroke of genius. In short, if you’re shopping around for a headset for your PS3 (or phone) then this is definitely the headset you must buy.