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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minutePartly. PULSE Explore earbuds can play audio from a Bluetooth-connected phone while they are connected to one PlayStation Link source—either a PS5 or a PC. They cannot play PS5 and PC audio together, because only one PlayStation Link connection can be active at a time.
You can pair the earbuds with adapters on both the PS5 and PC, leave the phone paired over Bluetooth, and switch the active PlayStation Link source when needed. A second USB adapter makes that switch more convenient, but it does not create a three-device audio mix.
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What “at the same time” means with PULSE Explore
The earbuds use two different wireless systems:
- Bluetooth connects to a phone or another supported Bluetooth device.
- PlayStation Link connects through a USB adapter to a PS5, Windows PC, or compatible Mac.
Those systems can operate together in one specific combination: one Bluetooth audio connection plus one PlayStation Link audio connection. For example, you can listen to game audio from the PS5 while the phone remains connected for music or calls. You can also use the same arrangement with a PC instead of the PS5.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The restriction is between PlayStation Link sources. The earbuds cannot receive PS5 audio and PC audio simultaneously. Even if both adapters are paired, only one of them can be the active PlayStation Link connection.
#1 Best Overall
- Box Contents: PULSE Explore wireless earbuds, PlayStation Link USB adapter, Charging case, 6 Earbud tips, USB cable, Printed Materials
- Next Generation Gaming Audio - Experience extraordinary lifelike sound in yur favorite games.
- Multi-Device Connectivity - Go where adventure takes you with the ability to wirelessly connect to a range of devices.
- Command and Control - Lead your squad to victory with crystal-clear voice capture and easy-access controls.
- Built for Adventure - Enjoy lifelike sound wherever you go with a portable design and charging case.
Sony says simultaneous Bluetooth use does not affect PlayStation Link audio latency. The phone connection therefore does not turn the earbuds into a second PS Link stream; it is a separate Bluetooth channel that can remain connected alongside whichever PS Link source is active.
Connection combinations that work—and those that do not
| Devices | How they connect | Can audio play simultaneously? |
|---|---|---|
| Phone + PS5 | Phone over Bluetooth; PS5 through a PlayStation Link USB adapter | Yes |
| Phone + PC | Phone over Bluetooth; PC through a PlayStation Link USB adapter | Yes |
| PS5 + PC | Both through separate PlayStation Link USB adapters | No. Only one PS Link source is active |
| Phone + PS5 + PC | One Bluetooth source and two PS Link sources | Only the phone plus either the PS5 or PC |
| Several paired phones | Bluetooth pairings stored in the earbuds | No. Only one Bluetooth device can be connected and play audio at a time |
“Paired” means the earbuds remember a device. It does not mean that the device is currently sending sound. This distinction explains why pairing both the PS5 and PC does not produce a three-way mix.
What you need before setting it up
- PULSE Explore earbuds and their charging case.
- A PlayStation Link USB adapter for the PS5.
- A PlayStation Link USB adapter for the PC or Mac, if you want both systems ready without moving hardware.
- A phone with Bluetooth enabled.
- A Windows PC or compatible Mac that can use USB audio through the adapter.
The adapter supplied with the earbuds is pre-paired when the product is new. The PS5 and computer still need to be powered on and configured to use the adapter as their audio output. Sony cautions that compatibility varies, so a computer must meet the adapter and operating-system requirements for PlayStation Link audio.
How to connect the phone
- Open the phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Put the PULSE Explore earbuds into pairing mode according to the earbuds’ pairing controls.
- Select PULSE Explore in the phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices.
- Wait for the phone to show the earbuds as connected.
After Bluetooth pairing, the earbuds also search for PlayStation Link devices that have already been paired and are ready to connect. If you want the phone to remain available while gaming, leave Bluetooth enabled and do not disconnect PULSE Explore from the phone.
Rank #2
- Box Contents: PULSE Explore wireless earbuds, PlayStation Link USB adapter, Charging case, 6 Earbud tips, USB cable, Printed Materials
- Next Generation Gaming Audio - Experience extraordinary lifelike sound in yur favorite games.
- Multi-Device Connectivity - Go where adventure takes you with the ability to wirelessly connect to a range of devices.
- Command and Control - Lead your squad to victory with crystal-clear voice capture and easy-access controls.
- Built for Adventure - Enjoy lifelike sound wherever you go with a portable design and charging case.
The earbuds can store pairings with up to ten Bluetooth devices, according to Sony’s support instructions. That is a memory limit, not a simultaneous-stream limit: only one Bluetooth device can be connected and playing audio at a time.
How to connect PULSE Explore to a PS5
- Insert a PlayStation Link USB adapter into the PS5.
- Turn on the console and make sure the adapter is recognized.
- With the earbuds paired to the adapter, select the PULSE Explore audio device in the PS5’s sound settings if the console does not switch automatically.
- Start audio playback or a game and confirm that sound is coming through the earbuds.
The USB adapter included with the earbuds is already paired when new. If you are using another adapter, pair it with the earbuds before trying to switch to it. Keep the adapter unobstructed and fully inserted; a loose connection can make the console appear not to have a PlayStation Link device.
How to connect PULSE Explore to a PC or Mac
- Insert a PlayStation Link USB adapter into a compatible USB port on the computer.
- Allow the operating system to detect the adapter.
- Open the computer’s sound settings and choose the PlayStation Link adapter as the active output device if it is not selected automatically.
- Start audio playback and check that the earbuds are the selected output rather than the computer’s built-in speakers or another headset.
On Windows, Sony’s PS Link PC Driver can provide additional controls, including a Disconnect option in its quick menu. A Mac also needs to expose the adapter as a USB audio output. If the adapter is listed but silent, manually selecting it as the output device is the first check.
How to switch between PS5 and PC
Switching changes the active PlayStation Link destination; it does not combine the two systems. The destination adapter must be inserted and its host device must be powered on.
Rank #3
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Light and compact to give you all-day comfort and designed for the ideal fit, for an exceptional all-round listening experience.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE & QUICK CHARGING: Up to 11 hours of battery life (up to 22hrs with case) with quick charging (5 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback).
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
- STAY CONNECTED: Ambient Sound Mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.
- EASY HANDS- FREE CALLING: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- Wake or turn on the PS5 or PC you want to use.
- Make sure that device’s PlayStation Link USB adapter is connected.
- On the earbuds, hold the PS Link button for about two seconds.
- Use the destination adapter’s PS Link button, or follow the on-screen prompt on the PS5, as directed by the pairing and switching process.
- Wait for the earbuds to confirm the new PlayStation Link connection, then test audio.
On Windows, you can also use the PS Link PC Driver’s quick-menu Disconnect command before selecting another destination. This can help when the earbuds remain attached to the previous computer connection.
If the intended destination is switched off, the earbuds return to the last connected device. Turn on the target console or computer before attempting the switch; otherwise, the earbuds may appear to ignore the command because there is no available adapter to receive it.
Using the phone while PS5 or PC audio is playing
Once the phone is connected over Bluetooth and either the PS5 or PC is active over PlayStation Link, the phone can provide audio at the same time. This is useful for listening to mobile music, receiving a call, or keeping a communications app connected while gaming.
The two audio paths have separate controls. When both are in use, the earbuds’ volume button controls PlayStation Link audio. Adjust the Bluetooth audio level from the phone itself. If phone audio seems too quiet while game audio is normal, raise the phone’s media or call volume rather than repeatedly pressing the earbuds’ volume control.
Rank #4
- OPEN EAR DESIGN: Enjoy true open ear listening that keeps you connected to your surroundings while immersing you in your favorite music or podcast. Whether you’re at work, on the move, or relaxing at home, LinkBuds Clip earbuds let you stay aware of what’s happening around you without ever tuning out.
- SECURE AND COMFORTABLE FIT: Experience feather-light comfort and a secure, ergonomic fit designed for all-day wear. Customizable Pair with the Air Fitting Cushions to ensure the earbuds stay comfortably in place, so you can enjoy your music and calls without distraction.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS, POWERED BY AI: Take calls with confidence wherever you are, powered by advanced AI Voice Pickup Technology. Dual microphones and intelligent noise reduction algorithms work together to isolate your voice, filtering out background sounds—even in busy environments. A speech vibration sensor detects your voice through bone conduction, ensuring every conversation sounds natural and uninterrupted, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
- THREE LISTENING MODES: Easily adapt your listening experience to any environment with three tap-switchable modes: Standard for everyday use, Voice Boost for noisy places, and Sound Leakage Reduction for quiet settings. Just tap your earbuds to find the perfect sound for every moment.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE WITH QUICK CHARGING: Keep your music and calls going all day with up to 37 hours of battery life (up to 9 hours with the earbuds and up to 28 hours with the charging case). A quick 3-minute charge gives you up to an extra hour of listening, so you’re always ready for what’s next.
Bluetooth pairing does not automatically make phone calls part of the PS5 or PC chat mix. The supported feature is simultaneous device connection and playback; how a particular phone handles calls, notifications, and media ducking can vary by phone and operating system.
One adapter or two: which setup is better?
| Setup | How it works | Advantages | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move the included adapter | Unplug the PlayStation Link adapter from the PS5 and insert it into the PC, or move it back when you change systems. | No additional adapter is required; the included adapter is already paired. | You must physically move the adapter and may need to select the computer’s audio output again. |
| Keep an adapter on each device | Pair a second PlayStation Link USB adapter, leave one in the PS5 and one in the PC, then switch destinations from the earbuds. | Faster switching and no repeated unplugging. | Requires an additional adapter. Its price and availability are not stated here, and it still supports only one active PS Link stream. |
Sony says PULSE Explore can be paired with up to eight PlayStation Link USB adapters. That makes multiple fixed adapters possible within the published pairing limit, but every additional pairing remains a destination for switching rather than another simultaneous audio source.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and fixes
The phone connects, but PS5 audio does not
- Confirm that a PlayStation Link adapter is inserted into the PS5 and that the console is on.
- Check the PS5 sound-output setting and select the PlayStation Link device.
- Move the earbuds closer to the adapter and retry the PS Link connection.
- If the adapter was replaced, pair the new adapter before attempting to connect.
The PC is connected but sound comes from its speakers
- Open Windows or macOS sound settings.
- Select the PlayStation Link USB adapter as the active output.
- Check the individual application’s output setting; some apps keep using the previous device.
- On Windows, open the PS Link PC Driver quick menu and disconnect, then reconnect to the intended adapter.
The earbuds keep returning to the wrong device
Make sure the desired console or computer is powered on before switching. If the target adapter is unavailable, the earbuds return to the last connected device. Disconnect the current computer connection through the PS Link PC Driver when using Windows, then hold the earbuds’ PS Link button for about two seconds and select the other destination.
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This is expected behavior, not a fault. Pairing both adapters enables switching only. PULSE Explore supports one active PlayStation Link connection, so the PS5 and PC cannot be mixed into one simultaneous PS Link stream.
Best Value
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- Long battery life of up to 25 hours
- DSEE restores high frequency sounds lost in compression
- Splash-proof and sweat-proof with an IPX4 rating
- Easier, clearer hands-free calling
Phone volume changes but game volume does not
When Bluetooth and PlayStation Link are both active, the earbuds’ volume controls apply to PS Link audio. Change the phone’s Bluetooth media or call volume on the phone. This separate control behavior is normal.
Limits to keep in mind
- One Bluetooth audio device and one PlayStation Link audio device can be active together.
- PS5 and PC are mutually exclusive as simultaneous PlayStation Link sources.
- Up to eight PlayStation Link USB adapters can be paired with the earbuds.
- Up to ten Bluetooth devices can be paired, but only one Bluetooth device can be connected and playing audio at a time.
- Computer compatibility depends on the system, USB audio support, and the adapter’s requirements.
- A second adapter improves convenience only; it does not add another audio channel.
These are manufacturer-published connection limits. Firmware, compatibility requirements, and support behavior can change, so check the current PlayStation support instructions if your hardware or operating-system version differs from the normal setup.
The Bottom Line
PULSE Explore can stay connected to your phone over Bluetooth while playing audio from either your PS5 or your PC through PlayStation Link. It cannot play PS5 and PC audio simultaneously. Pair both adapters if you want quick switching, and use a second adapter only to avoid moving the included one between devices.
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