Sony currently has two PlayStation Gold Headsets on the market: the newer model that was released earlier in 2018 as well as the older version. So which are these two are better? If you are having a hard time picking one over the other, you can find out in our buying guide to see the advantages and disadvantages of both below.
Pricing
You can check out the current price tags for the two PlayStation Gold Gaming Headsets with the following links on Amazon:
Variations
In addition to the standard black color, the new PlayStation Gold also comes in the 500 Million Limited Edition release, which you can check out with this link.
The older model has several variations in addition to the standard black color. The alternate colors include the 20th Anniversary Edition, Uncharted 4 Limited Edition and White. You can check out these with the following pages:
Inside the Box
The packaging for the new model comes with the wireless headset, wireless adaptor, type-A to micro-B USB cable as well as the 3.5mm audio cable.
The box for the older version includes the wireless headset wireless adaptor, type-A to micro-B USB cable, 3.5mm audio cable in addition to a travel pouch.
Comfort
Perhaps the biggest complaint against the older PlayStation Golds is that it can be quite uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time due to its tight fit. As a result, you can often sweat and your ears can start to hurt, due to them being pressed up to your face, during longer gaming sessions.
Sony fixed these issues with the newer PlayStation Gold as the headband is longer and sleeker while the over-ear cushions allow more breathing room for your ears. Furthermore, Sony also made sure that the new model is comfortable to wear with the PlayStation VR headset.
Specs
As for specifications, the older gaming headset has a slight advantage when it comes to wireless communication range and battery life. On the other hand, the new model weighs less. With that said, the differences between the two are negligible. You can check out the specs for both products below (via the product manuals for the old and new models):
Old PlayStation Gold:
Battery capacity: 570 mAh
Operating environment temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C / 41 °F – 95 °F
Dimensions (w/h/d):
- Wireless headset: 178.3 x 191.5 x 48 mm (7.0 x 7.7 x 1.9 in)
- Wireless adaptor: 17.4 × 8.4 × 36.1 mm (0.7 × 0.3 × 1.4 in)
Weight:
- Wireless headset: Approx. 295.4 g (10.4 oz)
- Wireless adaptor: Approx. 5.3 g (0.19 oz)
Communication system: 2.4 GHz RF
Maximum communication range: Approx. 12 m (39 ft)
Use time when fully charged: around 8 hours at mid volume level
New PlayStation Gold:
Battery capacity: 570 mAh
Operating environment temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C / 41 °F – 95 °F
Dimensions (w/h/d):
- Wireless headset: 201 x 172 x 91 mm (7.9 x 6.8 x 3.6 in)
- Wireless adaptor: 48 x 18 x 8 mm (1.9 x 0.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight:
- Wireless headset: approx. 230 g (8.6 oz)
- Wireless adaptor: approx. 6 g (0.19 oz)
Communication system: 2.4 GHz RF
Maximum communication range: Approx. 10 m (33 ft)
Use time when fully charged: at least 7 hours at mid volume level
7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
Both the old and new models support 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. The two products can also be used as a stereo headset via the included 3.5mm audio cables.
Custom Audio Profiles for Select Games
The new PlayStation Gold Gaming Headset has fewer custom game audio profiles when compared to the older model on the Headset Companion App (just in case you don’t know, this application is free to download on the PlayStation Store and allows you to customize the settings for official PlayStation headsets). As of this writing, the PlayStation 4 games that come with a custom audio profile for the new PlayStation Gold are the following:
- Final Fantasy XIV Online
- God of War
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Metal Gear Survive
- MLB The Show 17
- MLB The Show 18
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
In comparison, the older model has significantly more custom game audio profiles. You can find its list below:
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Bloodborne
- Destiny
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Driveclub
- Far Cry 4
- Final Fantasy XIV Online
- God of War
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- inFamous Second Son
- Metal Gear Survive
- MLB The Show 16
- MLB The Show 17
- MLB The Show 18
- No Man’s Sky
- Paragon
- Ratchet and Clank
- The Last Guardian
- The Last of Us Remastered
- The Order 1886
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection
- Until Dawn
- Watch Dogs
- Watch Dogs 2
Other Audio Profiles
There are other audio profiles as well aside from the aforementioned game-specific presets. Both PS4 headsets have profiles for the shooter and fighting game genres. The two also support action and horror movies in addition to having bass boost, hip hop and techno music presets. Last but not least, you can also create your own audio profiles for both by changing the bass, mid and treble settings in the Headset Companion App.
Microphones
Both the new and old PlayStation Gold have two hidden microphones which are designed for noise cancellation as well as clearer voice chat.
Recap
The new PlayStation Gold Gaming Headset is more comfortable to wear, especially if you are planning to use it alongside the PSVR headset. So, if comfort is your priority, then you can purchase the new model with this link.
On the other hand, the older model comes with more custom audio profiles for PlayStation 4 games in addition to being a little bit battery in terms of battery life and wireless communication range. If you are interested, you can purchase the old PlayStation Gold Gaming Headset with this page.
