Sony recently released a new official gaming headset called the PlayStation Platinum. So how does this new product compared to the popular PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset? If you have a hard time deciding which of the two to purchase, you can compare the features for both in our guide below.
Price Tags
You can check out the price tags for the Platinum and Gold on Amazon with the following links:
7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Support
Both the PlayStation Platinum and PlayStation Gold support 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. This feature simulates an eight-channel audio configuration, allowing you to hear sound coming from different directions in supported games.
Select games take advantage of 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound. The notable titles include Bloodborne, Destiny, inFamous: Second Son, Ratchet and Clank, The Last of Us Remastered, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Until Dawn.
3D Audio Support
The 3D Audio Support is only available in the PlayStation Platinum Gaming Headset. 3D Audio is the next level up from 7.1 Surround Sound as it adds spatial awareness.
Only a handful of games support 3D Audio, however. The short list (so far) includes MLB The Show 16, MLB The Show 17, The Last Guardian, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Watch Dogs 2.
Headset Companion App
In order to take advantage of 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound for Gold/Platinum as well as 3D Audio for Platinum, you will need to download the free Headset Companion App from the PlayStation Store. This application will allow you to use game specific, as well as genre specific, presets.
Battery Capacity
The PlayStation Platinum has the bigger battery capacity of the two as it comes with a 760 mAh internal battery. By comparison, the PlayStation Gold has a 570 mAh battery.
Usage Time When Fully Charged
By having the bigger battery, the Platinum also has a slightly higher usage time per full charge. The newer headset should last around 9 hours as opposed to the Gold’s 8 hours at mid volume levels. The actual usage time could vary due to several factors such as the temperature of the operating environment.
Communication System
Both virtual surround headsets use the same communication system, which is 2.4 GHz RF.
Maximum Communication Range
Despite having the same communication system, the PlayStation Platinum Wireless has a longer maximum communication range as it can support up to around 13 meters (or 42.65 in feet). By comparison, the PlayStation Gold Wireless has a slight shorter range of approximately 12 meters (or 39 feet). Of course, actual performance of the two will vary depending on factors such as having other devices that could hinder the signal.
Weight
The Platinum Gaming Headset weighs more than the Gold version. The former has a weight of around 318.2 grams (or 11.22 ounces) while the latter weighs approximately 295.4 grams (or 10.4 ounces).
Both products also come with a USB wireless adaptor that lets you connect the headset to the PlayStation 4. The one that came with the Platinum has a weight of approximately 13.3 grams (or 0.47 ounces) while the adaptor for the Gold weighs 5.3 grams (or 0.19 ounces).
Dimensions
The Platinum Headset has a dimension of 168 mm (or 6.6 inches) in width, 192 mm (or 7.6 inches) in height and 44 mm (or 1.6 inches) in depth. The Gold Headset measures at 178.3 mm (or 7 inches) in width, 191.5 mm (or 7.7 inches) in height and 48 mm (or 1.9 inches) in depth.
The wireless adaptor included with the Platinum Headset has a dimension of 21 mm (or 0.8 inches) in width, 15.71 mm (or 0.6 inches) in height and 54 mm (or 2.1 inches) in depth. The one that came with the Gold measures at 17.4 mm (or 0.7 inches) in width, 8.4 mm (or 0.3 inches) in height and 36.1 mm (or 1.4 inches) in depth.
Recommended operating environment temperature
The recommended operating environment temperature is the same for both products. The two has a recommendation of between 5 °C to 35 °C (or 41 °F to 95 °F).
Contents in Box
The PlayStation Platinum Gaming Headset comes with the following contents:
- Wireless headset
- Wireless adaptor
- 1.2 meter (or 3.9 ft) Audio cable
- 60.96 cm (or 2 ft) Micro-B type USB cable
- Pouch
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety and Support Guide
The PlayStation Gold Gaming Headset includes the following:
- Wireless stereo headset
- Wireless adaptor
- 1.2 m (or 3.9 ft) Audio cable
- 30.5 cm (or 1 ft) Micro-B USB charging cable
- Travel pouch
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety and Support Guide
Platform Compatibility
The PlayStation Platinum Headset is mainly compatible with the PlayStation 4. With that said, it can also be used as a regular stereo headset for devices that take uses 3.5mm audio cable input.
On the other hand, the PlayStation Gold Gaming Headset is compatible with both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 consoles. It can also be used with other devices as a stereo headset via a 3.5mm audio cable connection.
Recap
Although more expensive, the PlayStation Platinum Gaming Headset does have a longer battery life and features support for 3D audio. If you are interested, you can buy the newer product with this link.
With that said, the PlayStation Gold is cheaper while also being compatible with the PlayStation 3 in addition to the PlayStation 4. So, if you aren’t interested in 3D audio, this older product may be a better choice. You can purchase the Gold Gaming Headset via this page.