What Can You Use to Talk on a PS3?

Official Sony Bluetooth Headset

• The official Sony PS3 Bluetooth Headset is the only headset available from Sony for the PlayStation 3 console. This headset connects to the system via a wireless Bluetooth connection, which can be managed through the system's "Accessory Settings" menu in the "Settings" section of the XrossMediaBar. This headset only supports chatting, meaning that the in-game audio is not played through the headset's earpiece.

Standard Bluetooth Headset

• The PlayStation 3 is also compatible with any Bluetooth headset that uses the Bluetooth 2.0 standard. These include but are not limited to cellphone Bluetooth headsets and other third-party gaming Bluetooth headsets. These headsets also connect to the PS3 via a wireless Bluetooth connection that is managed through the "Accessory Settings" menu and do not support in-game audio.

Standard USB Headset

• While Sony does not manufacture a PS3 USB headset, the PS3 system does support these types of headsets. Unlike Bluetooth headsets, USB headsets connect to the system via a wired USB connection. After plugging the headset into one of the system's USB ports, the headset is automatically detected, though its settings can still be managed in the "Audio Device Settings" menu. Like Bluetooth headsets, however, USB headsets do not support in-game audio.

Surround-Sound Gaming Headset

• Specialty surround-sound gaming headsets can also be used to talk with other players. These third-party headsets are designed to play both in-game audio and in-game chatter, meaning you can use the headset in place of your television's audio. These headsets connect to the PS3 in various ways, including USB and wireless connections, but must always be connected to the audio ports on the back of your TV in order to output in-game audio.