3D audio

3D audio places sounds in a full sphere around you, including above and below, rather than in a flat ring at ear level. It works by modelling how sound reaches your ears in reality — the tiny timing and tonal differences your brain uses to judge direction and height.

The important consequence is that it works on ordinary stereo headphones. You do not need extra speakers, because the positioning is created through processing rather than hardware.

Is 3D audio the same as surround sound?

No, and the distinction is worth understanding.

Surround sound is channel-based. Sound is assigned to specific speakers — rear left, centre, and so on. The layout is fixed and horizontal.

3D audio is object-based. A sound is positioned as a point in space, and the system works out how to reproduce that point on whatever you are listening through. Because it is a position rather than a channel, it can be above or below you — which surround cannot do.

In a game, that is the difference between knowing an enemy is behind you and knowing they are behind you and on the floor above.

Setting it up on PS5

PS5 supports 3D audio through headphones, and it is worth two minutes of setup.

Go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output, confirm 3D Audio for headphones is enabled, then run the 3D Audio Profile setup. It plays a sound at several heights and asks which one sits level with your ears. Because ear shape differs between people, this measurably improves accuracy — skipping it leaves you with a generic profile that fits less well.

Any wired or wireless stereo headphones work. A PlayStation-branded headset is not required, though headsets designed for it often pair more conveniently.

Is it worth using?

In supported games, yes — particularly horror, shooters and anything atmospheric. It is one of the few audio features that genuinely helps you play better rather than just sounding nicer. Support varies by game, and in a title without it the setting simply does nothing.

See our PS5 page for headsets and accessories.