Sony reportedly working on PS5 earbuds that could rival Apple Airpods

Sony earbuds on a dark background
(Image credit: Sony)

Sony is allegedly developing wireless gaming earbuds specifically for the PS5. Codenamed Project Nomad, these in-ear headphones could bring a premium audio experience to a much smaller size on the console. 

Sony is the maker of some of the best headphones on the market right now, a pedigree that lends credence to Insider Gaming’s reports of new earbuds in the works. It’s been cited that the battery life is expected to last five hours which is on par with what you can expect from the Apple Airpods when utilizing spatial surround sound, which the PS5 also supports. 

As expected, the product is slated to use USB C which would mean easily being able to be charged through the front port on the PS5 console. As with some of the best earbuds, such as Sony’s WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM3, Project Nomad looks to be able to charge through the case for quick charging away from the cable. 

No concrete release window has been given aside from the end of FY23 which means we could see an announcement any time from April of this year to March 2024. The move makes sense on Sony’s part, given how the PlayStation parent company has stepped up in its audio efforts in recent months. 

There’s not only been a push into the best PS5 headsets on the part of the manufacturer, but also a branching out into the realm of the best PC gaming headsets, too with the Sony InZone series. On the premium side of things, the Sony InZone H9 has attempted to bridge the gap between both platforms, offering more versatility than the Pulse 3D headset

Few details have been shared on exactly what quick charging can be expected from Project Nomad on the performance side of things. We could wind up with anything from a rebranded version of the WF-1000 line, to something more specialist that could incorporate the stellar Tempest 3D AudioTech in the small form factor. 

Ultimately the price and features of this new product will determine the success of Sony’s attempt to break into the world of the best gaming earbuds on PS5. There’s certainly the pedigree and the proven track record to make Project Nomad work if it ever gets officially announced. To me, the project’s biggest potential strength is how it could work with PSVR 2 as an ideal companion to the upcoming virtual reality headset. 

Aleksha McLoughlin
Contributor

Formerly TechRadar Gaming's Hardware Editor, Aleksha McLoughlin is now a freelance writer and editor specializing in computing tech, video games, and E-commerce. As well as her many contributions to this site, you'll also find her work available on sister sites such as PC Gamer, GamesRadar, and Android Central. Additionally, more of her bylines can be found on Trusted Reviews, Dexerto, Expert Reviews, Techopedia, PC Guide, VideoGamer, and more.

Read more
Sony Inzone Buds vs PlayStation Pulse Explore buds side by side on a green/pink background
Sony Inzone Buds vs PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds: comparing price, features, performance, and more
Sony WF-C710N earbuds in transparent blue design.
A huge leak reveals the sequel to Sony's 5-star budget ANC earbuds, including specs and a cool new see-through look
Best gaming earbuds
Best gaming earbuds in 2025: great portable sound from Sony, SteelSeries and more
Samsung Galaxy Buds in white
Samsung may be working on new cheap wireless earbuds – will the Galaxy Buds FE 2 beat Sony's next value earbuds to the punch?
Best PS5 headsets
Best PS5 headsets in 2025: immersive audio on PlayStation 5
Sony headphones on a coloured background
Sony’s next flagship wireless headphones just edged closer to launch – here’s when they might land
Latest in PS5
Astro Bot PS5 bundle
Sony officially announces new Astro Bot PS5 bundles and they're available from PlayStation Direct right now for bargain prices we can barely believe
The artwork for The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller
Where to pre-order and buy The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller today - UK pre-orders are live but stock has sold out already
PS5 Midnight Black Collection
PS5 Midnight Black collection pre-orders are live now - stock readily available
The Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense artwork showing off the controller
Where to buy the Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense: stock is now live in the US and the UK
PS5 console deal
Hurry! UK shoppers can still get a discounted PS5 at PlayStation Direct, but there's only a few hours left of the sale
A PS5 console on a green background with black and purple cyber monday deals text.
The Cyber Monday PS5 deals are officially over, but there are a bunch of my favorite discounts still running on PS5 and PS5 Pro games and gear
Latest in News
Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso pointing at someone in Ted Lasso season 2
Believe it, baby: Ted Lasso season 4 is officially in development for Apple TV+ – and Jason Sudeikis will reprise his role as the titular soccer coach
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, March 15 (game #1146)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, March 15 (game #377)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, March 15 (game #643)
Rainbow Six Siege X promotional art.
The Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege X 6v6 mode might finally pull me away from Black Ops 6
A close up of the new web version of Apple Music Classical
Apple Music Classical is now available on the web, but its Mac app is still nowhere in sight