​Bionik Mantis PSVR Headphones Review

By Kevin Mitchell  |  Posted: September 24, 2017

PlayStation VR marked a significant milestone for virtual reality in the gaming industry by providing an affordable VR experience to millions of PlayStation 4 owners. While the resolution can't match more powerful PC options, games that supported the PlayStation 4 Pro saw impressive gains in cleaner visuals and enhanced effects. Using Move controllers and the PlayStation camera remains an awkward implementation of older technology, though it functions adequately most of the time. However, Sony only provided simple 3.5mm earbuds with the unit, leaving much to be desired in terms of audio quality - a factor almost as crucial as visuals when using a VR headset.

While gamers discovered they could plug any supported 3.5mm audio headset into the jack attached to the headset itself, using a traditional headset on top of the already bulky PSVR proved cumbersome and uncomfortable. The Bionik Mantis headphones address this issue by offering a clip-on solution similar to what Oculus Rift owners already enjoy. Both pieces (left and right) easily snap into place and slide to accommodate a wide range of head sizes. This attached solution solves several problems - I frequently misplaced the PSVR earbuds in drawers when not in use, and they had an annoying habit of sliding out during gameplay. Bionik has ensured that these headphones seamlessly match the PSVR headset's aesthetics.

The Bionik Mantis headphones are lightweight and rest gently against your ears. The soft materials used in construction enhance comfort during gaming sessions of any length. Audio quality is excellent thanks to the 37mm sound drivers. These headphones offer the unique benefit of not pressing firmly against your ears, allowing you to experience games while maintaining awareness of your surroundings. While noise-canceling headphones might provide more immersion, most VR accidents occur when users become too isolated from their environment due to the simultaneous loss of both visual and audio awareness.

Simply Put

The Bionik Mantis PSVR headphones provide an excellent solution for those seeking a compact alternative to the included earbuds. While they sacrifice some immersion by not fully covering the ears, they offer superior comfort and help keep you grounded in reality. After using them, I doubt I'll ever remove them - they can remain connected permanently, eliminating the need to search for suitable headphones or earbuds when I want to play. With an MSRP under $50, they deliver impressive sound quality and provide an engaging 3D audio experience.