Best PC gaming accessories 2024

Whether you're new to PC gaming or have been doing it for a long, having the best PC gaming accessories can really improve your play sessions. Of course, you need the basics like a good gaming monitor, a good keyboard, a responsive gaming mouse, and a gaming headset that provides great sound quality. For some people, having a good standalone microphone or streaming webcam is also important.

Regardless of how you're playing — on one of the best gaming laptops or best gaming desktop PCs — I've collected here are the very best PC gaming accessories to improve your digital adventures.

The Quick List

Don't have a lot of time? Here's the quick list of the very best PC gaming accessories you can get right now. You can get additional information further down on this page for each device.

Rebecca Spear

Rebecca has been playing PC games since the 90s when she first fell in love with classics like Age of Empires II, Star Wars: Dark Forces, and more. She spends an ample amount of time gaming at her computer each week and has tested several PC gaming accessories over the course of the last few years.

Cale Hunt

PC gaming has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and I've tried just about every type of accessory on the market in an attempt to improve my game and my comfort. I'm comfortable recommending any of these accessories that the Windows Central team has tested and reviewed.

Best gaming monitor

As you can read in our own Zachary Boddy's Alienware AW3423DWF review, this is a fantastic gaming monitor that can easily keep up with the latest titles. Games display smoothly and screen performance can be helped along when used with AMD GPUs since it supports FreeSync Premium Pro. Additionally, the 34-inch display is curved to better bring you into your digital adventures. Plus, the OLED screen does a fantastic job with picture quality, displaying great color accuracy and crisp details with WQHD (3440x1440) resolution.

Something I absolutely love about OLED displays is that they do a phenomenal job at making imagery pop, even when you're viewing a darker scene. You can read more about OLEDs in my OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED comparison, but the gist is that OLEDs display true black instead of grey, so the colors around black pixels really come to life. Now, as with most OLEDs, the Alienware AW3423DWF doesn't get as bright as other display types. However, it doesn't need to do this as much since its contrast and true black ability allow imagery to come through so much better.

As far as connection options go, this Alienware gaming monitor offers a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (downstream and Power Charging), a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Alienware's Command Center program is intended to help improve performance, but it's a rather confusing and buggy experience, so you might want to do without it. Otherwise, this is a fantastic gaming monitor that will keep up with all of your gaming needs.

👀 Read our full Alienware AW3423DWF review

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Best gaming headset

I've been a huge fan of HyperX gaming headsets for about a decade now, as this company consistently provides high-quality audio and great microphones at a lower price than many of its competitors. The HyperX gaming headset I recommend above all else is the HyperX Cloud III, which can be purchased in a wireless version or less expensive wired version.

I got to do our HyperX Cloud III Wireless review and our HyperX Cloud III Wired review shortly after either device came out, and I found them both to be phenomenal options. The cushioning on the headband as well as the earphones is very comfortable, and the device doesn't put too much pressure on your head.

I love that the wireless option can last for up to 120 hours on one charge. It's made it so I only have to charge it back up occasionally, rather than after every use. There is no physical LED indicator to let you know how much battery life there is, but if you tap the power button while the headset is on, a voice will tell you how much juice is left.

The thing with lower-priced headsets is that manufacturers often skimp out on microphone quality, but this isn't the case at all with the HyperX Cloud III. My voice comes through clearly without any distracting crinkling or glitchy sounds, so I can play multiplayer games with friends without being distracting to them. Of course, you could go out and buy a much higher-quality headset for a whole lot more, but this one is more than adequate and doesn't cost too much.

👀 Read our full HyperX Cloud III Wireless review or HyperX Cloud III Wired review

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Best lap desk

After years of thinking about it, I finally connected a computer to my LG C2 OLED TV. It was great at first. My game visuals looked fantastic on that massive, gorgeous display. Not to mention, I was no longer continuing to sit in my office after the workday completed. Now I was spending time on my comfy couch while unwinding in the evenings. However, I soon realized that playing games with a mouse and keyboard on my couch was uncomfortable to the point of making my arms cramp up. Not ideal at all.

It was about at this time that I came across the answer to my problem, the Nerdytec Couchmaster Cycon². While reviewing this lap desk, I discovered that it provides a decent surface space for supporting a keyboard and mouse. There is also cable storage inside the Lapboard to help keep wired accessories tidy. An included power cable runs from the lap desk to my computer, allowing the 6 USB ports on the desk to provide power for various accessories. Setup did take me a second try, though, since plugging things in out of order can make the lap desk behave oddly, so you'll want to be careful about that.

The two cushions that come with this purchase are soft but sturdy enough to hold the lap desk over my lap. All I have to do is place the cushions on the couch as I want them, grab the lap desk with my keyboard and mouse on it, and then sit down and place the lap desk over me. Overall, the plastic is pretty lightweight making it easy to get up and readjust things without feeling trapped.

The Cycon² has now been replaced by the Cycon³, which keeps the same general design but adds a customizable RGB light bar and a touch control panel along the top of the accessory. It's still the best way to find comfort when gaming in your living room, and you can always disable the lighting if you'd like to go with a more subdued approach.

👀 Read our full Nerdytec Couchmaster Cycon² review

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Best gaming keyboard

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy has tested a ton of great gaming keyboards over the years, but Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% caused them serious pause. It's "stupid expensive" at about $300, but the high price is offset by the mountain of attractive features that aim to suit enthusiasts.

In their BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review, Boddy states:

"It's going to be genuinely difficult for Razer to top the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. This is a marvelous keyboard with a gorgeous design and a resplendent typing experience. Combined with its compelling feature set and the modularity to make a keyboard enthusiast drool, and Razer may be converting me into one of those hardcore fanatics. I don't know that I'll ever want to swap out these excellent switches, but maybe it's about time I invested in some custom keycaps."

Razer makes a lot of keyboards, so claiming this is the best is not taken lightly. It boasts an exceptional build quality, integrated OLED display, control dial, hot-swappable mechanical switches (with support for 3- and 5-pin), and a pleasing sound. It delivers the performance required for competitive gaming, and it has enough features to satisfy keyboard enthusiasts.

Don't want to pay as much? Razer's BlackWidow V4 75% — the non-Pro version — costs about $190. It lacks the OLED display and wireless connection, but that won't matter for lots of gamers.

👀 Read our full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review

Best gaming mouse

As stated in Zachary Boddy's Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed review, this wireless gaming mouse offers "peerless performance" at "an excellent price," which is exactly why it's my pick for the best gaming mouse.

It runs off of AA batteries and can last for up to 280 hours at a 1,000Hz polling rate or 75 hours at a 4,000Hz polling rate (if you have the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle), which is a very good length of time. Meanwhile, it's very responsive and provides perfect performance in gaming thanks to the 30,000 DPI sensitivity, fast 750 IPS speed, and great 70G acceleration.

As with many gaming mice out there, this one is designed for right-handed users, so it won't work for everyone. Additionally, it's somewhat odd that the mouse cannot be used with your computer when it's plugged in via cable, but as long as you charge it every now and then you shouldn't have issues. Just note that to reach 4,000Hz, you will need to purchase the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle separately.

👀 Read our full Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed review

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Best gaming chair

When we're gaming on PCs, we spend hours and hours sitting at a desk, so it's very important to have something comfortable that is good for your back. That's where the best gaming chairs come in. The thing is, there are a lot of cheap and uncomfortable gaming chairs on the market that don't last a long time, so you need to be careful about the one you pick.

Over the years, I've tested several gaming chairs and the company I've learned to trust more than others is AndaSeat. The company's attention to quality and comfort is not only astounding but also matched by the durability of its products. You can be happy with any of AndaSeat's gaming chair offerings, but the option I love above all else is the Kaiser 3. In full disclosure, I did a AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL review before coming to work at Windows Central, but my current colleague also wrote an AndaSeat Kaiser 3 review and we both came away impressed.

This love is mostly due to the built-in adjustable lumbar support that doesn't involve a bulky back pillow like many other gaming chairs out there. Instead, there's a knob on either side of the chair. Turning one knob adjusts the height of the lumbar support, while turning the other adjusts how much it comes out. It didn't take long for me to set it to a great spot that feels comfortable but also helps me sit up straight. Thanks to the fact that this chair is covered in a soft foam, it's very comfortable to sit on for long stretches.

The Kaiser 3 comes in two sizes, L or XL. The L version is recommended for people between four-foot-11-inches tall to six-foot-two-inches tall and supports up to 260 pounds. Meanwhile, the slightly larger XL is intended for people between five-foot-11-inches tall to six-foot-11-inches tall and holds up to 395 pounds.

What's more, the AndaSeat Kaiser 3 gaming chair comes in two materials, either a PVC leather (that's very easy to clean) or a soft linen fabric. There are nine color options spanning everything from neutral colors like grey, white, and black to vibrant hues like blue, pink, red, and orange. The color you can choose depends on the material you go with.

👀 Read our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 review

Best PC controller

For some people, using a keyboard on PC doesn't feel right, so it's nice to have a good controller to use when you want it. There are honestly dozens of gamepads to choose from, but many believe that the official Xbox Series X|S controller has the best layout and ergonomic feel. You can read more about it in our Xbox Series X|S Controller review. At any rate, there's a reason why so many other gaming companies have basically copied Xbox's gamepad design.

Since Xbox is owned by Microsoft, it's not surprising that the wireless Xbox Controller has Bluetooth and easily connects to PCs. I personally love the large size of the buttons, which makes them easier to press even in high-stress scenarios. Plus, the joysticks are very responsive and navigate exactly as I intend them to.

The only weird thing about the latest Xbox Series X|S Wireless controller is that it doesn't come with a rechargeable battery. Instead, you will occasionally need to replace the two AA batteries it runs on. Thankfully, the batteries can last up to 40 hours, so you won't have to make the swap too often.

Alternatively, you can go with a wired version of this controller and save money. Or if you want to stick with wireless, you can purchase a rechargeable battery pack and charging stand. In any case, be sure to check out more of our favorite Xbox controllers.

👀 Read our full Xbox Series X|S Wireless controller review

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Best flight stick

Flight sim enthusiasts sometimes spend a ton of money on a gaming setup, but you can spend about $100 and get the right hardware to move you away from a keyboard and mouse or controller.

Thrustmaster's T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is a branded version of the affordable flight stick and throttle, and it works well out of the box with MSFS 2024 controls. It has a wide enough selection of inputs to control all sorts of different aircraft within the game, and it simply looks great doing it.

Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson stated in his T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition review:

"Thrustmaster doesn't pretend that the T.Flight Hotas One is a premium flight stick as it carefully cuts back on any excessive features like built-in displays or unnecessary RGB, sticking instead to a no-frills shell and focusing on the responsive joystick and throttle combination."

This is a limited edition version that works with PC and Xbox Series X|S, and it should be a great choice for flight sim lovers who don't want to overspend.

👀 Read our full Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition review

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Best microphone

You never want to be the person with a wonky mic in your Discord meetups, and if you don't have a quality gaming headset, a standalone microphone is the best option. This advice also applies to anyone with streaming ambitions. AVerMedia's VERSATI go (AM310G2) is an easy recommendation on the back of our in-house testing.

It's a compact USB mic with an excellent build quality, providing clear live and recorded audio. AVerMedia's Streaming Center software is surprisingly robust for control over your sound.

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy reviewed the AVerMedia VERSATI go, remarking:

"I didn't think much of this mic when I first set it up, but its unassuming appearance disguises a thorough approach to designing a reliable, well-rounded microphone. The build quality is airtight, the sound quality is crisp and clear, and you even get a bevy of software customizations that are only made possible through AVerMedia's long-standing audio expertise."

The microphone gets even better thanks to a $70 price tag, putting a lot of the competition behind it in terms of value.

👀 Read our full AVerMedia VERSATI go review

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Best webcam

Just like a quality microphone makes a huge difference, those who stream their PC games usually need a webcam that can keep up. Insta360's Link 2 is easily one of the best cameras we tested in 2024, losing some marks for a lack of Windows Hello support. That won't matter to lots of gamers who simply want a quality picture. The Link 2 handles a 4K resolution at 30 FPS or 1080p at 60 FPS, and it's built onto a two-axis gimbal that allows for AI-powered face tracking.

As Windows Central's Zachary Boddy mentioned in their Insta360 Link 2 review, the AI features — tracking, white balance, background detection, and exposure — can be a tad spotty, but it's not close to being enough to mar the overall impression. Boddy continues:

"More features, including a virtual camera that lets you take full advantage of the Link 2's capabilities in almost any app, an improved and more premium design, and superior image quality, make the Link 2 an excellent addition to any streaming or video conferencing setup. It costing a full $100 less than its predecessor did at launch is just icing on the cake."

You can usually find the Insta360 Link 2 for about $200 when it's not on sale. If that's too expensive, be sure to check out the rest of our favorite webcams for more options.

👀 Read our full Insta360 Link 2 review

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How to choose the right PC gaming accessories

There are tons of PC gaming accessories on the market today and some of them really aren't worth your time. Some will be cheaper to purchase but won't last long or won't provide the quality you need, which will just make it so you end up spending more money as time goes on. So, it's a good idea to get the best value and great quality peripheral you can from the get-go.

The quality and type of PC gaming accessories that you need will depend on how you game and how much of it you do. At the very least, you need to have a good gaming monitor with crisp resolution and a good color gamut.

The higher the refresh rate and faster the response time, the better you can react to the latest changes within your gaming environments. Additionally, you want a keyboard and mouse that are responsive to your touch. However, if you like to hear even the quietest sounds or want to communicate with friends effectively, then you need to have a reliable gaming headset as well.

Of course, there are also people who like to stream their gaming sessions. If that's you, then you'll want to have a good quality microphone for focusing in on your voice and cutting out background sounds. Additionally, you'll want a webcam that can record clear video at decent frames per second. Many streamers also like to get a bunch of RGB accessories or lighting to make their rooms look more brightly lit and interesting.

To get the PC accessories that will serve you the best, determine what you need and then make sure to get the peripherals that are rated well.

If we're making some suggestions

All of the best accessories for PC gaming listed above will contribute to an overall fun time, but you're undoubtedly not in need of everything. However, if we're making some suggestions, we'll start with the Alienware AW3423DWF gaming monitor. It sits at the top of our best PC gaming monitors roundup thanks to a quality WQHD image, 165Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, and NVIDIA G-Sync technology. It usually costs about $650, and it's worth every penny.

After the visual experience comes the aural experience, and we can't recommend the HyperX Cloud III Wireless Gaming Headset enough. It provides excellent sound quality and captures your voice clearly when communicating with others. It's also very comfortable to wear, so you don't have to worry about your head during a long play session. You can usually get it for about $120.

Turning to keyboard and mouse, Razer has the two best options we've tested. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% impressed us with its high-end performance and features, while the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is the perfect mix of "peerless performance" at an "excellent price."

You can usually find the mouse for about $60, while the keyboard is considerably more at about $300. The non-Pro BlackWidow V4 75% is also available for about $190.

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How we test PC gaming accessories

Here at Windows Central, we always run any devices or accessories that we review through a gauntlet of testing specific to the product. For instance, with gaming monitors, we check for screen tearing and picture quality along with additional convenience features. Part of our testing also includes running colorimeter tests which check a display's color accuracy, contrast, and brightness capabilities. If a product is sold at a good value and works well, then we give it a higher score.

Our goal is to help others determine whether or not an accessory or device is worth buying. So, we're up front with all of the pros as well as the cons for anything we review.

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