If you want to get the most out of your Xbox console, you’ll need some accessories to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you have an Xbox One or you’ve upgraded to the Xbox Series X|S, you’ll find a wide range of accessories to suit your needs and budget.
Here at Windows Central, we’re passionate about Xbox and we’ve tested and reviewed a lot of Xbox accessories over the years. We know what makes a good accessory and what doesn’t, and we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve selected the best Xbox accessories in each category, based on their quality, performance, features, and value for money. Whether you’re looking for the best Xbox headsets to immerse yourself in the sound of your games, the best Xbox controllers to gain an edge in competitive games, or the best Xbox accessories to expand your storage and battery life, we’ve got you covered.
Since a recent crackdown on third-party unlicensed accessories, your purchases must be compatible with Xbox too. A casual glance at Amazon listings shows many pretenders out there that either won’t work well or even damage your Xbox (dodgy cooling fans with RGB? I’m looking at you).
In this article, you’ll find our top picks and why we think they’re worth your money. So, read on and discover the best Xbox accessories you can buy right now.
Jen is a Writer for Windows Central, with a passion for all things gaming and Microsoft. She has been playing Xbox since the Xbox 360 era and has used, abused and broken more Xbox accessories (sometimes on purpose) than you can shake a controller at. She knows what makes a great accessory and what doesn’t, and she’s here to share her expertise with you.
The quick list
1. Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller
The best overall Xbox accessory
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller, a more affordable alternative to the premium Elite Series 2, is impressive. Despite lacking some accessories, such as adjustable triggers and a variety of colors available separately from Extreme Rate it retains all the key features. With a perfect match for the Xbox Series S in particular, the Core offers a stunning look, and comfort, and gets frequent sale opportunities. It also comes in Red or Blue.
2. Xbox Wireless Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition
Bext Xbox controller (low-end)
One thing Xbox does well is offer numerous options for its controllers. The shape and feel of the basic Xbox controller is hard to beat, and it’s virtually impossible to pick a favorite color. Whether you want the moody swirls of the Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition or the exquisite sheen of the Gold Shadow, you’ll no doubt find a controller design to suit your tastes. All the standard Xbox controllers are compatible with Xbox and Windows PC, and mobile via Bluetooth.
3. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller
Best pro controller for Xbox
In the contest against the Xbox Elite Series 2, the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller emerges as the ultimate gamepad for premium gaming on Xbox and PC. Offering a full-color command display for customizable settings, social media notifications, and easy dashboard access, it provides extensive adjustments like button mapping, vibration intensity, audio enhancements, and RGB lighting. The controller features four mappable microswitch buttons, adjustable triggers, and AntiDrift thumbsticks for precise aim and control, ensuring a top-tier gaming experience.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 Max
Best budget headset
One of my absolute favorite headsets, the Turtle Beach Stealth range is incredibly comfortable, with 48+ hour battery life, immersive surround sound and a clear and crisp mic quality that surpasses expectations in this price bracket. The headset comes in Pink, Teal or Black.
5. Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset
Best Xbox headset (premium)
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro does it all. Maximum comfort. Top-tier construction. Swappable batteries. Interference-free Bluetooth and Xbox wireless sound mixing. Great mic. Great on-ear controls. And sexy design.
Best media control
The PDP Media Remote gets our pick as the best media remote for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. If you want to use your console for its movie and tv streaming capabilities this is a great accessory. More compact than the previous model and with backlighting, this is a great solution if you get annoyed with the Xbox controller turning off when you want to control your media.
Load the next few Xbox accessories
Best keyboard
The Logitech G613 is a wireless mechanical keyboard with Logitech’s Romer-G tactile switches, designed for gaming but seemingly as capable of productivity work. If you prefer playing shooters like Overwatch 2 with point-and-shoot capabilities, this is a fully wireless and comfortable option. It’s a few years old now, but it’s hard to beat for the price and performance.
8. Razer Quick Charging Stand for Xbox
Best Charging solution
The Razer Quick Charging stand ensures a swift return to gaming, fully charging your Xbox controller in under 3 hours. With a variety of colors and designs to complement your controllers, it’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Elite Series 1 controllers. The magnetic contact system securely clicks your controller into place, and the stand connects to your Xbox or PC via a high-quality USB-C cable. An indicator light signals when your controller is fully charged, allowing you to quickly jump back into the game.
Best Xbox Racing wheel
The Thrustmaster T248X racing wheel is a great choice for Xbox sim racing fans of all levels. It has a hybrid motor system that is compact and easy to use, a built-in HUD that helps you adjust settings, and a lot of buttons that you can customize for different games. It also comes with pedals that have a metal head and a stiff spring option. It works on any Xbox console and PC, and has a leather and plastic finish that looks and feels good. It is our top pick for the best Xbox steering wheel.
10. Seagate 1TB expansion card
Best storage option for Xbox Series X|S
As games grow in size, running out of storage is inevitable. The Seagate 1TB SSD offers the best storage expansion for new-gen consoles, ensuring a clean and simple setup. While it comes at a high price, recent months have seen some reduction in cost. If you can afford it, this SSD provides seamless gameplay by mimicking the in-built storage.
11. LG C3 Series OLED evo TV (OLED48C3)
The best TV for 4K gaming on Xbox
The LG C3 Series stands out as the top 4K TV for Xbox Series X, featuring a stunning OLED panel, 4K 120Hz support, HDMI 2.1 ports, and gaming modes for reduced lag. While perfect for Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 games, it comes with a high price tag. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the LG C2 Series, similar to the C3 but with a slightly older processor and software. Though still excellent for Xbox Series X, it lacks some minor improvements found in the C3.
12. UPspec Gaming xScreen for Xbox Series S
Turn your Xbox Series S portable
The Xbox Series S is considerably smaller than the Series X, which has made people want to travel with it. But get this attachable xScreen accessory and you’ll be able to play the console wherever you go — in the car on road trips, while staying at a hotel, etc.
Best for Xbox Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming has taken off in a big way in 2022, and there are more controllers on the market than ever before — but the Razer Kishi is still the best you can get. The V2 is light, comfortable and satisfying to use, and plugs straight in to your smartphone’s USB-C connection. You can even charge your phone while you play your favorite games on the Xbox Cloud.
More Xbox accessories
Amazon Echo 4th-gen smart speaker
The best Xbox companion accessory
Amazon Echo speakers now allow voice control for your Xbox console, providing a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the Kinect era. The Echo Dot, my preferred choice with a spherical shape matching the Xbox logo, is affordable. For even more savings, consider the smaller and cheaper Echo Pop. Both models offer various color options to coordinate with your console.
More HDMI
If you like to play on multiple devices, an HDMI switch is a convenient upgrade from bending over the back of your TV and scrambling for wires. We recommend this powered model that plugs straight into your Xbox USB switch. The separate power source will ensure it doesn’t glitch out like an unpowered HDMI switch.
The Netflix of Gaming
The essential subscription for any Xbox owner, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the best value in gaming, period. Giving access to 100s of games across console, PC and the Xbox Cloud with prices starting at $16.99 a month. Now with EA Play, Bethesda titles and soon ABK, the library is getting bigger and better.
The best Xbox accessories in 2024
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Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Below you’ll find why I’ve chosen each product as the best in it’s respective category. Many of these have been reviewed either by myself or had hands on time with any one of the team here at Windows Central, and since it was so difficult to choose the absolute best I want to give you some other options in each category.
The best overall Xbox accessory
It may seem at odds with the original review of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core that received only 3.5 stars that I’m placing it as the best Xbox accessory. At the time of launch though in 2022 and at an MSRP of $129.99, it didn’t seem the best value proposition given it didn’t have the bells and whistles and changing parts of the slightly more expensive Elite Controller Series 2. At the time, the price simply wasn’t cheap enough given those missing parts and it cost a whole $60 to include them. At launch, a controller only $50 cheaper than the original just… wasn’t a great deal?
Now in 2024 however, the Elite Series 2 Core can be acquired as low as $80 in sales making it the perfect balance of price and performance between the standard Xbox controllers and the much more pricey Elite Series 2. We also have many more budget-friendly options now for the included extras, namely from brands like Extreme Rate and SCUF if you really want those back paddles.
This controller is basically an upgraded version of the Xbox Elite Series 2, with a few notable differences. You still get a lot of customization options. You can lock the triggers at three different levels, which can help you fire faster with semi-automatic weapons in shooter games, for example. You can also change the tension of the joysticks with a key that comes with the controller. This can help you adjust the sensitivity of the joysticks, which can improve your accuracy in some situations.
The controller has all the standard features of an Xbox controller. It has a special port at the bottom for accessories like keypads, and a 3.5mm audio port next to it. It comes with a USB-C braided cable that you can use to charge it. The battery life is amazing, over 40 hours with a high-quality built-in battery. I like this controller more than my regular Xbox controller because I don’t have to worry about changing AA rechargeable batteries that often run out of juice or wear out.
The Elite Series 2 controllers have a profile switch that lets you set up three different configurations of buttons and settings. This can be handy, especially on Windows PCs, where you can play different types of games and emulators that may not follow the standard Xbox controller layout. You can also change the color of the LED on the Xbox buttons (I like to change mine to red when I’m playing Diablo).
The Elite Series 2 controllers have rubber grips that make them comfortable and easy to hold for long periods. The thumbsticks and triggers also have a good grip. It’s the most comfortable pad I own, hands down.
I still think Xbox controllers are the best in the market when it comes to ergonomics, accessibility, and usability. The Elite controller makes it even better, and this version is a good way to get it — IF you can get it on sale.
The best low end Xbox controller
Microsoft prioritized compatibility in the rollout of the Xbox Series X|S consoles, ensuring a seamless transition for games and accessories to the new generation. This player-centric approach garnered significant goodwill, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to its audience. However, some questioned whether this focus on continuity limited the potential for a groundbreaking generational leap in gaming innovation.
Now, let’s talk controllers. The Xbox Series X|S Controller looks kinda like its older siblings, but don’t be fooled — it’s like the cool, refined version. Inspired by the classic Xbox 360 controller, they added some tweaks for extra comfort and smoother gameplay. It’s more rounded, the buttons are in just the right places, and they even fixed that soft-button-press issue from before. They also threw in a “Share” button for quick content capture, which is great for taking quick screenshots. What’s really wild though is the variety — these controllers come in all sorts of awesome designs and colors. It’s like they’re trying to make us all collectors or something. Honestly, it’s working, I pick up one in every damn sale. Microsoft’s been on this controller evolution journey for two decades, and the Series X|S controller is proof they’re not slowing down. Cheers to progress and gaming in style.
The best pro Xbox controller
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is a wireless Xbox controller that aims to offer a unique gaming experience with its built-in LCD screen. The screen lets you adjust various settings, such as audio, sensitivity, and vibration, without pausing the game. It also displays social notifications from your friends and other players, so you can stay connected while playing.
The controller feels solid and comfortable in the hands, thanks to its high-quality components and ergonomic design. The hall-effect sticks, triggers, and mechanical face buttons are responsive and precise, giving you an edge in competitive games. The controller also comes with a hard case and a charging dock, which are nice additions to protect and charge your device, and make it feel like a truly luxury product.
However, the Stealth Ultra is not without its flaws. The main issue is the software, which is buggy and inconsistent. The social notification feature is also disappointing, as it often fails to really work as intended, but the controller does receive regular firmware updates and I expect this particular feature to get more finesse with time.
Another drawback is the battery life, which can vary depending on how much you use the screen, so if you use this frequently, you might need to charge the controller more often. The controller claims to have up to 30 hours of battery life, but that is only if you turn off the screen and the vibration and some other features.
The controller is also quite expensive, costing around £200, which if you want the latest and greatest in a pro-gaming controller won’t come as a shock in comparison to others punching in this market. If you want a much cheaper alternative, but unfortunately wired, then I’d suggest checking out the GameSir G7 SE controller.
Best budget Xbox headset
We actually reviewed the older model of this headset, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 back in 2022, and it got clear 4.5 out of 5 stars from our reviewer. Today though you might want to check out the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 MAX. This is the refreshed version which comes in more colors, works on both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, and boasts a whopping 40 hours of battery life — double the amount of the original model.
The headband tension can be a bit tight at first, but it does keep the headset secure and the earcups snug. The earcups are also breathable and comfortable, so you can wear them for hours without getting sweaty or sore.
My favorite feature of Turtle Beach headsets is no matter what price range you choose from, they have great-sounding microphones. I always get asked what headset I am using when I use the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2, and the microphone is identical on the refresh.
Of course, if you want to go cheaper, and wireless isn’t a dealbreaker for you, we still recommend the HyperX CloudX which can go as low as $40 in the sales.
Best premium Xbox headset
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is one of the few headsets that has got a perfect 5-star rating from us. It delivered in every category our editor, Jez Corden, tested it against.
The headset market as a whole in recent years hasn’t tried to push the envelope, with most manufacturers simply making minor improvements to existing models. Turtle Beach previously were more well known for their budget and mid-range offerings to the headset category, but they returned to elite status with the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro follows the recent trend of high-end headsets that include Bluetooth, so you can blend sound from a mobile device with your Xbox gameplay. This is very useful for content creators who need to use multiple sound sources for streaming and other purposes, but also for regular users who have friends on different platforms. Usually, this kind of feature is prone to interference due to the closeness of the Xbox wireless radios and the Bluetooth radios. The Stealth Pro is the first headset that we’ve used that provides a stable signal across both sound sources for long durations.
The build quality is also flawless. Our reviewer compared it to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless which is also a highly recommended premium headset, but the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro trumped its place on the top spot due to having a more flexible size range. So better for people with a big head. The over-ear cups are also larger, more spacious, and have a wider sound stage. The sound quality is also superb, and tactical tuning is excellent for games like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty, highlighting sound frequencies that reveal enemy locations and movements. You can also switch it off for a more cinematic, bassy sound, which enhances movies, music, and single-player games.
Best media accessory
There’s really not much more to say about this other than it’s a relatively inexpensive accessory that will improve your experience if you use your Xbox as a media centre. It’s far more natural to use a remote control with your apps like Netflix and Disney than with a controller that needs to be turned on everytime you want to pause your show.
The PDP Media Remote is much lighter and smaller than the previous PDP Talon model, weighing only 78 grams with two AAA batteries (not included). It also has fewer buttons, as it focuses on the streaming media features of the console.
The remote has a simple and intuitive button layout. You have buttons for volume, mute, play, pause, fast forward/rewind, back, menu, change view, navigation, channels up/down, Xbox home, and XYAB. The remote uses an infrared (IR) sensor, which means it is compatible with all Xbox models that have an IR blaster, including the Xbox Series X|S and the older Xbox One versions.
You simply need to point it at your Xbox and it will work right away. You don’t need to pair it or program it. You can use the Xbox button to access the menu, the XYAB buttons to interact with the apps, the volume buttons to adjust the sound, and the D-pad to navigate the Xbox UI.
The hands-down best feature of the remote is the motion-activated backlighting, which lights up all the buttons when you move it. This is so handy when you watch something in a dark room or at night.
Best keyboard for Xbox
Unfortunately, we aren’t really swimming in options when it comes to Xbox gaming keyboards, despite Microsoft now baking full mouse and keyboard into many of it’s titles. While the Razer Turret is probably the real best keyboard, it’s very rarely in stock nowadays, so the Logitech G613 is more readily available (and cheaper).
It’s not the newest keyboard out there, but that does mean you are more likely to nab it at a discount and we do often see it in the sales. It has an unreal battery life of up to a YEAR, Lightspeed wireless for minimum latency and satisfying Romer-G mechanical switches.
The Logitech G613 is a large keyboard, but that would be best suited to a lap or lapboard. If you are looking for something smaller and with backlighting, we can also recommend the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed.
Best charging solution
Best racing wheel
The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand is a great accessory for Xbox gamers who want a stylish and convenient way to charge their controllers. It works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Elite Series 1 controllers, and it has a magnetic contact system that snaps your controller into place and charges it in less than 3 hours. The stand comes with a high-quality USB-C cable that connects to your Xbox or PC, and an indicator light that shows when your controller is ready to go.
The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand also comes in many colors to match your style and your controller. You can choose from Carbon Black, Robot White, Shock Blue, Pulse Red, or special edition colors like Forza Horizon 5, Lunar Shift, or Mineral Camo. The stand has a sleek and premium-looking design that perfectly complements any Xbox controller.
It’s not the cheapest option for charging your controller, as it has an MSRP of $50, but you can often find it on sale for much less. We gave it a 4 out of 5 rating in our Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand review, as we were impressed by its performance, quality, and variety. If you want a fast and reliable charging stand that looks great and has the Razer brand, you should consider getting this.
Best storage solution
If you’re looking for a way to increase your storage space on your Xbox Series X|S console without sacrificing performance, you might want to consider the Seagate Storage Expansion Card. This is an official accessory that replicates the speed and functionality of the console’s internal SSD, allowing you to play more games that are optimized for the next generation.
You just plug it into the Storage Expansion slot on the back of your console and you’re good to go. You don’t need to install anything or worry about damaging your console. You can also use the card along with an external hard drive, giving you even more storage options.
The Seagate Storage Expansion Card comes in three sizes: 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The card is very compact and comes with a plastic protector for portability. We’ve tested the card extensively and found that it delivers the same performance as the console’s internal SSD, with fast load times and smooth gameplay. You won’t notice any difference between having a game on the card or on the console.
The only downside of the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is the price. It’s still quite expensive compared to other SSDs, especially the 2TB model. The price has dropped since launch, but it’s still not very affordable for most gamers. You can expect to pay $80, $150, or $280 for the 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB card, respectively.
There is also another option for expanding your storage on the Xbox Series X|S: the WD_Black C50 Expansion Card. This is a similar accessory that also matches the console’s internal SSD in speed and functionality. It’s slightly cheaper than the Seagate card, but it only comes in 512GB and 1TB sizes.
Best TV for Xbox
Screen sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77, 83-inch | Display type: OLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDMI ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4
If you want the best TV for your Xbox Series X, you should look at the LG C3 Series. This is a 4K TV that can show you amazing pictures and make your games run very smoothly. It is the latest model from LG, and it has improved on the previous ones that were already very good. The LG C3 is simply perfect for Xbox Series X.
The LG C3 has an OLED screen, which makes the colors pop and the blacks really black, making your games more stunning. The screen also looks good from any angle, so you can watch it from anywhere in your living room.
The LG C3 also has everything you need to enjoy the new features of the Xbox Series X and other new consoles. It can show you 4K pictures, which are very sharp and detailed, and it can also show you 120 frames per second, which means the games will be very smooth and responsive. Some of the best games like Call of Duty and Halo Infinite can do this on the Xbox Series X|S, and you have the HDMI 2.1 ports to connect to Xbox Series X with ease.
The LG C3 also has some extra features that make gaming even better. It has a gaming mode that reduces the delay between your controller and the screen, so you can react faster. It also has a feature that prevents the screen from flickering or tearing, which can happen when the game and the screen are not in sync. It also has a very fast response time, which means the screen can change very quickly. The TV also works surprisingly well with PC gaming, because it supports both G-Sync and FreeSync.
It comes in different sizes, from 48 to 77 inches, and the price starts at $1,149 in the U.S. right now, so this is by no means a cheap TV, especially if you want a big one. But it is worth it if you want the best quality. The LG C3 can handle 4K and 120Hz games very well, and it will make them look incredible. If you have an Xbox Series S, which is not as powerful as the Xbox Series X, you might be happy with a cheaper TV, but the LG C3 will still make it look great. Another, potentially much cheaper option if you can get it on sale, would be the LG C2 Series OLED (OLED65C2) as it’s the previous model and not a huge leap different in specs.
Best small screen for Xbox
The clip-on screens for the Xbox Series S are very tempting, but they are also very expensive compared to the console itself. Is it worth paying around $200 for a screen to attach to it? I think it is, and it’s worth every cent.
Different brands offer this kind of product, but I tried the DEPGI 14″ portable monitor and I love it. It’s always connected to my Series S and I can carry it anywhere in the house. However, the only brand that Xbox officially supports is UPspec, which has the xScreen in various sizes. I think 14″ is the ideal size for the best image quality, and you can read our full UPspec xScreen review here.
The UPspec xScreen matches the Xbox Series S very well and makes it look like a portable Xbox that you can play wherever you have power. It adds some bulk to the console, but it blends in with its design. The screen lets me move my Xbox Series S from my bedroom to the living room and play with my family easily, without needing an extra monitor. I’ve also taken it to hotels to enjoy my games on the go. It’s a luxury, but one that has made gaming more accessible for me.
Best for Xbox cloud gaming
Cloud-streaming lets you play Xbox games on any mobile device, but many of these games are not made for touchscreens. To get the best Cloud Gaming experience, you need a good controller that works with xCloud. The Razer Kishi V2 is one of the best controllers you can get.
This attaches to your phone and turns it into a handheld Xbox for gaming on the cloud, but can of course be used to play Android games from the app store too. It’s made of strong and light materials, and it has a simple and clear button layout. It is also easy to carry around, so you can use it for Cloud Gaming anywhere.
The Razer Kishi V2 works with almost any USB-C Android phone, and it has rubber pieces that you can remove to fit bigger phones, cases, or small tablets.
We also reviewed the Razer Kishi V1 which was a great and affordable controller. But the Razer Kishi V2 is even better, because it has improved the design, the buttons, the materials, and fits more phones.
While the Razer Kishi V2 is the overall choice from our staff for the best cloud controller, I have a different preference. Of all the cloud controllers I’ve tried, the Turtle Beach Atom Controller feels the most comfortable due to its quirky, chunky and comfortable design. The only drawback is that it’s a Bluetooth controller so at the mercy of your connection and it’s battery life rather than the instant plug-in and play of the Razer Kishi V2. But the magnetic system that snaps your controller into place and makes it smaller for storage appeals to me more as an ‘on the go’ device’. You can read our review of the Turtle Beach Atom Controller here and decide which suits you best out of the two.
What makes a great accessory for Xbox?
What makes a great Xbox accessory?
Simply put, a great accessory should improve your experience with Xbox. Either by making it easier, or just more fun. There’s a vast range of great accessories out there for both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X|S, and it’s never been easier to upgrade your gaming set-up. Whether you want better sound, more storage, or a unique controller, there is an accessory for you. But you also need to consider the quality, compatibility, and price of the accessory, and how it compares to other options. That’s why we are here to help you make the best choice for your gaming.
The majority of accessories now are backward compatible to work with new and previous generations. While we’ve listed some great options here, there are a plethora of alternatives in each category we’ve listed, and our site has more in-depth details on most of them if you care to do more research before spending your hard-earned cash. You can check out our definitive guide to the best Xbox headsets, and a great summary of the best external hard drives to name just a few. Also, taste is subjective and there are simply tons of Xbox controllers to choose from if you are a budding collector. You can even create your own if the perfect design isn’t already available.
While we are lucky enough to be sent many products for consideration, I always take into account value for money when reviewing a product. It’s easy to say an accessory is great and forgive some shortcomings when you haven’t forked out the dollars for it, but this is forever in our thoughts when writing our reviews and why we always endeavor to include anything that may affect your purchasing choice be that negative or positive.
You can hit me up on Twitter @Jenbox360 or in the comments below for any questions or further advice!
