Your gaming experience is only as good as your setup. While a powerful PC or the latest console provides the foundation, it is the accessories that determine how you interact with your games, how comfortable you are during marathon sessions, and ultimately how well you perform. The right mouse, keyboard, headset, and controller can transform your gameplay.
In 2026, gaming accessories have reached a new level of sophistication. AI-powered optimization, 8,000 Hz polling rates, hall-effect sensors, and advanced ergonomic designs are no longer reserved for professional esports players. They are available to everyone.
This guide covers the best gaming accessories across every category, from essentials like mice and keyboards to the chairs, desks, and lighting that complete a premium gaming setup.
Best gaming mice in 2026
A great gaming mouse is the most impactful accessory upgrade you can make. It directly affects your aim, reaction time, and comfort.
Razer Viper V3 Pro — $159.99
The Razer Viper V3 Pro is one of the lightest and fastest gaming mice on the market in 2026. It weighs just 54 grams and features an 8,000 Hz polling rate, which means it communicates with your PC 8,000 times per second. This translates to virtually zero input lag, which is critical in competitive shooters.
Key specs:
- Weight: 54g
- Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 4K (35,000 DPI)
- Polling rate: Up to 8,000 Hz
- Battery life: 95 hours at 1,000 Hz
- Switches: Optical Gen-3
- Connectivity: Wireless (HyperSpeed) and USB-C
The optical switches eliminate double-click issues entirely, and the sensor tracks flawlessly on virtually any surface. This is the mouse for competitive gamers who want every possible advantage.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 — $159.99
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is the choice of many professional esports players. At 60 grams, it is incredibly light while maintaining a comfortable, ambidextrous shape. The HERO 2 sensor delivers 44,000 DPI and flawless tracking, and the LIGHTSPEED wireless connection provides a lag-free experience indistinguishable from wired.
Why pros choose it:
- Proven tournament-grade performance
- Ambidextrous design suits all grip styles
- 95-hour battery life
- Zero-additive PTFE feet for smooth gliding
- Compatible with POWERPLAY wireless charging
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro — $89.99
For gamers who prefer an ergonomic right-handed shape over ambidextrous designs, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is the gold standard. Its sculpted form fits the palm naturally, reducing fatigue during long sessions. At 63 grams, it is light enough for competitive play while offering the comfort that makes it viable as a daily driver.
Best gaming keyboards in 2026
Your keyboard is your primary input device for PC gaming. Mechanical switches, fast actuation, and customizable layouts give you a real competitive edge.
HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 — $169.99
Unveiled at CES 2026, the HyperX Origins 2 Pro 65 uses a 65 percent layout that gives you more desk space for mouse movement, which is a significant advantage in FPS games. It features hot-swappable switches, per-key RGB lighting, and a gasket-mounted design for a satisfying typing feel with minimal ping.
Key features:
- 65% layout with dedicated arrow keys
- Hot-swappable mechanical switches
- Gasket mount for superior acoustics
- Per-key RGB with HyperX NGENUITY software
- Detachable USB-C cable
The compact layout is intentional. Professional gamers consistently prefer smaller keyboards because the extra mouse space directly translates to better aim consistency.
Wooting 80HE — $199.99
The Wooting 80HE is the keyboard of choice for competitive gamers who want analog input. Its hall-effect switches allow adjustable actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, meaning you can set the exact point at which a keypress registers. The Rapid Trigger feature lets you spam keys faster than any traditional mechanical switch allows.
Why it matters for gaming:
- Adjustable actuation points for personalized response
- Rapid Trigger eliminates the need for full key release before re-actuation
- Hall-effect switches never wear out
- Analog input enables variable movement speed in supported games
- Lekker switches rated for 100 million actuations
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2024) — $149.99
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL combines adjustable magnetic switches with a more traditional tenkeyless layout. It is an excellent middle ground between the compact 65 percent boards and full-size keyboards. The OLED display on the keyboard shows useful information like Discord notifications, Spotify tracks, or in-game stats.
Best gaming headsets in 2026
Audio is critical in gaming. Hearing footsteps, directional cues, and environmental sounds can mean the difference between winning and losing.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless — $349.99
The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is the premium standard in gaming audio. It features a hot-swappable dual-battery system that ensures you never run out of power mid-game. The active noise cancellation is excellent, the 360-degree spatial audio is precise, and the retractable ClearCast Gen 2 microphone is among the best in any gaming headset.
Standout features:
- Hot-swappable dual-battery system (infinite playtime)
- Hi-Res Audio certification
- Active noise cancellation
- 360-degree spatial audio
- Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz simultaneous connection
- Retractable boom microphone
HyperX Cloud III Wireless — $119.99
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless offers the best value in wireless gaming headsets. It delivers 120 hours of battery life, DTS Headphone:X spatial audio, and a tuning that emphasizes the mid-range frequencies where footsteps and voice chat live. The 53mm drivers produce clear, detailed sound across all frequencies.
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) — $149.99
Built specifically for esports, the BlackShark V2 Pro features Razer's TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers and a noise-isolating design that blocks out distractions. The HyperClear Super Wideband mic captures your voice with broadcast-quality clarity, making it excellent for both in-game communication and streaming.
Best gaming controllers in 2026
Whether you play on console or prefer a controller for certain PC games, these are the best options available.
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 3 — $179.99
The latest Elite controller from Microsoft features remappable rear paddles, adjustable tension thumbsticks, hair trigger locks, and a premium build quality that justifies the price. Hall-effect thumbsticks resist drift, which was a significant issue with previous controller generations.
Key improvements over Series 2:
- Hall-effect thumbsticks (no drift)
- Improved Bluetooth connectivity
- 50+ hour battery life
- USB-C charging
- Swappable thumbstick tops, D-pads, and paddles
Sony DualSense Edge — $199.99
The DualSense Edge is Sony's answer to the Elite controller. It offers remappable back buttons, adjustable trigger dead zones, interchangeable stick modules, and the same haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make the standard DualSense special. The ability to swap out stick modules when they wear out extends the controller's lifespan significantly.
8BitDo Ultimate 2C — $29.99
Not everyone needs a $200 controller. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C offers hall-effect thumbsticks, customizable back buttons, and broad compatibility across Switch, PC, Android, and iOS for under $30. It is an outstanding value and a great entry point for gamers exploring controller gaming on PC.
Best gaming desks and chairs
Ergonomics matter. If you game for hours at a time, your desk and chair directly impact your comfort, posture, and long-term health.
Secretlab Titan Evo Lite — $399
The Secretlab Titan Evo Lite brings Secretlab's renowned build quality and ergonomic design to a more accessible price point. It features adjustable lumbar support, a magnetic memory foam headrest, 4D armrests, and a multi-tilt mechanism. It is comfortable for gaming sessions lasting several hours and doubles as an excellent office chair.
EUREKA Aero-63 Gaming Desk — $229.99
The EUREKA Aero-63 is a spacious 63-inch gaming desk with an ergonomic curved edge, integrated cable management, and a carbon fiber textured surface. It supports up to 200 pounds and has a minimalist aesthetic that fits both gaming rooms and home offices. The built-in headphone hook and cup holder are practical touches.
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro+ — $499
For gamers who prioritize ergonomics above all else, the ErgoChair Pro+ offers a fully adjustable mesh back, seat depth adjustment, and a weight-responsive recline. It does not look like a traditional gaming chair, but it provides superior long-term comfort and posture support.
Best gaming monitors worth mentioning
While monitors are a major purchase category of their own, a few standouts deserve mention in any gaming accessories guide.
ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM — $799
A 27-inch 1440p OLED monitor with a 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. OLED delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors that make every game look stunning. The 240 Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth gameplay in competitive titles.
LG UltraGear 27GS95QE — $699
Another strong 27-inch 1440p OLED option with a 240 Hz refresh rate. LG's panel offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The anti-glare coating makes it usable in rooms with ambient light.
Gaming accessories you might not have considered
Beyond the core peripherals, these accessories can elevate your setup in meaningful ways:
- Mouse bungee: Keeps your wired mouse cable elevated and out of the way, eliminating drag.
- Wrist rest: A quality wrist rest reduces strain during extended keyboard use.
- Monitor light bar: Illuminates your desk without screen glare, reducing eye strain during nighttime sessions.
- Cable management kit: Velcro ties, cable channels, and under-desk trays keep your setup clean and organized.
- Headphone stand: Keeps your headset accessible and off the desk surface when not in use.
- Extended mouse pad: A desk-wide mouse pad provides a consistent surface for your mouse and protects your desk.
Score gaming gear through mystery boxes
If you want to build out your gaming setup without paying full retail for every item, mystery boxes offer an exciting alternative. PC gamers who play Counter-Strike may also want to check out our CS2 case opening guide for tips on getting the best value from in-game cases. Platforms like EmpireDrop feature gaming-focused mystery boxes where you can win consoles, controllers, headsets, and other accessories. The mystery box online experience adds a layer of excitement to upgrading your gear, and the provably fair system ensures transparent outcomes. It is worth exploring if you enjoy the thrill of unboxing and want a shot at premium gear at a discount.
How to build the perfect gaming setup on a budget
You do not need to buy everything at once. Here is a prioritized approach to upgrading your gaming setup:
- Start with the mouse. A great gaming mouse has the single biggest impact on your gameplay, especially in shooters. Budget pick: Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro at $89.99. For more budget-friendly tech across all categories, see our guide to the best tech gadgets under $100.
- Upgrade your headset. Audio awareness is crucial in competitive gaming. Budget pick: HyperX Cloud III Wireless at $119.99.
- Get a proper keyboard. A mechanical keyboard with fast switches improves both gaming and typing. Budget pick: SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL at $149.99.
- Invest in a good chair. Your back will thank you. Budget pick: Secretlab Titan Evo Lite at $399.
- Add a quality monitor. This is where you see the biggest visual improvement. Budget pick: LG UltraGear 27GS95QE at $699.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-have gaming accessories in 2026?
A high-precision gaming mouse, mechanical keyboard, quality headset, and ergonomic chair are the four essential gaming accessories. Beyond those, a high-refresh-rate monitor and a proper desk complete the setup.
What gaming mouse do pros use in 2026?
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer Viper V3 Pro are the two most popular mice among professional esports players in 2026. Both offer sub-60g weight, wireless connectivity, and 8,000 Hz polling rates.
Are hall-effect keyboards worth it for gaming?
Yes. Hall-effect keyboards like the Wooting 80HE offer adjustable actuation points and Rapid Trigger functionality that give you a measurable advantage in competitive games. The switches also never wear out, making them a long-term investment.
How much should I spend on a gaming setup?
A competitive gaming setup can be built for $500 to $700 for peripherals alone (mouse, keyboard, headset, and chair). Adding a quality monitor raises the total to $1,200 to $1,500. You can spend more for premium options, but diminishing returns set in quickly above this range.
Do gaming accessories really improve performance?
Yes, to a point. A high-polling-rate mouse, a low-latency monitor, and a responsive keyboard remove hardware limitations that could otherwise bottleneck your performance. They will not make a casual player into a professional, but they remove barriers that prevent you from performing at your best.
What is the best budget gaming headset?
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless at $119.99 offers the best combination of sound quality, microphone clarity, battery life, and comfort at a reasonable price. For an even more affordable option, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 at $49.99 delivers solid performance for its price.
Final thoughts
The gaming accessories market in 2026 offers something for every budget and every play style. Whether you are a competitive esports player who needs every millisecond of advantage or a casual gamer who simply wants a comfortable, enjoyable experience, the right accessories make a meaningful difference.
Focus on the peripherals that matter most for the games you play, invest in ergonomic comfort for the hours you spend gaming, and build your setup over time rather than all at once. The best gaming setup is the one tailored to your needs, not the one with the highest price tag.