If you’ve just bought a shiny new Xbox Series X, or just want to give your beloved Microsoft console a little boost, picking up one of the best Xbox Series X accessories should be your first step. Even the refreshed models of the Xbox Series X can be leveled up when paired with extra storage, a high-powered headset, or even a high-end Pro controller. The console has been around for almost five years, so there’s a ton of top-tier peripherals out there ready to jazz up your Xbox experience, and we've tested out so many that we know exactly what to recommend.
First on most people's lists is usually an additional controller of some kind. These often come in really handy whether you want to play co-op games, need a spare for when one runs out of battery, or want a few more buttons at your disposal for competitive play. Many Xbox Series X bundles will offer an extra controller, but it's well worth investing in if you pick up a console by itself.
Next on your shopping list should be a headset. There are so many options out there so you don't need to spend big to obtain high-quality sound - even budget cups can carry a detailed soundscape and punch through with some crisp sound effects. Once you've got a spare controller and a headset under your belt, you're all set. However, you can also take things a step further and investigate some additional storage options and even a racing wheel controller to truly enhance your Xbox gaming sessions.
The Quick List
The Victrix Pro BFG is our go-to controller for the Xbox Series X. While it's a little pricier than official Xbox Wireless controller options there's a whole world of customization in here, and still solid value for money.
The WD Black C50 Expansion Card is our top pick for the best Xbox Series X SSD. This second officially licensed expansion card offers a speedy storage solution that's great value for your money.
The Nova Pro Wireless is the best in the game, so it naturally follows as our go-to for Xbox audio.
The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand can charge, and display your Xbox controller in one go. Better yet, it comes in a variety of colors to match any Xbox Series X gamepad you have in your collection.
The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel is a high-quality racing controller for the Xbox Series X that ups that driving immersion thanks to its 11nm strong force feedback wheel and 100kg load cell brake pedal.
I've been dabbling in Xbox hardware since the original console - which I still own to this very day. Getting the most out of your Xbox consoles, from the OG to the current-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles can depend on what accessories you have at your disposal but there's a lot to choose from. To make recommendating accessories a breeze I'm using my time as a gaming tech writer and my time testing and using Xbox accessories to give you an overview as to what best accessories would enhance your Xbox gaming sessions.
Recent updates
March 24 - For this update, I gave the best Xbox Series X accessories list an overhaul by including a 'how to choose' section at the bottom of the guide. I also amended the FAQ section overall, by ensuring all the questions asked (and answered) were up to date and relevant to ensure you know exactly what Xbox Series X accessories are best suited to your Xbox gaming needs.
The best Xbox Series X controller
✅ You don't like the layout of a traditional controller: The Victrix Pro BFG is decked out with swappable facial components, so you can customize your gamepad layout to your exact preferences.
❌ You need something more budget-friendly: Picking up one of the best Xbox Series X controllers can come at a cost, and the Victrix Pro BFG is no exception.
Our favorite controller for PS5 has made its way to Xbox, and its new version might even be an improvement over the original - but don't tell PS5 players that.
The facial components here can be lifted out and rotated, meaning you can finally have symmetrical thumbsticks if you'd like to. If you're a competitive player, you won't find a gamepad more suited to Esports performance. No matter the genre, this controller can adapt to it. You can even swap out the components entirely which is massive for fighting game fans - especially since there's a dedicated fightpad module in the box with six facial buttons.
This controller has so many attachments and add-ons in its case, you'll find swappable thumbstick tops, D-Pad variants, and plenty of other things that'll help you make it your own. Unfortunately, there's no way to add weight to it, but the rumble motors inside the Xbox version do make it feel heftier than the PS5 model. You don't get Hall Sensor tech out of the box here, but stick drift immune thumbstick modules are now available for an extra fee.
The best Xbox Series X SSD
✅ 1TB extra storage is enough: With 1TB extra at your fingertips, you have plenty more space to download the latest Xbox Game Pass releases.
❌ You need more storage options: Sadly, 1TB is as far as the WD Black C50 Expansion Card goes as far as its capacity goes.
There's a new king of Xbox Series X an S storage, and it's the WD Black C50 - the second officially licensed expansion card for the console after Seagate's option has played king of the castle since launch. In testing the C50, we found exactly what was promised, and it's almost a like for like match with the original Seagate Expansion Card.
If you want to maximise value as well as features, this is probably the best option on the market for Xbox gamers. You simply slot this into the back of your console, do a quick format, and you're off to the races. The speed of this small card is such that you can quick resume between games stored on the console's internals and the expansion seamlessly, without any delays signalling there's even two drives in play.
Besides some slow-downs during transfers, the C50 performs excellently, and just about keeps up with the Series X's ridiculous internal SSD. While that speedy drive managed to transfer Atomic Heart which ranges 78.96GB to the Expansion Card in just under two minutes, the C50 wrote it back in just under four. In specific speeds, that equates to the internal drive having a write speed of around 5.95GB/s, and the C50 having roughly 3.94GB/s.
All in all, if you want excellent value for a 512GB or 1TB drive, the C50 is the best you can go for. Although, there really isn't much that separates it from the Seagate option.
The best Xbox Series X headset
✅ You play the Xbox Series X/S and other platforms: The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro isn't just compatible with Xbox consoles, but it's an ideal headset if you find yourself switching it up with your Xbox Series X, PC and even the PS5 too.
❌ You only play the Xbox Series X: If you aren't a fan of multi-platform gaming and just stick with your Xbox, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro will still give you some of the best audio, and mic quality, found in any headset, but it's premium price will be harder to justify.
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox is easily one of the best wired Xbox Series X headsets going, and one of the best wired sets overall that we’ve ever used.
The lightweight gamer-industrial design aesthetic keeps the size and weight down, making it comfortable to wear but still feeling like there’s some sturdiness to it so I don’t have to worry about the cat or one of the kids accidentally sitting on it.
The Digital-To-Analogue (DAC) unit with the unit offers highly customisable EQ adjustment, letting you get the sound just how you like it, and the audio quality in stereo and surround mode is just superb across the board, whether it’s in action-packed action/shooting games, engaging RPGs, thoughtful adventure titles, or enjoying streaming content from the internet.
The icing on the cake is compatibility with other systems including PC and PlayStation 5; you can literally have it plugged into an Xbox and something else at the same time and switch between the two systems without having to take off the headset.
The main drawbacks are the very high price ($279.99/£249.99) which easily makes it one of the most expensive mainstream wired gaming headsets going right now, and the ear cushion material; it’s a form of leatherette - and in my experience with other headsets, that tends to split or degrade after a while, especially in hot conditions or very heavy use. The fact the decent microphone isn’t retract-to-mute is also a missed opportunity, and the need to have a cable running to the DAC and then to the Xbox also means you’ve got something else to potentially get in the way (or trip over) during a gaming session.
Overall though, these aren’t enough to change the fact the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox provides an absolutely amazing audio experience on Xbox. So if you’ve got the budget and don’t mind the wired setup, this represents an outstanding and highly recommended option.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro for Xbox review
The best Xbox Series X charging stand
✅ You own multiple controllers: With the Universal Quick Charging Stand you can always have at least one Xbox gamepad charging while you're using another without having to search for a charging cable.
❌ You want to charge two controllers at a time: If you need to charge your full array of official Xbox wireless controllers, you're better off sticking to alternatives that can charge multiple at a time.
There are many different Xbox charging stands out in the wild, but very few manage to offer a truly premium feeling experience. You're getting that pedigree Razer build quality, a variety of colors matching the rainbow of Xbox Series X controllers on the market, and some excellent safety features to keep your gamepads from overcharging as well.
Each charging stand has space for one controller, so if you're dual-wielding that already pricey $49.99 / £49.99 MSRP is going to quickly get in the way. Still if you're after a charger for a solo controller, this is a particularly suave option. Fast-charging can have your clickers juiced up in under three hours via a speedy USB-C connection (you can also plug into a wall outlet to save some space on your console to boot).
Razer doesn't make too many dedicated Xbox Series X accessories, but the Universal Quick Charging Stand is certainly worth looking into.
The best Xbox Series X racing wheel
✅ You want to level up your racing game immersion: The Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel comes packed with matching G Pro Pedals to simulate that real-life driving experience.
❌ You don't own any compatible games: Not every racing game is compatible with the Logitech G Pro, so you'll need to make sure you can actually use the racing wheel before you take it out for a test drive.
To borrow Max Verstappen’s trademark line, the Logitech G Pro Racing Wheel, and the matching G Pro Pedals are simply lovely. And much like Verstappen’s 2023 Red Bull F1 car, they’re a high-quality upgrade on a successful previous iteration that now delivers even better results. Not only are the 11nm strong force feedback wheel and 100kg load cell brake pedal an immersive joy to use, but they actually improved our reviewer's lap times.
Stylized grilles cover the front and back of the Logitech G Pro base and add a touch of flair to an otherwise plain chassis. They serve a purpose beyond aesthetics with active onboard cooling hidden inside. Around the back, a USB hub provides connection points for the G Pro Pedals (which you’ll need to buy separately) and other accessories like a gear shifter.
Of course, there is a rather large elephant in the passenger seat - its price. £999/$999 for the wheel plus a further £349/$349 for the pedals is an eye-twitch-inducing amount of money. While we'd say it offers better quality than almost any of the options on this list, we understand that that price makes it unattainable for most players - it's a shame because it might otherwise take the top spot on this list.
The G Pro racing wheel and pedals feel like a real step up from the G920, and besides the drastic increase in payment, they're all the better for it. Everything is a bit bigger, a bit smoother, and a bit more premium (and then some). It’s an improvement in every way. Mount this setup to something like the Playseat Trophy, and you've got just about the best Xbox steering wheel setup money can buy.
Under your fingertips, you’ll find magnetic gear shift paddles which feel wonderful in action. The movement is crisp and responsive with a soft clack giving nice audio feedback at the same time. Below them is a pair of dual-clutch paddles with smoother travel than their magnetic counterparts. These can be bound to a number of in-game actions using either Logitech’s G Hub software on PC or the onboard controls.
How we test Xbox Series X accessories
The biggest Xbox Series X accessories are controllers, headsets, and storage solutions. As with everything we test, we live with all of this gear in our everyday lives, playing with each item that passes our desks for weeks at a time before making our final recommendations.
Controllers are tested across a range of genres and playstyles to ensure they perform across the board, and are also put to the test based on their own individual shapes and designs as well. Headsets are run through not only a variety of genres, but a range of soundscapes and mixes. First person shooters are used to test surround sound performance, wider open world titles can show us how detailed a stage is, and epic single-player campaigns can help us work out how well each headset balances dialogue and music with sound effects. Of course, running through all of that is a constant eye on build quality and comfort as well.
When testing the storage solutions we recommend, we run each device through a series of industry tests to ascertain read and write speeds in an isolated manner. However, we also install each drive and check those numbers in a real world setting as well, running our own fast travel and install tests.
You can find out more about the recommendations we make in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Best Xbox Series X Accessories FAQ
Are official Xbox Series X accessories better?
Microsoft has kitted out its next generation console with a suite of Xbox Series X accessories specifically designed for this console. The only tangible benefit to stick all-Microsoft for your setup is the increase in Bluetooth reliability that you may experience. There are plenty of brands like Razer and Turtle Beach also producing high quality peripherals tailor made for the new console.
Which Xbox Series X accessories do you need?
With all the Xbox Series X accessories out there vying for your attention, which ones should you focus on grabbing first. Well, we'd recommend picking up an extra controller and a charging dock as a first port of call. That way you'll be set up to always have a gamepad juiced up and ready to go.
However, after that we'd thoroughly recommend getting on Xbox Game Pass. The service has revolutionized Microsoft's systems, bringing thousands of gameplay hours to your fingertips for a great price. We don't think any Xbox fan should be without this impressive roster, especially considering first party titles land here on day one.
Do Xbox Series X accessories work on Series S?
The vast majority of Xbox Series X accessories will also work on the cheaper Series S system. However, when considering items like Xbox Series X gaming monitors and the best TV for Xbox Series X, the graphical limitations of the S model should be considered.
How to choose the best Xbox Series X accessories
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What accessory is best for your Xbox Series X gaming needs relies entirely on how you spend your time playing the current-gen Xbox console. If you primarily play physical games and don't make use of Xbox Game Pass, you might not find much value in a ton of extra storage. Yet, if the onboard storage of even the latest Xbox Series X which was released with 1TB isn't enough - then picking up something like the WD Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S for some extra space would be more than ideal.
Additionally, not everyone is going to need a new controller. The Xbox wireless controller that comes packaged with every Xbox Series X is still one of the best Xbox Series X controllers out there, and its ergonomic comfortable form factor and wired and wireless compatibility make it a valid option for many. That being said, it does rely on batteries, so grabbing a premium Xbox controller like the Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox, which can be charged via a USB-C cable is a lot more convenient. Not to mention, it also brings customizable modular face buttons and a ton of programmable back buttons into the mix.
It's a similar situation with headsets. There's no headset included with the Xbox Series X, but if you want to chat with your pals while playing Sea of Thieves, or just want to feel fully immersed with a high-end pair of cups, picking up one of the best Xbox Series X headsets can go a long mile. It's a bit more tedious to pick up an Xbox-compatible headset than with say, the PS5, as Xbox headsets need to be specifically designed with the console in mind. That does narrow things down a bit at least, and there's a ton of Xbox-compatible headsets available in the almost five years since the console originally launched. Everything from the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless to the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 can not only bring high-quality audio, latency-free wireless, and a high-end mic to the equation, but they're also compatible with other consoles should you not be tied down to just your Xbox.
Not everyone has the means to drop more cash on Xbox Series X accessories, especially if you've just newly grabbed the console for yourself. Yet, picking up the best Xbox Series X storage, the best gaming headset, and accessories like the best racing wheel controller is one of the best methods to get the most value out of your Microsoft gaming machine.
If you're still after a console, we're bringing you all the latest Xbox Series X stock. We're also rounding up all the best Xbox One accessories and the best Xbox One steering wheels for those looking to save a little extra on their setup. For more Series X gear, though, take a look at the best Xbox Series X wireless headsets for more inspiration.
