The best PS5 accessories of 2023

What to look for in a PlayStation 5 accessory in 2023

Since its launch in 2020, PlayStation 5 has built an impressive list of accessories. Whether you’re shopping for a second controller, a premium headset for online multiplayer, or need a little more storage on your SSD, there’s a product to fit your needs. Navigating through the hundreds of options isn’t easy, though, and it can be hard to tell a good buy from something you’ll regret after a few months.

The first thing to consider is the manufacturer. An in-house product created by Sony is almost always guaranteed to be a solid purchase. The same goes for big names like PowerA, Western Digital, and Razer. They are usually all built to incredibly high standards, and you are sure to end up with an accessory that is durable, reliable, and performs like a champ.

When it comes to specific items, there are many criteria to consider. For controllers, you’ll want to make sure they incorporate key features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. For headphones, you’ll want something that’s highly adjustable, offers solid noise-canceling abilities, and features a clear microphone. And if you’re looking for an internal SSD, you’ll need to make sure it meets Sony’s long list of specifications.

The key to finding the best PS5 accessories is to do some diligent research. Scan the reviews on Amazon, read reviews from professional reviewers, and (when in doubt) stick to time-tested brands. Our options meet all of these criteria and more.

Frequent questions

While you’ll find plenty of third-party PS5 controllers on the market, none are quite as impressive as the original Sony DualSense controller. With a design that matches the PS5 console, it looks great in your game room when displayed alongside your next-gen deck.

The DualSense doesn’t just look great, it works even better. With advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers that can change the tension on the fly, and a built-in microphone, Sony managed to pack a ton of unique features into the gamepad. You’ll also benefit from a 3.5mm wired headphone jack and a Create button that lets you quickly take screenshots or record videos.

The DualSense is a complete controller, but it’s not perfect. For one thing, their rechargeable batteries will only last around eight hours before they need to be plugged in. That’s not a deal breaker, as you can easily charge it through your PS5 when not in use. It’s also a bit pricey, coming in at $70.

Still, those small details aren’t enough to overwhelm the array of other features that the DualSense offers. It’s arguably the best controller Sony has ever produced, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone with a PS5.

If you’re diving into competitive multiplayer matches or fast-paced action games, consider upgrading to DualSense Edge. Beyond offering everything good about the standard DualSense, it ups the ante with customizable components and two extra buttons.

But instead of giving you a slightly upgraded controller and calling it quits, the DualSense Edge comes with several interchangeable parts. This includes standard caps, high-dome caps, low-dome caps, half-dome button-backs, and toggle-button backs. In other words, you shouldn’t have a problem putting together a controller that suits your style of play.

The star of the show, however, is the new set of rear buttons. These can be assigned to another button input, giving you quicker access to your most frequently used actions. However, all of these features come at a price, with the DualSense Edge costing a staggering $200.

It may seem steep, but that’s par for the course with respect to premium, pro-style controllers. With all the normal DualSense features, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better gamepad in this price range.

The Pulse 3D wireless headset was released a few weeks before the official PS5 release date, but it’s still one of the best headsets available today. With a sleek design, impressive audio, and a reasonable price, few products can compete with the Pulse 3D headset.

One of the best things about the Pulse 3D is its price of $100. It’s not uncommon for powerful headphones to cost upwards of $200, but Sony’s original device does what third-party companies do without inflating the costs. Specifically designed to fully utilize PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Pulse 3D can generate explosions, gunshots, and subtle footsteps or whispering blades.

The headset also includes two hidden microphones, although they don’t work as well as a dedicated boom mic. So if you need something that offers more clarity, consider looking at some of the other best PS5 headsets. But beyond that complaint, most users will love the Pulse 3D wireless headphones.

Since your DualSense controllers will only last around eight hours before recharging, the PowerA Twin Charging Station is the perfect way to make sure you always have a gamepad ready to go.

The dual charging station is designed to accommodate two DualSense controllers at once. That alone puts it ahead of most charging docks, which are designed for just one gamepad. It also features a stylish black and white paint scheme, which goes very well with your PS5 console.

Unfortunately, you’ll need another outlet to use the dual charging station, which requires an AC adapter. It would have been nice if a USB port on your PS5 would power the dock, but at least that will free up your console’s ports for additional devices.

It’s also hard to argue with the great price of $25. If you have two DualSense controllers in your game room, add this charging dock to your collection.

Running out of storage on your internal SSD? Consider picking up the SN850 2TB WD_Black NVMe SSD to add some usable space to your console. It’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for as an officially licensed product.

Sony has a long list of requirements for internal SSDs, but this WD_BLACK product ticks them all. It also features a built-in heat sink, so you won’t have to worry about overheating issues while gaming. And unlike external drives, this internal SSD lets you play PS5 games without transferring them.

The installation process for any PS5 SSD is complicated, as it involves opening the faceplate, removing a few screws, and properly formatting the drive. It is not difficult, but it requires some technical knowledge. If you need help, check out our full guide on how to upgrade your PS5’s internal SSD.

Unlike the Nintendo Switch, a PS5 isn’t designed for leaving the house. But if you decide to travel with it (or are preparing for a move), you’ll be glad you got the CASEMATIX Hard Travel Case.

Designed to carry your PS5 console, two controllers, a power cord, and additional accessories, this travel case makes it easy to transport your gaming gear. The case’s exterior is constructed of hard shell composite plastics and is “crush proof” giving you peace of mind that nothing will shake during your journey.

Inside the case, you’ll find blue foam padding with custom cutouts for all your gear. It’s all held together with four reinforced latches that also offer a bit of waterproofing and dust protection, which might seem a bit extreme, but when you’ve got $500+ worth of gear inside, you’ll be glad for the functionality.

The travel case is a bit bulky, and its hard-shell design means you won’t be able to squeeze the corners to get it into the back of your car or an overhead luggage compartment. It’s also a bit pricey at $150, but considering it’ll keep your PS5 safe and comfortable throughout all your adventures, it’s well worth the investment.