Top Xbox Accessories You’ll Actually Use (Tested & Trusted)
Whether you're gaming solo, streaming, or playing co-op with the kids, these Xbox accessories aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re game-changers. Here’s what I personally use on my Xbox setup, and why they’re worth grabbing.
1. Gaming Headset
A good gaming headset is great for immersing yourself in a game and blocking out background noise. If you enjoy multi-player and want to talk with other players, it helps with that too. Gaming headsets can be wired or wireless.
I use: SteelSeries Arctis 9X.
Why: It’s a great headset that’s built well and has good sound quality. Note, this has now been superseded by the Arctis Nova 7 which is my pick on the link below.
2. Expansion Card / External SSD
I love playing all kinds of games on my Xbox. The trouble is many Xbox Series X games require a lot of storage. For example, NBA 2K26 uses around 100GB! If you want to keep more than 10 games installed, then extra storage is a must. On older consoles like the 360, you could use any old harddrive, but the Series X needs very fast access so you have to go with a Expansion Card if you want to launch games directly from it.
I use: Seagate Storage Expansion Card
Why: I needed more storage space! I’ve had mine for a couple of years and it works flawlessly.
3. Second Controller
Fancy a bit of couch co-op with a guest? A second controller opens up that option. They are also quite handy to have in case batteries run out on your top controller.
I use: Standard Xbox Controller.
Why: To play co-op with my kids and as a backup. I find the build of the standard controller to be excellent and very reliable.
4. Controller Charging Dock
The Xbox Series S and X both use standard AA batteries. Long gaming sessions can quickly munch through these, so a quick addition I did was a set of rechargeable batteries and charging dock. This keeps controllers tidy and always ready to play. It’s great you can just sit the controllers on a dock to charge them rather than have to change the batteries.
I use: Venom Twin Docking Station
Why: I game quite a lot. This ensures my controllers are always charged and neatly stored.
5. Gaming Headset Stand
Gaming headsets aren’t cheap, so I like to keep mine off the table and not resting on the ear cushions. A headset stand also gets you in the habit of putting your headset somewhere sensible so you know where it is when you need it.
I use: Alyvisun Headphones Stand
Why: I wanted my headphones easily accessible and not resting on the ear cushions. This stand is cheap and does the job fine.
6. Thumbstick Grips
One thing that can get damaged on controllers is the thumbsticks. The Xbox ones are pretty robust, however popping a grip on top keeps them less likely to wear out. Thumbstick grips also give better grip, which is particularly handy on gaming sessions where your hands get sweaty!
I use: Pesology Thumb Grip Caps
Why: They protect my controller thumbgrips and add grip. They are a good price too.
7. Loom Bands
Loom bands? What, wait? Nope, I’m not suggesting you make a kids bracelet. It’s just you may have noticed that Xbox controller thumbsticks are incredibly noisy. If you pop a loom band over the stick, it makes them almost silent. They break from time to time, but packs are so cheap. If the noise drives you mad, these are a great solution.
I use: 600+ Loom Bands Refill Pack
Why: The black matches my controller and you get 600 of them.
09. Gaming Chair
A gaming chair is great for supporting your body for hours on end. There are many on the market that you can go for at various price points.
I use: Anda Seat Dark Demon
Why: I needed a tall strong chair as I’m 6’ 4” tall. This is well made and has lasted me a long time. Note this has now been superseded by the Dark Demon Dragon which is an improved version of mine.
10. Gaming Capture Card
If you’ve ever fancied recording gaming sessions and sharing them with the world, then a gaming capture card lets you do that. It sits between your Xbox and a computer and sends the picture info over to your computer.
I use: Elgato HD60 X
Why: So I can record gameplay and tutorials. I’ve found this very reliable and capture is good quality.
Wrap Up
These are all things I actually use — no fluff, no filler. If you’re building out your Xbox setup, start with the gear that solves real problems: storage, power, comfort, and control.
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