Gear and Peripherals for PC Gaming
We've updated this list with new picks for gaming laptops and keyboards.
PC gaming is an expensive hobby, but our recommendations will give you a great experience where it matters most. We’ve spent dozens of hours testing laptops, mice, and headsets made specifically for gaming. And once you have the basics dialed in, there’s a whole world of optional accessories that can make gaming even more immersive and enjoyable.
Essentials
Gaming laptop
Our gaming laptop picks offer good performance and portability for the price. We’ve also included a prebuilt gaming desktop we like for people who want something faster and more upgradable without the hassle of building a PC.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/62339/Gigabyte-Aorus-16X--9KG-43USC54SH-_20240531-194459_full.jpeg)
This laptop has the newest generation of hardware and performs better than some of the most expensive models we’ve tested.
The Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
This laptop has the newest generation of hardware and performs better than some of the most expensive models we’ve tested.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/58478/Acer-Nitro-V-15--ANV15-41-R2Y3-_20240531-195800_full.jpeg)
This Acer model offers great performance for a great price, but its graphics card may not provide enough VRAM to play new games for as long as our other picks.
The Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
This Acer model offers great performance for a great price, but its graphics card may not provide enough VRAM to play new games for as long as our other picks.
Gaming mouse
You can game with any mouse, but our gaming mouse picks include more precise sensors and multiple buttons that are useful even when you aren’t gaming. And they're designed to stay comfortable during hours-long gaming sessions.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49776/Razer-Basilisk-V3_20220426-124554_full.jpg)
The Razer Basilisk V3 is comfortable for most hand sizes and grip styles, and it offers plenty of buttons, excellent build quality, and customizable RGB and underglow lighting.
The Best Gaming Mouse
The Razer Basilisk V3 is comfortable for most hand sizes and grip styles, and it offers plenty of buttons, excellent build quality, and customizable RGB and underglow lighting.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/53122/Razer-Basilisk-V3-Pro_20221117-223239_full.jpeg)
The Basilisk V3 Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse thanks to its comfortable shape, well-placed buttons, optical switches, and decent battery life.
The Best Gaming Mouse
The Basilisk V3 Pro is the best wireless gaming mouse thanks to its comfortable shape, well-placed buttons, optical switches, and decent battery life.
Gaming headsets
Gaming headsets give you good sound and enhanced bass, making your games sound great without bothering everyone else in the house. They also include volume controls plus integrated microphones for those times when you want to politely congratulate yo
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/53274/HyperX-Cloud-Stinger-2_20221117-181240_full.jpeg)
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 offers clear and impressive sound quality seldom found in headsets at this price, and it’s comfortable enough for most people to wear for hours on end without complaint.
The Best Gaming Headsets
The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 offers clear and impressive sound quality seldom found in headsets at this price, and it’s comfortable enough for most people to wear for hours on end without complaint.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/59198/HyperX-Cloud-III-Wireless_20240313-035622_full.jpeg)
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is a great choice if you prefer a wireless option.
The Best Gaming Headsets
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is a great choice if you prefer a wireless option.
Nice-to-haves
Keyboards
Every keyboard can play games, but we’ve found the best wired and wireless options for those who want extra gaming features.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57623/-Razer-BlackWidow-V4-75-_20240529-193227_full.jpeg)
This wired keyboard has smooth, quiet keys, hot-swappable switches, and a comfortable, compact layout. It’s also easy to customize with or without software.
The Best Gaming Keyboards
This wired keyboard has smooth, quiet keys, hot-swappable switches, and a comfortable, compact layout. It’s also easy to customize with or without software.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57886/Logitech-G-Pro-X-TKL_20240502-152151_full.jpeg)
This wireless keyboard can connect via Bluetooth or USB-A dongle, and it offers lengthy battery life. Logitech’s companion software is also the most user-friendly among our picks.
The Best Gaming Keyboards
This wireless keyboard can connect via Bluetooth or USB-A dongle, and it offers lengthy battery life. Logitech’s companion software is also the most user-friendly among our picks.
Monitors
Any monitor can display games, but gaming monitors can make your games look better and feel more responsive by supporting high refresh rates and adaptive sync.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/58600/Asus-ProArt-PA348CGV_20231101-172309_full.jpeg)
If you game, but also need to keep your day job, the ProArt PA348CGV is a great compromise. It’s the perfect monitor to let your tabs roam free during the day, and then run Baldur’s Gate 3 at 120 Hz after hours.
The Best Ultrawide Monitors
If you game, but also need to keep your day job, the ProArt PA348CGV is a great compromise. It’s the perfect monitor to let your tabs roam free during the day, and then run Baldur’s Gate 3 at 120 Hz after hours.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57384/HP-Omen-27k_20230824-210430_full.jpeg)
The HP Omen 27k has a sharp 4K display that looks great at 144 Hz. It has HDMI 2.1, so the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can hit their full 120 Hz refresh rate capabilities, and you can also hook up a laptop via USB-C.
The Best 4K Monitors
The HP Omen 27k has a sharp 4K display that looks great at 144 Hz. It has HDMI 2.1, so the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can hit their full 120 Hz refresh rate capabilities, and you can also hook up a laptop via USB-C.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57217/LG-C3_20231023-173046_full.jpeg)
This OLED TV provides low input lag and the most comprehensive set of gaming features, as well as excellent overall picture quality.
The Best Gaming TV for PS5 & Xbox Series X
This OLED TV provides low input lag and the most comprehensive set of gaming features, as well as excellent overall picture quality.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/55679/TCL-55--Q-Class-4K-QLED-HDR-Smart-TV-with-Google-TV_20230516-004402_full.jpeg)
This LCD/LED TV lacks the higher-end performance tech you get in our other picks, but it still renders a pleasing image and supports the alternative timing modes that gamers desire.
The Best Gaming TV for PS5 & Xbox Series X
This LCD/LED TV lacks the higher-end performance tech you get in our other picks, but it still renders a pleasing image and supports the alternative timing modes that gamers desire.
Webcam
If you want to video-chat with your friends as you play, or stream your sessions for public consumption on Twitch or YouTube, a good webcam can be a handy addition to your setup.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57558/Logitech-Brio-505_20230907-154201_full.jpeg)
This webcam offers subject tracking and other features that are typically found only in more expensive models. The image quality is excellent, as is the included software.
The Best Webcams
This webcam offers subject tracking and other features that are typically found only in more expensive models. The image quality is excellent, as is the included software.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/57559/Anker-PowerConf-C200-2K_20230907-154412_full.jpeg)
If you need a webcam but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this model is a great option. It's small and solidly built, and it delivered respectable footage without any fuss.
The Best Webcams
If you need a webcam but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this model is a great option. It's small and solidly built, and it delivered respectable footage without any fuss.
PC gaming controller
A mouse-and-keyboard setup works best for shooters, real-time strategy games, and MOBA games, but many platformers and indie games still work best with a gamepad. It turns out, the best gamepads for your PC are the ones that come with consoles.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/43745/Microsoft-Xbox-Wireless-Controller_20231215-215851_full.jpeg)
Microsoft’s controller is comfortable to hold, and it benefits from built-in Windows support—simply plug it in, and it works with just about any game that supports a controller.
The Best PC Gaming Controller
Microsoft’s controller is comfortable to hold, and it benefits from built-in Windows support—simply plug it in, and it works with just about any game that supports a controller.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/44843/Retroflag-Classic-USB-Gaming-Controller_20210427-210104_full.jpg)
If you like playing old games and want a more authentic experience, this is the best of the many SNES-style controller replicas.
The Best PC Gaming Controller
If you like playing old games and want a more authentic experience, this is the best of the many SNES-style controller replicas.
USB microphone
A headset is more convenient, but if you want a higher-quality microphone for chatting or streaming, or if you already have nice headphones you like, a USB microphone may be a useful addition to your setup.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/59900/Monoprice-Dark-Matter-Sentry_20240119-165607_full.jpeg)
This under-$100 USB microphone scored among the best in all our tests for voice, gaming, and music, and it’s packed with features.
The Best USB Microphones for Musicians and Podcasters
This under-$100 USB microphone scored among the best in all our tests for voice, gaming, and music, and it’s packed with features.
Chairs
A good chair is the most important part of your gaming setup that doesn’t connect to your computer. We have chair recommendations for your desk and your floor, to fit a variety of budget needs.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/5706/Steelcase-Gesture_20231005-184418_full.jpeg)
This is one of the most adjustable chairs available—anyone can make the Gesture comfortable, regardless of their height or size. And it’s built to last.
The Best Office Chairs
This is one of the most adjustable chairs available—anyone can make the Gesture comfortable, regardless of their height or size. And it’s built to last.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/41821/HON-Ignition-2-0_20220210-182040_full.jpg)
One of the most comfortable chairs under $500 we tested, and highly adjustable.
The Best Office Chairs
One of the most comfortable chairs under $500 we tested, and highly adjustable.
Computer speakers
If you don’t have to use headphones, or just don’t want to, get good speakers to make your games sound more immersive.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/52274/Pioneer-DJ-DM-50D-BT_20220914-202705_full.jpeg)
The DM-50D-BT system has two sound modes that make it good for music listening and audio production. It features built-in Bluetooth and signal-sensing inputs to connect a smart speaker.
The Best Computer Speakers
The DM-50D-BT system has two sound modes that make it good for music listening and audio production. It features built-in Bluetooth and signal-sensing inputs to connect a smart speaker.
Adjustable-height desk
It’s always nice to stretch your legs, and a sit/stand desk and an anti-fatigue mat will help you do that without quitting your game.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/29708/Uplift-V2-Standing-Desk_20231005-184812_full.jpeg)
Offering the best combination of stability, operation, features, and design options, Uplift’s standing desk is notable for a lack of major flaws.
The Best Standing Desks
Offering the best combination of stability, operation, features, and design options, Uplift’s standing desk is notable for a lack of major flaws.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/37703/Fully-Jarvis-Bamboo-Standing-Desk_20230828-134035_full.jpeg)
For those who want a cheaper alternative, the Jarvis standing desk has a wide range of adjustable heights, though it’s slightly less stable than other desks we’ve tested.
The Best Standing Desks
For those who want a cheaper alternative, the Jarvis standing desk has a wide range of adjustable heights, though it’s slightly less stable than other desks we’ve tested.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/13406/Ergodriven-Topo_20230202-191808_full.jpeg)
The Topo gives your feet varied terrain, encouraging movement and making standing less tedious. It’s also the easiest mat to move when you’re switching positions.
The Best Standing Desk Mats
The Topo gives your feet varied terrain, encouraging movement and making standing less tedious. It’s also the easiest mat to move when you’re switching positions.
Water bottle
It’s a good idea to stay hydrated even when you aren’t gaming. A capped bottle is less likely to destroy your keyboard (or laptop) than a cup if it tips over. Whether you fill it with water or Mountain Dew Game Fuel is up to you.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/29099/Hydro-Flask-21oz-Standard-Mouth_20181022-182146_full.jpeg)
The Hydro Flask is an insulated steel bottle that’s easy to add ice to, pleasant to sip from, and simple to carry. And it was completely leakproof in our tests.
The 8 Best Water Bottles
The Hydro Flask is an insulated steel bottle that’s easy to add ice to, pleasant to sip from, and simple to carry. And it was completely leakproof in our tests.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/slcphoeniximages.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/37770/Takeya-Actives--22-ounces-_20200326-151227_full.jpeg)
Easier to use than a sports cap, the spout on this bottle is easy to drink from, and the flip lid stays secure and out of your face. The bottle’s wide mouth lets you easily add ice and supplements, too.
The 8 Best Water Bottles
Easier to use than a sports cap, the spout on this bottle is easy to drink from, and the flip lid stays secure and out of your face. The bottle’s wide mouth lets you easily add ice and supplements, too.