![Best PS5 Accessories for 2026: Ultimate Gaming Setup Guide [2026]](https://tryrunable.com/blog/best-ps5-accessories-for-2026-ultimate-gaming-setup-guide-20/image-1-1766684122427.jpg)
The Best PS5 Accessories for 2026: Transform Your Gaming Setup
If you picked up a PlayStation 5 in the last couple of years, or you're eyeing the PS5 Pro, you've probably realized something important: the console is incredible, but it's also just the starting point. Sony's system ships with the essentials, sure, but there's a whole ecosystem of accessories that can genuinely transform how you play.
I've tested dozens of PS5 add-ons over the past two years. Some were gimmicks. Most were solid. A few absolutely changed the game. This guide walks through the accessories that actually matter, why they matter, and what you should skip. We're talking about storage upgrades, controllers, audio solutions, streaming hardware, and everything in between.
Here's the thing: a great PS5 setup doesn't require dropping a fortune. You don't need every accessory out there. But investing in the right ones saves frustration, improves performance, and honestly makes gaming more enjoyable. Whether you're a casual player booting up sports games once a week or a hardcore fan juggling twelve AAA titles, there's something here worth your attention.
Let me break down what actually matters, what's nice to have, and what you should absolutely avoid wasting money on. By the end of this, you'll know exactly which accessories align with how you actually game.
TL; DR
- Storage is essential: A 1TB or 2TB M.2 SSD expands your PS5 storage by 73-80%, letting you install more games without constant deletion cycles. According to Wirecutter's SSD review, these upgrades are crucial for avid gamers.
- A good headset matters more than you think: The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ offers Tempest 3D audio support, positional sound, and 32-hour battery life, which is crucial for multiplayer.
- Controller upgrades pay dividends: The DualSense Edge costs $200, but replaceable analog sticks and back paddles justify the investment for long-term durability.
- Streaming changes everything: A PlayStation Portal gives you 8-inch handheld play without tying up your TV, solving shared-screen households.
- PlayStation Plus Extra is the value play: At 160/year, it unlocks 400+ PS4 and PS5 titles, turning the PS5 into a legitimate library machine, as highlighted in CNET's PlayStation Plus deals.
The PS5's 667GB of usable storage can quickly fill up with just a few AAA games, each requiring between 60GB to 150GB.
Storage Expansion: Why Your PS5 Needs More Space
Let's start with the most critical upgrade: storage. Sony packed 667GB of usable storage into the PS5. Sounds like plenty. It absolutely isn't.
A single modern AAA game consumes 80-150GB of space. Elden Ring clocks in at 60GB. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 hits 150GB. Dragon's Age: The Veilguard weighs in at 100GB. Do the math. You're storing maybe four or five games before your PS5 starts complaining.
The worst part? Sony locked you into installing games to play them. Unlike last generation where you could play some titles from a USB drive, PS5 games must live on internal storage. No exceptions.
Back in 2021, Sony opened up M.2 SSD expansion. You can physically install a high-speed NVMe drive into the console's expansion slot. The process takes about 15 minutes if you're careful. No technical expertise required.
More recently, Sony expanded support to 8TB drives, though honestly, most players never need that capacity. A 1TB or 2TB upgrade hits the sweet spot. You're looking at adding 70-80% more usable storage to what you already have.
The key compatibility requirement: your drive must be PCIe 4.0 NVMe, hit read speeds of 5,500MB/s or faster, and measure 22mm x 80mm in physical dimensions. Sony published a pretty strict list of compatible drives. Buying an incompatible SSD is a painful mistake.
The Best Storage Option: Corsair MP600 PRO LPX
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX checks every box Sony requires and costs around
What makes the Corsair stand out? Honestly, most compatible drives perform identically for PS5 purposes. The real difference is reliability. Corsair backs this drive with a solid 10-year warranty, which is rare in consumer SSDs. The company also includes straightforward installation documentation.
Read speeds hit 4,950MB/s, which actually exceeds Sony's 5,500MB/s minimum requirement. For PS5 applications, the difference between 4,900MB/s and 7,400MB/s drives is negligible. You won't notice it in load times. Both will cut loading screens in half compared to games stored on the slower internal SSD.
The installation process is genuinely simple. Power off your PS5 completely, unscrew the expansion slot panel, snap in the drive, and you're done. The console formats it automatically. You can then start moving PS5 games to the new drive through the settings menu.
Other Reliable Storage Options
If Corsair doesn't appeal to you, several alternatives exist. The Samsung 990 Pro is excellent but pricier. The Western Digital Black SN850X performs identically to the Corsair at similar prices. The Crucial P5 Plus is another solid choice that consistently ships with sales.
Honestly? Don't overthink the SSD decision. Any certified compatible drive performs the same for your purposes. Pick whichever is cheapest at the moment you're buying.
Audio: The Headset That Actually Works With PS5
Here's something that drives me crazy. Most gaming headsets treat 3D audio like a marketing buzzword. For PS5, it's an actual technology called Tempest 3D Audio Tech, and it fundamentally changes how you experience games.
Tempest 3D Audio creates a sense of vertical positioning in games that support it. A sniper shot comes from above and behind you, not just left and right. Rain falls from above. Helicopters move through a three-dimensional space around your head. It's the kind of subtle immersion that sounds pointless until you experience it, then you can't imagine going back.
The catch? You need a headset that actually supports Tempest 3D Audio. Most gaming headsets don't. Buying a random $150 headset and expecting Tempest support is a waste of money.
SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless: The Obvious Choice
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless is specifically designed for PlayStation 5. It includes native Tempest 3D Audio support built into the drivers. The headset costs around $160-180 depending on sales.
What actually impressed me about the Arctis 7P+? The comfort. SteelSeries engineered a suspension headband design that distributes weight across your entire head rather than clamping down. After 3-4 hours of gaming, you're not fighting a headache. That might sound basic, but it's rarer than it should be.
Battery life hits 32 hours on a charge. You'll forget you even need to plug it in. The USB-C charging port charges fully in about 2 hours. The wireless dongle connects instantly, and switching between devices is painless.
Audio quality is neutral and balanced. The Arctis 7P+ doesn't color the sound to make explosions sound "better." It reproduces what the game intended, which is exactly what you want for competitive play where sound cues matter.
Microphone quality is decent but not exceptional. For PS5 party chat, it's perfectly fine. If you're streaming or need professional-grade audio capture, you'll want a dedicated microphone. But for normal multiplayer communication, it handles the job.
Alternative Headsets Worth Considering
If the Arctis 7P+ doesn't fit your budget, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P offers similar Tempest support at around $100. Battery life drops to 20 hours, but the comfort and audio quality remain excellent.
For wireless flexibility, the Pulse 3D Wireless is Sony's own headset at $99. It's designed specifically for PS5, includes Tempest support, and works perfectly. The trade-off is less premium build quality compared to SteelSeries.
If you're willing to go wired, the SteelSeries Arctis 5 at $80 includes Tempest support and saves you from battery anxiety. Some players prefer wired for the guaranteed connection stability during competitive play.
PlayStation Plus Extra offers the best value with a large game library for $160/year, compared to Essential and Premium/Deluxe tiers.
Controllers: Upgrading Beyond the Standard DualSense
The PS5's standard DualSense controller is genuinely excellent. Haptic feedback creates subtle vibrations that make rain feel different from snow. Adaptive triggers provide physical resistance that changes based on context. It's impressive technology.
The problem? Those features come with a durability cost. Haptic motors and adaptive trigger mechanisms are complex. They fail. I've seen DualSense controllers develop stick drift (unintended joystick movement) within 6-8 months of regular use. Sony knows about this. They designed the DualSense Edge specifically to address it.
DualSense Edge: The Professional-Grade Option
The DualSense Edge costs $200, which is a significant investment. But here's why it makes sense if you play regularly: replaceable analog sticks.
Instead of replacing the entire controller when sticks drift, you pop out the module and snap in a new one. Replacement stick modules cost
For heavy players, the Edge breaks even within a year.
Beyond durability, the Edge adds back paddles. Four buttons mount on the rear of the controller that you can remap to any front button. This eliminates the need to take your thumb off the stick to hit shoulder buttons. In competitive games, that's a genuine advantage.
The controller also lets you adjust trigger sensitivity. You can customize how far the trigger needs to press to register, or disable adaptive triggers entirely if you prefer traditional feel. Some competitive players swear by this customization.
Battery life is comparable to standard DualSense, around 8-10 hours between charges. The charging case is elegant and functional, though it adds to the total cost.
Honest assessment: the DualSense Edge is premium. You don't need it. But if you're playing hundreds of hours annually, the durability and features justify the price tag.
Budget Controller Solution: DualSense Charging Station
If you're not ready to drop
Why is this useful? It frees up your PS5's USB ports for other accessories (headset dongles, external drives, etc.). Plus, you always have a second controller ready while one charges. For households with multiple players, this is essential.
Game Library: Building Your Digital Collection
You can have the best hardware in the world, but you need games to play. Here's where PlayStation Plus Extra enters the conversation.
PlayStation Plus Extra: The Best Value Subscription
Sony restructured PlayStation Plus into three tiers. Essential costs
For most players, Extra is the sweet spot. You're spending
What's the catch? You're licensing the games, not owning them. If Sony removes a title from the service, you lose access. It happens, though rarely. More importantly, the library rotates. Games get added, games get removed.
But here's the reality: even with rotation, the library is enormous. Within two hours, you can find 10-15 games that interest you. Within a month, you'll probably have 30+ titles worth exploring.
I've watched people discover entire franchises they'd never played because Extra made trying those games risk-free. That's genuinely valuable, especially for newer gamers building their taste preferences.
The Games Actually Worth Playing
Inside Extra, certain titles stand out. God of War Ragnarök is essential if you've played the 2018 reboot. Astro's Playroom comes pre-installed and showcases what the DualSense can do. Spider-Man 2 demonstrates brilliant open-world design. Sackboy: A Big Adventure is one of the best modern platformers.
For older games, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Demon's Souls, and Returnal remain exceptional. The library skews toward PlayStation exclusives, which makes sense, but third-party titles show up regularly.
Streaming and Remote Play: Gaming Beyond Your Living Room
Let's talk about a fundamental limitation of home console gaming: it requires a TV. For households with shared screens, this creates conflict. Your PS5 is incredible, but your partner wants to watch something. Your kid needs to use the living room. You're stuck.
PlayStation Portal: Remote Play Hardware
The PlayStation Portal is Sony's answer. It's an 8-inch handheld device with a built-in screen that streams your PS5 experience wirelessly. You sit in your bedroom and play games that are technically running on the console in the living room.
The Portal costs $200. For the right person, it's transformative. For the wrong person, it's an expensive paperweight.
Who should buy it? Anyone who regularly can't access their TV. Someone with a shared living room. A parent who wants to play games while their kids watch TV. A person who wants to play in bed because, honestly, comfort matters.
Who should skip it? Anyone with a dedicated gaming setup or their own TV. If you're already playing on a monitor, the Portal adds nothing. Anyone with poor Wi-Fi connectivity should also avoid it; the experience becomes unplayable with latency spikes.
The actual experience is solid if your Wi-Fi is strong. Playing Astro's Bot Rescue Mission remotely feels responsive. Games with quick timing don't suffer noticeably from the slight latency inherent to streaming. Competitive shooters where frame-perfect reactions matter? That's where limitations become apparent.
Here's the honest part: the Portal is a niche product. It solves a specific problem. If that problem applies to your life, it's worth the price. Otherwise, skip it.
Remote Play on Your Phone
Before spending $200 on Portal, try Remote Play via the PS App on your smartphone. It's free, uses the same wireless streaming technology, and works acceptably on phones. If you hate the experience on your phone, the Portal won't change your mind. If phone remote play feels fine, you probably don't need the dedicated hardware.
Estimated data shows that PlayStation Plus Extra offers the highest value with a score of 90, making it the best investment for expanding your PS5 experience.
Media Control: The Underrated Accessory
PS5 doubles as a streaming device. Netflix. Disney+. Spotify. YouTube. Your console handles all of them. But here's the problem: using a game controller to navigate menus is awful.
PlayStation Media Remote
The PlayStation Media Remote costs $30 and is one of the best accessories you can buy. It's a dedicated remote specifically designed for PS5 streaming apps. Dedicated playback buttons, volume controls, app shortcuts, and a layout that makes sense for media consumption.
What makes it special? Dedicated app buttons. You press "Netflix," the app launches. No navigating menus with a game controller. The remote also works when the console is in sleep mode, so you can wake it and launch apps from across the room.
For anyone using their PS5 for streaming (and honestly, most people do), this is essential. $30 is a no-brainer investment.
The remote is simple but thoughtfully designed. Ergonomics are solid. It charges via USB-C and gets good battery life. After three months of daily use, I charged it maybe twice.
Disc Drive: The Physical Media Option
Here's something controversial: Sony split the PS5 into two versions. The PS5 Digital Edition has no disc drive. The PS5 Disc Edition includes one. Now Sony sells the disc drive separately for $80.
It feels predatory, honestly. Consumers who bought the Digital Edition expecting to only buy digital games can now upgrade if they want physical media access. It's clearly a piecemeal approach to maximize revenue.
Should you buy it? Only if you:
- Purchased the Digital Edition and genuinely want disc support
- Want to play used games from the secondhand market
- Enjoy the ritual of opening physical game cases
- Have a library of PS4 discs you want to continue playing
For pure digital gamers, the disc drive adds nothing. For physical media collectors, it's the only way to play discs.
The installation is straightforward. You pop off the side panel, align the drive, and snap it in. It takes maybe 2 minutes. The system recognizes it automatically.
Aesthetic Upgrades: Make It Yours
The PS5 is a distinctive looking console. White panels, glossy surfaces, those weird curved sides. Some people love it. Others want to customize.
PS5 Facade Panels
Sony sells replacement panels in different colors: black, galactic purple, starlight blue, nova pink, gray camouflage. They cost $55-60 per set (panels come in pairs for sides).
Installation is easy. Pop off the existing panels, snap on new ones. No tools required. Takes about 30 seconds.
Are they necessary? Absolutely not. Customizing your console purely for aesthetics. But if you care about matching your gaming space or want a unique look, they're clean.
Third-party panels exist but quality varies. Some fit loosely. Some discolor over time. Sony panels maintain fitment and durability.
The DualSense Edge becomes cost-effective after 10 stick replacements, breaking even with the cost of three standard DualSense controllers.
Cooling Solutions: Do You Actually Need Them?
Third-party cooling stands and ventilation systems exist. They promise better heat dissipation, quieter fans, improved performance.
Honest answer? The PS5 is already well-engineered for cooling. In normal conditions, cooling isn't a problem. The fan noise is noticeable but acceptable. Those $40-80 cooling stands help marginally if you:
- Game in hot environments (80+ degrees Fahrenheit)
- Use the console for extended sessions (8+ hours)
- Have poor air circulation in your gaming area
For most players in normal conditions, cooling accessories are unnecessary. The PS5 handles its thermal challenges fine.
If you live in a hot climate and do heavy gaming, the Nyxi Cooling Stand or Database Cooling Fan provide noticeable improvements at $40-50. But skip them if your current setup doesn't overheat.
Game Pass Isn't PS5 (Yet): Understanding the Landscape
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is a phenomenon. You get access to hundreds of games including day-one releases of every Xbox Studio title. It's legitimately a better value than PlayStation Plus Extra.
But here's the thing: PS5 doesn't have an equivalent. Microsoft owns Bethesda and Activision, giving them incentive to include those games day-one. Sony doesn't own Activision or many major third-party studios, so their approach differs.
PlayStation Plus Extra is good value, but it's not Game Pass. Accept that. The library is different, the strategy differs, and that's fine. Both have merit depending on your preferences.
Cable Management: The Unglamorous Essential
You don't think about cable management until you have a messy setup. Then it drives you crazy.
Invest in:
- Quality HDMI cable: A good HDMI 2.1 cable handles PS5's bandwidth properly. Cheap cables introduce instability. Spend $15-25 for peace of mind
- Power conditioner: Surge protection for your entire setup. Protects against power spikes. $40-60 investment
- Cable organizers: Velcro straps, cable boxes, sleeves. $10-20 total makes everything look professional
- Outlet extender with USB ports: Reduces cable mess by consolidating charging. $15-25
These aren't "gaming" accessories, but they improve your setup immensely.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ excels in Tempest 3D Audio support and comfort, with a long battery life of 32 hours and quick charging time of 2 hours. Estimated data for typical headsets shows lower performance in these areas.
The Accessories to Skip
Not everything deserves your money. Here's what you should avoid:
Extra DualSense Controllers at Full Price: They're excellent, but competition is fierce. Shops run sales constantly. Never pay full retail
Third-Party Controller Stands: They're fragile plastic. Save your money. Just store controllers in a drawer.
Expensive USB Hub Accessories:
"Gaming" Cables: Monster cables, special gaming HDMI wires, anything marked "optimized for gaming." It's marketing. Standard cables work identically.
Dust Covers: Dust is fine on your console. Covers trap heat. Skip them.
Building Your Complete Setup: A Practical Roadmap
Let me give you a framework for accessorizing your PS5 efficiently:
Phase 1 (Essential, $230-260)
- M.2 SSD (1TB) for storage: $70-90
- PlayStation Media Remote: $30
- PlayStation Plus Extra subscription: 18/month)
Phase 2 (Comfort, $190-210)
- SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless headset: $160-180
- Second DualSense controller (on sale): $50-55
Phase 3 (Quality of Life, $30)
- DualSense Charging Station: $30
Phase 4 (Optional Premium, $200)
- DualSense Edge controller: $200 (if you play 15+ hours weekly)
Phase 5 (Niche Solutions, $200)
- PlayStation Portal: $200 (only if you have a shared TV situation)
This roadmap costs roughly
Don't buy everything at once. Prioritize based on your actual needs. Storage first. Audio second. Everything else follows.
Future Accessory Trends: What's Coming
Sony hinted at an "upgraded PS5" possibility, potentially with faster hardware. If that happens, accessory compatibility should remain backward-compatible, but it's worth watching.
Third-party manufacturers continue releasing new storage options with incremental improvements. By 2026, we'll likely see cheaper M.2 drives hitting even better prices.
VR equipment integration remains interesting. Sony hasn't committed to PS5 VR, but PlayStation VR2 exists for PC. Expect announcements eventually.
Wireless charging for controllers would be nice. No manufacturer has implemented it yet, but DualSense Edge's dock-style charging hints at the direction.
The Bottom Line on PS5 Accessories
Your PS5 is powerful hardware, but accessories unlock its potential. Not all accessories matter equally. Storage and audio make genuine gameplay differences. Everything else ranges from "nice to have" to "niche solutions."
Focus on what actually improves your daily experience. If you're sharing a TV with family, Portal makes sense. If you're storing 12 games, expand storage. If you're in multiplayer squads, invest in good audio.
Don't get caught in the accessory trap of buying everything because it exists. Buy strategically based on how you actually play. That's the difference between a great setup and a drawer full of unused gadgets.
FAQ
What is the most important PS5 accessory?
Storage expansion is the most critical accessory. The PS5's base 667GB of usable storage fills up after installing 5-7 modern games. Adding a 1TB or 2TB M.2 SSD solves this immediately and costs $70-160. Without storage expansion, you'll spend hours managing game installations instead of playing.
How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
Installing an M.2 SSD takes about 10-15 minutes. Power off your PS5 completely, unscrew the expansion slot cover on the side, gently insert the SSD into the slot at a 45-degree angle, then press down until the drive clicks. The console automatically formats the drive and makes it available for game installations. Sony's official installation guide provides step-by-step photos if you need visual reference.
Does the PlayStation Portal require a PS5 console?
Yes, the PlayStation Portal streams from your PS5 console wirelessly. It doesn't work standalone and requires a PS5 connected to your home network. If you don't own a PS5, the Portal is useless. It's purely for extending your PS5 gaming beyond the television in another room within your home's Wi-Fi range.
What's the difference between PlayStation Plus tiers?
PlayStation Plus Essential (
Why should I buy the DualSense Edge controller?
The DualSense Edge costs
Can I use standard USB headsets on PS5?
Most standard gaming headsets work on PS5 via USB connection. However, to utilize PS5's Tempest 3D Audio Tech (the console's spatial audio technology), you need a headset with native Tempest support. The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ and Pulse 3D Wireless include this support. Standard headsets miss this exclusive audio enhancement.
Do I need a cooling stand for my PS5?
No, the PS5 is well-engineered for thermal management in normal conditions. A cooling stand is only worthwhile if you game in hot environments (80+ degrees Fahrenheit) or play 8+ consecutive hours regularly. Most players in climate-controlled homes don't need additional cooling hardware. Skip it unless your setup demonstrates thermal problems.
What's the best PS5 gaming headset under $100?
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P at approximately
How many games can the PS5 store with different SSD sizes?
The PS5's base 667GB storage holds approximately 7 modern games. With a 1TB SSD expansion, you gain roughly 900GB of additional space, bringing total storage to ~1.5TB (enough for 15-20 games). A 2TB SSD nearly triples your original capacity, allowing 25-30+ games depending on individual title sizes. Game sizes vary widely; some titles are 60GB while others exceed 150GB.
Wrapping It All Up
Your PS5 is genuinely excellent hardware. But the right accessories transform it from great to exceptional. None of these upgrades are mandatory, but each addresses real limitations. Storage fills up. Audio matters more than you realize. Controllers drift. Shared TVs create conflict.
Build your setup intentionally. Start with storage and audio because those actually change how games feel. Add quality-of-life accessories next. Skip the unnecessary stuff. In two years of testing these products, I've found that the most satisfied PS5 owners invested in the fundamentals first and skipped the gimmicks entirely.
Your gaming shouldn't be limited by a lack of storage space or poor audio. Those are solvable problems. Everything beyond that is about preference and playstyle. Buy accordingly, and you'll have a setup that'll serve you well for years.
Key Takeaways
- M.2 SSD storage expansion is essential, adding 70-80% more usable capacity for approximately $70-160 depending on size selection.
- The SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ is the best PS5 headset choice at $160-180, featuring native Tempest 3D Audio support and 32-hour battery life.
- PlayStation Plus Extra at $160/year provides access to 400+ games, making it the best value subscription for building a game library.
- The DualSense Edge controller (20 each**, breaking even within one year for heavy gamers.
- PlayStation Portal ($200) solves shared television problems by enabling 8-inch handheld streaming but is only necessary for specific household situations.
