Game News Video Games Reviews & News
Related Articles
The best Xbox One accessories can not only rejuvenate your previous-gen setup, but can also provide a cheaper alternative to new Xbox Series X gear. Thanks to the Series X’s backwards compatibility, Xbox One accessories have never looked so good. Prices are dropping and tech is improving, which means there’s some serious value up for grabs right now.
After all, grabbing a console can be expensive enough as it is, so spending even more on Xbox One accessories isn’t exactly ideal. The good news, though, is that the age of Xbox One gadgets means they often come in significantly cheaper than their new generation counterparts. We’ve had our hands on a whole cupboard worth of kit over the years, so we’ve rounding up all the best Xbox One accessories from our own testing, and the functionality on offer for your cash, right here.
There isn’t a shortage of great gear out there, so we’ve narrowed this list down to the most essential, genuinely helpful bits of kit that no Xbox owner should be without. Plus, all of this gear can hold its own against the best Xbox Series X accessories to boot. Want an external hard drive for less or a gaming headset for greater immersion? You’re in the right place – these are the best Xbox One accessories for anyone who has sunk their cash into that Xbox Series X price.
The best Xbox One accessories available right now
We’re rounding up all the best controllers, headsets, hard drives and subscription services for your Xbox just below, as well as their lowest prices.
Xbox One controllers
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
1. Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The best premium controller for Xbox One
Specifications
Connection: Bluetooth, USB-CCustomization: Thumbsticks, trigger locks, 4 paddles, D-PadAudio: 3.5mmWeight: 345gBattery: Rechargeable, up to 40 hours
Reasons to buy
+Excellent industrial design+Programmable buttons+Additional rear buttons
Reasons to avoid
-Cheaper competitors are starting to offer the same features
If you want precision and exceptionally high build-quality, you want the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. With programmable buttons, back paddles, and thumbsticks that can be swapped for performance-targeted alternatives, this is one of the best Xbox One controllers available. It’s also an improvement on the original Elite in almost every way.
We found that most of these improvements were on the software side. Sure, you’re picking up a more durable piece of kit, and we were particularly enamored with the textured surface that now spans the whole grip, but it’s the under-the-hood customization that really wowed us. We were able to completely remap the entire gamepad, all with a new slew of input options. Add the ability to tweak individual analog stick tension and lower travel distance in each button and the whole thing feels far more premium than the original model.
Needless to say, this superb device builds on all the excellent qualities of the standard Xbox One wireless controller (namely the excellent d-pad and responsive shoulder buttons) while adding a huge amount of customization options and additional features along the way. The clicky rear paddles are fantastic, a great way to rebind controls that normally live on the d-pad to a spot you can reach without having to lift off the analog sticks, and being able to swap the function of literally every button means you can tailor the Elite to suit your personal play style. It looks, feels, and plays like a truly premium controller, and even tops our roundup of the best controllers for PC gaming (opens in new tab).
Read more: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review (opens in new tab)
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
2. Razer Wolverine Ultimate
The best third-party pro controller
Specifications
Connection: Micro-USBCustomization: Thumbsticks, D-Pad, bumpers, 4 triggers, quick control panelAudio: 3.5mmWeight: 275gBattery: NA
Reasons to buy
+Reliable Razer build+Interchangeable thumbsticks and d-pads+Onboard media controllers
Reasons to avoid
-Pricey
If you fancy a pro controller and are open to the idea of buying from third-party manufacturers, Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate is a very respectable choice. Razer produces a whole roster of Xbox One accessories and this entry is a high-quality handset decked out with a lot of cool features. Additionally, it’s a bit more versatile than Microsoft’s Elite Series 2.
Besides interchangeable thumbsticks and d-pads, the Wolverine Ultimate also throws in four extra back buttons and two bonus shoulder buttons so you never have to take your thumbs off the sticks. That’s a huge advantage in shooters – you can respond a few milliseconds faster than your opponent.
Meanwhile, eye-catching Razer Chroma lighting helps it stand out even more. The onboard media controllers are a nice touch as well.
Image 1 of 2
Image 1 of 2
Image 1 of 2
3. Xbox Wireless Controller
The best official Xbox controller
Specifications
Connection: BluetoothCustomization: Button mappingAudio: 3.5mmWeight: 287gBattery: AA replaceable, up to 40 hours
Reasons to buy
+The latest official controller+New high speed connection+Regularly discounted
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks customizable features
With the Xbox Series X came a new generation of the best Xbox controllers. The new Wireless controller (dubbed the Core in some stores) offers up a far more tactile experience as well as a super-fast connection, button mapping, better ergonomic grip, and a hybrid D-pad. This is still a AA battery operated piece of gear, but of course you’ll find more Xbox One accessories to fix that.
The new Xbox controller is also directly compatible with Xbox One, which means you can still make the most of new share features as well. You’ll receive one Xbox controller with your console, but picking up a second one is a must for anyone looking to get some couch play going.
Xbox One storage
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
1. WD 4TB My Passport Portable
The best external hard drive for Xbox
Specifications
Capacity: 1TB – 5TBConnection: USB 3.2 Gen 1Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.0 x 0.8 inch
Reasons to buy
+Huge storage capacity+Trusted brand at a great price+Good speeds
Reasons to avoid
-Slightly short connector cord
While there may be a good amount of memory on an Xbox, it’ll run out sooner than you think. This is why an external hard drive is one of the most important Xbox One accessories to consider. Our pick here – WD’s 4TB My Passport Portable – will sort all of your storage problems, and sits at the top of our guide to the best Xbox One external hard drives.
Gaming’s hunger for storage is growing at a frightening pace, pushing up to 100GB or beyond for the latest triple-A titles. And that voraciousness only grows when you factor in digital add-ons and DLC, not to mention the huge number of patches and updates that modern games all require. Finding space to fit more than a handful of games on the included drive in your Xbox is becoming more and more of a chore, so grab a huge 4TB drive and put your storage anxieties to bed.
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
2. Toshiba 1TB Canvio Advance
The best budget hard drive for Xbox
Specifications
Capacity: 1TB – 4TBConnection: USB 3.2 Gen 1Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.0 x 0.5 inch
Reasons to buy
+Great price+Small and slick+Different colors available
Reasons to avoid
-Standard HDD speed
This flashy little number from Toshiba is a great choice if you’d like to save a bit of cash; it’s handsome, doesn’t require an additional power source, and will plug straight into the Xbox’s USB port. And even though you’re not getting masses of memory, it’s enough to supplement your console.
More importantly, the Canvio Advance has a read and write speed to match the best HDDs on the market. Crucially, it’s often available at or below $50 / £50 – an absolute steal for what you’re getting.
Xbox One headsets
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
Image 1 of 3
1. SteelSeries Arctis 9X
The best Xbox headset
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed BackCable length: 4.3ft / 1.3mDrivers: 40mmWeight: 13 ozCompatibility: Xbox One, PS4, PC, Switch, Mac, Mobile
Reasons to buy
+Dual-wireless connectivity+Exceptional sound quality+Long-lasting comfort+Optional wired support
Reasons to avoid
-Somewhat garish headband-Mic isn’t detachable
Want the very best Xbox One headset (opens in new tab)? You want the SteelSeries Arctis 9X. Specially engineered to run wirelessly on the console, it offers superb audio to go with its very respectable battery-life. Because of that trademark SteelSeries headband, this is also a headset you can use for hours without getting uncomfortable – it’s fairly light at 1.2lbs / 372g.
Of course, we all expect excellent audio from a premium piece of kit like this, but the SteelSeries Arctis 9X stood out in our testing for another reason; connectivity. You’re able to connect via Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless at the same time here – perfect for keeping in touch with your phone or music while playing. In our testing, everything was as streamlined as advertized, and we never encountered any interference or connection drops.
We were a little disappointed that the included mic, while being clear and accurate, was retractable rather than removable. It’s a small design gripe, but one that shows just how far this headset is ingrained in its gaming use. Such a feature, along with the green lines etched into the headband, mean this headset won’t exactly fit right in on your commute.
However, just a little further down that headband, you’ll find some seriously comfortable cups. The sweat-resistant nylon “AirWeave” cushions have been touted to improve airflow by SteelSeries, and we agree. In all our Apex Legends rages, we never felt pinching or a sense of clammy claustrophobia from these cups, and longer sessions were a breeze because of it.
Overall, then? This is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality gaming headset for Xbox.
Read more: SteelSeries Arctis 9X review (opens in new tab)
Image 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
Image 1 of 5
2. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2
The best Xbox One headset for comfort seekers
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed Back, over earDrivers: 50mm NanoclearWeight: 382gCompatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Reasons to buy
+Doubles battery life from the previous generation+Incredibly comfortable +Great microphone accuracy
Reasons to avoid
-Might be a tight fit for some
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 improves upon previous iterations in a number of ways. From improved memory foam cushions with Aerofit cooling to larger drivers capable of pumping out some incredible sound, these are one of the best Xbox One accessories on the market right now.
The comfort adjustments mean you’ll be covered for long play sessions here without any ear pinching or frustration for those who wear glasses. There’s some serious bass to contend with here, which offers up a pounding accompaniment to more fast-paced action experiences. Plus, you’re getting Superhuman Hearing mode to emphasize those finer details in online shooters.
Turtle Beach claims a solid 20 hours of battery life on a single charge here, and in our initial testing sessions, there was still gas in the tank after 16 hours so we’re comfortable that real-world use is up to standard. We were also impressed by the microphone’s ability to capture higher tones and replicate them without making voices sound tinny; something that we regularly run into with similarly priced models.
The overall design of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 also lends itself better to those who don’t want that overt ‘gamer’ aesthetic. Thankfully, there’s a far more subtle design here, and we appreciated the swap from Xbox green accents to platinum silver.
Thanks to gel-cooled ear cushions, and a roomy headband, we were most impressed by the longevity of the comfort here. Longer testing sessions didn’t pose any threats to these luxurious cups, leaving us to concentrate on the Apex Legends at hand.
Read more: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 review
Image 1 of 2
Image 1 of 2
Image 1 of 2
3. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset
The best official Xbox headset
Specifications
Acoustic design: Closed backDrivers: 40mmWeight: 312gComaptibility: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Reasons to buy
+Great bass and surround sound+Great price+Clear mic for mutiplayer
Reasons to avoid
-Mic monitoring could be better-Might be too small for larger heads
Microsoft has launched its own headset, the official Xbox Wireless headset for both Xbox Series X and Xbox One. Not only does it offer a high quality audio experience with the comfort to match, but it manages to pack all those features in to a simply $99 / £89 price tag as well. You’ll find this model at the top of our guide to the best Xbox Series X headsets, but it’s fully compatible with the older model as well.
Official Xbox accessories can be hit and miss, by the very virtue that they’re often the first to be released alongside a console and can therefore miss out on crucial development time once players have their boxes set up. However, in all our testing we couldn’t fault this set for its value offering. That’s a particularly low price point compared to the rest of the premium market, and you’re still getting some solid performance and features packed in.
In truth, we were expecting the Xbox Wireless headset to follow the traditional route of official accessories; offering simple functionality and sub-par audio quality, while relying on its brand name to see it through early sales. However, we were impressed by the out of the box quality in our own testing, noting how these cups were particularly adept at handling wider soundscapes like those of Red Dead Redemption 2, for example. There’s detailed surround sound in here, and a surprising clarity.
Like the SteelSeries Arctis 9X, the Xbox Wireless headset also offers dual-connectivity via Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth to boot. That’s a seriously tempting feature on this spec sheet, especially at a mid-range price point.
Read more: Xbox Wireless headset review
Xbox One Subscriptions
Microsoft’s subscription services offer some of the absolute best Xbox One accessories out there. However, there are plenty of ways to get around their monthly prices. You’ll find all the latest Xbox Live Gold deals and Xbox Game Pass deals just below.
1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
If you’re planning to pick up Xbox Game Pass, it’s worth considering the ‘Ultimate’ version. Although this one’s a little more expensive, it gets you Xbox Game Pass for consoles, Xbox Live Gold, and Xbox Game Pass for PC. That’s exceptional value for money when you take into account the sheer volume of games you’re getting and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best Xbox One accessories going. It also means you don’t have to worry about picking up Xbox Live for your online gaming needs.
To save you a bit of cash, we’ve listed the most up-to-date reductions on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate below.
2. Xbox Live Gold
You won’t get far without Xbox Live, so it definitely earns the top spot on this list. Want to venture into online multiplayer by yourself or with friends? You can forget it without this subscription service. We’d recommend picking up the 12-month membership as a result – that’s the best value for money in the long term.
There are other benefits to take advantage of outside multiplayer, too; members of Xbox Live get access to regular discounts. They also receive free games each month via the ‘Games with Gold’ initiative. That in itself makes the price tag worth paying.
How we test Xbox One accessories
Xbox One accessories aren’t exactly a dying breed. Thanks to the fact that Xbox Series X gear can also be used on the previous generation, there’s still plenty of kit to sort through. However, if we’re recommending a product for Xbox One you can bet that we’ve tested it on that console specifically. We’re yet to come across an Xbox Series X gadget that doesn’t work as advertized on an older system, but the threat still lurks. That’s why we test everything across both consoles, and PC where appropriate, to make sure you’re getting the best value for money possible.
Beyond that, you can find out exactly how we test gaming headsets and how we test controllers with our dedicated guides – and find out how we make all our recommendations with the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
For more savings, check out our guide to the latest Xbox controller deals. Or for more equipment, take a look at the best Nintendo Switch accessories and best PS5 accessories for more inspiration.
