SteelSeries Arctis 3
Photograph: SteelSeries
We like the Bluetooth Arctis 3 as a wireless headset, particularly when paired with the Nintendo Switch. However, if it’s more important for you to have one headset for all your consoles rather than going wireless, this corded version is an inexpensive option with great audio quality that you can use on just about any console with the 3.5-mm headphone cable. Since this is a wired-up headset, it also works great with both PlayStation or Xbox consoles!
We’re fans of a lot of SteelSeries gaming hardware, but this bundle has an Apex 3 keyboard, Rival 3 wireless mouse, and an Arctis 1 wireless headset (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which collectively can cost upwards of $165 when purchased separately. Plus, the bundle throws in a mouse pad, so you have all the accessories you need to level up your PC gaming rig with one purchase.
Target (Sold Out), Amazon, JBL
This headset might have an extra thick coating of Gamer Aesthetic™, but what it lacks in subtlety, it makes up for with incredible 3D audio quality. This corded headset works on any console you can plug it into, but when you use it on PC with the JBL software, the spatial audio soundscape comes alive.
This headset is one of our overall favorites (9/10, WIRED Recommends), even if it’s an unconventional choice for gaming. The M&D has an old-fashioned-yet-modern style that stands in stark contrast to the typical gaming flash. The headset provides rich, layered sound and features impressive active noise cancellation. Unless you really need RGB LEDs, this is a premium headset worth having—for games, music, whatever—at a steep discount.
Razer Viper
Photograph: Razer
Wired mice might be slightly less convenient than wireless, but when you want to keep input lag and connection interruptions to a minimum, they’re indispensable. (Plus, no recharging ever.) This Razer Viper mouse isn’t just great as a corded option, it’s also ambidextrous, so anyone can use it. It’s considerably cheaper than its wireless cousin, which is one of our favorite gaming mice.
SteelSeries regularly impresses us with its gaming peripherals, and the SteelSeries Prime Wireless gaming mouse is no exception. It’s our top overall pick for gaming mice, thanks to its understated design, uncluttered button layout, and generous wireless range.
The Logitech G305 may not have as many bells and whistles as more expensive gaming mice, but if you need something reliable, it’s hard to beat. Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has used the Logitech G305 for over two years without ever having a problem. It takes a single AA battery and can last for months with one.
Amazon, Gamestop (Sold Out), Best Buy
The Roccat Kone Pro Air is one of our favorite gaming mice, not only because it has outlandish, semi-transparent LED buttons, but because of its deeply satisfying click action. If you’re the kind of person to get an emotional high from clicky mechanical keyboards, then this mouse pairs well with your sensory palate.
Highly customizable mice can be powerful tools for gaming (or for work) and while the Razer Basilisk Ultimate has cycled off our list of best gaming mice, it remains a solid option. It has 11 programmable buttons, a comfortable ergonomic design, and a highly sensitive optical sensor.
