Sony's PS5 may have everyone's attention, but there's a lot to be said about making the most out of older hardware. Not everyone can make the jump to every new console generation, especially when the latest tech can seriously break the bank. But picking up one of the best PS4 accessories can help breathe new life into Sony's aging machine.
Don't get us wrong, the basic gear will serve you well enough to get going and enjoy the delights of all things PS4 initially, but there’s a whole world of add-ons and accompaniments out there that can bring even more enjoyment to your console. While its successor, the PS5, has taken the limelight, the PS4 still has plenty of life to give and it's still a great time to pick up the best PS4 accessories - especially as many of them are compatible with both Sony's latest pixel-pushers.
Take, for example, the DualShock 4 controller. All things considered, it’s darn good and definitely the best PS4 accessories going. Years of refinement since the launch of the original PlayStation have turned it into the favored controller of a vast majority of gamers. Some, however, prefer the stick layout found more commonly on Microsoft consoles - so if that's you, what could be better than acquiring an additional controller that represents that difference?
Those controllers are going to need charging too - we like our pads wireless these days. What better than a charging dock to keep them topped up while you’re not playing? How about a bigger hard drive? A longer HDMI cable for more convenient sitting? A media remote? Or you could really splash the cash on a PSVR or a racing wheel. Whatever you choose, some of the best PS4 accessories we’ve gathered below are the bee's knees, so get stuck in.
I'm a firm supporter in making the most of what you have, and that undoubtedly goes for games consoles. One of the best ways to get the most out of your old PS4 is by pairing it with some of the best PS4 accessories, but there's a lot out there in the 12 years since the Sony console launched. With that in mind, I'm here to ensure you know what's worth your attention, cash and attention if you're still rocking the last-gen machine.
Recent updates
January 31 - For this update, I included numbered entries each one of the best PS4 accessories listed in this guide. While the list itself hasn't changed, identifying each entry in numerical order can make it easier to browse. While overhauling this page, I also added to the FAQ section, and made sure the information as part of this guide was still relevant.
It's the official controller, and it's by far the best. A single DualShock 4 will work with your PS4, PS4 Pro, and your PC, and even under the toughest of gaming conditions it'll last you years. The latest iteration of the controller uses tougher materials than the initial batch, so the thumbsticks and triggers won't degrade or wear down unless you really punish the pad for a sustained period. We're talking months here, of you spilling stuff on the thumbsticks and throwing the controller across the room. It doesn't include a charging cable, but you can pick one up VERY cheap, and get chargers of different lengths to suit your living room set-up.
If you're looking to download plenty of games (and with a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can potentially grab 2-3 games every month), then you'll quickly run out of storage space on your console's hard drive. Instead of constantly deleting and reinstalling games, it might be best to grab an external hard drive that simply plugs in and lets you store way more titles. The WD My Passport drives are really easy to use, excellent value for money, and often some of the cheapest out there. Yet they're top quality and the transfer speeds they offer are great. The My Passport comes in a range of colors and sizes too, so you're bound to find something you're going to enjoy and use.
Ah yes, the most glamorous of PS4 accessory purchases: the charging cable. You need one of these to charge the battery on your DualShock, unless you have a charging dock. Sure, you get one when you buy a PS4 console, but the cable is short and it's likely to break at some point. There are so many options for charging cables, but we recommend the Anker products because they're a trusted name in charging, this cable is well made, and it's (pretty much) impossible to tangle. Having loads of wires in your living room or bedroom can be a hazard, and this is both tough to tangle and easy to spot when you're walking around in low-light. Plus, it's great value.
Want to know what all the virtual reality fuss is about? Well, the PlayStation VR headset is the most affordable way to find out, and the selection of experiences available is getting better and better with every release. Whether you want to pet Trico in The Last Guardian VR, fly an X-Wing in Star Wars: Battlefront or blast a load of demons back to hell in DOOM VFR there are plenty of ways to get deeper into your PlayStation games. Just remember you’ll also need to buy a pair of Move Controllers too, if you want to make the most of the VR experience. Most VR bundles come with a PS Camera too - just make sure the one you buy includes it, or you'll be paying more money just to get started.
Whether you’re racing around in Gran Turismo Sport in the latest supercar, or wiping the digital mud from your face in Dirt Rally, there’s nothing quite like doing all that from behind a real wheel. Even if you’re sitting on your sofa, there’s something about feeling the leather under your fingers and the cool metal under your feet as you wrestle all four wheels around the next corner and scream into first place. The PS4 is pad is good, but it’s not quite the Logitech G29, which happens to be our pick for the best racing wheel available for PS4 (and PS3 too if you’re still dabbling in last-gen tech).
If you’re going to go full VR, you’re going to need a pair of PlayStation Move controllers. They might have been released back in the PS3 era, but they’re Sony’s way of getting your hands in the game. With one of these glowing bad boys in your paws, you’ll be able to pick up and interact with objects and items in VR games, which might sound silly but totally changes the game. Take Batman Arkham VR for example, there’s nothing quite like pulling on the Bat gloves and pulling down the cowl over your face in the game using what feels like your real hands - and then doing a little dance in the mirror. You are the night, after all.
The battery life on the PS4’s DualShock 4 pad isn’t bad, but there’s bound to be a crucial point mid-game where you get booted out with that infuriating “controller disconnected” prompt flashing up on screen. Make sure you don’t get scuppered at the final blow in a long boss fight by getting yourself the DualShock 4 Charging Station. This dinky little gadget will charge two controllers at once in a nicely designed cradle, meaning you’re always ready to get back into the game, and can easily prepare for those local multiplayer sessions in advance or juice the controllers up in a mid-session break. Otherwise, charge one and play with the other, and chuck your pads into it overnight to make sure you’re fully juiced for the next time you play.
Best PS4 accessories: FAQ
What accessories can you get for PS4?
A whole host of accessories is the short answer to that question! And our list right here of the absolute best PS4 accessories you can add to your setup right now. From extra controllers to charging docks, to headsets to external storage, there's so many great accessories that one can add to get the most out of one's PS4 setup right now and ensure you squeeze all the quality and time out of the last-gen console.
Are the best PS4 accessories compatible with the PS5?
One of the best things about still picking up accessories for your PS4 is that if you want to take the plunge and get the PS5, you don't have to get rid of them all. Some accessories are compatible with both Sony's consoles, it just depends on what you have.
For example, the WD My Passport 2TB external hard drive as listed above, could be re-formatted to store your PS5 games. While it won't be as fast as the best PS5 SSDs, and won't be able to load any games straight off of the drive, you can still get more use out of it. Just keep in mind, that re-formatting will mean you lose any existing stored PS4 games.
If you're considering making space for the PS4 in your life, don't be hesitant to investigate what of your PS4 setup will still come in handy. Though there's a huge wealth of PS5 accessories out there, but making the most of what you already have can save you plenty of cash you can put towards more important things instead, like brand-new games!
However, we're obviously into the the third year of the new-generation now, so if you're after newer bits and bobs, check out our PS5 accessories page, as well as our guides to the best PS5 headset, best PS5 external hard drives, and best PS5 SSDs too.
