The PS5 is a great console out of the box, but a handful of accessories genuinely change day-to-day use — mainly around controller charging, controller customization, and audio. Based on current roundups from How-To Geek, TechRadar, and CGMagazine, here’s what’s consistently recommended.
Most PS5 accessory shopping boils down to solving one of three recurring annoyances: controllers dying mid-session because they were never plugged in to charge, standard controllers not quite fitting competitive or long-session needs, and the fact that audio accessories vary a lot in how well they actually use the console’s Tempest 3D Audio Engine. Knowing which of those three problems you’re actually trying to solve makes the shopping list a lot shorter.
Quick picks by use case: tired of dead controllers at the worst moment, buy the official Sony DualSense Charging Station or the cheaper NexiGo Dobe dock and never think about it again. Playing competitively and want more control customization, the DualSense Edge or SCUF Reflex Pro are both worth the upgrade. Just want solid official audio without shopping around, the Sony Pulse 3D is the no-brainer default.
It’s also worth planning around PS5’s two hardware generations — the original model and the slimmer redesign released partway through the console’s life have slightly different internal layouts, though nearly all external accessories (charging docks, headsets, controllers) work identically across both since they connect the same way. The one exception to watch for is internal M.2 SSD upgrades, where heatsink clearance can differ slightly between models.
Sony DualSense Charging Station PS5
Sony DualSense Charging Station
The top pick across nearly every PS5 accessory guide, and it’s easy to see why: it charges up to two DualSense controllers (including the Edge) using its own power supply, so you’re not tying up a USB port on the console or dealing with charging cables draped across your couch. At around $30, it’s one of the cheapest quality-of-life upgrades available, and the magnetic-style docking makes it quick enough to use one-handed without looking.
NexiGo Dobe Controller Charging Dock PS5
A popular budget alternative to the official dock. It can fully charge two DualSense controllers in under three hours and includes a built-in chip to protect against overcharging — a sensible pick if you want the convenience without the official Sony price tag, and its compact footprint takes up less entertainment-center space than some third-party docks.
Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Sony’s own pro-grade controller upgrade, consistently recommended as the top controller option for PS5 players who want more customization than the standard pad offers — replaceable stick modules, back buttons, and adjustable trigger stops, all while keeping adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. The ability to save and switch between multiple custom control profiles on the fly is particularly useful for players who main different genres.
SCUF Reflex Pro Controller PS5
A notable third-party alternative to the DualSense Edge, with replaceable thumbsticks, removable paddles, and multiple save-able profiles, while still supporting Sony’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Worth comparing against the Edge if you want more aggressive paddle placement options, since SCUF’s paddle layout is positioned differently and some players find it faster to reach mid-match.
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset PS5
Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
The budget-friendly official audio option, matching the console’s design and supporting Tempest 3D Audio out of the box with roughly 12 hours of battery per charge. No pairing hassle — it just works with the included dongle, and the console-matching color scheme means it doesn’t look out of place sitting next to a PS5 on a media shelf.
PS5 Media Remote
A small, often-overlooked accessory for anyone who uses their PS5 as a primary streaming device. It’s far more convenient than navigating Netflix or YouTube with a DualSense, has dedicated buttons for major streaming apps, and includes a mic button for voice search — a minor thing that saves real friction if the PS5 doubles as the household TV box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do third-party controllers work as well as official Sony ones?
Licensed third-party controllers like the SCUF Reflex Pro generally work well and retain core DualSense features, but unlicensed/generic controllers can lose haptic feedback or adaptive trigger support entirely — stick to “officially licensed for PS5” products.
Does the charging station work with the DualSense Edge?
Yes, the official Sony DualSense Charging Station is compatible with both the standard DualSense and the DualSense Edge controller.
Is the PS5 Media Remote worth it if I already use a universal remote?
If your universal remote already controls the PS5’s HDMI-CEC functions well, you can skip it — but many universal remotes handle app navigation and voice search poorly compared to the purpose-built Sony remote, which is where it earns its keep.
How many controllers can I pair to a PS5 at once?
Up to four DualSense controllers can be paired and used simultaneously for local multiplayer, which is worth knowing before you assume you need to buy more chargers than controllers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re only buying one accessory, make it a charging dock — running out of controller battery mid-session is the most common PS5 annoyance, and it’s the cheapest problem to permanently solve. From there, the DualSense Edge or SCUF Reflex Pro are worth it only if you’re playing competitively enough to benefit from the extra customization. Casual players who just want better sound than the TV speakers provide can stop at the Pulse 3D and save the rest of the budget for games instead.
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