10 Best Gaming Accessories Under $20 That Every Gamer Should Consider

When people think about upgrading their gaming setups, they often think about expensive monitors, high-end mechanical keyboards, or premium headsets. But what most gamers don’t realize is that small, inexpensive accessories can also make a big difference in the way you play and enjoy games.

Whether you’re gaming on PC, console, or mobile, there are affordable accessories that can improve your comfort, organization, and even your performance — and the best part is, they don’t cost more than $20.

After spending years building different setups and trying out countless budget items, I’ve found that some cheap accessories really do pull their weight. Let’s walk through 10 of the best gaming accessories you can grab for under $20.

10 Best Gaming Accessories Under $20

1. Thumb Grips for Controllers: Small but Mighty

Price: $5 – $9

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to level up your console gaming experience is by adding thumb grips to your analog sticks. For just a few bucks, these tiny silicone covers provide better grip, extra comfort, and a surprising boost in control.

I remember the first time I slapped on a pair of thumb grips while playing Rocket League. I immediately noticed that my movements felt more precise, and I wasn’t slipping off the sticks during high-pressure moments.

Key Benefits:

• Better aim precision in FPS and racing games.
• Reduces thumb fatigue during long sessions.
• Protects original analog sticks from wear and tear.

Pro Tip: Go for textured or convex thumb grips if you prefer fast, responsive movements, and concave grips for extra thumb stability.

Recommended For: Fortnite, FIFA, Call of Duty, Forza Horizon players.

You can find excellent options like these top-rated thumb grips on Amazon that fit PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch controllers perfectly.

2. A Reliable Gaming Mouse Pad: Don’t Overlook the Surface

Price: $5 – $20

Many gamers pour their budgets into fancy mice but forget about the surface they’re gliding on. A good gaming mouse pad doesn’t have to break the bank. You can get smooth, non-slip mouse pads with stitched edges for under $20.

Personally, when I switched to a dedicated mouse pad, I noticed my aim in FPS games like Valorant improved significantly. It just feels smoother, more controlled.

Key Benefits:

• Improves mouse tracking for both optical and laser sensors.
• Offers consistent surface friction for better aim.
• Protects your desk from scratches and stains.

Pro Tip: Choose a larger pad if you play low-DPI games like CS:GO or Valorant where broad, sweeping movements are required.

Recommended For: PC gamers playing FPS, MOBAs, or strategy games.

If you’re interested, check out brands like Ktrio or these popular budget mouse pad that delivers excellent value.

3. Cable Management Clips: Clean Desk, Clean Mind

Price: $6 – $9

Let’s be honest — a messy desk full of tangled wires can ruin your gaming vibe. I struggled for years with cables slipping off the back of my desk until I discovered cable management clips.

These small, adhesive clips can hold your mouse, keyboard, headset, and charging cables in place so you can focus on your game instead of untangling knots.

Key Benefits:

• Keeps your gaming space neat and accessible.
• Reduces wear on cables by preventing sharp bends.
• Speeds up cable swaps and device changes.

Pro Tip: Get adhesive-backed clips for easy mounting and make sure they can hold multiple cable thicknesses.

Recommended For: Gamers with multiple devices (PC, consoles, handhelds) or limited desk space.

I found these cable clips on Amazon to be super useful. They stick securely and keep your setup tidy without costing more than a couple of coffees.

4. Silicone Controller Skins: Grip, Style, and Protection

Price: $7 – $9

If you’ve ever dropped your controller (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), a silicone skin can save you from the heartache of cosmetic damage. Beyond protection, these skins add extra grip, making your controller easier to handle during long sessions.

I personally love using them because they add a bit of flair — you can choose bright colors or even camouflage patterns to suit your style.

Key Benefits:

• Protects your controller from daily wear.
• Improves grip, especially for sweaty hands.
• Offers unique customization options.

Pro Tip: Look for kits that include matching thumb grips for a cohesive feel. Textured skins work best for sweaty hands, while smooth skins offer easier cleaning.

Recommended For: Console gamers on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.

You can find some really affordable sets that even include thumb grips, like these controller skins.

5. Mobile Gaming Triggers: An Edge for Battle Royale Fans

Price: $6 – $20

Mobile gaming has come a long way, but tapping virtual buttons on a touchscreen can be clumsy, especially in shooters like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. Mobile triggers solve this problem by giving you real, physical buttons you can snap onto your phone.

I’ve personally used them, and they genuinely improve your reaction time, especially when you need to shoot and aim at the same time.

Key Benefits:

• Faster aiming and shooting in mobile FPS games.
• Comfortable grip reduces hand strain.
• Easy to attach and detach without damaging your phone.

Pro Tip: Look for triggers with adjustable sensitivity to avoid accidental presses. Some even come with cooling fans for extended gaming sessions.

Recommended For: PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of Duty Mobile, Apex Legends Mobile players.

These affordable triggers work on most smartphones and can be a game-changer if you’re competitive in mobile shooters.

6. RGB LED Light Strips: Instant Setup Glow

Price: $7 – $20

You don’t need to spend big bucks to make your gaming setup pop. Budget-friendly RGB light strips can transform your desk space with ambient lighting that feels futuristic and cozy.

I added a strip behind my monitor, and it instantly made my late-night sessions feel more immersive. It’s also pretty relaxing to game with softer backlighting instead of staring into a bright screen in a dark room.

Key Benefits:

• Creates an immersive atmosphere.
• Reduces contrast strain on your eyes in dark rooms.
• USB-powered options are easy to install.

Pro Tip: Use them behind your monitor, desk edges, or even under shelves for a clean, ambient glow. Look for strips that come with remote controls or app support.

Recommended For: Gamers who stream, play at night, or want to spice up their setup.

There are many cheap, USB-powered options like these RGB light strips that come with remote controls and multiple color settings.

7. Thumb Sleeves for Mobile Gaming: Unexpected but Brilliant

Price: $3 – $7

This one surprised me. Thumb sleeves sound like a gimmick until you actually try them. If you’ve ever dealt with sweaty thumbs while gaming on your phone, you know the struggle — your movements get sluggish, and your screen gets greasy.

Thumb sleeves help you glide effortlessly on the screen, giving you better accuracy and more consistent control. I didn’t realize how useful they were until I tried them during a weekend Free Fire session. Game changer.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces friction, drag, and sweat build-up.
• Improves responsiveness and accuracy on touchscreen.
• Breathable fabric keeps your thumbs cool.

Pro Tip: Choose thumb sleeves made of ultra-thin conductive fiber for better sensitivity. Avoid thicker versions that can feel clumsy.

Recommended For: Mobile gamers playing battle royales, MOBAs, and action RPGs.

These budget-friendly thumb sleeves are available in packs, so you can easily replace them when they wear out.

8. Replacement Thumbsticks: Restore Your Controller’s Feel

Price: $5 – $20

If you’ve had your controller for a while, you know how quickly thumbsticks can wear down or lose their grip. Instead of buying a new controller, you can swap in replacement sticks for less than $20.

It’s surprisingly easy to do and makes your controller feel like new. I swapped mine after two years, and the difference was instantly noticeable.

Key Benefits:

• Restores analog stick responsiveness.
• Offers customization with different heights and textures.
• Extends your controller’s lifespan for just a few bucks.

Pro Tip: Opt for thumbstick kits that offer multiple heights — taller sticks improve precision while shorter ones favor speed.

Recommended For: Xbox, PlayStation, and third-party controller owners.

Check out these replacement thumbsticks that work with Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch Pro controllers.

9. Clip-On Blue Light Filters: Protect Your Eyes on a Budget

Price: $8 – $20

Eye strain from long gaming sessions is no joke, especially if you game late at night. While dedicated gaming glasses can be expensive, clip-on blue light filters are a fantastic alternative if you already wear prescription glasses.

I’ve used them during marathon gaming weekends, and I noticed my eyes didn’t feel as fatigued the next day.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces eye fatigue during long gaming sessions.
• Can improve sleep quality by minimizing blue light exposure.
• Lightweight and easy to attach.

Pro Tip: Look for filters with a low color distortion rating so your games don’t appear overly yellow or washed out.

Recommended For: Gamers who wear glasses and play for long hours, especially at night.

These clip-on filters are light, affordable, and you can easily pop them on and off as needed.

10. Wired Gaming Earbuds: Simple, Affordable Audio

Price: $7 – $20

Not everyone needs bulky headsets, especially if you’re a mobile gamer or just looking for a backup audio solution. Wired earbuds with built-in mics can offer surprisingly good sound quality for the price.

I personally keep a cheap pair of earbuds in my bag for portable gaming, and they’ve saved me more times than I can count when my headset died mid-match.

Key Benefits:

• Portable, perfect for mobile and handheld gaming.
• Inline mic for quick voice chats.
• Ideal backup if your primary headset fails.

Pro Tip: Choose earbuds with angled tips for better in-ear stability during long sessions.

Recommended For: Mobile gamers, Nintendo Switch users, and casual PC gamers.

Brands like KZ and Panasonic offer solid budget options that can handle both gaming and music.

Final Thoughts: Small Accessories, Big Impact

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of expensive gaming gear, but sometimes the smallest and most affordable accessories can make the biggest difference. Whether you’re aiming for a cleaner desk, better mobile control, or just a more comfortable controller, you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your setup.

These gaming accessories under $20 prove that budget-friendly doesn’t mean low-quality. In fact, a few of these might become your new favorites.

If you’re interested in more budget gaming tips, check out helpful resources like IGN’s budget gear guides or PC Gamer’s affordable accessories recommendations to discover even more ways to get the most out of your gaming space without overspending.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Don’t forget to checkout our Top 10 Stellar Blade Mods You Probably Shouldn’t Be Playing at Work, How to Boost Your Xbox Game Performance: Real Tips That Actually Work, ROG Xbox Ally vs Xbox Ally X: Specs, Price, and What Makes Them Different for more fun gaming.

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