Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Buying Guide: Keyboards, Mice, Monitors, and More: Top-Rated Picks to Round Out Your New PC

Congratulations, you just spent a bundle on a new PC! Hopefully, it gives you years of happy service, and you found it through one of our exhaustive reviews derived from the ever-ongoing testing here at PC Labs.

But wait—did you think your PC-buying adventure was over? Not quite: If you bought a desktop, you probably need several more critical items to get started. Typical PCs don't come with monitors, for one thing. And the keyboards and mice that come in the box, if any? Bet on it: They won't be great. You'll want to upgrade them the instant they're out of their wrapping.

And whether you picked up a desktop or a laptop, for work or play, you'll want to consider upgrading your new PC's audio situation. New headphones (the general-use kind, earbuds, or a gaming headset) are a must nowadays for communicating online at work or trash-talking through your favorite PC games. When you're settling into that new PC, that's the time to re-evaluate the set you have. Don't short-sell the sound.

Across all the categories of PC peripherals we cover, we’ve sourced our top product picks—thoroughly tested and selected with care—to help populate your desk with the very best gear. Let's run through them below.

About Our Expert

Joe Osborne

Deputy Managing Editor, Hardware

My Experience

After starting my career at PCMag as an intern more than a decade ago, I’m back as one of its editors, focused on managing laptops, desktops, and components coverage. With 15 years of experience, I have been on staff and published in technology review publications, including PCMag (of course!), Laptop Magazine, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and IGN. Along the way, I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and helped develop testing protocols. I have expertise in testing all forms of laptops and desktops using the latest tools. I’m also well-versed in video game hardware and software coverage.

The Technology I Use

I have ebbed and flowed between Windows-based and Apple hardware and software throughout my life. My first computer was a hand-me-down Apple IIe with the green screen and spool printer. I soon learned Windows with a—yes, hand-me-down—Packard Bell.

Today, I prefer macOS to Windows for its more straightforward integration with the phone I use (an iPhone) and simpler keyboard shortcuts and file management. Also, the hardware and performance are always top-notch, especially with the latest MacBook designs. (Windows, admittedly, still has better multi-window management.)

As for gaming, I’m a Nintendo fan first, a retro gamer second, and a PC gamer third. Expertise aside, it’s a matter of time and preference—not to mention the lack of space I’m willing to give up for a gaming PC in my home.

Finally, I love 3D-printing new miniatures for the tabletop war games that I enjoy playing. I currently use an AnkerMake M5C filament printer to great effect, and I have probably printed more than 100 models between two armies of dwarfs and elves.

Read the latest from Joe Osborne

Read full bio

Keyboards, Mice, Monitors, and More: Top-Rated Picks to Round Out Your New PC

So, you just bought a new laptop or desktop PC, but now you need all the extra bits. We've got you covered with this selection of the best peripherals and accessories we've tested to complete your home computing setup.

You Can Trust Our Reviews