Computer accessories are the add-on devices and gear you use with a laptop or desktop to make it more comfortable, capable, connected, or protected. They include input devices such as keyboards, mice, and styluses; audio and video gear such as headsets, speakers, and webcams; connectivity accessories such as docking stations, cables, and adapters; and practical essentials such as chargers, bags, and external storage.
Accessories fill the gaps between what a computer does on its own and how you actually work. A thin laptop becomes a full desk setup with a dock, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. A webcam and headset make video calls clearer. A charger and a protective case keep you working on the go.
You may also hear the term peripherals. Peripherals are devices that connect to a computer to send or receive information, such as keyboards, mice, and webcams. Accessories is a broader term that also includes items like bags, chargers, and cables.
This glossary explains the main types of computer accessories and the terms you will see when you shop for them. Each topic below links to a detailed guide.
Types of computer accessories
Computer accessories are easiest to understand by the job they do.
Category | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Input | Lets you type, point, click, and draw | Keyboards, mice, pens and styluses |
Audio and video | Helps you hear, be heard, and be seen | Headsets, speakers, webcams |
Connectivity | Connects your computer to displays, networks, and other devices | Docking stations, cables, adapters |
Power | Keeps your devices charged at your desk and on the go | Chargers, power banks |
Protection and portability | Protects your devices while you carry them | Laptop bags, backpacks, sleeves, cases |
Storage | Adds space and backup for your files | External SSDs and hard drives, USB flash drives |
Many accessories cross categories. A docking station, for example, can provide power, connect several displays, and add USB ports all through one cable.
Explore the accessories glossary by topic
Input devices
Keyboards: Keyboards come in many layouts, switch types, and connection options. This guide explains membrane vs. mechanical keys, wired vs. wireless models, ergonomic designs, and features like backlighting and programmable keys.
Mice: A good mouse makes everyday work faster and more comfortable. Learn about optical sensors, DPI, ergonomic and vertical designs, multi-device pairing, and wired vs. wireless connections.
Pens and styluses: A digital pen lets you write, sketch, and navigate on a touchscreen laptop or tablet. This guide covers active vs. passive styluses, pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and compatibility.
Audio and video
Headsets and speakers: Headsets and speakers shape how you hear calls, music, and media. Learn about noise cancellation, microphones, wired vs. wireless audio, and what to look for in computer speakers.
Webcams: A quality webcam helps you look clear and natural on video calls. This guide explains resolution, frame rate, field of view, autofocus, low-light performance, and privacy features.
Connectivity and power
Docking stations: A docking station turns a laptop into a full desktop setup through a single connection. Learn how docks work, what USB-C and Thunderbolt docks offer, and how to connect multiple monitors.
Cables and adapters: The right cable makes sure your devices get the speed, power, and display quality they support. This guide explains USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, and common adapters.
Chargers and power: Chargers keep your laptop, phone, and accessories running. Learn about wattage, USB-C Power Delivery, GaN chargers, and portable power banks.
Protection and storage
Bags and cases: A laptop bag or case protects your device while you commute and travel. This guide compares backpacks, messenger bags, sleeves, and hard cases, and explains how to find the right fit.
External storage: External storage adds space for files and backups. Learn the differences between external SSDs, hard drives, and flash drives, and how connection speed affects performance.
Key accessory terms at a glance
Use this A–Z list for a quick definition, then follow the link for the full explanation.
Term | Definition | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
Active noise cancellation (ANC) | Technology that uses microphones and opposing sound waves to reduce outside noise in headphones | |
Active stylus | A powered digital pen that communicates with a touchscreen for precise input and pressure sensitivity | |
Bluetooth | A short-range wireless standard used to connect keyboards, mice, headsets, and speakers without a receiver | |
DisplayPort | A digital connection for sending video and audio to monitors, common on PCs and docks | |
Docking station | A hub that connects a laptop to monitors, power, network, and accessories through one connection | |
DPI | Dots per inch, a measure of how far a mouse cursor moves for each inch of physical movement | |
Ergonomic | Designed to reduce strain and improve comfort, such as split keyboards or vertical mice | |
External SSD | A portable solid-state drive that connects over USB or Thunderbolt for fast extra storage | |
Field of view (FOV) | How much of the scene a webcam captures, measured in degrees | |
GaN charger | A charger built with gallium nitride components, which allows a smaller, cooler charger at the same wattage | |
HDMI | A common digital connection for sending video and audio to monitors and TVs | |
Mechanical keyboard | A keyboard with an individual switch under each key for consistent, tactile feedback | |
Palm rejection | A feature that ignores your hand resting on a touchscreen while you use a stylus | |
Pass-through charging | When a dock or hub charges your laptop through the same cable that carries data and video | |
Power bank | A portable battery that charges devices on the go | |
Pressure sensitivity | How many levels of force a stylus can detect, which controls line thickness and shading | |
Thunderbolt | A high-speed connection that uses the USB-C connector to carry data, video, and power | |
USB-C | A small, reversible connector used for data, charging, and video on modern laptops and accessories | |
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) | A charging standard that lets USB-C chargers safely deliver higher power to laptops and phones | |
Wattage | The amount of power a charger can supply, measured in watts | |
Webcam resolution | The detail a webcam captures, such as 1080p or 4K |
For gaming-specific gear, such as high-polling-rate mice and gaming headsets, see our gaming peripherals guide and gaming audio guide.
How to choose computer accessories
The best accessories match your computer's ports, your operating system, and the way you work. Before you buy, check these points:
Check your ports. Look at the ports on your laptop or desktop, such as USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, HDMI, or DisplayPort, so accessories connect without extra adapters.
Confirm compatibility. Make sure the accessory supports your operating system, and for pens and docks, check that it is designed for your specific laptop model.
Choose wired or wireless. Wired accessories need no charging and offer the most reliable connection. Wireless accessories reduce clutter and give you freedom to move. See our keyboards and mice guides.
Match power needs. Chargers and docks must supply enough wattage for your laptop to charge at full speed. See our chargers and power guide.
Think about comfort. If you spend hours at a desk, ergonomic keyboards and mice can reduce strain.
Plan for your setup. A home office may benefit from a dock, an external monitor, a webcam, and a headset. A frequent traveler may prioritize a compact charger, a protective bag, and a portable SSD.
Look for multi-device support. Many keyboards, mice, and headsets can pair with a laptop, tablet, and phone and switch between them with a button.
Accessory starter kits by use
You are… | Consider |
|---|---|
Working from home | Docking station, external keyboard and mouse, webcam, headset |
A student | Laptop bag or backpack, wireless mouse, headset, external storage for backups |
Always traveling | Compact GaN charger, power bank, sleeve or case, USB-C adapter |
A creator | Active stylus, external SSD, quality headphones or speakers |
A gamer | Gaming mouse, keyboard, and headset; see our gaming glossary |
Frequently asked questions about computer accessories
What is the difference between computer accessories and peripherals?
Peripherals are devices that connect to a computer to send or receive information, such as keyboards, mice, webcams, and printers. Accessories is a broader term that includes peripherals plus items like bags, chargers, cables, and stands. In everyday use, people often use the two terms interchangeably.
What accessories do I need for a laptop?
It depends on how you use it. Common laptop accessories include a mouse, a protective bag or sleeve, a spare or compact charger, and a USB-C adapter or hub. If you work at a desk, a docking station, external monitor, full-size keyboard, and webcam can make your setup more comfortable.
Are wireless accessories as good as wired ones?
For most everyday tasks, yes. Modern wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets are responsive and reliable. Wired accessories still offer zero charging, the most stable connection, and the lowest latency, which can matter for gaming and audio production.
Do accessories work with any laptop?
Most standard accessories, such as USB and Bluetooth keyboards and mice, work with any modern laptop. Some accessories, such as styluses, docking stations, and chargers, need to match your laptop's model, ports, or power requirements. Check compatibility before you buy.
What is the difference between a dock and a USB-C hub?
A USB-C hub is a small, portable adapter that adds a few ports. A docking station is usually larger, supports more displays and devices, often provides more power to charge your laptop, and is designed to stay on your desk. See our docking stations guide.
Can I use my phone charger for my laptop?
Sometimes. Many laptops charge over USB-C, but they need a charger with enough wattage. A low-wattage phone charger may charge a laptop slowly or not at all. Our chargers and power guide explains how to check.
What accessories improve video calls?
A quality webcam, a headset or microphone with noise reduction, and good lighting make the biggest difference. Many AI PCs also include built-in camera and audio effects. See our webcams guide and our AI features guide.
How do I keep my files backed up?
Use an external SSD or hard drive for regular local backups, and consider a cloud backup service for a second copy. Our external storage guide explains the options.
