Best PC controller 2025

The most recent iteration of the Xbox controller stays out prime controller suggestion for PC avid gamers. It is comfy and its acquainted design lends itself properly to each the massive library of video games on PC because it does on Xbox. It is easy to grasp why that is the go-to controller for thus many avid gamers and, as a Microsoft product, there’s straightforward plug-and-play compatibility with Home windows.

In comparison with earlier Xbox controllers, the textured grip on the rear has been prolonged to cowl the triggers for additional grip and precision, and there is now a hybrid domed D-pad which we have beforehand solely seen on the high-end Xbox Elite controller.

Moreover, the pad’s iconic form has been tweaked in comparison with the unique Xbox One pad, which means it suits a wider vary of hand sizes and styles. These slight modifications could hinder compatibility with attachments, so preserve that in thoughts. In any other case, this controller is tough to beat for its steadiness of high quality, options, and value.

As ever, its greatest downside, aside from it nonetheless utilizing customary thumbsticks and triggers, reasonably than the ever extra frequent Corridor Impact system (which lasts longer and should not undergo from stick drift) is using AA batteries. In some methods it is good that you just’re not depending on a chargeable battery that is likely to be exhausting to exchange in a number of years time when it stops charging, however for now it is quite a bit much less handy system than a chargeable battery.

Learn our Xbox Wi-fi Controller evaluation.

The EasySMX X05 is an unimaginable worth gamepad that provides each 2.4GHz wi-fi and Bluetooth wi-fi connections (in addition to USB) plus Corridor Impact thumbsticks and triggers all for below $25. Though there are a number of compromises to it, it is nonetheless an excellent choice for many patrons on a price range.

The principle compromises listed here are barely cheap-feeling ABXY buttons and D-pad and no official console assist, aside from for the Swap. The latter is not frequent at this value however nonetheless notable.

It additionally has a barely plasticky, hole really feel, nevertheless it nonetheless feels agency and properly made, with no creaks and bend. What’s extra, its Corridor Impact thumbsticks and triggers really feel much better than you’d anticipate for its value – it truly is a stable controller all spherical. It is also extra comfy than you would possibly anticipate and higher than its closest rival the 8bitdo Final C2, although that controller does have barely higher face buttons and enter latency, plus it contains rear paddles.

Battery life will not be wonderful nevertheless it’ll final a full day of gaming when you flip off the RGB and rumble. As such, total, for below $25, we will not suggest the EasySMX X05 extremely sufficient. It is an amazing worth choice.

Learn our full EasySMX X05 evaluation for extra data.

Spending properly over $100 on a gamepad may appear a bit extreme, however the Elite Sequence 2 is one high quality piece of gaming gear. Like most different premium controllers, this high quality comes within the type of each high-end construct and further options.

Right here, the additional options embrace rear paddles plus the faceplate, D-pad, thumbsticks, and rear paddles are all swappable. The triggers also can change between long-throw analog mode, and a short-throw hair set off mode. It does not have additional microswitches for he latter mode, in contrast to the Scuf Valor Professional or Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, however you continue to get a fast-feeling set off.

Construct high quality is enhanced by the rear paddles and D-pads being stable metallic, plus the controller has extra rubberized materials round its grips than the usual Xbox controllers, so it is simpler to carry on to. You may also alter the thumbsticks utilizing the included device, plus a charging dock and carry case are included to cost its rechargeable battery.

The place you do miss out is that together with missing microswitch triggers, this pad additionally does not use Corridor Impact thumbsticks. Meaning the pad could develop stick drift similar to any regular controller. Nonetheless, there’s sufficient right here to make this a worthy improve for a lot of PC avid gamers.

Learn the Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 evaluation.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Professional is a significantly premium controller with an equally premium value, nevertheless it packs in loads of extras for its practically $200 MSRP. Together with a excessive 1,000Hz polling price when wired, it contains additional again paddles that use mouse-style microswitches for a very snappy, quick really feel.

Further bumper buttons on the highest edge add extra choices plus the triggers will be switched to a short-throw hair set off mode, and these once more use microswitches for a very clicky, responsive really feel.

What’s extra, this controller makes use of Corridor Impact thumbsticks that ought to be imply this controller by no means develops stick drift. The sticks also can have their caps swapped for shorter or longer ones, so you possibly can change between sooner motion or elevated accuracy.

With an included carry case and built-in rechargeable battery, there’s lots right here that additional provides to the worth of this controller. Nevertheless, one notable draw back is that battery life is not wonderful, at simply 10-15 hours when you preserve the RGB lighting and haptic suggestions turned on. This will stretch to twenty hours when you flip these options off, although.

Finally, you will in all probability already identified if $200 is a value you are remotely prepared to pay for a controller, however in case you are the Razer Wolverine V3 Professional delivers quite a bit for that value.

Learn our Razer Wolverine V3 Professional evaluation for extra.

For those who’re after the top-tier options and efficiency of a premium controller however cannot face paying over $150 for a wi-fi choice, the Scuf Valor Professional is for you. It affords all of the construct high quality and extras of the likes of the Xbox Elite Controller 2 or Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, however by sticking to only a wired connection it is available in at below $100.

What are these options? Nicely, you get Corridor Impact thumbsticks to get rid of stickdrift, plus the sticks will be swapped out – the taller, round-topped one is nice for FPS accuracy. You additionally get 4 additional rear paddle buttons – two of which will be eliminated – and triggers that may be switched from a clean analog mode to a fast button press. It has 1,000Hz polling and two audio jack quantity controls too.

The faceplate of the controller, which is completed in a stunning soft-touch end, can be swapped out for all kinds of fun-looking alternate options (or your individual customized paint job) whereas the grips have a troublesome rubber coating for a safe really feel. With Xbox and PC compatibility, that is additionally a flexible controller that brings a really comfy and acquainted form.

Learn our Scuf Valor Professional evaluation for extra.

The important thing interesting issue of the Sony DualSense, aside from when you simply want the DualShock-style layour, is its inclusion of adaptive triggers and a touchpad. These two options actually improve the bodily immersion in video games that assist them, comparable to like Name of Obligation: Chilly Warfare, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop.

The DualSense can also be simply a wonderful gamepad, and it elevates all the pieces that made its predecessor nice. Its thumbsticks are fantastically positioned, and the entire controller is comfy to carry after hours of use.

Whereas Sony is slowly branching out on the PC, although, assist for the platform is missing. Official DualSense drivers aren’t a factor but, and you will have to stay with particular video games to learn from the pad’s immersive options.

Utilizing the DualSense wirelessly on PC additionally comes with an extra cord-cutting caveat. For no matter purpose, haptic suggestions will not work on the pad over Bluetooth, which means you will need to tether it to your rig utilizing a USB-C cable.

That stated, when you’re a fan of symmetrical sticks, the DualSense is a killer pad with nice capabilities. So long as you are conscious of its foibles on PC, it is a high-quality, well-designed controller with implausible adaptive triggers, and the worth is not dangerous for the function set both.

Learn our PlayStation DualSense evaluation.

For those who’re searching for the proper Minecraft controller, this Turtle Seashore Minecraft controller could make a robust declare to being it. Whereas any good high quality controller is nice for truly enjoying the sport, the charming Minecraft-themed design of this one actually makes it stand out.

The Turtle Seashore PDP Realmz Wi-fi Controller: Minecraft Diamond Print, to offer it its full title, features a Steve figurine suspended contained in the controller, together with inexperienced LED lighting all through its in any other case clear case. It’s simply such a enjoyable merchandise.

By way of options, it is a decently sensible merchandise too. You get a full array of Xbox-style controllers (it is PC and Xbox suitable) together with a headphone output, fast entry audio controls, and rear paddles. Inside there’s additionally a chargeable battery that may final 40 hours per cost.

The downsides are the standard of the controls aren’t fairly inline with its value. It feels extra like a $50 controller than an $80 one; nonetheless first rate however not premium. Nevertheless, you get wi-fi and a chargeable battery in addition to the enjoyable Minecraft design for that value, so it is nonetheless first rate worth.

Learn our Turtle Seashore PDP wi-fi Minecraft controller evaluation for extra.

Do you ever end up enjoying a sport with Recreation Cross Final, then going out and streaming the sport in your cellular? With the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely, you possibly can proceed enjoying with the identical controller, because it has a cellular gaming clip that lets you connect your Android cellphone (although sadly not iPhones). You may even detach the grips to make for a very compact, extra moveable model of the controller.

Moga XP-Extremely is absolutely suitable with Xbox Sequence X|S, PC, and plenty of Bluetooth gadgets so it may be each your most important PC controller and one to tackle the highway.

We actually just like the modularity supplied by the XP-Extremely. Enjoying retro video games with the mini-pad is a blast, and having a sturdy solution to mount a cellphone for cloud gaming is sensible. The battery lifetime of 40 hours in Bluetooth mode can also be immense, and, for some video games, we love the D-Pad. Probably the most adaptable and versatile controller we have ever used, the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely actually is a jack of all trades – however you know the way that saying ends.

Learn our PowerA Moga XP-Extremely evaluation.

From Recreation Cross Final to Steam Hyperlink, there’s an more and more massive variety of methods so that you can stream PC video games if you’re away from residence. For those who’re searching for a controller that may make it simpler so that you can play your favourite PC video games on cellular, then we suggest the Razer Kishi Cell.

It really works simply sufficient by slotting onto both finish of your cellphone after which connecting through USB-C. Since most cellular controllers join with Bluetooth, it is a refreshing change, because it does not create the latency issues ceaselessly encountered when going wi-fi. Whereas usually designed for cellular use, with the best adapter (particularly a right-angle USB-C connection), you should use it instantly in your PC too, opening the doorways to a world the place you may have one controller for all events.

Though there isn’t a native button mapping, you possibly can nonetheless accomplish that if, for instance, you are gaming through Steam Hyperlink (which has its personal remapping choices). General, it is a first rate little bit of {hardware} and it will hit the spot for anybody who likes having the ability to play PC video games with out gaining access to a PC.

Again within the early 2000s, guitar controllers had been the massive factor and there have been a great deal of video games being launched that utilized them. Nevertheless, since round 2010 or so, they’ve form of fallen into obscurity. A 12 months in the past, when you wished one, you’d battle to discover a new one, however now PDP has come to the rescue with a model new guitar controller that can be utilized on each PC and Xbox.

Fortnite Pageant, Rock Band 4, and Clone Hero are all among the many fashionable video games that it may be used with, and we’re positive that there will be new rhythm video games launched sooner or later that make the most of the {hardware} too. The distinction a guitar controller makes actually can’t be unspoken, and utilizing it with Clone Hero opens up the doorways to lots of of hours of use.

The controller is predicated on the real-life Fender Stratocaster guitar and it feels nice to carry. Additionally, excellent news for left-handed individuals: it is received an ambidextrous design so it may be used nevertheless is most comfy for you. The buttons all really feel nice whilst you’re utilizing them too. It is a powerful piece of {hardware}.

About the one factor we would complain about is its lack of Bluetooth. Each time you employ it, you will need to plug in a dongle, and if you wish to use a headset whilst you play, it’s a must to use its audio jack. For those who want to make use of among the finest wi-fi headsets, you are out of luck.

It might be costly, however for followers who beloved the age when Guitar Hero and Rock Band had been at their peak, it will be straightforward to justify. The identical goes for newer followers who wish to see what all of the fuss was about. Nevertheless, when you’re solely loosely within the style, it in all probability will not be price it.

Learn our PDP Riffmaster evaluation.