Which is the finest PC controller? That is what we’re right here to inform you, with our complete checklist of the very best gamepads together with finances, high-end, wired, and wi-fi fashions. Whether or not you want a Sony DualShock-style structure or a Microsoft Xbox-style structure, we have now a suggestion for you. Plus, for those who want some steerage on what to search for when trying to find a PC controller, try our continuously requested questions (FAQ) on the backside of the web page, the place you will additionally discover a part that explains how we check the controllers on this checklist.
Why you possibly can belief us ✔ Customized PC has over 20 years of expertise testing {hardware}. We share trustworthy, knowledgeable recommendation that can assist you purchase the very best. Discover out how we check.
Listed below are the very best PC controllers in 2024:
- Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi Controller – finest PC controller
- PowerA Spectra Infinity Xbox Sequence X – finest finances PC controller
- Scuf Intuition Professional – finest premium PC controller
- Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense – most immersive PC controller
1. Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi Controller
One of the best PC controller total.
Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:
| Weight | 232g |
| Connections | USB-C and Bluetooth |
| Button structure | Xbox model |
| Extras | Cost-over-USB, share button, swappable D-pad |
| Battery | AA or inner rechargeable with 40hrs battery life |
Professionals
- Nice Home windows compatibility
- Wi-fi connection
- Vary of coloration choices
Cons
- Rechargeable battery prices more money
- Few frills
The Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the very best gaming PC controller. It is a very well-made controller that is comfy to carry, and has easy-to-use controls. It is also effortlessly suitable with Home windows – no drivers or different software program are required. It is also very moderately priced for a wi-fi controller, and it is had some upgrades over the outdated Xbox One controller (equivalent to including USB-C), so it is not missing any important options. It might lack the stick shift-resistance of controllers with Corridor impact sensors it’s going to provide you with loads of years of excellent service earlier than that is a priority.
Learn our Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi Controller overview.
2. PowerA Spectra Infinity Xbox Sequence X
One of the best finances PC controller.
PowerA Spectra Infinity Xbox Sequence X specs:
| Weight | 282g |
| Connections | Wired-only with micro-USB socket, 3m cable included |
| Button structure | Xbox model |
| Extras | Three-zone RGB lighting, three-level set off locks, two additional rear buttons |
| Battery | N/A |
Professionals
- Wonderful construct high quality
- Helpful additional options
- Implausible worth
Cons
- Wired solely
- Micro-USB slightly than USB-C
- Barely loose-feeling triggers
Ignore all of the RGB lighting for a second – different coloration choices can be found. The PowerA Spectra Infinity Xbox Sequence X is a improbable high quality different to an official Xbox Wi-fi Controller that features a number of additional options, equivalent to a quantity/mute management, rear buttons, and multi-level set off locks. The massive draw back is it is a wired-only mannequin, not wi-fi, however that is why it prices simply $35 and it comes with a 10ft cable. Construct high quality can be much better than you would count on for such a low value.
Learn our PowerA Spectra Infinity Xbox Sequence X overview.
3. Scuf Intuition Professional
One of the best premium PC controller.
Scuf Intuition Professional specs:
| Weight | 280g |
| Connections | USB-C and Bluetooth |
| Button structure | Xbox model (Scuf Reflex affords Sony DualSense model) |
| Extras | 4 rear paddle buttons, profile swap, interchangeable entrance panels and thumbsticks, instantaneous triggers |
| Battery | AA |
Professionals
- Lots of options
- Implausible construct high quality
- A great deal of customized coloration choices
Cons
The entire premise of Scuf gaming is to supply high-end variations of current recreation controllers, with it providing each Xbox and PlayStation-style gamepads. The Intuition Professional is its Xbox mannequin and it affords every little thing you can need from a premium gamepad.
The controls almost all have interchangeable tops, the faceplate may be modified, there are rear buttons (a characteristic Scuf pioneered), and naturally the construct high quality is outstanding. The Microsoft Elite Wi-fi Controller is sort of pretty much as good, and has hair-trigger rear buttons that some avid gamers might choose, nevertheless it finally affords much less customization.
Learn our Scuf Intuition Professional overview right here.
4. Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense
The most immersive PC controller.
Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense specs:
| Weight | 280g |
| Connections | USB-C and Bluetooth |
| Button structure | Sony DualShock/DualSense model |
| Extras | Touchpad, adaptive triggers, inbuilt speaker |
| Battery | Inbuilt rechargeable, as much as 12 hours per cost |
Professionals
- Implausible haptic suggestions and adaptive triggers
- Built-in touchpad
- Nice construct high quality and luxury
Cons
- Requires third-party software program to work on Home windows
- No choice to swap the battery
- Headphone socket does not work on PC
In case you’re in search of a recreation controller to boost the sensory expertise of taking part in video games, the Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense is the gamepad to purchase. The addition of reactive triggers, an inbuilt speaker, and wonderful haptic suggestions actually attracts you into your video games.
Add in a touchpad that can be utilized similar to a laptop computer touchpad – preferrred for controlling your system from the sofa – and you’ve got an expertise that really feels next-generation. It is also a very comfy and well-built gamepad that is not overly costly both.
The massive caveat is that to even get the controller working correctly on a PC you have to set up particular software program, and even then most of the haptic additional options solely work when the controller is plugged in through USB and solely in sure video games.
Learn our Sony DualSense overview.
This is how we select the very best PC controller
In relation to PC gaming, recreation controllers may be helpful for those who similar to to sit down again and recreation on the sofa, so even a very low-cost, fundamental mannequin with out analog controls can serve that objective. Nonetheless, more often than not, the large benefit of recreation controllers is that they’ve analog sticks and analog triggers, offering you with a exact, fluid means of controlling motion in racing video games, flight sims, and extra.
As such, it is this issue that is essential in relation to our recreation controller suggestions – cheaper controllers with out analog controls do not make the grade. PC compatibility can be key (this can be a PC website, in any case) so some controllers do not reduce it as they do not work properly with PCs. We additionally check for construct high quality, consolation, design, additional options, and extra, earlier than a controller qualifies for inclusion on this checklist.
PC controller continuously requested questions (FAQ)
What controllers work with PC?
Practically all recreation controllers may be made to work with a PC, it simply relies upon how a lot effort you wish to put in. Older or area of interest controllers may want a particular adapter or particular software program to work appropriately whereas different controllers might be solely plug and play. The Sony DualSense does not work absolutely with out additional software program, as an illustration, whereas the Xbox One controller does. Nonetheless, when you get the DualSense working correctly, it is much more feature-rich than the Xbox mannequin.
Do PC controllers work on PS3, PS4, PS5, Change, Xbox, and Xbox One?
Many easy wired USB controllers will work on a variety of consoles, outdated and new. Likewise many wi-fi USB controllers will work. Nonetheless, you will typically need to examine compatibility of any given controller towards the precise console in query. Usually, the older the console, the much less probably it’s to have USB and the much less probably you’ll simply plug in a console.
The right way to join PS5 controller to PC
DualSense is recognised natively by Home windows and Steam has included emulation assist meaning any Steam recreation will work with a DualSense controller. Nonetheless, for some other video games, you will have to obtain emulation software program, equivalent to DS4windows, to transform the DualSense’s DirectInput indicators to XInput. Simply load the software program, run it within the background and it’ll present full assist for all Home windows actions, even enabling you to make use of the DualSense’s touchpad as a traditional laptop computer touchpad, so you do not want a separate mouse in a lounge PC setup. Though the latter solely works when linked through USB, not through Bluetooth.
Discovered the finest recreation controller in your wants? You’ll be able to full your setup by taking a look at our alternative of the finest gaming mouse or the finest gaming keyboard. Or try our finest gaming headsets information for wi-fi and wired headset choices.
