Having one of the top PC controllers is a terrific way to replace a keyboard and mouse for a variety of genres. Nothing beats the pleasure of unwinding with a top-notch gamepad, especially if you’d rather to sit back in your chair than reach across your desk.
The following list of the best PC controllers was compiled after taking into account a number of factors. Apart from considering controllers across various price brackets, we also examined gamepads that are ideal for specific game genres, such as racing, fighting, and first-person shooter games.
If you’re a regular PC gamer, you can be confident that one of the controllers on our list will satisfy your needs and budget.For more console-specific choices, be sure to check out our guides to the best PS5 controllers, best Xbox controllers and best Nintendo Switch controllers, too.
1.Xbox Wireless Controller
The Xbox Wireless Controller is our pick for the best PC controller overall. This workhorse gamepad, which is available everywhere, stands out for its strong build, comfortable ergonomic design, thoughtfully placed buttons, and potent D-pad. The Xbox Wireless Controller is also readily usable with Windows PCs, meaning that it is ready to use right out of the box.
It is an incredibly flexible and user-friendly alternative that supports both wired and wireless play. With costs starting, you’re getting a terrific bargain for your money (and frequently earning discounts in promotions). With the Xbox Design Lab, you can entirely customize the look of your controller in addition to a wide range of color options.
Haptic texturing and improved controller geometry on the Xbox Wireless Controller are two ways that the gameplay experience has been improved. We’re happy to see Microsoft finally provide a dedicated sharing button, which makes it much simpler to take screenshots and record videos during gameplay.
Additionally, it seems like Microsoft’s new gamepad is based on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, incorporating some of the beautiful design elements of the high-end controller into a package that is more affordable. The result is a chic, affordably priced, cosy, and conveniently located controller.
At first glance, the Xbox Wireless Controller doesn’t seem to be a big improvement over its predecessor. It is similar in form and keeps the standard layout of buttons and triggers. But if you examine more closely, you can see some minor changes that Microsoft has made.
First off, the shell of the gamepad now sports a matte finish that closely mimics the new console designs. There are certain drawbacks, despite the fact that it looks really fashionable. The Xbox Series X’s black controller is prone to apparent scratches and scuffs.
Considering the amount of hands-on time your controller receives, you may find it challenging to keep it in optimal shape for many years to come. For the controller, there are more color choices.
Pros
Works on a range of devices
Premium feel
Cons
Share button can be awkward
2.Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is one of the priciest alternatives available, despite its hefty price. We were shocked to discover during testing that this striking controller’s futuristic color screen is far more than just a gimmick. The screen is the kind of invention that makes you wonder how you ever managed without it, with its rapid button input remapping capability that removes the need for additional software. Bright RGB lighting is another feature on the grips that really adds to the almost sci-fi appearance.
Like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, this set includes a useful charging stand in addition to a durable carrying case. Your current battery level is displayed on the color display, whether the device is docked or in use, making it easier to ensure that things always stay topped up. The screen is also perfect for headset users, offering a range of EQ settings and easy access to options to change your current audio levels.
One of our favorite things about the Turtle Beach Ultra is its extremely nice mechanical buttons. They make a satisfying click sound when pressed, and they react very fast once the action picks up. As you might expect from a high-end controller, the controller’s four rear buttons can be mapped to different button inputs or special software features like the pro aim focus mode. Because it uses Hall effect thumbsticks, this is also one of the most capable alternatives on this list.
Of course, not everyone can afford the high cost. If money is short, the Xbox Wireless Controller or the GameSir T4 Kaleid are better choices; the latter still offers certain functionalities.Not many controllers are aseye-catching as the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, an incredibly luxurious Xbox gamepad with a tiny full-color display for setting preferences, viewing messages, and allocating additional inputs while you play. For people who frequently play online games with pals, it also offers the convenience of instantly adjusting audio levels.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is further improved by premium materials and outstanding RGB lighting. The haptic mechanical switches are enjoyable to use in both first-person shooter (FPS) and fighting games, and the Hall effect thumbsticks should help keep the controller drift-free for many years to come.
The Turtle Beach Control Center 2 software is the controller’s main drawback, however the lack of detachable thumbsticks is a minor annoyance (the rubber thumbstick covers that come with the controller don’t allow quite the same mobility). It is clunky and unattractive on mobile and PC, and it needs a lot of work.
Pros
Great RGB lighting
Wonderful mechanical buttons
Cons
Poor companion software
3.GameSir T4 Kaleid
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is one of the best inexpensive PC controllers on the market right now. It combines a good amount of comfort comparable to some of the more popular brands on our list with a number of exclusive features. One look reveals that the GameSir T4 Kaleid isn’t your average cheap PC controller. Transparent materials and RGB lighting set this style apart from the competition, yet it may not be for everyone.
We were also happy with the controller’s performance during testing, praising its comfortable buttons and responsive joysticks. Given its lower price point, it is to be expected that this controller is only compatible with wired play.Fortunately, though, the entire cable length of 2m / 7ft it shouldn’t be much of a struggle to use this with your existing setup.
In contrast to other controllers within this price range, the GameSir T4 Kaleid also has the advantage of a contemporary USB-C connection and the T4k desktop application, which lets you customize the controller’s button mapping and programming.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much console compatibility with this. To play games on a console in addition to a PC, check out the DualSense (for PS5 users) or the Xbox Wireless Controller (for Xbox users).With joy, I can say that the GameSir T4 Kaleid was a pleasant surprise. It’s true that this controller has an attractive appearance with its translucent casing and lovely RGB lighting. But what really sets it apart from other controllers in its pricing range are its superior buttons and sticks, along with its outstanding customizability.
Similar to the excellent 8BitDo Ultimate wireless controller, the GameSir T4 Kaleid uses analog sticks with a hall effect to get around the issue of stick drift on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. Next to the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market is the T4 Kaleid.
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is a surprisingly feature-rich controller for its comparatively low price. And not just because of its striking RGB design and illumination. There are also two mappable back buttons that may be assigned using the T4k desktop application.
There’s another reason why I recommend the T4 Kaleid if you play on a PC. The T4k software has an abundance of features that allow you to customize the RGB pattern, button assignments, and much more.
The fact that the T4 Kaleid has a hair trigger setting could surprise you. It’s not immediately apparent because, in contrast to the HyperX Clutch Gladiate and Xbox Elite Series 2, there are no on-board switches. However, the app lets you select from a variety of modes and activates trigger inputs with just a short press. A bit of a roundabout way of doing things, but it’s likely a way for GameSir to save on components and keep costs down. A pretty smart move, overall.
Pros
Hall effect sticks
Lovely aesthetic
Cons
Switch and PC only
4.Thrustmaster eSwap X2
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 has an adjustable modular architecture that allows you to swap out parts as needed, just like some of the other goods on this list. It’s simple to arrange the modules in either an asymmetrical or symmetrical pattern by simply removing them from their magnetic connectors. With its sophisticated black and gold design, the controller is packed with premium components that fit the device well, like a satisfyingly responsive D-pad and a set of tactile buttons.
Trigger locks and four buttons are located on the rear of the device. The spherical shape of these rear buttons proved to be a touch challenging to push at times during our testing, but your experience may differ. The controller establishes a connection to your PC in another location.
It weights 300 grams (10.5 oz), which is a little less than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s 12.2 oz (345 g) weight. The X2 is slightly smaller than the Elite Series 2 in terms of overall measures, which are 6.3 in. / 160mm x 4.7 in. / 120mm x 2.4 in. / 60mm (WxDxH). Of course, the shapes are significantly different. It will take some getting used to for those with tiny hands, though, since it feels somewhat bulky. Those folks shouldn’t be discouraged, though, because I can use the controller happily and easily even with little hands. To use the controller, all you have to do is slightly adjust where your fingers land and make the appropriate muscle memory adjustments.
The eSwap X Pro original gamepad is replaced with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, which provides the same level of performance with a few minor improvements. Rather than being a complete overhaul, these additions and upgrades are more like tweaks to quality of life.
Almost all of them have positive effects, such as enhanced functionality, button enhancements, and wired connectivity. Nevertheless, those are all quite safe motions. I wish Thrustmaster had taken some chances with this upgrade, but the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has some truth to it as well. The previous eSwap X Pro, which I thought was fantastic (during my review for our sister magazine GamesRadar), has also made a home for itself among pro and elite players.
All things considered, however, the X2 is an excellent Xbox controller and, having taken the place of its predecessor by default, is currently among the greatest modular Xbox and PC controllers available.Still, the most notable design is still the modular system, which is a great feature for accessibility and versatility. Its versatility in accommodating various game kinds, playstyles, and preferences stems from its easy module swapping feature, which allows the pad to switch from asymmetrical to symmetrical in an instant.
Though it has been improved, the Xbox button layout is still the same as it was on the original eSwap X Pro. In addition to the view, menu, share, and Xbox buttons on the front, there are six buttons facing forward (three for audio controls, three for button profiles). You may change the distance that both triggers travel with a switch on the back. The D-pad, both shoulder buttons (LB and RB), the A, B, X, and Y face buttons, and the extremely low actuation distances of the shoulder buttons all result in very pleasant presses and quick input times.
Pros
Variety of swappable modules
Buttons are satisfying and accurate
Cons
Awkward rear buttons
5.DualSense
The DualSense is an excellent PS5 controller that is also perfect for PC use. A USB-C connection is necessary for the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to work, but the extra immersion these features offer to compatible titles makes them well worth the money. If you intend to play PC games like Returnal, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and The Last of Us Part 1, this ought to be your first choice.
Unlike the asymmetric Xbox sticks, the DualSense PC controller will be easily recognized to those used to a symmetrical layout. It features an extremely ergonomic design and includes a laptop-like touchpad that can be utilized to add further functionality to approved games. It’s quite simple to use on PC either plugged in or with Bluetooth thanks to the custom controller mapping features of Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
With some amazing capabilities that were absent from earlier iterations, the DualSense is among the best controllers Sony has ever placed its name on, giving users an even more immersive experience with the system. Even after the DualSense Edge was introduced, the controller’s regular model is still among the best.
With the DualSense, a much more powerful beast than its predecessor, PlayStation owners now have a controller that can finally compete with Xbox’s offerings. It outperforms the DualShock 4 on the PS4 in every way. It would be negligent of us to discuss the PS5 controller without mentioning its revolutionary feature, haptic feedback.
At first appearance, the PS5 controller seems to be nothing more than a slightly futuristic reimagining of the DualShock 4.
In person, the DualSense is a shockingly gorgeous controller, abandoning the all-black, grunge-style appearance of the PS4 in favor of a sleek white body and matte black analog sticks. You would be wrong to think that this was merely a bigger version of the previous model, except from the rearranged share and start buttons. It has features a new home button embossed with the PlayStation insignia and the previously mentioned built-in microphone (along with a convenient mute button).
Pros
Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are a revelation
Cons
Battery life could be better
How to connect and use controllers on PC
Many companies are competing these days to make the best PC controller, but it’s not always simple to pair, connect, and use them with your system. This is especially true if you’re looking at the controllers of other consoles that you might know or own. Thankfully, we have every tool you would need for those strong console controllers.
We offer instructions on how to utilize a DualSense or DualShock 4 on a PC for users of PlayStation controllers. We also include instructions on how to utilize an Xbox One controller, an Xbox Series X controller (spoilers: it functions identically to the former), and a Switch Pro controller on a PC for those who prefer asymmetrical controllers.
Best PC controllers – FAQs
What controller do pro PC players use?
If a player wants to step up their game and isn’t already using a keyboard and mouse, they can use a controller to get more features, especially in online multiplayer situations. Gamepads like the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and the Victrix Pro BFG are more pricey, but they are also more practical. Professional gamers may also opt for more specific gear, like a battle stick similar to the Nacon Daija or a racing wheel, for more specialized needs.