Indispensable to home consoles, game controllers also have a prominent place on PCs, and many even offer official compatibility with our beloved computers. Here are the best controllers for PC gaming that stand out based on our tests.
For games like adventure, platform, or action titles, a controller is often better than a keyboard and mouse. There are plenty of options, from budget-friendly controllers that make gaming easier to high-end models with programmable buttons for competitive play.
Each of these controllers goes through hands-on testing across different game genres to reveal their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the best Controllers for PC gaming that stand out among all the controllers reviewed in our game controller comparison.
The Best Controllers for PC Gaming In 2024
Sony DualSense Edge
$199.995 out of 5
DualSense Edge is an excellent controller, definitely superior to the standard DualSense. While its new features (such as customization options, back paddles, and adjustable trigger lengths) aren’t groundbreaking, Sony has made them incredibly user-friendly. Setting up a profile, which can often be a complicated task, is straightforward, ensuring the user isn’t overwhelmed. This makes the DualSense Edge a strong contender for those looking for the best controller for PC gaming.
Pros
Beautifully designed and well-finished product.
Choice between paddles or dial.
Extensive customization options for many settings.
Quick profile switching on the fly.
Simplified headset volume control.
Easy stick replacement.
Long power and pairing cable.
Cons
Only two additional button slots under the pad, while competitors offer four.
Stick cover falls short of the rest of the controller’s quality.
Currently, it’s not possible to assign a button combination to a single button.
Xbox Elite Series 2
$140.995 out of 5
Even more refined than the first Elite controller, the Xbox Elite Series 2 comes close to being the ultimate gaming controller. While the primary buttons could be slightly more responsive, it’s hard to find a better option in terms of comfort, precision, and customization. Although it comes with a high price, this controller is, without a doubt, one of the best controllers for PC gaming available today.
Pros
Excellent build quality and comfortable to hold.
Wireless function with low latency.
Built-in battery with a magnetic charging dock included.
Accessible paddles that don’t get in the way.
Precise analog sticks.
Interchangeable stick caps.
Adjustable trigger range with three levels.
Well-designed D-pad and directional disk.
Comprehensive configuration software for Windows 10 and Xbox One.
Cons
A, B, X, and Y buttons could be more responsive.
Software stick range does not automatically adjust to the mechanical setting chosen on the back of the controller.
Non-removable battery.
Sony DualShock 4
$59.994 out of 5
Unbeatable in terms of value for money, the DualShock 4 has virtually no competition in its price range. It’s well-made, comfortable to use, precise, and offers reliable wireless performance. It is only outdone by high-end controllers that cost two to three times as much. A solid choice, and with multiple color options, it offers a bit of variety as well, making it a great option for those looking for the best controller for PC gaming at an affordable price.
Pros
Good build quality (since V2).
Comfortable for both small and large hands.
Lightweight for a wireless controller.
Reliable wireless connection.
Also works on PC and mobile devices (Bluetooth).
Cons
Non-disableable light zone, which can be distracting in the dark.
Touchpad is not very useful.
Battery life is somewhat short.
Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro Controller
$179.994 out of 5
Its modularity and customization options make the eSwap X Pro Controller a unique choice. Its distinctive features and large size will appeal to a group of players who might not find the official Xbox controllers to their liking. However, despite all its strengths, outside of competitive use, its high price and wired-only functionality make it an inevitably less obvious choice.
Pros
Magnetic modules, easily and quickly interchangeable.
Responsive buttons with good precision.
Precise analog sticks.
Comfortable for large hands.
Comprehensive configuration software for both PC and Xbox.
Two profiles saved in the controller’s memory.
Cons
Extra buttons are small and not very accessible.
Works only wired.
A fourth module to remove the buttons could have added more flexibility.
Comes with a simple pouch, not a carrying case.
Not suitable for small hands.
Best Value For Money
Microsoft Xbox Series Controller
$50.995 out of 5
Despite the lack of a significant technological upgrade with the transition to the Xbox Series generation, the Xbox controller remains the excellent gamepad that players have enjoyed for years on Xbox One and PC. Although the changes introduced by Microsoft are quite modest, they still enhance comfort and precision, making this new Xbox Series controller a benchmark in its category. However, we are still left wanting more when it comes to the vibration technology, which could have been improved to match the systems used by Nintendo and Sony in their respective official controllers.
Pros
Secure and comfortable grip.
Accessible and precise controls.
Good build quality.
Precise and comfortable directional pad.
Reduced latency on Xbox Series X/S.
Triple connectivity: radio, Bluetooth, and USB-C.
Cons
Battery and cable not included (only 2 AA batteries).
Noisy directional pad.
No significant technological evolution (triggers, vibrations, etc).
Sony DualSense
$74.995 out of 5
The DualSense is noticeably different from the DualShock 4 in terms of design, but it wisely keeps the core elements of its predecessor to avoid confusing PlayStation players. However, it brings many convincing improvements, which, although they come at the cost of the ultra-lightweight feel of previous Sony controllers, represent real technological advancements. The mention of “haptic” technology is well-deserved, and the adaptive triggers both surprise and impress. In summary, it is a success on almost every front.
Pros
Comfortable grip.
Sensations provided by haptic technology.
Adaptive triggers.
High build quality.
Good responsiveness of the wireless connection and controls.
Cons
The lightness of the DualShock is no longer present (but still remains quite good).
Decent battery life, but not exceptional (up to 12 hours max).
Smart Purchases
Turtle Beach Recon Controller
$49.993 out of 5
Turtle Beach proves that a good controller doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive one with its Recon Controller. Of course, it is far from being as finely configurable as pro-gamer branded peripherals, and it will take a good amount of patience to set up its few features or remap the buttons. However, it performs its job efficiently and can easily replace an official controller or serve as a second pad without any issues. That said, you will need to be ready to play with a wired connection.
Pros
Well-built construction.
Well-calibrated adaptive sticks and triggers.
Direct access volume control buttons.
Cons
Unpleasant directional pad.
Complicated configuration.
Wired only, even on PC.
Nacon Illuminated Compact Controller
$52.993 out of 5
Without truly standing out, the Nacon Compact Controller demonstrates solid performance and provides what one can expect from an entry-level controller—nothing more, nothing less. The DualShock 4 is still a step above, but if you’re looking for a secondary controller for occasional multiplayer gaming or prefer a model better suited for smaller hands, the Compact Controller can certainly be a good option.
Pros
Attractive transparent design.
Satisfactory build quality.
Suitable for small hands.
Compatible with PS4 and PC.
Cons
Completely smooth casing, which could be slippery.
Lacks the speaker and light zone found on the DualShock.
Stick material is a bit slippery.
Not suitable for large hands.
Nacon Pro Compact
$49.903 out of 5
Despite being priced dangerously close to the excellent official Xbox Series controller, the Nacon Pro Compact manages to stand out, particularly by catering to smaller hands. However, it comes with the drawback of being wired only, which affects both convenience and value for money.
Pros
Compact design, ideal for smaller hands.
Lightweight.
Easy-to-use configuration software.
One personalized profile stored in the internal memory.
Access to Dolby Atmos processing when using the headset jack on the controller.
Cons
Wired connection only.
Not suitable for larger hands.
Overall, the controls are less refined than the official controller.
Nacon Revolution X Pro Xbox/PC Controller
$99.903 out of 5
Ultra-configurable without truly being high-end, the Revolution X Pro could carve out an interesting middle ground in the “pro” controller market. However, it unfortunately makes a few too many compromises to fully convince. Can we really accept a directional pad, triggers, and bumpers that are less precise than those on the standard Xbox controller, especially on a controller of this type? The answer to this question determines how much value one can place on Nacon’s controller.
Pros
A wealth of configuration options.
Four customizable profiles stored.
Additional back buttons with well-thought-out placement.
Front buttons are very pleasant to use.
Sticks offer very smooth rotation.
Full and convincing vibration feedback.
Cons
The controller is very bulky, with a grip that is not universally comfortable.
Lack of rigidity in the bumpers and imprecision in the triggers.
Directional pad prone to accidental diagonals.
Headset output is very poor.
The included USB cable is stiff (but detachable, thankfully).
