The best PC controller for gaming 2024

The best PC controller for gaming is the perfect tool for the games in your library that don't quite suit a mouse and keyboard. WASD keys and a good clicker will no doubt be the consensus best choice for first-person games on a PC, but in third-person games, 2D platformers, and fighting games, a controller from the list below is probably what you want. Of course, you have to use what's comfortable for you, and the competitive pro controllers we've tested are well worth considering for first-person games too.

The controller market is in a fantastic place at the moment. With a newly expanding PS5 controller scene, there are now new additions to our list, such as the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, the DualSense Edge, and the Victrix Pro BFG. These pads can be expensive though, which is why it's great to see GameSir make its first appearance on our list below with its new T4 Kaleid controller for PC and Nintendo Switch. Of course, the Xbox controllers never stop coming. The Elite Series 2 and standard Series X controller are always fan favorites, but there are so many great options out there today from across the industry.

Today's PC controllers pack a whole host of customization features, including those aforementioned extra paddles, and even the ability to swap out whole components thanks to modular designs. Along with your purchase, you'll usually get conclusive software that lets you control the essential parts of your gamepad, with some letting you set custom dead zones for the analog sticks. The market is stocked full of wired and wireless options, and with the popularity of having a console and gaming PC setup at the moment, you'll most likely be able to find something that works for both.

The quick list

The best PC controller overall

Best PC controller overall

Specifications

Connection: Wireless (USB dongle), Wired (3m USB-C to USB cable)
Buttons: (Modular design) Up to 20
Remappable buttons: 4
Cable length: 3m
Weight: 298g

Reasons to buy

+
Deep customisation options
+
Cheaper than the competition
+
Excellent performance
+
Works with PC, PS5, and PS4

Reasons to avoid

-
No vibration (let alone haptics)
-
A little light
-
Some minor pairing issues

Are you tired of hearing that folks who use a controller can't keep up with the raw power of a mouse and keyboard? Because with the Victrix Pro BFG in your hands, that might not be so plain and simple anymore. This controller is designed with elite performance in mind, and thanks to its amazing modular design, you can tailor it to your exact preferences thanks to the suite of attachments that come in the case. Among them is a taller analog stick for precision aiming, multiple D-pad choices, stick gates, and a fightpad module that gives you six face buttons. Like the Thrustmaster E-Swap X Pro, the modules can also be flipped around so the sticks are symmetrical.

Besides being comically stripped back - the controller feels pretty lightweight in the hands, and has absolutely no rumble or haptic feedback, this is a controller that's bred for getting the best performances out of you in whatever game you play. It has four back buttons that are as comfortable as they are useful, as well as a clever "Tournament Lock" mode that stops you from pressing the system buttons during competition, which could result in disqualification. During tests there wasn't a single game we could throw it at and not have a good time with.

Although it's got official PlayStation licensing, it works for PC as well. In terms of value for money, this is absolutely one of the best controllers to hit the shelves in recent years, especially when you consider that it's cheaper than its competition in the PS5 controller arena.

The best budget PC controller

The best budget controller

Specifications

Connection: Wired USB-C to USB A
Remappable buttons: 2
Buttons: 17
Headset connection: 3.5mm
Cable length: 2m
Weight: 380

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Hall effect sticks
+
Responsive feel
+
Two ergonomic back buttons

Reasons to avoid

-
No wireless mode
-
Interface buttons are a tad confusing
-
Turbo mode brought about some problems
-
Only two back buttons

A transparent controller design isn't seen all too often these days, especially among the best Nintendo Switch controllers. The GameSir T4 Kaleid is the latest multi-platform controller from GameSir, and it's available for use on PC, Android TV, and Nintendo Switch. It asks an important question: how expensive should a pro controller be in this day and age? Because despite the number of features on offer here, it might be one of the cheapest controllers worth buying right now.

Somewhat most notably, the offset or asymmetrical sticks are Hall Sensor ones, meaning you won't encounter stick drift with this controller, despite it being much cheaper than a lot of the alternatives. On the textured grips of the T4 Kaleid, you'll find two back buttons. These are excellently placed where my middle fingers wrap around the controller and take absolutely no displacement of my hands to use.

If you're a PC player looking for a semi-decent controller to use in third-person games, shopping can be tough. You want a cheaper brand, but you want quality, and you want something that will last you. The T4 Kaleid is that controller, and its price is insanely affordable in the current market. 

The best PC controller for most

Xbox Core Controller

(Image credit: Future)

3. Xbox Wireless Controller

The best basic PC controller for most people

Specifications

Connection: Wireless
Buttons: 18
Remappable buttons: 0
Headset connection: 3.5mm
Cable length: NA
Weight: 287g

Reasons to buy

+
Works both wired and wireless
+
Native compatibility
+
Improved feel in the hand

Reasons to avoid

-
Very similar to the Xbox One gamepad
-
Still uses batteries

It should be of little surprise to anyone that the latest revision of the Xbox gamepad lands so high on our list for its performance and comfortable feel. Couple that with the fact that it works natively on PC - just plug it in or link up via Bluetooth - and it's ready to go with no further messing around. 

The new additions this time around, though distinctively minor, are the inclusions of USB-C charging - much faster than Micro-USB (if you use a rechargeable pack at least) - as well as the 'hybrid' D-pad which takes its cues from another much more expensive Xbox model that we'll get to later. There's also a share button - as was found on the DualShock 4 - which does exactly the same thing; create and share photos and video clips to upload to social media; something which offers limited functionality for use on PC. 

There's a reason why not much has changed in eight years - when the Xbox One controller launched - and it's because it was already damn near perfect. If you want to go even further back, it's only really been iterative since the Xbox 360's gamepad back in 2005 - because it all just works exceedingly well and continues to be the go-to pad for PC, balancing performance and value. 

Read more: Our impressions of the Xbox Series X controller

The best PC controller for longevity

Best PC controller for longevity

Specifications

Connection: Wireless (USB dongle), Wired (3m USB-C to USB cable)
Buttons: 20
Remappable buttons: 4
Cable length: 3m
Weight: Adjustable

Reasons to buy

+
Exhaustive list of features
+
Comfortable
+
Sustainable materials and a premium feel
+
Hall sensor tech
+
Battery Life

Reasons to avoid

-
Loose stick tension
-
Back button foibles
-
Headphone jack issues from previous controllers

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is the spiritual successor to the Nacon Revolution Unlimited, which was one of the best officially licensed pro controllers for PS4. Equipped with Hall Sensor sticks, it's the first controller on this list that's immune to stick drift issues. In its design, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro feels very similar to the Nacon Revolution Unlimited. It's got the same broad shoulders and long grips, its face buttons are large, and the circle button spills over the right-hand side in the same way.

The features list of the Revolution 5 Pro (R5P) is as exhaustive as you'll find these days: wired and wireless connectivity, an impressive 10-hour lifespan, companion PC software for fine-tuning, and even extensive audio settings and multipoint wireless connectivity.

Alongside asymmetrical Hall Sensor thumbsticks, the R5P also packs in four back buttons, varying stick tops and gates, weights you can add to the handles, and four profiles per platform. The chassis sports a matted rubberized surface that feels really nice and cool in the hands. Nacon deserves additional praise for putting sustainability at the heart of this gamepad's design.

When it comes to competitive gaming, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is as close as it gets to the Victrix Pro BFG. Its larger size and increased heft might even make it more appealing to a lot of players. Annoyingly, looser stick tension and less ergonomic back buttons make it fall short for us. 

Either way, this is one of the best controllers we tested in 2023, and it felt just as at home in a first-person shooter as it did in a platformer or a third-person game. Being immune to stick drift would make this the best PC controller for longevity as it is, but the build quality here gives us so much confidence that this controller will last you a long way into the future.

Additionally, there are some flaws, particularly if you use a wired headset plugged straight into the controller, as Nacon's noise canceling software means your microphone audio will be accompanied by a grating white noise. 

The best keyboard alternative

The best alternative to a keyboard

Specifications

Connection: USB-A to Mini USB
Buttons: 31
Remappable buttons: 31
Headset connection: None
Cable length: 2m

Reasons to buy

+
Super satisfying switches
+
Endlessly customizable
+
Great ergonomics
+
Thumbstick movement

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes some re-learning
-
Mini USB connection

For a lot of PC gamers, the need for a decent pro controller comes from the fact they've never felt at home using the WASD inputs of a traditional gaming keyboard. If you also struggle to bring your fingers back to the "home" position when you're using a keyboard, the Azeron Cyborg is designed for you. 

This is a fully customizable gaming keypad that's endlessly comfortable and utterly brilliant to use. Since it's vastly different from the shape of a gamepad and combines elements from a keyboard, it does take a lot of re-learning and setting up. You rest your hand in this ergonomic robot claw with one hand and use a mouse with your other as you would normally. The thumbstick will give you familiar controller movement, but the nearly 30 other inputs that are all a finger's twitch away are up to you. Create personalized input maps based on what works for you and your brain, change them on the fly with brilliant companion software, and soon you'll be playing games like never before.

The best part is, it's so adjustable to your hand shape and what's comfortable for you. All of the finger towers have multiple joints that you can bring closer or further away. You can change their angles, the heights they sit at, and their distance from one another. This is a customizable controller at its absolute best, and you even get to choose different colors as well. If you want to keep up with the functionality of a keyboard but you want the best parts of a gamepad, don't miss the Azeron Cyborg.

The best PC controller for PS5 fans

Best PC controller for PlayStation games

Specifications

Connection: Wireless / USB-C
Remappable buttons: 2
Buttons: 17
Headset connection: 3.5mm
Cable length: 3m
Weight: 300

Reasons to buy

+
A more premium-feeling DualSense
+
Ergonomic back buttons
+
Intuitive software integration
+
Good case

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two back buttons
-
Competitors offer more functionality for the same price
-
No real stick drift or battery life fix

The DualSense Edge is the first homemade pro controller from Sony, and wouldn't you know, it works with PC as well. Rounded corners at the bottom of the grips, as well as a heftier weight make it feel far better in the hands than the original DualSense. Clever software integration into the PS5 means you can fine tune bespoke PS5 features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, and function buttons found under the control sticks help to change customisable profiles in a flash.

The two back button attachments are extremely comfortable, and work extremely well no matter how you map them. Unfortunately, there are only two of them, which means for a similar price you can get a third party controllers that offer fewer features and software integration, but a load more functionality. 

More importantly, the DualSense Edge has a shorter battery life than the original DualSense, and doesn't truly fix the widespread stick drift issues. Although entire stick modules can be replaced, we'd have an easier time recommending it if there were genuine fixes built in.

Regardless, the DualSense Edge is still a great controller that will serve you well for PC and PS5. If you play a lot of third-person action adventure games, or specifically, PlayStation first-party games on PC, this controller is the one you want.

The best PC controller for Xbox fans

The best PC controller for Xbox fans

Specifications

Connection: Wireless
Buttons: 27
Remappable buttons: Fully remappable
Headset connection: 3.5mm
Cable length: NA
Weight: 345g

Reasons to buy

+
Wireless charging
+
Incredible build quality 
+
Wired or wireless use  
+
Adjustable analog stick tension and trigger travel
+
New system-level customization options

Reasons to avoid

-
Onboard memory only stores one profile

Here's where things start to get serious - with a price tag to match no less. I'll preface this by saying that this gamepad is, at heart, a mega-charged edition of the standard Xbox Series X controller. 

Included in the box are replacement thumbstick heads, a classic cross-design D-pad, and tools to tailor the feel of the controller to your liking - with physical adjustments to almost every part of the controller. Also to note, the extended 40-hour battery life - akin to the Switch Pro controller - a good 8-hour bump up from the Xbox Series X gamepad's lifespan between charges. We found that that recommended battery life from Microsoft largely rang true in our own testing. 

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but at times it feels like a revolution.

Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 review

We were pleased to find new textured grips covering the legs of the Series 2 version of the Elite controller, offering low-profile tactile feel that didn't seem prone to wear or scratches during our romps with these buttons. We also found it particularly easy to swap in any of the alternative analog sticks or d-pad buttons.

However, we saw the greatest leaps in the software improvements under the hood. We were still able to fully remap each function, but there's plenty more going on here. You can assign system-level functions like taking a screenshot or opening up achievements in console play.

The Elite 2 does justify its asking price through its premium features but at the end of the day, these features and this price will not suit everyone's needs or budget. If are on the look out for a high end controller and do have the money to splash out then this could definitely be considered the best controller for you. 

Read more: Xbox Elite 2 controller review

A cheaper route to the Xbox Elite Series 2

Specifications

Wireless: Yes
Powered by: Lithium-ion internal pack
Battery life: 30-40 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Cheap for a pro controller
+
Premium feel
+
Exceptional battery life
+
Can use pre-owned / cheaper accessories

Reasons to avoid

-
No attachments whatsoever feels a tad stingy

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core takes the high quality of the full-fat Elite Series 2 and brings it down to a more affordable price point, making it one of the best PC controllers out there. If you want a premium controller with great software benefits and features, this is a great value gamepad. This is essentially the same great package as you get with the Elite Series 2 - the main difference between the two is the accessories you get bundled along with them.

The original Elite Controller Series 2 will set you back $179.99 / £159.99 and comes with all the customizable goodies you could ever need for it. The Elite Series 2 Core only costs $129.99 / £114.99 and comes with the exact same body and features, but none of the accessories. These are available to purchase separately and can be used with the Core, but they will bring the total investment back up to $179.99.

Although I'm disappointed that there aren't any attachments on offer here, and really would have appreciated some form of back paddles or extra stick caps, I can't seriously fault the Elite Series 2 Core. It feels like going to a bougie, Michelin-star restaurant and being served something as basic as bread and butter. It's stripped back, simple, and you expect a more complicated course for how much you pay. But it's probably the best bread and butter you'll ever eat.

The best PC controller for game feel

The best PC controller for game feel

Specifications

Connection: Wired / Wireless USB dongle
Buttons: 28
Remappable buttons: Fully remappable
Headset connection: 3.5mm
Cable length: 3m
Weight: 246g

Reasons to buy

+
As close to haptic feedback as Xbox controllers get (for now)
+
Great triggers
+
Hall Sensor tech
+
Solid horizontally placed back buttons
+
Good battery life
+
Lovely looks
+
Wireless (a first for Xbox)

Reasons to avoid

-
Slippy thumbsticks
-
Lack of attachments
-
Awkward menu button placement

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller has so much tactility for a controller that doesn't officially feature haptic feedback. Microswitch buttons and really precise vibration make it exceptional for immersing you in the games you like to play. If you really want to get lost in the feeling of controlling your in-game avatars, then this is one to consider. 

The design of this gamepad is beautiful. It's got some RGB lines striking through its grips and framing its face, and some classy bronze panels that pair nicely with its black grips. What may be most appealing from a glance is this controller's facial display that helps you to control and customize its various settings. This is indeed a standout feature since it can make assigning the four truly innovative back buttons an absolute breeze. It'll also help you switch between the 10 savable profiles this controller can store. All of the Stealth Ultra's buttons are microswitch ones, and its triggers and thumbsticks have Hall Sensor tech inside them for extra longevity.

You get the usual connectivity of a pro controller here; a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C charging, but in your case, you get a small USB dongle and a small magnetic charging stand too. While you might not get the kind of assortments and attachments as some more Esports-specific controllers do, you do get some thumbstick toppers for your money, and these go a long way to correct the sub-par designs of the regular sticks. 

What I love about this controller is that it does everything well. It isn't quite as good performance-wise as something from Victrix, but it isn't far off. Besides the BFG with its fully modular design, you'd be hard-pressed to find a controller that outperforms this. What's more, its 30-hour quoted battery life is accurate, and thanks to the charging stand, I never have to worry about it running out of charge. 

How to use an Xbox controller on PC

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Using your Xbox gamepad as a PC controller is significantly easier - it's all Microsoft after all. Again, you can simply connect via a standard cable and you're good to go. However, a wireless connection can be achieved by holding down the main Xbox button and then the pair button while in your PC's Bluetooth settings. You'll see Xbox Wireless Controller appear as an option. 

How to use a PlayStation controller on PC

Using your Xbox gamepad as a PC controller is significantly easier than a PlayStation one - it's all Microsoft after all. Again, you can simply connect via a standard cable and you're good to go. However, a wireless connection can be achieved by holding down the main Xbox button and then the pair button while in your PC's Bluetooth settings. You'll see Xbox Wireless Controller appear as an option. 

Best PC controller: FAQs

Do PC gamers use controller?

Overall, whether you want to use a PC controller or keyboard and mouse is entirely up to you and what you find comfortable. Some people prefer controller when they migrate to PC due to the familiarity. However, there are benefits to using keyboard and mouse, one being higher accuracy when aiming which can allow for a competitive advantage. There are also hybrids of the two like the Azeron keypads.

Regardless; our advice would be to play with whatever you individually feel comfortable using. And perhaps most importantly, don't judge or mock others for what they choose. You never know why someone might need to use a controller over a mouse and keyboard - it could be for accessibility reasons. Either way, the toxicity around the controller vs mouse+keyboard debate isn't a healthy thing we should be keeping around in 2023. 

What game controller is best for PC?

The best PC controller overall in our opinion is the Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro as it has great accessibility options which goes hand in hand with the build quality. If you are looking for a more affordable PC controller option then the Turtle Beach Recon Controller is likely the best way forward - for $60, it has features which gamepads at twice its price point don't. However, we believe that the best PC controller to suit most people will be the Xbox Wireless Controller. It is plug and play and can be used both wirelessly or wired. 

Is the PS5 controller good for PC?

The DualSense is definitely one of the stronger controller options on the market thanks to its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. However, it doesn't have programmable back buttons or much of the software that separates the men from the boys in the best PC controller market. Having said that, with PlayStation now starting to release more of its first-party games on PC, the PS5 controller is probably one of the best ways to experience them. Although we'd recommend the DualSense Edge if your budget can stretch to it.

How we test PC controllers 

In brief, every controller that we have had our hands on is used in a series of different video games to accommodate for most genres. This means that we'll test the responsiveness of the sticks, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and any other additional features found on the unit. If a controller is wired or relies on rechargeable batteries, then the duration of the lifespan is tested, too. The same can be said for any specialist software, such as drivers, that may be included with the gamepad as well. 

For more on how we test controllers at GamesRadar+ check out our full article, and for something more representative of our holistic approach to the latest gear, check out our Hardware Policy


Looking for more ways to enhance your gaming setup? Definitely check out your control alternatives with the the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse candidates. And maybe it's time to upgrade to one of the best gaming desks or best gaming chairs. If your PC is getting on a bit, take a look at our guides on the best gaming laptops and best gaming PC.

Duncan Robertson
Hardware Editor

Ever since playing Journey at the age of 15, I’ve been desperate to cover video games for a living. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship over at Expert Reviews. Besides that, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel and Podcast for the last 7 years. It’s been a long road, but all that experience somehow landed me a dream job covering gaming hardware. I’m a self-confessing PlayStation fanboy, but my experience covering the larger business and developer side of the whole industry has given me a strong knowledge of all platforms. When I’m not testing out every peripheral I can get my hands on, I’m probably either playing tennis or dissecting game design for an upcoming video essay. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.
Location: UK Remote

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