Best PC Controller 2025

The latest iteration of Xbox controllers remains the recommendations of top controllers for PC gamers. It’s comfortable and its familiar design works well with both a huge library of games on PC, as does Xbox. It’s easy to understand why this is a go-to controller for so many gamers and as a Microsoft product, plug-and-play compatibility with Windows is easy.

Compared to previous Xbox controllers, the texture grip on the rear has been extended to cover the trigger and compensate for the extra grip and accuracy, and now there is a hybrid domeed pad that you’ve only seen on high-end Xbox elite controllers.

Additionally, the iconic shape of the pad has been fine-tuned compared to the original Xbox One pad. This means it fits in a wider range of hand shapes and sizes. Keep that in mind as these slight changes can interfere with compatibility with attachments. Otherwise, this controller is difficult to balance quality, features and price.

As always, its biggest drawback is the use of AA batteries, besides using standard thumbsticks and triggers, rather than the more common Hall Effect system (which should last longer and not bear stick drift). In some respects, it’s good that we don’t rely on rechargeable batteries, which may be difficult to replace after a few years of stopping charging, but for now it’s a much more convenient system than rechargeable batteries.

Read our review of Xbox Wireless Controllers.

The EasySMX X05 is an incredible value gamepad that offers both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth wireless connections (and USB), plus hole effects thumbsticks and triggers for under $25. There are some compromises to that, but it is still an ideal option within budget for most buyers.

The main compromise here are the slightly cheaper sentimental Abuxy buttons and D-PADs other than the switch, and there is no official console support. The latter is not common at this price, but it is still worth noting.

It also has a slightly plastic, hollow atmosphere, but it feels neat and tidy. Plus, its Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers make you feel much better than you would expect at that price – it’s really a solid controller for everything. It’s also more comfortable than expected, better than its closest rivals than the 8bitdo ultimate C2, but its controller has slightly better face buttons and input latency, plus a rear paddle.

Battery life isn’t surprising, but turning off RGB and turning off the rumble will last a day of the game. So overall, it’s under $25 and I can’t fully recommend the EasySMX X05. It’s a great value option.

Read our full EasySMX X05 review for more information.

While the cost of a gamepad well over $100 might seem a bit overkill, the Elite Series 2 is one of the quality of game gear. Like most other premium controllers, this quality comes in both high-end builds and additional features.

Here, additional features include rear paddles and face plates, D pads, thumbsticks and rear paddles all interchangeable. The trigger can also be switched between long throw analog mode and short throw hair trigger mode. Unlike the Scuf Valor Pro and the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, his latter mode doesn’t have any extra microswitches, but still has a rapid trigger.

Build quality is improved by the solid metal of the rear paddle and D pads, and the controller also features rubberized material around the grip than a standard Xbox controller, making it easier to hold. You can also adjust the thumbstick using the included tools. It also includes a charging dock and carry case to charge the rechargeable battery.

What you’re missing is that, along with the lack of microswitch triggers, this pad doesn’t even use the hole effect thumbstick either. This means that pads may develop stick drifts just like regular controllers. Still, it can be enough to make this a valuable upgrade for many PC gamers.

Read our review of Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a seriously premium controller with a comparable premium price, but packs plenty of extras with an MSRP of nearly $200. In addition to the high polling rate of 1,000Hz on wired, it also includes an additional back paddle with a truly crisp, fast feel, using mouse-style microswitches.

The extra bumper button at the top adds an option to switch the trigger to Short Throw Hair Trigger mode.

Additionally, this controller uses a hole effect thumbstick. The stick can also be replaced with a shorter or longer cap, allowing you to switch between faster movements or increased accuracy.

It includes a carry case and features an integrated rechargeable battery, so there is plenty to add more values ​​for this controller. However, one notable drawback is that with RGB lighting and tactile feedback on, battery life is not surprising in just 10-15 hours. However, if you turn off these features, this can extend up to 20 hours.

Ultimately, it’s probably already known whether $200 is the price you’ll pay remotely to the controller, but you’ll find the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro offering a lot for that price.

Read our Razer Wolverine V3 Pro review for more information.

If you’re looking for the top-tier features and performance of a premium controller, but are unable to face a wireless option’s $150 or more payment, the SCUF Valor Pro is your best option. It offers all the build quality and extras, such as the Xbox Elite Controller 2 and the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, but sticking to a wired connection will cost you under $100.

What are their features? Well, you can get the thumbsticks of hole effects to eliminate stick drift and even replace the sticks – the taller, round top ones are best for FPS accuracy. You also get four additional rear paddle buttons (which can remove two of them) and a trigger that allows you to switch from smooth analog mode to quick button press. There is also 1,000Hz polling and two audio jack volume controls.

Finished with a lovely soft touch finish, the controller’s faceplate can also be replaced with any kind of fun alternative (or your own custom paint job), but the grips feature a durable rubber coating for a safe feel. Due to Xbox and PC compatibility, this is also a versatile controller that brings a very comfortable and familiar shape.

Read our Scuf Valor Pro review for more information.

Unless you prefer a dualshock style layer, an important fascinating factor for Sony’s dualsense is the inclusion of an adaptive trigger and a touchpad. These two features really enhance your physical immersion in games that support them, such as Call of Duty, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, Deathloop, and Call of Duty.

Dual Sense is also a great gamepad, elevating everything that made its predecessor great. Its thumbsticks are beautifully placed and are comfortable to hold the entire controller comfortably after a few hours.

However, Sony is slowly branching out on PCs, but there is a lack of platform support. The official dual sense driver is not yet in the situation. To benefit from the immersive features of the pad, you need to stick to a specific game.

There are additional cord cutting precautions for using Dualsense wirelessly on a PC. For some reason, tactile feedback does not work with pads over Bluetooth. This means you will need to connect it to the rig using a USB-C cable.

That said, if you’re a fan of symmetrical sticks, DualSense is a killer pad with great features. As far as you’re aware of the fible on your PC, this is a high quality, well designed controller with great adaptive triggers, and the price isn’t bad for the feature set either.

Read the PlayStation DualSense review.

If you’re looking for the perfect Minecraft controller, you can insist that this Turtle Beach Minecraft controller is it. A good quality controller is perfect for actually playing the game, but the engaging Minecraft-themed design of this really stands out.

Turtle Beach PDP Realmz Wireless Controller: Minecraft Diamond Print includes a Steve figurine hung within the controller and green LED lighting throughout the transparent case to provide its full name. It’s a very fun item.

In terms of functionality, it is also a decent practical item. Get the complete array of Xbox-style controllers (PC and Xbox compatible) along with headphone output, quick access audio controls and rear paddles. Inside, there is also a rechargeable battery that lasts for 40 hours per charge.

The downside is that the quality of the control is not inline at all with its price. It feels more like a $50 controller than a $80 controller. It’s still decent, but not premium. However, it’s still decent value as you get a wireless and rechargeable battery, a fun Minecraft design for that price.

Read the Turtle Beach PDP Wireless Minecraft Controller Review for more information.

Do you ever play a game with Game Pass Ultimate and then go out and stream the game on mobile? With the Powera Moga XP-Ultra, you can continue playing on the same controller as you have a mobile game clip that allows you to attach an Android phone (although unfortunately it’s not an iPhone). You can also remove the grip to create a very compact and portable version of the controller.

The Moga XP-Ultra is fully compatible with Xbox Series X|S, PCs, and many Bluetooth devices, so you can make it both the main PC controller and one that employs the road.

I really love the modularity that XP-Ultra offers. Playing retro games with mini pads is an explosion and having a sturdy way to install a phone for cloud gaming is great. The 40-hour battery life in Bluetooth mode is also immeasurable, and I love the D-Pad in some games. The most adaptive and versatile controller we have ever used, the Powera Moga XP -Ultra is truly a jack of all trades – but you know how that proverb ends.

Read our Powera Moga XP-Ultra review.

From Game Pass Ultimate to Steam Links, there are more and more ways to stream PC games when you’re away from home. If you’re looking for a controller that makes your favorite PC games easy to play on your mobile, we recommend the Razer Kishi Mobile.

It works easily by slotting at both ends of your phone and connecting it via USB-C. This is a refreshing change as most mobile controllers connect to Bluetooth. This is because the latency problems that occur frequently when it’s wireless do not occur. Usually designed for mobile use, but with the right adapter (particularly right corner USB-C connection), use directly on your PC to open the door to the world where there is one controller on any occasion.

There is no native button mapping, but you can do so even if you’re playing the game via Steam links, for example (it has its own remapping option). Overall, it’s decent hardware and for those who prefer to be able to play PC games that don’t have access to PC, it’s going to hit the spot.

After years of neglect, the guitar rhythm game market has revived support. Two premium quality multi-system compatible guitar controllers are now available. Of the PDP Riffmaster and slightly newer CRKD Gibson Les Paul Pro, the latter now has the highest overall vote.

The reasons for this include the overall design that looks fantastic, feel solid (if it’s still quite plastic) and include replaceable/replaceable parts. Specifically, you can replace the neck, select the old style fret button or the button on the mechanical switch, and upgrade to the neck with mini upper frets for playing the solo part of the song (when available).

Other factors include Wealth Connection Options and a wide range of system compatibility, allowing you to include the full range of traditional controller inputs, allowing you to navigate menus and other game features using D-PADs, face buttons, and more.

The USB dongle with 2.4GHz wireless conveniently supports PC connectivity, but can also be played via USB-C or Bluetooth. It also has a rich battery life. So whether you’re playing poison in Fortnite Festival, Rock Band 4, or Clone Hero, this controller has its cover. We are confident that new rhythm games will also be released that utilize hardware.

However, what makes this controller really great is the upgrade of this pro version. Its mechanical fret switches and tactile feedback stram bars provide a new level of accurate response with long life and low noise. There are no more guitar hero sessions with cracking controller din agent.

This controller won’t be cheaper with the $149.99 MSRP, but it’s still worth upgraded by anyone to these games that want a more comfortable, easier to use and generally high quality dedicated controller.

Check out our CRKD Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition Guitar Controller Review.