Only probably the greatest PC controllers gives you probably the most on your cash whereas taking part in video games on a pc. Whereas mouse and keyboard historically dominate on PC, should you’re a multiplatform participant, somebody who made the transfer from console to PC – or simply plain favor having a pad in your palms – the highest PC controllers are those to intention for.
And should you’re looking out for a brand new controller or an improve, the good news is that these days it’s simpler than ever to play with a controller on PC. Many now help seamless plug-and-play connectivity, and there’s extra alternative than ever starting from feature-filled premium pads to value-busting controllers that punch above their weight.
To make your search simpler, we’ve compiled a listing of our favourites and among the prime contenders for the most effective PC controller that you would be able to purchase proper now. Naturally, a few of these may also provide compatibility on their ‘mom’ platform which provides some further versatility, however every of the beneath has its personal points of interest for PC too. There are some acquainted faces, but additionally one or two which may show to be good matches for you.
Greatest PC controllers in 2023
- Xbox Elite Sequence 2
- Thrustmaster eSwap X Professional controller
- Turtle Seaside React-R
- PS5 Dualsense controller
- Xbox Wi-fi Controller
Xbox Elite Sequence 2 controller
The perfect PC controller total
Xbox Elite Sequence 2 controller. Credit score: Microsoft Xbox
It’s not essentially a brand new mannequin, however boy is it the most effective PC controller you may get proper now. Providing all of the options, mappable buttons, design thrives, and luxury that you possibly can need from a PC controller, the Elite Sequence 2 is more likely to be most PC gamers’ first pad of alternative given any choice – and any price range.
From a design perspective, it’s a strong pad fashioned round Xbox’s acquainted asymmetrical structure which is straight away straightforward to carry and use. Whereas it could be somewhat heavy for some, the load provides confidence and reinforces the standard of the construct. Each button feels upgraded in comparison with a standard pad, and this extends to the again paddles too – neatly designed and included within the rear of the controller – which may be mapped to every other controller buttons you want. In case you’re after an all-singing, all-dancing PC controller that may provide probably the most on your cash, and allows a wild quantity of customisation, then that is it.
Professionals:
- Wonderful customisation potentialities
- Sensible buttons and have set
Cons:
- One of the crucial costly choices
- Fairly heavy
Thrustmaster eSwap X Professional controller
The perfect versatile PC controller
Thrustmaster eSwap X Professional. Credit score: Thrustmaster
The Thrustmaster eSwap X Professional controller may simply revolutionise play for some – and has performed so for this author. The eSwap X Professional’s modular design (for the D-pad and thumbsticks) allows you to change the entire structure and construction of the pad. And it’s simply as robust away from this headline function: it’s stable and sturdy, the face buttons and prime shoulders are satisfying to press and lack enter lag, the bumpers may be modified from full depth to hairline triggers, and there’s a complete host of onboard reminiscence and presets to have interaction with, in addition to audio controls for a headset. Throw within the aesthetic customisations on provide, permitting you to alter the wing panels, the color of D-Pads and thumbsticks, and the color of the triggers, and also you’ve acquired an unimaginable quantity of versatility – from purposeful to aesthetic.
As for different nitpicks, one might say that it would simply be too huge or heavy for some (although I’ve small palms and it’s nonetheless glorious); it’s wired solely; the again buttons aren’t paddles however moderately easy round buttons; and if you’d like extra bits for the controller, you’ll should shell out individually to get them. Nonetheless, this additionally implies that the customisation and flexibility stays in your palms – and contemplating a brand new ‘steering wheel’ thumb stick has not too long ago been launched, the choices for what you may add to the eSwap X professional’s armoury are greater than ever. Undoubtedly a prime contender for finest PC controller.
Professionals:
- Implausible modular design for versatility
- Each button is responsive and inputs are glorious
- Weighty and stable
Cons:
- Wired solely
- Additional modules should be purchased individually
- Again buttons are quite simple
Turtle Seaside React-R
The perfect low cost PC controller
Turtle Seaside React-R. Credit score: Turtle Seaside
In case you’re on a restricted price range, then the Turtle Seaside Recon-R makes for the most effective low cost PC controller in our eyes. It punches nicely above its weight and treads the road between worth and high quality very nicely certainly – Turtle Seaside knew what to shed or reduce corners on for value saving whereas retaining a bunch of options that may present versatility and customisation.
You wouldn’t inform the React-R’s worth by holding it in your palms – the construct high quality is sound, the stability and spacing of buttons and controls are efficient, and the urgent of each button or set off feels responsive and, nicely, stable. It’s somewhat lighter than different premium pads, and the bumpers really feel a bit low cost, however contemplating every thing you get for the worth, the worth right here remains to be glorious. You possibly can’t remap a great deal of buttons – solely the 2 again paddles – the grip of the pad is stable, and it channels that Turtle Seaside pedigree – a superb, wallet-friendly choice for finest PC controller.
Professionals:
- Wonderful worth for cash
- Textured grip on paddles and bumpers
Cons:
- Bumpers really feel a bit low cost
- No ‘professional’ options
PS5 Dualsense controller
The perfect symmetrical PC controller – and for haptics
PS5 Dualsense controller. Credit score: Sony Ps
In case you’ve lengthy been a fan of PlayStation consoles, or identical to symmetrical pads, then it’s more likely to be of no shock that the DualSense might be the most effective PC controller for you. The following evolution of the ever-reliable-on-PC DualShock controllers, the DualSense, at its coronary heart, provides excellent play, consolation, and construct high quality in a symmetrical design. It’s robust and durable, has dependable buttons, and options USB-C connectivity to convey it neatly into this era.
There aren’t many downsides to the DualSense towards its direct rivals however it, naturally, doesn’t provide a lot in the way in which of button remapping and different customisation choices that premium controllers do – and if you’d like the latter from a Sony pad, then the DualSense Edge might be price a glance. In any other case, the DualSense is well the most effective symmetrical PC controller, and with increasingly more video games on PC benefiting from the haptic suggestions and adaptive triggers, there won’t be a greater pad for immersion on PC proper now.
Professionals:
- Wonderful haptics (the place supported on PC)
- Very good design and construct
Cons:
- Prone to stay drift
- The costliest ‘customary’ pad
Xbox Wi-fi Controller
The perfect asymmetrical PC controller – and nonetheless the go-to for PC gamers
Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Credit score: Microsoft Xbox
An ‘previous’ one however a prime one. In case you’re in search of a confirmed, easy choice that gives respectable worth for cash in terms of the most effective PC controller, then the core wi-fi Xbox pad is more likely to be it. It won’t have modified that a lot, in essence, for the reason that 360 days, but when it ain’t broke, don’t repair it – the Xbox wi-fi controller nonetheless has all the most effective PC controller options, although the newest, and now customary, model does provide the most effective of this era too. There’s USB-C connectivity and charging, for instance, it really works seamlessly by way of wired or Bluetooth connections on PC, and the newer hybrid D-pad is a prime function. The addition of a share button is most welcome and lengthy overdue, too.
All in all, it is a terrific PC pad, and one which balances worth, efficiency, battery life, and sturdiness. Given you may get a complete host of colors and even design your individual by way of the Xbox Design Lab, you even have an enormous vary of personalisation choices.
Professionals:
- Strong and acquainted asymmetrical design
- Respectable worth for cash
- Cross-platform wi-fi compatibility
Cons:
- No further buttons
- Restricted button remapping choices