What Is The Best Controller For Pc

There's nothing quite like grasping the best PC controller in your palms. Of course, there's no denying the boons of the all-time gaming keyboard and mouse setups, but playing a Night Souls game using keys and clicks will prompt you to search for an alternative PC controller. Sure, gamepads aren't the way to go if yous're playing the best FPS games, but RPGs similar Elden Ring require quick fingers and thumbs. Thankfully, pairing your gaming PC with a palm companion has never been easier, and most options are inherently compatible with Windows xi.

Of course, the term PC controller isn't exclusive to Xbox style gamepads, as if you're into the all-time racing games, professional person wheels and pedals are too an option. If you lot'd rather take to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2021, you lot tin also transform your gaming desk into a cockpit by using a flight stick, and your graphics card fans might brand information technology sound like you lot're nigh to take off too.

Information technology's worth noting that console controllers are now largely PC compatible, which makes sense when y'all consider the prominence of Xbox Game Pass and new ventures like PlayStation PC. This naturally means we're spoiled for pick, as even Sony's DualSense is a candidate. So, to help you lot grab the best gamepad for your needs, nosotros've collated a list of the best PC controllers to help you lot wield control over your Steam library.

Here are the all-time PC controllers in 2022:

Microsoft Xbox Wireless
Thrustmaster Eswap Pro
PlayStation 5 DualSense
Nintendo Switch Pro
Xbox One Elite Series 2
Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Blush
EasySMX Wireless
Thrustmaster Warthog
Turtle Beach VelocityOne
Fanatec Clubsport
Thrustmaster TMX

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Microsoft Xbox Wireless controller

The best controller for PC is the Microsoft Xbox Wireless.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is Microsoft's latest attempt to perfect the default gamepad that ships with the Xbox Serial X and Series S. While it might not look all that different from its predecessors, aside from dropping the console-specific branding from its name, there'south been enough of changes iv iterations on from the original Xbox One edition that brand this the become-to gamepad on gaming PCs. Plus, it looks smashing sitting next to y'all on the best gaming desk.

The textured grip on the rear has been extended to embrace the triggers for extra grip and precision, and at that place's at present a hybrid domed D-pad which we've previously only seen on the high-end Xbox Elite controller. Additionally, the controller shape has been tweaked so this controller fits a wider range of hand shapes and sizes, although these slight adjustments mean some previous attachments might no longer be compatible. As it's Microsoft, there's native compatibility with Windows ten so there's no fiddling around with drivers – all you demand is a Bluetooth or USB-C connexion to plug and play.

What we similar
Hybrid D-pad
Bluetooth support/plug-and-play
Textured Triggers

	Microsoft Wireless Controller specs
Connection	Wireless/micro USB
Power	2x AA batteries
Buttons	18
Layout	Xbox

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Thrustmaster Eswap Pro 10

The best thumbstick controller is the Thrustmaster Eswap Pro X.

Thrustmaster's Eswap Pro 10 is a premium gamepad through and through, only its modular design makes it one of the most versatile devices on this list. It's also a great option for players who adopt PlayStation's parallel controller layout, as yous tin can easily swap around the d-pad and thumbstick. Not only are these magnetic modules loftier quality, but if they exercise ever wear down, you'll be able to replace them without becoming a gamepad surgeon.

The Eswap Pro Ten besides comes with an impressive 22 button layout, 4 of which reside on the dorsum of the bad. If y'all're a fan of all things clicky, you'll be pleased to know that the d-pad and face buttons utilise microswitches, which make all the difference compared to prophylactic dome membranes.

Equally for compatibility, the Eswap Pro X'south PC drivers come up with Thrustmapper, a configuration suite that allows you lot to remap the pad and fine-melody sensitivity. In other words, if you're looking for a thumbstick experience that comes close to the accurateness of a gaming mouse, this gamepad could be what you lot're looking for.

What we like
Modular analogue sticks
Microswitch buttons
Thrustmapper configuration

	Thrustmaster Eswap Pro 10
Connexion	Wired
Power	USB
Buttons	22
Layout	Xbox

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PlayStation 5 dualsense

Theall-time PC controller for immersionis the PlayStation v Dualsense.

Sony'southward successor to the Dualshock 4 is a newcomer to the gamepad fold, merely it'due south already showing promising signs when it comes to controller immersion. PC games like Telephone call of Duty: Cold War, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop all boast adaptive trigger back up, and there's bound to be more coming as the visitor expands its PlayStation PC presence.

Immersion bated, the Dualsense is also just an excellent gamepad, and it elevates everything that fabricated its predecessor cracking. Its thumbsticks are still superbly comfortable, and it'due south withal comfortable to apply after hours of utilise. While the PlayStation 5 panel itself is however largely out of stock, perchance picking up its pad to use on PC is the next best thing.

	PlayStation 5 Dualsense specs
Connexion	Wireless/Wired
Ability	Li-ion
Buttons	18
Layout	PlayStation

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Nintendo Switch Pro controller

The all-time alternative PC controller is the Nintendo Switch Pro.

The Nintendo Switch Pro has been fabricated specifically for the diminutive panel, but has been given its ain Steam profile and can exist continued to your gaming PC with either a wireless Bluetooth connection or, if you want to get configured in Steam, via a USB-C cable.

Nintendo pioneered the d-pad back in 1985, then information technology's no surprise that the Switch Pro controller upholds its gamepad legacy. While the pad lacks fancy features similar counterpart triggers, its tactile buttons and comfortable feel make it a winner when information technology comes to precision-based platformers. It's also got a whopping 40-hour battery life via Bluetooth, making information technology i of the all-time wireless options on the market.

What we like
Fantastic battery life
Incredibly well-built
USB-C and Bluetooth

	Nintendo Switch Pro specs
Connection	Bluetooth/USB-C
Ability	Li-ion
Buttons	18
Layout	Xbox

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Microsoft Xbox I Elite Series 2

The best high-end controller for PC is the Xbox I Elite Series two.

I mean, yeah, spending this much on a joypad might seem pretty crazy, but the Elite Serial two is one seriously beautiful controller. Almost everything about information technology has been designed to just scream 'QUALITY!' in your face. It'due south an evolution over the previous version rather than a revolution, but it'due south got everything we loved most the original Elite, plus everything the competition has added to their high-end pads to try and compete.

Information technology'south beautifully built, impressively responsive, and ultra-versatile as well. Simply I'm still annotation sure information technology'southward worth that hefty a price premium over the standard Xbox I controller, which is why the Aristocracy Series 2 isn't downward every bit our absolute, must-accept, all-time PC gamepad in this test. Information technology's the pad you lot might aspire to, especially if you've ever had one in your easily, but it'south almost definitely a luxury rather than a necessity.

What nosotros similar
All the paddles
Built-in battery
High build quality

	Microsoft Xbox One Aristocracy Series 2 specs
Connection	Wireless/micro USB
Power	Li-ion
Buttons	21
Layout	Xbox

Read the PCGamesNMicrosoft Xbox 1 Aristocracy Serial ii review for our full verdict and score.

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Nacon Revolution Unlimited

The best hybrid PC controller is the Nacon Revolution Unlimited.

Many companies have tried to match the quality of Microsoft's Xbox I Aristocracy controller, but very few have managed to smash its mix of serious build quality and ultra customisation. But Nacon's pad succeeds in both and likewise manages to mix both the excellent PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical layout.

The only issue is the software. Information technology refuses to connect unless you're wired in and some of its wordless iconry is deadline impenetrable. But in that location are a whole host of customisation options buried in there if yous actually want to go deep.

What we like
Great build quality
Asymmetrical layout
Excellent thumbsticks

	Nacon Revolution Unlimited specs
Connection	Wired/wireless
Ability	Li-Polymer 1300mAh
Buttons	21
Layout	Xbox

Read the PCGamesNNacon Revolution Unlimited review for our full verdict and score.

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Razer Wolverine Ultimate

The best paddle controller for PC is the Razer Wolverine Ultimate.

This Xbox and PC-compatible controller from Razer should be in your sights if y'all desire actress paddles letting y'all multitask in games without taking your thumbs off the thumbsticks, for example jumping while aiming in Call of Duty: Blackness Ops – Cold War, boasting a pair of customisable paddle switches on the rear forth with triggers with a 'hair-trigger mode' to reduce their travel distance before actuation. Oh, and RGB backlighting, because it wouldn't be Razer without some of that. You also get interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pads – with thumbsticks of varying heights, and a domed or individual D-pad.

Although this is the most expensive controller listed here, its clicky face buttons are the gamepad-equivalent of jumping to a mechanical keyboard for the offset time. Besides, if you're using your controller for competitive play, this is the one you'll want to consider given its customisability. 1 thing to note – this controller is wired, not wireless, although when playing competitively you'll exist grateful for the reduced input lag.

What we like
Interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pad
RGB!
Customisability

	Razer Wolverine Ultimate specs
Connection	Wired
Power	USB
Buttons	26
Layout	Xbox

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Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma

The all-time RGB PC controller is the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma.

The Cult of Razer has obviously taken one look at the Xbox 1 Elite controller and said 'Nosotros can do better than that'.

It can't. It's added in some extra microswitch buttons to the Wolverine, some adjustable hair-triggers, dropped in a pair of pseudo paddle switches, perfect for FPS games, on the underside of the pad and kept it otherwise very clean. It's a fantastic pad, just can't quite hold a candle to the Elite. If you're looking for RGB, though, the Wolverine is where information technology's at.

What we like
Clicky as heck
RGB!
Enough of added functionality

	Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma specs
Connection	Wired
Power	USB
Buttons	xx
Layout	Xbox

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EasySMX Wireless

The all-time cheap PC controller is the EasySMX Wireless.

The EasySMX Wireless is proof positive yous don't have to spend a fortune to go a well-built PC gaming controller. Sure, it'due south losing some of the finesse of the other, more expensive pads, and is more than aping the original Xbox 360 controller than the modern Xbox One version, just it'due south got a decent battery life and the wireless connection is solid.

Information technology'southward besides an absolute deal, fifty-fifty if the triggers maybe don't feel quite as accomplished as you lot might desire them to be. But information technology's however a solid, reliable controller that doesn't cost the world, and yous can't really ask a lot more that. A genuinely peachy upkeep controller for playing the best PC games.

What we like
Cheap
Wireless
Solid layout

	EasySMX Wireless specs
Connexion	Wireless 2.4GHz
Power	2x AA batteries
Buttons	17
Layout	Xbox

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Thrustmaster Warthog

The best flight stick is the Thrustmaster Warthog.

Thrustmaster's Warthog flightstick is a replica of the controllers in the classic A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the same military machine-grade materials, and probably simply slightly cheaper than a 2d-hand plane. Yeah, the Warthog is frighteningly expensive, but if yous're already looking to choice up ane of the all-time PC flight sticks then you've probably got pretty niche tastes – and this is the best manner to satisfy them.

The Warthog has been around for a while now, only we've yet seen no other flightstick come shut to the feeling we go when using it. It'south a lot of coin, merely still manages to feel worth it when y'all're hurtling through an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and reducing their transport to tiny bits of melty fleck. That said, we're still keen to see what Logitech does with the Saitek brand in the future and whether it will offer some serious competition to the Warthog.

What we like
Satisfying clicky switches
Chunky (it's a adept thing)
Fantastic throttle action

	Thrustmaster Warthog specs
HOTAS
Programmable buttons	22
Chapeau switches	4x viii-way, 2x 4-way

Turtle Beach VelocityOne

The best flying yoke is the Turtle Beach VelocityOne.

Turtle Beach built its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in mind first-and-foremost, just it nonetheless offers tremendous value for PC players. At this price, you'd expect a lot, and you do indeed get a lot for your coin. It features an authentic 180-degree yoke handle rotation that pushes and pulls for ascending and descending respectively, ten programmable buttons, swappable lever handles, and a built-in display y'all can use to customise virtually everything about this device.

It's designed specifically for Microsoft Flying Simulator and offers more functionality than most, but still works fine with plenty of other flight games similar Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Dangerous. Like most yokes, it's quite a bit larger than a joystick and yous will need to articulate space on your gaming desk-bound to slice it together, only it'south easy to set up, makes gaming experience like an consequence, and comes to life when the RGB lighting starts to smoothen.

What we like
Easy to gear up
Authentic
Unlimited profiles

	Turtle Embankment VelocityOne
HOTAS
Programmable buttons	X
Chapeau switches	2x 4-fashion

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Fanatec Clubsport

The best PC racing bike is the Fanatec Clubsport.

Sooo, yep… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the toll of a powerful gaming PC, just it's as well the stuff of gaming peripheral dreams – and it's all downwards to simply how beautifully designed, created, and finished the Clubsport kit is. If you don't go for one of the preconfigured bundles you'll have to create your own, picking and choosing from a very long list of goodies.

The main wheel base is the same across the board, but then y'all can fit unlike steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals to the mix. And they're all built out of solid lumps of metallic and precision-engineered components. The Fanatec system has hands-down the best force feedback organisation we've always used, fifty-fifty down to feedback from the pedals, too.

What we like
Incredible force feedback
Modular
Precision engineered

	Fanatec Clubsport specs
Rotation	900°
Buttons	17
Pedals	three
Adjustable pedals

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Thrustmaster TMX

The all-time budget PC racing bicycle is the Thrustmaster TMX.

Almost people aren't going to accident a four-figure sum on a racing cycle – if you are then peachy for you – and a perfect budget option that will yet give yous a pretty realistic driving experience is Thrustmaster'south TMX cycle. You don't really want to go for annihilation cheaper, as hither y'all get strength feedback and 900-degree bike rotation, the aforementioned as a real car – compared to some budget wheels which may but have 180-caste rotation.

The TMX uses belt-driven technology as opposed to the inferior gear-driven tech for its force feedback, giving y'all a smoother, less notchy feel when going through the motions. The restriction and throttle pedals are adjustable by angle to suit your seating position, and the brake pedal gets progressively harder as you stamp on it, for a little added realism.

What we like
Great value for money
Full 900-degree rotation
Solid build

	Thrustmaster TMX specs
Rotation	900°
Buttons	12
Pedals	2
Adaptable pedals

Wired vs wireless controllers

With the latest ii.4GHz wireless connections, the latency of wireless pads is almost on par with wired models, and yous'd exist hard-pressed to discover whatever difference. As a bonus, it helps yous manage cables, likewise. Battery life is a consideration, however, as you might detect your controller falling short mid-clutch.

DO PC CONTROLLERS NEED BATTERIES?

Wireless gamepads come with string-cutting benefits, but some PC controllers like the Xbox Wireless rely on batteries for power. While you tin can feed the pad two AA cells, Microsoft as well has a play and charge kit that comes with a USB C cablevision and an official Xbox rechargeable battery.

Can I employ PlayStation v DualSense on PC?

Sony's Dualshock 4 and PS5 DualSense lack official drivers, but you lot tin use both gamepads on Steam. You can also play other storefront games with a PlayStation controller by selecting "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library."

It's worth noting that while the DualSense is Steam uniform, not every game supports its unique features. However, this could modify in the future, equally Sony is bringing more than of its games to the platform via its PlayStation PC label.

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