There is no doubt that the DualSense is a reliable and comfortable controller for many PS5 gamers. Immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are two innovative features that outshine the capabilities of the PS4's DualShock and elevate the DualSense above the competition. However, for some users, the PS5's default controller comes up short in a few areas, including battery life and the customization, lacking the features of the most cutomizable controllers.

  • PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
    PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
    Best Overall PS5 Controller
    $199 at Walmart
  • PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – Midnight Black
    PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
    Best Budget PS5 Controller
    $70 at Best Buy
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Pro white
    Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
    Best High-End PS5 Controller
    $250 at Best Buy
  • Victrix
    PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS5
    Best Wireless PS5 Controller
    $174 at Walmart
  • Hori PlayStation Fighting Commander Octa
    HORI PlayStation 5 Fighting Commander OCTA
    Best Wired PS5 Controller
    $59 at Walmart
  • The Logitech G29 Racing Wheel with accompanying pedals shown.
    Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel
    Best PS5 Controller For Racing Games
    $235 at Walmart
  • SCUF Reflex FPS
    SCUF Reflex FPS
    Best PS5 Controller for FPS Games
    $250 at Scuf
The Best Wireless Gaming Controllers Under $100 Thumbnail
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It's far from impossible to find a good deal on a wireless controller. These cordless controllers all offer impressive build quality and performance.

Still, there is no debate as to how good the DualSense is, but considering that some users may want more functionality, better controls, and easier customizations, there are a handful of great PS5 controllers you can get to enhance your experience. At the same time, Game ZXC also kept some budget options on the list, making it one of the best controller collections you will find at the moment.

Updated on April 12, 2024 by Sarfraz Khan: Since PS5 DualSense alone doesn't fulfill every user's requirements, the list has been updated with the best controller to play FPS games. We already have a bunch of great PS5 controllers for every budget, making sure whether users want to play action, adventure, esports, or racing titles, they can find the best controller to suit their play style. With the addition of the FPS controller, every hardcore fps fan can now grind with ease.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best PS5 Controllers in 2024

The DualSense Edge, our pick for the best PS5 controller overall, maintains the same form factor as the standard DualSense, which means it's compatible with all the accessories that its lower-priced sibling supports. This pro-grade controller is essentially an overhauled DualSense, with better build quality, added heft and weight, and a slightly improved battery life.

With support for back buttons, remappability across the board, and premium build quality, the DualSense Edge has plenty to offer - and it retains core DualSense functionality that some of its direct competitors remove or can not implement. Addressing some concerns that the standard PS5 controller slides around the hands too easily, Sony added slip-resistant grips to the DualSense Edge. The DualSense Edge is also a tempting option for a top-tier PC controller, although gamers will have to rely on Steam to utilize some of its features.

The DualSense Edge keeps the excellent de facto shape of the original DualSense but feels more like a premium controller with plenty of customization options. Despite its still somewhat disappointing battery life, there are enough advantages of the DualSense Edge to make it the best PS5 controller for the majority of buyers with ample funds. One of them is the pre-included kit of parts, which includes essential stuff like dome caps, half dome back, and lever back buttons. All these utilities can be kept safely inside a connector housing, which doesn't come with the standalone DualSense controller.

PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – Midnight Black
Best Budget PS5 Controller
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller

The DualSense wireless controller for PS5 offers immersive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone. In addition, the built battery should get gamers through the longest gaming sessions at 1560 mAH.

This controller is built with high performance and personalization in mind while retaining all the immersive features of the DualSense wireless controller. The built-in microphone and headphone jack make it simple to connect headsets for multiplayer chatting or headphones for more immersive audio.

Number of Colors
6
Wireless?
Yes
Compatible Systems
PS5, PC, Mobile
Brand
Sony
Battery
8 hours
Pros
  • A marked improvement in aesthetics over the DualShock 4
  • Comes with a built-in microphone for communication
  • Adaptive triggers add to immersion while gaming
  • Haptic feedback is more convincing than past vibration technologies
Cons
  • Has mediocre battery life compared to more premium alternatives
  • The adaptive triggers don't work with Bluetooth connection
See at Amazon$85 at Walmart$70 at Best Buy

Unfortunately, with the lack of third-party controllers to this point, searching for an cheap PS5 controller is a futile exercise. Still, at a modest price, the DualSense controller upped the ante for all official and non-official PS5 controllers across all platforms when it launched. This was because of the sheer amount of innovations it pushed through as the PlayStation console jumped a generation. With a much-improved button interface compared to the default PS4 controller, haptic feedback, and native adaptive triggers, the DualSense is far more than just a generational upgrade to the DualShock 4.

As a now budget PS5 controller, it marries the premium feel with functionality that extends far beyond its original calling. The DualSense works flawlessly with PCs and iOS devices and is a worthy PS5 controller for remote play or standalone use. While the battery life is nothing to write home about, it's hardly a deal-breaker for what is a very well-priced standard controller that dominates the market. There are few if any comparable controllers that can go neck and neck with it at its price point while offering similar functionality for the PS5.

For the droves of dedicated PS5 gamers, the DualSense controller has a surprisingly premium feel with some innovative features that outshine most of its other standard console-bundled peers.

To say that Razer has outdone itself with the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, our pick for the best high-end PS5 controller, is not an overstatement. It effectively addresses the continuing lack of pro-grade PS5 controllers in the marketplace. The Wolverine V2 Pro goes neck and neck with the DualSense Edge for the PS5 while throwing in better battery life, more customizability options, RGB lighting, and multiplayer-centric enhancements.

As part of its push to be premium PS5 controller, the Wolverine V2 Pro does away with vibration motors and adaptive triggers, both of which are often not considered conducive to an FPS gamer's needs. Instead, the Razer controller is free to make room for other features, including a much larger battery. With excellent build quality and dedicated buttons for wired/wireless modes as well as PC/PS5 connectivity, the Wolverine V2 Pro works hard to ensure it's accessible to users who are not accustomed to customizing controllers. The dedicated Razer apps and software support for the controller, its Chroma settings, and profiles cement this even further.

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The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is an expensive, but well-rounded high-end controller for the PS5. The Wolverine V2 Pro is not as feature-packed as one might expect for a custom PS5 controller at this price. However, the device sacrifices rumble/vibration and adaptive triggers to focus on FPS gamers who need precision and a flawless wireless experience.

The PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller is the best wireless PS5 controller. It has this reputation in no small part thanks to its ability to swap out the entire face of the input buttons on top of the controller. By doing so, gamers achieve a more fight pad-like look while also flipping the joystick and button placements over to get a better grip. Buyers can also use this component to effectively emulate the Xbox controller's layout for FPS games.

The 20-hour battery life of the PDP Victrix Pro BFG is significantly better than the DualSense Edge and makes it easier for competitive gamers to transition to a cord-free device. The Victrix Pro BFG is a formidable opponent for the DualSense Edge and while it doesn't have the best build quality in the market, it does more than just get the job done. Any gamer can make this a primary choice to game with on all PS5 titles thanks to its versatility and excellent available add-ons.

Offering industry-leading customization options at a reasonable price, the Victrix Pro BFG is let down slightly by build quality issues at times and software limitations. Despite this, it's an excellent buy if you would like to have the ability to switch things up as they look for their sweet spot for what works as a gamer.

The current selection of PS5 controllers is a bit slim compared to the PS4 or Xbox Series X/S lineup. However, while there are a decent number of wireless options, for gamers who want the most reliable connectivity, wired-only devices are almost non-existent. Fortunately, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa exists as an unconventional but more than capable solution to the problem.

Lacking a right analog stick means that the Hori Fighting Commander Octa isn't the best controller for games demanding a wide range of 3D movements. Still, other fighting controllers like the Razer Raion come with no thumbsticks at all, and the Fighting Commander is a fine controller for retro 2D titles. This Hori device is best suited for fighting games where its short throw analog stick with an 8-way gate really shines. Having the ability to precisely perform directional movements in order to launch difficult combo moves has obvious advantages in brawlers like Street Fighter 6. The D-Pad on the controller is equally impressive with adjustable sensitivity and satisfying responses to inputs.

The Hori Fighting Commander is also a great controller for PS4 and PC gamers with a switch on the back to toggle between these different platforms. In fact, buyers with a PC will benefit from Hori's software that allows you to more easily program buttons and create profiles tuned for certain games. The app is rather barebones though, so PlayStation gamers should not feel too neglected.

The Logitech G29 Racing Wheel with accompanying pedals shown.
Best PS5 Controller For Racing Games
Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel

The Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals is a high-end accessory that works with platforms such as Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation and PC. The controller set comes with a racing wheel with realistic force feedback powered by dual motors. It uses solid steel ball bearings in the wheel shaft and stainless steel paddle shifters and pedals, which makes the operation reliable and the construction sturdy.

Brand
Logitech
Compatibility
PS3 / PS4 / PS5 / PC / Xbox
Forced Feedback
Yes
Pedals
Yes
Pros
  • Excellent for casual racing sim fans thanks to its well-rounded performance
  • Wide compatibility: Works with PS3/PS4/PS5 and PC
  • Comes with an excellent set of pedals and has the ability to rotate as much as 900 degrees
Cons
  • The shifter is not a part of the package and must be bought separately
  • There are competitors that do force feedback better
  • Wheen can be noisier at times
See at Amazon$300 at Best Buy$300 at Logitech$300 at Newegg$235 at Walmart

Although some controllers like the Forza-inspired Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro claim to be ideal for racing games, even the best controller can't match the sensitivity and authentic feel of a racing wheel. The Logitech G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel is a solid peripheral made by one of the most well-known accessory makers in the industry. With the ability to rotate the wheel as much as 900 degrees and decent force feedback, the G29 is a sensible mid-range choice for most users. Sporting a full controller button layout on the wheel, it can also be used to scroll through menus without having to use a dedicated controller to navigate.

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Fighting titles represent one of the most resilient genres of games. Make sure to purchase a fighting controller that can stand the test of time.

One common gripe with the G29 is its lack of a dedicated gear shifter in the retail box. Logitech does offer one, but it must be purchased separately otherwise, the paddle shifters do a passable job. For gamers who demand realism to add to their immersion, this might be off-putting without purchasing a shifter. The Logitech G29 is an excellent value boasting decent performance, convincing force feedback, and premium upholstery on the wheel's grip. The G29 proves itself as the perfect racing wheel for an entry-level racing video game enthusiast or casual player alike

The Reflex Pro might be an all-rounder when it comes to gaming in general, but the Reflex FPS is unparalleled in its performance in FPS games. The reason is its instant triggers that quickly actuate when pressed. It also provides bumpers to quickly shoot bullets at your enemies. However, this controller does come at a $30 higher cost than the Reflex Pro, making it the costliest controller in the Scuf lineup and also on this list.

Nonetheless, it's also one of the lightest PS5 controllers you can buy. With an ergonomic design weighing 280 grams, it's easier to hold for several hours straight. A slightly improved battery life can also be seen with the Reflex FPS, giving an additional hour of usage over the Reflex Pro. Of course, the Reflex FPS brings the same level of customization as the Reflex Pro and has all those flashy skins available to choose from. The Reflex FPS might not be cheap, but competitive gaming deserves the best one.

When buying a PS5 controller that suits particular games, consider these factors first:

  • Customization: Some PS5 controllers allow you to modify not only the look of a device but also enable gamers to swap analog thumbsticks with alternatives of various sizes and grips.
  • Build Quality: One concern buyers often have when considering a third-party PS5 controller is how long such a device will last. These PS5 controllers can vary wildly with their build quality, but price doesn't always determine how well-constructed a peripheral is.
  • Ergonomics: Despite Sony's best efforts, the fact is that the DualSense is not pleasant to grip for all gamers. Other controllers come to the rescue with slightly different sizes and button layouts to suit hands of all shapes and sizes.
  • Battery Life: Even though most PS5 controllers work with USB cables, the bulk of the following candidates stress their wireless connectivity. As a result, battery life, which is less than stellar on the DualSense, becomes a key factor when shopping for a controller.

FAQ

Q: Is the DualSense a good controller?

Yes, the DualSense, sans its somewhat mediocre battery life is a massive improvement over the DualShock 4 in every area it potentially competes in and is a contender for one of the best console-bundled controllers this generation.

Q: Can I use PS4 Controllers on the PS5?

Yes, you may, but you can only play PS4 titles on PS4-centric controllers to avoid compatibility issues. Some new games use the DualSense's newer features such as adaptive triggers to deliver a more immersive experience.

Q: Which PS5 controller is the most durable?

The most durable PS5 controllers usually have mechanical-style tactile buttons that are far more durable than membrane alternatives. Also, these premium controllers are built with exteriors and include other components that can survive the rigors of competitive gaming.