Top 5 Best PC Gaming Controllers in 2025
The best PC controllers we recommend in 2025
On desktops or gaming laptops, the best PC controllers provide a great substitute for using a mouse and keyboard. Playing with a gamepad on a PC is frequently just more comfortable, with the exception of a few particular genres, such as real-time strategy (RTS) games. If you’re slumped over a desk from 9 to 5 and would rather relax while gaming at home, they are a great alternative.
Numerous important criteria have been taken into consideration when compiling our list of the top PC controllers. The three main factors that set truly valuable PC controllers apart from the competition are build quality, performance, and features.We have also carefully weighed our options in terms of cost, durability, and overall value for money, and our selections cover a wide range of pricing points. As demonstrated by companies like Xbox and GameSir, you won’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on a high-quality controller.
All of the top PC controllers on this list have been examined and tested by the TechRadar Gaming staff. As a result, you may anticipate knowledgeable purchasing guidance and justification for our selection of each controller for its particular category. Check out our guides to the top PS5 controllers, Xbox controllers, and Nintendo Switch controllers if you’re looking for more console-specific options.
Table of Contents
BEST OVERALL
1. Xbox Wireless Controller
BEST PREMIUM
2. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
BEST BUDGET
3. GameSir T4 Kaleid
BEST WIRED
4. Thrustmaster eSwap X2
BEST IMMERSIVE
5. DualSense
1. Xbox Wireless Controller
Our choice for the finest PC controller overall is the Xbox Wireless Controller. This workhorse gamepad is widely accessible worldwide and is distinguished by its sturdy D-pad, tactical buttons, ergonomic design, and excellent build quality. Additionally, the Xbox Wireless Controller is ready to use straight out of the box because it is compatible with Windows PCs.
It is a very flexible and user-friendly option that allows for both wired and wireless playback. You’re getting a great deal for your money with pricing starting at $59.99, £54.99, or AU$74.99 (and frequently getting discounts during specials).Additionally, there are several color options available, including the Xbox Design Lab, which allows you to completely personalize the controller’s appearance.
The absence of any extra features is the sole disadvantage. You’re only getting the essentials here, but some of the other controllers on this list have extra buttons or modular input possibilities.The only time you’ll need to purchase a second controller for cooperative play at home is if you’re looking to replace your current one. Since the Xbox Wireless Controller is widely accessible at numerous major stores, both online and in-store, you shouldn’t have too much trouble acquiring more units either.
The Xbox Wireless Controller is available in Carbon Black, Robot White, and a striking Shock Blue. Since then, the selection has greatly expanded, and Xbox Design Lab has made it possible to create your own color scheme if you’re prepared to shell out a bit more for personalization.
2. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
It is undoubtedly expensive, but the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is about as high-end as it gets. In our testing, we were pleasantly surprised to find that this function is much more than just a gimmick. It is a visually appealing controller with a futuristic color screen. The screen is the kind of innovation that makes you question how you ever managed to live without it, as it allows you to instantly remap your button inputs without the need for additional software. Bright RGB lighting is also available along the grips, which greatly contributes to the nearly sci-fi look.
The bundle includes a sturdy carrying case and a practical charging stand, just like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.The color display makes it easier to make sure that everything is always topped off by showing your current battery level whether you are docked or using it. With a variety of EQ settings and convenient access to options to adjust your current audio levels, the screen is particularly ideal for headset users.
The Turtle Beach Ultra’s incredibly gratifying mechanical buttons are among our favorite features. They are incredibly responsive when the action kicks up and produce a pleasant click sound when pressed.Four back buttons on the controller can be mapped to various button inputs or unique software capabilities like the pro aim focus mode, as is to be expected from a high-end controller. This is also one of the more robust items on this list because of the Hall effect thumbsticks.
Of course, not everyone will be able to afford its exorbitant price tag. The Xbox Wireless Controller or the GameSir T4 Kaleid are better options if you’re on a tight budget; the latter still has appealing features like Hall effect thumbsticks and remappable rear buttons.
3. GameSir T4 Kaleid
One of the greatest low-cost PC controllers available right now is the GameSir T4 Kaleid. At about $41.99/£41.99 (about AU$62), it provides a degree of comfort on pace with some of the more well-known brands on our list, along with a number of special features. You can tell by looking at the GameSir T4 Kaleid that this isn’t your typical low-cost PC controller. With its translucent design and RGB lights, this style may not be for everyone, but it certainly makes it stand out.
The controller’s performance in our tests, where we observed the responsive joysticks and gratifying buttons, also impressed us. It should come as no surprise that this controller can only be used with wired play, given its lower price point. Fortunately, using this with your current setup shouldn’t be too difficult because the cable is 2 meters (7 feet) long overall.
Other advantages of the GameSir T4 Kaleid over other controllers in this price range include the T4k desktop app, which lets you program and map the controller’s buttons to your liking, and a contemporary USB-C connection.Unfortunately, there isn’t much console compatibility here. Consider looking into the Xbox Wireless Controller (for Xbox users) or the DualSense (for PS5 users) if you want to play games on both a console and a PC.
4. Thrustmaster eSwap X2
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 has a flexible modular design that lets you mix and change parts as you like, just like some other items on this list. By merely removing the modules from their magnetic sockets, it is easy to modify it to either an asymmetrical or symmetrical layout. The controller has a sophisticated black and gold look and is loaded with appropriately high-end parts, such as a sensitive D-pad and a really pleasing set of tactile buttons.
In addition to the four rear buttons, there are trigger locks. Our testing revealed that these rear buttons’ circular form made them occasionally difficult to push, however your experience may differ. Other than that, the controller works with any game that supports a standard Xbox controller and connects to your PC using the USB-C cord that comes with it. Thrustmaster offers a large selection of modules that work with this controller if you want even more customization. These include D-pads and thumbsticks that alternate, as well as modules with additional buttons designed for the greatest fighting games.
Nearly all of these, which impact the kind of wired connectivity, button enhancements, and improved performance, are appreciated. They are also quite safe moves, though. A part of me wishes Thrustmaster had been a bit more daring with this update, but there is also merit to the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” that also applies here because, in my opinion (based on my reviews for our sister publication GamesRadar), the previous version of eSwap X Pro was great and appealed to both pro and competitive players.
5. DualSense Wireless Controller
In addition to being a superb PS5 controller, the DualSense is also ideal for PC. The immersive experience that haptic feedback and adaptive triggers bring to games that support them makes the USB-C connection necessary to use them worthwhile. This should be your first choice if you plan to play PC games released by Sony, such as Returnal, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and The Last of Us Part 1.
Unlike the Xbox asymmetric sticks, the DualSense is a PC controller that anyone accustomed to a symmetric layout will recognize right away.In addition to its incredibly ergonomic form, it comes with a touchpad that resembles a laptop and can be utilized in compatible games for extra functionality. Steam’s Big Picture Mode’s custom controller mapping features make it exceedingly simple to use on a PC, whether plugged in or connected via Bluetooth.
Starting at $69.99, £59.99, or AU$109.95, and coming in a wide range of colors and designs, the DualSense is a reasonably priced PC controller that provides much more than many high-end models. Even if the support might not be as extensive as it is for the Xbox Wireless Controller, you are still getting an immersion that is unmatched elsewhere. The battery life is definitely on the lesser side, so be cautious.
The DualSense is a surprisingly gorgeous controller in person, eschewing the PS4’s all-black grungey design in favor of a sleek white body with matte black analog sticks. Aside from the share and start buttons being switched, you could think this was just a larger version of the previous model, even though it features a new home button with the PlayStation emblem and the previously mentioned built-in microphone (along with a convenient mute button).
With so many competitors for the top PC controllers these days, pairing, connecting, and using them with your setup isn’t always easy. This is particularly true when examining the controllers of other consoles that you may already own or be familiar with. Fortunately, we offer every tool you would require for those important console controllers.
For those who prefer an asymmetrical controller, we have instructions on how to use an Xbox One controller on PC, how to use an Xbox Series X controller on PC (spoilers: it’s similar to the former), and how to use a Switch Pro controller on PC. For PlayStation pad users, we have instructions on how to use a DualSense or DualShock 4 on PC.
We consider a number of aspects while testing the top PC controllers. Our primary consideration is overall value for money; what distinguishes a controller from the competition at its price point?
For instance, despite its inexpensive price, we adore the GameSir T4 Kaleid for its superb build quality and extensive feature set. Similar to this, the Victrix Pro BFG has a ton of configurable features that make up for its remarkable modularity and higher retail price.
We also take longevity into account while evaluating controllers. The build quality of longer-lasting controllers is usually excellent, and they frequently contain features like Hall effect thumbsticks to assist avoid the dreaded stick drift. Additionally, specialized software that enables owners to further modify their controllers is a huge plus.
Every item included here has undergone a thorough testing process by a TechRadar team member. Based on our practical knowledge, we only select controllers that we know will provide you the optimum performance.
Which controller is used by professional PC gamers?
If a player isn’t currently using a keyboard and mouse, they might use a controller for more sophisticated capabilities if they want to step up their game, especially in online multiplayer settings. In this sense, gamepads like as the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and the Victrix Pro BFG provide helpful capabilities, but they also come with larger price tags. For more specialized genre needs, professional players could also choose more specialized equipment like a racing wheel or a battle stick like the Nacon Daija.
Can a Nintendo Switch or PS5 controller be used on a PC?
Yes, to put it simply! Although Nintendo does not promote the Nintendo Switch Pro device as PC compatible, you can connect it to your computer because Steam supports the device. Likewise, the DualSense and DualSense Edge for PS5 will function on PCs and even provide their own custom haptic feedback and game-compatible adaptive triggers.
Is it wise to purchase a PC controller?
Ultimately, how much you anticipate using a PC controller will determine whether or not you should get one. It will undoubtedly be worthwhile to purchase a controller if, for instance, you frequently play a lot of racing games. The majority of players choose to utilize a controller or even a specialized combat stick when playing fighting game
However, a PC controller might not be worth it for you if you play a lot of genres that don’t typically benefit from that control system.It’s probably not the best use of your money because those who play a lot of strategy games won’t spend much time on it. However, if you’re still undecided, you can always select a controller that fits your budget.