The Best Controllers for PC

Video gaming is the popular talk of the town, and its gears can really make a difference in one’s gaming sessions. The popular gaming gear is a PC controller; in 2022, gamers will search for the best controller for PC. The tech market has a lot to offer in selecting a controller; it could be wired or wireless, customizable, most comprehensive range of PC titles, with different battery chemistry, and battery timings. Finding the best joysticks for PC could be hectic but rest assured, we have piled up a few recommendations for you that you may find worthy of a purchase.

If high–end gaming is your priority, then PS5 comes on the top of the list developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. In this buying guide, you will get reliable information related to the best PS5 controller, via which you achieve the desired gaming speed. Xbox is a well-known decision for gamers, when you will choose the best Xbox controller famous games like GTA V, PUBG, Fallout 4, Onigiri, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Farming Simulator 15, Tony Hawk’s Underground, Guardians of Middle-earth, BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma, Total Overdose 2: Tequila Gunrise, and so forth can be played with ace level fulfillment.

Different PC controllers will provide you with varying performance levels depending on your taste and the brands you choose. Video games have a diverse fan base. Starting from arcade gaming which was first introduced in the early 70s, and since now, it has been gaining popularity by the fans of classics. One can enjoy them in any amusement park as well as at home. With the best arcade machine, one can relive the classic games like Space Invaders, Golden Axe, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, Battlezone, etc.; give this buying guide a read and give your inner gamer a chance to experience quality gaming.

Our top picks

Quick Shopping Tips:

Ergonomic Design: Before buying a gaming controller with fancy features, you must check out the comfortability factor. The overall design of your gaming gear needs to be ergonomic. The weight also plays an important role; most PC controllers weigh 200-400 grams, and the optimal weight is around 300 grams. The weight of your controller will depend on the internal components, so choose wisely. The second thing needed attention is the concaveness of the top of the controller, which ultimately gives the better grip. The surface also plays a role in the proper handling of the controller.

Controller’s Connectivity: After checking the comfortable design, you need to look at your controller’s connectivity. One can choose a wired or wireless controller for PC depending on taste. The BlueTooth’s availability should also be kept in them because obviously, if you are buying a wireless one, you will need it or connect it via USB. The wired controllers tend to be more responsive and have no battery complications than the wireless ones, but you won’t be having cable tangling problems and game lagging issues with the latter one.

Battery: The next thing to look after is the battery chemistry and timing. If you select a wireless controller, its battery should be rechargeable with good battery timings. The typical life expectancy of a battery utilized in a controller other than Xbox is 40 hours which is enough. The Xbox controller requires AAA standard batteries, while other controllers mostly have lithium rechargeable batteries. The Controller battery debate is dependent on your selection of a wired or wireless gaming console. Make the best decision for your gaming session.

Range: Another factor depending on your selection of PC controller. Wired ones range between 2 to 3 meters, while wireless ones can give you a stunning range of up to 10 meters. There are no specified methods of increasing the spectrum; however, one can extend it a bit by eliminating every actual obstacle, limiting small obstruction from different gadgets, and guaranteeing that your PC controller is in direct view of the gaming station. If you are a gamer with the range concern, buy a control with optimal range; otherwise, any controller would be good to go.

The Best Controllers for PC: First look

The Best Controllers for PC: In-depth Review

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes with an excellent specification that you would need for a good and professional gaming session. The product comes with many customization options; one can customize it according to his needs. The product in this series finally has the availability of Bluetooth; you can connect your controller with a PC via BlueTooth for a better range. Moreover, the product comes with a detachable charging Dock. Lithium rechargeable batteries are used in this controller, lasting for up to 30-40 hours.

The overall design is very cool, and its jet-black color adds more to its beauty. The following product is the best wireless gaming controller for PC you can find in the market. It comes with six thumbsticks, two d-pads (cross-shaped and faceted), four rear pedals, and one tool for adjustable thumbstick tension. The product is responsive, and one will have super control over the product via the hair-trigger lock. The viability of four additional back paddles is a nice feature too. However, despite all these shiny features, the product seems heavy for some users, which might add a little downing effect on the likability of the product.

This product is one of the famous Xbox series controllers and has been popular among users. In fact, it is the best seller in Xbox one gamepads & standard controllers on Amazon. Although the manufacturers haven’t done much in upgrading this product compared to previously launched ones, the BlueTooth availability, built-in battery, and the rubber grip on the controller have shocked everyone. Good news for the user who doesn’t have BluTooth supported motherboards; you can use the C40 ships of the product. You can play all the high-end and popular games like Minecraft Dungeons, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Tony Hawk’s Underground, Forza Horizon 4, and Grand Theft Auto V via this controller.

PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced is a wired controller powered by Power A, known for its interactive gaming controllers. The design matches the Xbox series X|S, but the controller’s cool lighting effect is different. One can attach this product with the micro USB with their gaming station. The viability of a 3.5 headset jack, carefully tuned thumbsticks, and a volume dial with a mic mute are admirable product features. However, the unavailability of the BlueTooth and the range issue might turn off the heat on this product’s worth.

The lightning in the product is improved and better than in the previously launched controller by the company. Moreover, the product is the best budget controller for PC. With three different color zones and multiple (7) LED color combinations, the overall look of this controller becomes eye-catching. The lightning is entirely customizable; one can also change hue and brightness. The product is a fine choice for lightning customization according to one’s style and comfort. Gamers needing a controller that light ups their gaming session should be getting the product.

Let’s talk about the advanced gaming buttons in the product; there are two extra programmable back buttons which later on, you can choose for the right or left option while holding the PC controller. For enhanced performance in gaming, the manufacturers have installed a three-way trigger lock for tuning your controller. We have dual-rumble motors helping you achieve gaming for pro-level precision and speed in your gaming. The color zone mentioned above applies differently to the controller. For instance, Zone one covers the outer lining of the controller; while Zone 2 covers the left thumbstick and the face buttons, Zone 3 will light up the right thumbstick and the D-pad.

Xbox Wireless Controller is built for precise gaming and high performance. The overall jet-black design looks pretty cool, and the rubber grip makes the grip more firm over the controller. The admirable features are Hybrid D-pad, touchpad, improved geometry, ergonomic design, and the share button availability. The share button lets you screenshot the shots from the gaming screen that you are playing. The product can easily fit in smaller hands and give maximum grip and comfort. At the bottom of the controller, one would find a 3.5mm audio jack and expansion port.

The product can work with a range of devices showing its worth stability and making it the most reliable game pad. The product operates on the standard AA LR6 batteries, which are rechargeable. The batteries in the product can last long to 30 hours. Via the Xbox Accessories app, one can customize and remap the product according to their desire. The product is also Bluetooth enabled to connect your devices via it. The buttons on the controller have been reduced for better grip for the people with smaller hands.

Xbox has always been a popular choice among enthusiastic gamers. The manufacturers tend to make the gaming gear user-friendly. The following device is the best controller for PC powered by Xbox. One can play many popular and complex games. With fancy features of the product, games like Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Forza Motorsport 6, Elite Dangerous, GRIP: Combat Racing, Jade Empire can be played with supreme control. Pair up the following product with your gaming station and experience pro-level gaming.

Sony DualSense Wireless Controller is a popular choice among gamers for its durability and accuracy in gaming. The product is packed with many upgrades and features that prove the company’s worth. The product is wireless, which means you won’t be having any trouble with connectivity, the availability of USB Type C, and the touchpad make it a must-buy for gaming. The overall design is eye-catching; the black color makes it more attractive to use, giving it a very classical look. Moreover, the grip on the controller is fantastic because of the texture.

The buttons on the following product are better than the previously launched controllers. Plastic buttons with aesthetics give you firm control over the users. The item is the most impressive game pad around with fancy features and advanced specifications. On the other hand, the battery timing is a bit disappointing; you may have to charge the product again and again. Moreover, one cannot connect it to PS4; it also does not support MAC. However, despite that, you should add this product to your shopping list if you want a controller offering innovative features and fantastic game speed.

The product works perfectly with PS3; you can enjoy high-end gaming via this product because it is the best PC gaming controller. Popular PS3 games like WWE All-Stars, Grand Theft Auto IV, Batman: Arkham City, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Final Fantasy XIV, Assassin’s Creed 3, Fallout: New Vegas, PES 2018 work so smoothly with this product. If you are a gamer with rechargeable batteries and precise gaming, adding this product to your buying list won’t disappoint you.

Scuf Instinct Pro is an eye-catching controller design-wise, and the performance level is terrific. The overall look is lovely, with a lot of customizable options. The product shows compatibility with Windows 10, Xbox One, Series X/S, MacOS Catalina. Being wireless, you would not be having range issues and game lagging complications. The following controller offers the range up to 12m. One can connect the controller; you can connect it via BlueTooth. There are multiple port options available in the product, USB-C, Extension Port, 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack.

The company offers a 6-months warranty on the product. The customizable options and other advancements make it the best alt-pad outside of Microsoft and Sony. The product’s design is similar to the Xbox series except for a few things like a faceplate, rings, and mute button on the front. The company offers blue, pinkish-red, and steel gray colors for the same product. A dual functional trigger and flick switch makes the product distinctive. The product comes with the robustness, ergonomics, and style we need for elite-class gaming and performance.

The brand supports all major gaming leagues, including CDL, MLG, ESL, Gfinity, EGL, and UMG. The product from the company is an excellent gaming choice and the best PC gaming controller. Recently launched games like Bayonetta, Batman: Arkham Knight, Farming Simulator 22, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Blacksad: Under the Skin, Nobody Saves the World, Psychonauts 2, Streets of Rage 4, etc. are easy to play without any game lagging. Gamers searching for PC controllers with distinctive features can rely on this product.

Razer Wolverine Ultimate makes your gaming experience near to pro-level. The features that are packed inside the product are praise-worthy and need appreciation. The product is wired, the responsiveness is better than wireless controllers; moreover, you don’t have to worry about charging it multiple times. One could see a light-up guide button, menu button, multiple face buttons, dual analog stick, multi-functional bumpers, and triggers with the control panel on the controller. Extra buttons will give you more hold over the product. The design is ergonomic and built for precise grip.

The lighting effect on the product is impressive and comes with many 16.8 million colors with multiple coloring patterns. The product is clicky with a side of Chroma; the availability of the Razer Chroma RGB makes the product very attractive. With Chroma Studio, Chroma Visualizer, Chroma Connect, and Workshop, nothing can beat the product in RGB. Enjoy your favorite games, videos, and audio files along with RGB that runs accordingly. One can also connect devices via Chroma connect for a better RGB experience.

Logitech F310 will be a fine choice for gaming if you pair this up with your gaming device. The design of the following product is a lot similar to the Sony controller, but the specifications are obviously different. The product weighs 0.4 lbs because the controller built is made of plastic. However, with the rubber texture, the grip becomes firm. The design is ergonomic, and the following product is built for longer gaming sessions. The product is available in blue color adding aesthetics. F310 has all the necessary buttons for gaming, dual analog sticks, a d-pad, four action buttons (x,y, a & B), left bumper, right bumper, left trigger, right trigger, back button, start, and a mode button. No doubt it is the Best Seller in PC Gamepads & Standard Controllers by Logitech G at Amazon.

The product shows compatibility with all Windows OS versions. The availability of fancy features and the product is also a great budget pick. The product is wired, so the controller’s response is excellent; the company also has introduced the wireless version with the exact specifications. For the valuable button programming, the company has installed Logitech Profiler software. The software will allow you to save your gaming progress, and also, you can play from different gaming user profiles. For switching between DirectInput and XInput, the product has a rear switch.

Not only on windows, but you can also play games on iOS after attaching the product with your device making it the best PC gaming controller. Advance gaming is possible; you can play all the modern games with this controller. Anti-lag gaming with games like Farming Simulator 22, Monster Hunter: World, Blacksad: Under the Skin, Nobody Saves the World, Streets of Rage 4, Assassin’s Creed, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is possible with the following gaming pad. If you are a gamer who would be okay with a classically designed controller with elite class performance, the following gaming pad will do justice to you.

Sony DualShock 4 is built to achieve high-end gaming and elite class performance. The product has 162mm Length, 52mm Width, and 98mm Height. The product comes with a dual analog stick, eight pressure-sensitive directional buttons, five digital buttons, including start, select, analog, L3, R3. The product gives you an excellent range of controls with Bluetooth connectivity. The design is ergonomic, providing you comfort in prolonged gaming sessions. The overall product chemistry is the same as the previously launched gaming pad with minor details and better gaming precision.

The battery is 3.7 V 1000 mAh Li-ion which can last up to 4-8 hours. Not good numbers, but compromises can be made when getting the best controller for PC within this price range. Besides standard gaming buttons, adding a share button makes gaming even better. The batteries used in the product are rechargeable and can be charged via Micro USB. The controller is compatible with the PS4, once you can play all PS4 enabled games via attaching this controller with the gaming device.

You’ll enjoy a good gaming experience with innovative technologies and upgraded features. A PC controller can differ in their size and specifications, but no compromises should be made with the game responses and speed in gaming. PS4 games like Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part II, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dying Light 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Monster Hunter: World, Madden NFL 22, etc. shows extra smoothness when playing with this particular controller. Enthusiastic gamers would fall for this product, carefully built to experience elite-class gaming.

Final Words

In this buying guide, you will find information about PC controllers to help you make the gaming experience more enjoyable. Usually, people who get gaming gears with fancy features spend a lot of bucks and have a terrible gaming experience. One might need the best controller for PC to achieve maximum benefit and gaming. While buying one, a person needs to make a checklist. Ergonomic design, wired or wireless features, battery chemistry, its timings, connectivity of the controller are the few factors that need to be kept in mind while spending your buck on gaming pads.

All the mentioned products are suitable for high-end gaming. Even a few products will give you a 4K gaming experience. If you are an RGB fan, then products from brands like Razer and PowerA can meet your needs in this regard. However, for classical designing, you can select other mentioned brands. Video gaming has been a popular thing for ages, and with a suitable gaming chair, you can turn around the tables in terms of gaming performance. Give this guide a read and pick an appropriate and reliable PC controller for the gaming station.

Frequently Asked Questions