BEST CONTROLLERS

When looking for a gaming controller/gamepad first of all you need to make sure that it is PC compatible, and after that you will need to consider the following things: connectivity (wired vs wireless; the latter requires batteries), ergonomics (i.e. does it fit comfortably in your hands and provide easy access to all buttons?), durability (you get what you pay for), and customization options (e.g. programmable buttons or interchangeable sticks/D-pads).

While it is notoriously more difficult to play FPS games with a controller compared to a mouse, some controllers have a feature called hair-trigger mode, which allows much faster aiming and shooting.

Keep also in mind that there are controllers designed for specific types of games, such as racing and flight simulators (i.e. shaped like driving wheels or flight sticks).

Below is a list of what we think are some of the best controllers on the market ordered by increasing price (prices are in US$ and may vary depending on current promotions and availability). Please make sure that you also check our regularly updated News & Deals section for limited-time offers.

PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced

($26.34 on Amazon.com)

Connectivity: wired
Customizable: 2 remappable extra buttons
Misc: 3-Way trigger locks, volume dial with one-touch mic mute, two LED modes

MSI Force GC30V2

($34.92 on Newegg.com)

Connectivity: wireless (bluetooth); also wired via USB 2.0 cable (included)
Customizable: interchangeable D-pads
Misc: Up to 8h battery life

Xbox Core Wireless

($51.50 on Amazon.com)

Connectivity: Xbox wireless, bluetooth, or wired via USB Type-C
Customizable: button mapping
Misc: Up to 40h battery life, 8 color options

Turtle Beach Recon

($59.95 on Amazon.com)

Connectivity: wired
Customizable: 2 Remappable Buttons
Misc: easy access audio controls, cooling grips

Razer Wolverine Ultimate

($89.99 on Amazon.com)

Connectivity: wired
Customizable: 6 remappable extra buttons (4 triggers, 2 bumpers); interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pad
Misc: hair-trigger mode, quick control panel, razer chroma lighting

Xbox Elite Wireless

($114.99 on Amazon.com)

Connectivity: Xbox wireless, bluetooth, or wired via USB Type-C cable (included)
Customizable: button mapping (save up to 3 custom profiles); interchangeable thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles
Misc: up to 40h battery life, charging deck included, 2 color options

Thrustmaster TMX

($180.18 on Amazon.com)

Wheel and pedals block
Connectivity: wheel connects to PC via USB cable (included); wheel also connects to power and pedal unit
Wheel diameter: 11” (28 cm)
Misc: Can turn the wheel around two and a half times (900°)

Thrustmaster T16000M

($249.99 on Amazon.com)

Flight stick, rudder pedals block, and throttle
Connectivity: all three components connect to PC via USB cables (included)
Misc: 30 buttons