Despite being on the market for several years, there still aren’t a lot of options when it comes to PS5 controllers. But while the quantity may be lacking, the quality of available gamepads is impeccable. From the standard DualSense to the premium Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, here are the five best PS5 controllers available right now.
Sony PS5 DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
PlayStation DualSense
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Gaming Controller
Victrix Pro FS
Best Overall:Sony DualSense Edge
It’s not cheap, but theDualSense Edgeis the best PS5 controller for dedicated gamers. Designed by Sony with a black and white color scheme that mimics the console, it’s incredibly eye-catching and ergonomic for long play sessions. Along with haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, mappable back buttons, and adjustable trigger lengths, you may quick-swap profiles on the fly — making it easy to dive into a new game with all your preferred settings.
That’s not all you’re getting with the DualSense Edge. It also features three swappable analog stick caps and has its own carrying case. The carrying case is a big selling point if you plan on bringing this with you while you travel, as it’ll keep your $200 safe and sound no matter where you play.
The DualSense Edge features haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, mappable back buttons, and Sony’s premium build quality. That makes it the best PS5 controller for most gamers.
Best Budget:Sony DualSense
Oddly enough, there are very few budget PS5 controllers worth recommending. Because of that, the standardSony DualSenseremains the gamepad of choice for frugal shoppers. There are several great colors to choose from nowadays, and if you’re patient, it’s easy to find one on sale.
Fancy colors and frequent discounts aren’t the only reasons you’ll like the DualSense. It offers many of the same features as the more expensive DualSense Edge, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and an ergonomic design. It’s also nice that it can be charged with a USB-C cable, so you can quickly charge it between play sessions without having to scramble around for AA batteries.
The standard DualSense is still the best option for shoppers on a budget, as few alternatives have emerged since PS5 launched in 2020.
Best Premium:Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
TheNacon Revolution 5 Prois an officially licensed controller with heaps of cool features. One of the big attractions is the Hall Effect magnetic sensors, which prevent the dreaded analog drift from messing up your device. There’s also a set of trigger blockers to adjust your trigger actuation depth along with four customizable back paddles.
If you love fighting games, you’ll want the Revolution 5 Pro for its unique D-pad. You’ll have access to two swappable styles, one created in collaboration with fighting game expertMister Crimson. That’s a big selling point, and when coupled with the gamepad’s support for PS4 and PC, this becomes an all-around great controller for multiplatform gamers.
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is officially licensed, comes with heaps of customizable components, and is ideal for high-level, competitive gaming. It’s not cheap, but dedicated gamers will find much to love about this unique gamepad.
Best for Customization:PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Gaming Controller
If you’re a fan of tinkering with all the settings on your gamepad, thePDP Victrix BFG Wireless Gaming Controllerneeds to be on your radar. Its name is a mouthful, but so is its potential customization. The wildest feature of the Victrix BFG is its modular design, allowing you to rotate its left analog stick and D-pad so you can use offset or aligned analog sticks. That’s something you won’t find on most other controllers—and it’s just the tip of the iceberg with the Victrix BFG.
Other customization options include mappable back paddles, adjustable triggers, and support for wired and wireless play. You can even dive into the Victrix Control Hub app to modify even more settings. In short, almost everything about this gamepad is adjustable. All the moving pieces make it bulky, but it’s the ideal choice for discerning players.
The number of ways in which you can customize the PDP Victrix Pro BFG is truly staggering. Aside from back paddles, adjustable triggers, and premium buttons, you can completely swap out its modular components, making it easy to build a controller that fits your needs.
Best Fight Stick:Victrix Pro FS
Anyone investing in a fight stick is likely deep into the competitive fighting game scene. And if you’re looking to compete with the best, theVictrix Pro FSis up to the challenge. It’s not cheap, but it offers durable aluminum construction, responsive buttons, and support for mods and updates with a quick-access back panel.
Part of the reason for the hefty price of the Victrix Pro FS is its overall design, crafted from a single piece of aluminum. That makes it look striking in person and allows its wrist slope to be comfortable, seamless, and well-suited for intense matches. When you decide to leave the house and bring it to competition, you may use carrying handles and cable organizers for added portability.
With responsive buttons, an oversized design, and support for mods, the Victrix Pro FS is a competitive fight stick that’ll help you take down the competition—if you can stomach its hefty price tag.
Q: Which PS5 controllers don’t have drift?
Some controllers will succumb to the dreaded “drift” over years of wear and tear, but controllers that use Hall Effect sticks are more resistant than most. This makes controllers with these components better options for shoppers worried about joystick drift.
Q: Are Pro PS5 controllers worth it?
If you’re looking to jump into the world of professional gaming, pro style controllers are a wise investment. They typically offer more customization options than traditional gamepads, making them ideal for high-level play
Q: Does the PS5 controller have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Sony DualSense controller has a built-in headphone jack. If you’re purchasing a third-party model, be sure to check the specifications before making a purchase, as not all are built the same.
Q: How do I pair my PS5 controller to the console?
You can pair your PS5 DualSense controller with your PS5 console by connecting it via a USB cable. Once the two have been synced, you’re free to disconnect the cable and enjoy wireless play.
Q: Are there wired PS5 controllers?
Yes, there are wired PS5 controllers available, though they’re typically offered by third-party manufacturers and may lack premium features found on their wireless counterparts.
