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The best PC controllers offer up an excellent alternative to playing with a mouse and keyboard on desktops or gaming laptops. They're a fantastic option if you spend enough time hunched over a desk at your 9-to-5, and you'd prefer to sit back with something potentially more comfortable.
Our list of the best PC controllers has been curated based on a number of crucial factors. Build quality, performance, and feature sets are essentially the three pillars that separate truly worthwhile PC controllers from the rest of the crowd. We've also carefully considered our options based on price, longevity, and overall value for money, with our picks spanning all across the budget spectrum. That means you won't necessarily need to break the bank for a quality gamepad, as we see from the likes of Valve, 8BitDo, and GameSir.
As an avid gamer who's owned everything from a Dreamcast to a Nintendo Switch 2, I've got years of experience in professionally testing console and PC controllers. At TechRadar Gaming, I've tested upwards of 50 controllers for review. So I'm confident that my experience can help you choose a quality gamepad that suits your style, preferences and budget.
Best overall PC controller
While I have a lot of love for the original 8BitDo Ultimate, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is a superb upgrade especially if you're primarily playing on PC. The big change with the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is the usage of TMR thumbsticks. These have all the drift-resisting benefits of Hall effect sticks, but retain that arguably more tactile feel of traditional analog sticks. Best of both worlds, really.
It's an attractive controller, too, sporting metallic thumbstick shafts surrounded by RGB ring lights which can be customized - along with deadzones, custom profiles, and more - fully in the PC Ultimate Software V2 app.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has become my go-to PC controller in the time since its release. It's incredibly comfortable, with tactile and responsive buttons and modules. Its battery life isn't spectacular at around 10-15 hours, but the controller does ship with a charging dock in the box, meaning you can keep it topped up overnight or whenever you're not gaming.
It's a great fit for competitively-minded players, too. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 sports trigger locks that let you swap between analog and digital trigger presses. Additionally, there are two remappable buttons on the rear of the pad, and two claw grip buttons up by the bumpers. These are all exceptionally handy if you need a secondary input in shooters, fighting games, and the like.
- Read more: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 review
Best budget PC controller
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is one of the best budget PC controllers on the market today. For only $41.99 / £41.99 (around AU$62), it offers a level of comfort comparable to some of the more established brands in our list and packs a suite of unique features, too. One look at the GameSir T4 Kaleid will tell you that this isn't your everyday budget PC controller. Armed with RGB lighting and a translucent design, this look might not be for everyone but it definitely helps it stand out from the crowd.
We were also impressed with the controller's performance in our testing, where we noted the satisfying buttons and responsive joysticks. As this controller is on the cheaper end, it should be no surprise that it is restricted solely to wired play. Thankfully, however, with a total cable length of 2m / 7ft it shouldn't be much of a struggle to use this with your existing setup.
Unlike other controllers in this price range, the GameSir T4 Kaleid also benefits from a modern USB-C connection and the T4k desktop app, which allows you to program and map the buttons on the controller to suit your preferences.
Read more: GameSir T4 Kaleid review
Best premium PC controller
I won't beat around the bush; the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is simply the best premium PC controller on the market today - and perhaps the greatest to ever do it. It certainly costs a pretty penny, but you're getting your money's worth with a sublime controller experience that cannot be matched.
The controller's build quality is exceptional, which is something we've come to expect from the brand over the years. However, where the V3 Pro really shines is in its individual modules. Hall effect sticks and mechanical buttons (powered by tactile Razer mouse click technology) all feel fantastic and highly responsive during play.
It remains my go-to PC controller to this day, and I find it hard to believe that another gamepad will take its premium spot in this list anytime soon. The only real downside to the controller - besides its lofty price tag - is that its battery life certainly isn't the greatest at around 12 hours. That said, if you prefer to play via wired connection - or regularly keep a habit of topping up your controllers - this shouldn't be much of an issue for you.
- Read more: Razer Wolverine V3 Pro review
Best PC controller for features
More than a decade later, Valve has finally provided an updated version of its Steam Controller. This 2026 rendition is a much-improved beast, and Valve has clearly done its homework by looking at what makes some of the best third-party controllers (from the likes of Razer, GameSir, and 8BitDo) shine.
The new Steam Controller is fitted with symmetrical TMR thumbsticks, offering the high drift resistance of Hall effect while retaining a more tactile analog feel. It's also further refined those iconic touchpads, first featured on the original Steam Controller as well as the Steam Deck. These give you access to mouse controls and thus opens up the controller's usage for, say, strategy titles and quick menu navigation. Conversely, they'll lock in place and disable automatically if your game doesn't support them, preventing any sudden mispresses.
Gamers who prefer to go wireless will find a lot to love here, too. The Valve Steam Controller houses around 35 hours of battery life, which is dang-near class-leading and comparable to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. A handy charging puck is also included in the box; simply place the controller on top of it and it'll charge by itself while you're away from your PC.
Compatibility may be a slight issue here, depending on what you're after. As a strictly PC-focused controller, you won't find this gamepad in any of our console-related buying guides. Maybe that's obvious, but if you're after something for PS5, Xbox, or Switch consoles, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Overall, though, if you're after a PC-facing pad stacked with features — and you're happy with its mid-range sticker price — the Valve Steam Controller (2026) comes highly recommended.
- Read more: Valve Steam Controller (2026) review
Best wired PC controller
Like some other entries on this list, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 features a versatile modular design that allows you to mix and match parts as you wish. It can be configured to either an asymmetrical or symmetrical layout with ease by simply removing the modules from their magnetic sockets. With a very classy black and gold design, the controller is packed with suitably high-end components including an extremely satisfying set of tactile buttons and a responsive D-pad.
There are also trigger locks, in addition to four rear buttons. Although your mileage is likely to vary, our testing found that the round shape of these rear buttons meant that they could be a little fiddly to press at times.
Elsewhere, the controller connects to your PC via an included USB-C cable and will work well with any titles that support a traditional Xbox controller. If you crave even more customization, Thrustmaster sells a wide variety of modules that are compatible with this controller. These range from modules with extra buttons intended for the best fighting games to alternate thumbsticks and D-pads.
- Read more: Thrustmaster eSwap X2 review
Best symmetrical PC controller
The GameSir Tarantula Pro is easily one of our favorite controllers to be released last year. As PC controllers go, it's among the best that adopt a PlayStation-style symmetrical stick layout. It also handily has the DualSense Wireless Controller beat on features (sans that pad's lovely haptics of course), and at the same price point too.
One of the GameSir Tarantula Pro's standout features is its quick-switch LED-based face button layouts. A quick macro via the multifunction button on the rear of the pad can swap between Xbox and Nintendo Switch face button layouts. Many PC games also offer these layouts as in-game options, too, making the Tarantula Pro a fine choice for those who prefer either/or.
Known for being an innovative brand, GameSir has employed its own TMR thumbsticks which aim to combine the longevity of Hall effect and the responsiveness of more traditional stick types. They feel great and responsive during gameplay, and it's likely GameSir will stick to this standard for its future controllers.
- Read more: GameSir Tarantula Pro review
How to connect and use controllers on PC
Given the amount of contenders there are for best PC controllers nowadays, it's not always simple knowing how to pair, connect, and use them with your rig. That's especially the case when looking at the controllers of other consoles you might be familiar with or already have. Luckily we have all the tools you should need for those major console controller.
For PlayStation pad users, we've got guides on how to use a DualSense on PC or how to use a DualShock 4 on PC, while for those who prefer an asymmetrical controller, we've got guides 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 also how to use a Switch Pro controller on PC.
Best PC controllers - FAQs
What controller do pro PC players use?
Players who like to take their game to the next level, particularly in online multiplayer environments, may opt for a controller for more advanced features, assuming they're not already playing with a keyboard and mouse. Gamepads like the Victrix Pro BFG or the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra offer useful features in this regard, but do command higher price tags as a result. Similarly, pro players may opt for more specialist kit like a racing wheel or a fight stick like the Nacon Daija for more specific genre needs.
Is it possible to use a Nintendo Switch or PS5 controller on PC?
The short answer is yes! While Nintendo doesn't advertise its Nintendo Switch Pro Controller as PC compatible, you are able to hook it up to your PC as Steam offers compatibility for the controller. Similarly, both the DualSense and DualSense Edge for PS5 will work on PC, and even offer their bespoke haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for compatible titles.
Should you buy a PC controller?
At the end of the day, whether or not you should buy a PC controller will ultimately come down to how much you think you will use it. If you often play lots of racing games, for example, then it will definitely be worth investing in a controller. The same goes for fighting games, where most players prefer to use a controller or even specialist fight stick.
If you play lots of genres that don't traditionally benefit from that control scheme, however, then a PC controller might not be worth it for you. Those who play lots of strategy games likely won't spent a lot of time using it, making it far from the best use for your money. That said, you can always choose a budget-friendly controller if you're on the fence.
Do most PC gamers use a controller?
We wouldn't say 'most' necessarily. The PC is an ideal platform for specific genres, such as real-time strategy, MOBAs, MMORPGs and grand strategy titles. These are best played with a mouse and keyboard due to the need to quick navigation and shortcuts. Many players also prefer a keyboard and mouse for shooters. That said, controllers have been widely adopted by PC gamers for many years now, and a lot of players prefer to sit back with a gamepad as opposed to potentially being hunched over a desk.
Do controllers lag on PC?
It depends. A wired controller connected via USB-C will typically have the least amount of input lag, and it's practically non-existent over a wired connection. Going wireless, whether that's via 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, can cause some input lag issues. But these days, it's impressively minimal and will only really matter in hyper-competitive multiplayer environments. Overall, you shouldn't experience any noticeable controller lag for casual play unless there's something wrong with the pad.
How we test the best PC controllers
We test the best PC controllers with a variety of factors in mind. The main thing we look at is overall value for money; what does a controller offer at its price point that makes it stand out from the crowd?
For example, we love the GameSir T4 Kaleid for its excellent build quality and robust feature set despite the low price tag. Similarly, the Victrix Pro BFG is impressively modular, justifying its higher retail price with plenty of modifiable extras.
We also consider controllers from a longevity standpoint. Longer lasting controllers will typically boast exceptional build quality, and often have features like Hall effect thumbsticks to help prevent that dreaded stick drift. Furthermore, dedicated software that lets owners customize their controllers even further is a great bonus, too.
Each of the entries included on this list has been extensively tested by a member of the TechRadar team. We only choose controllers that we know will deliver the best performance for you based on our hands-on experience.
How to choose a PC controller
The closest to a one-size-fits-all controller in this list is our 'best overall' pick, that being the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 thanks to its excellent build quality, versatility and reasonable price point. However, we're aware that many of you will want a controller that's either flashier, has more features, or both.
Looking for a gamepad that packs in extra features like RGB lighting and remappable rear buttons? You may wish to consider the GameSir T4 Kaleid. For those of you who prize modularity and customizability, then the Valve Steam Controller (2026) or Thrustmaster eSwap X2 can be considered.
Also tested
There are some excellent PC-compatible controllers out there that haven't quite made the 'best of' cut. Still, we do think they're worth recommending in their own right if none of the above options suit your preferences. You can read about these, along with their accompanying reviews, below.