Best PC controllers in 2023

Although a keyboard and mouse might be preferable for certain genres like first-person shooters or real-time strategy, owning one the best PC controllers can really enhance your play. Nothing quite beats the feeling of kicking back with a high quality gamepad in hand, especially if you intend to play any of the best racing games or best fighting games.

When you’re shopping for a new controller, there are plenty of options to choose from that each offer their own functionality and features. Whether you’re after the best budget controller, the most immersive possible gamepad, something specifically for retro gaming, or anything else, we have assembled this handy list to help you make the most informed purchase possible.

While PC gaming is the focus here, several of the options on this list are also compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Nevertheless, if you’re shopping for something for your console you’re much better off vising our specific lists of the best Xbox controllers or best PS5 controllers. If you prefer using a keyboard and mouse, we also have you covered with our guides to the best gaming mouse and the best gaming keyboard.

The quick list

Best overall PC controller

The Xbox Wireless Controller is our go-to pick for the best overall PC controller. This workhorse gamepad is readily available globally and stands out thanks to its high build quality, comfortable ergonomic design, tactical buttons, and formidable D-pad. The Xbox Wireless Controller is also readily compatible with a huge number of PC games without the need to spend time installing any additional drivers.

Offering both wired and wireless play, it is also a very versatile and easy-to-use choice. With prices starting at $59.99 / £54.99 / AU$74.99 (and receiving frequent discounts in sales), you're getting an awful lot of bang for your buck. There are also a wide range of color options to choose from, including the ability to fully customize the look of your controller with the Xbox Design Lab.

The only drawback is the lack of any additional features. While some other controllers on this list offer modular input options or additional buttons, you’re only getting the basics here. Even so, this is a fantastic all-round choice for an affordable price.

• Read more: Xbox Wireless Controller review

Best premium PC controller

It’s certainly pricey, but it really doesn’t get much more premium than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. A successor to the first pro-level controller by Microsoft, this latest incarnation stands apart from the crowd as a result of its premium materials and many customisation options. Better still, this model is now available with Xbox Design Lab - allowing you to create the custom color controller of your dreams.

With four detachable rear paddles, extra thumbsticks, and alternate D-pad options, you have a wealth of options for casual and competitive play. This makes it perfect for a wide range of genres, including fighting games and racing games. Much like the original Xbox Wireless Controller, this gamepad is also readily compatible with a huge number of PC games without the need to spend time installing any additional drivers.

We were also very impressed with the build quality in our testing. Everything from the sticks to the buttons feels suitably premium, especially the rubberised grips and glossy finish. If you’re willing to spend  $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.95 on a controller, you can’t go wrong here.

• Read more: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 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 immersive PC controller

The DualSense is a truly excellent PS5 controller, but it's also perfect for PC. While you need to be plugged in via USB-C to utilize the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it's well worth it for the level of immersion that these features add to games which support them. If you're going to be playing Sony published PC titles like The Last of Us Part 1,  Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and Returnal, this should be your top pick.

As a PC controller, the DualSense will be immediately familiar to anyone who is more used to a symmetric layout as opposed to the Xbox asymmetric sticks. It's got a very ergonomic design and you're also getting a laptop-like touchpad which can be used in supported titles for added functionality. It's incredibly easy to use on PC either plugged in or with Bluetooth thanks to the custom controller mapping features of Steam's Big Picture Mode.

With a starting price of $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.95, and plenty of colors and styles available, the DualSense is a competitively priced PC controller that offers a lot more than many premium offerings. While the support may not be quite as widespread as with the Xbox Wireless Controller, you're benefiting from immersion you just won't get anywhere else. Just be wary of the battery life, which is very much on the shorter end.

• Read more: DualSense Wireless Controller review

Best PC controller for retro gaming

The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a good choice when it comes to the best PC controller for retro gaming. It boasts a pleasant retro design and a whole suite of modern features, like remappable buttons and dual analog sticks that also make it compatible with most modern games. 

All of this comes for a very affordable price. At just $34.99 / £30 / AU$76, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is one of the more affordable PC controllers in our roundup. While you have the option of a wired USB connection, there is also Bluetooth to seamlessly connect to your gaming PC or laptop.

It is worth nothing, however, that this retro form factor is on the smaller end. If you're a gamer with larger hands, you are going to be better off with one of the larger entries on this list. Similarly, the included software is a little fiddly so can be annoying if you frequently find yourself remapping buttons.

• Read more: 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller for Xbox review

Best modular PC controller

If you're after modularity, then the Victrix BFG Pro is our top pick. With easily removable parts, it boasts a wealth of alternate options on how you can set it up. The sticks and buttons can be moved around to suit different play styles and there is even an entire fight pad module that can replace the traditional four-face buttons for better performance in fighting games. You can also swap the orientation of the sticks to either an asymmetric or in-line layout. There are also four remappable paddles on the back for added versatility as well. 

With its price point of $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$269, the Victrix BFG Pro is one of the most expensive options in our roundup, however, it offers a level of modularity that the other options don't. Unlike the DualSense, our choice for the most immersive PC controller, you won't be getting any of the fancy PS5 features here, as there's no adaptive triggers or any rumble to speak of whatsoever.

• Read more: Victrix Pro BFG review

Best PC controller for racing games

What happens when you combine the functionality of one of the best racing wheels with a conventional PC controller? The answer is the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro XR Forza Horizon 5 Edition - a modular controller with its very own wheel module. In our testing, we found that this gamepad's unique racing wheel accessory made for a truly exceptional racing experience , even if it took a little getting used to at first. 

Retailing for around $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$379, you