You would be surprised at how much you’ll appreciate adding one of the best controllers for PC to your gaming arsenal. PC purists may scoff at the suggestion, but you don’t always have to navigate the best PC games armed only with the best gaming mouse or the best gaming keyboard.
You might find your gaming experience to be smoother and more efficient with one of the best controllers for PC compared to the traditional keyboard and mouse combo. Controllers are perfect for challenging genres like action-RPGs and fighting games, letting you react a little more nimbly while also offering more simplified controls using just your thumb, middle and index fingers. And, since there are so many options available, it’s not hard to find a few that will suit your aesthetic and playstyle.
Now is the perfect time to give the best controllers for PC a shot. Many of the best AAA games are able to support console controls so you’ll have no trouble plugging one of these into your PC and taking full advantage. Considering how many hours we put into testing (well, playing) PC games, we can tell you which PC controllers you should invest in. No matter if you’re looking for a budget-friendly controller or a top-of-the-line feature-rich one, we’ve rounded up the best controllers for PC out now.
1. Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
The gold standard
Specifications
Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth
Features: Textured grip, 3.5mm stereo headset, replaceable battery
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable+Affordable
Reasons to avoid
– Not very many features
Microsoft’s Xbox controller has been the ruler by which other PC game controllers are measured since the Xbox 360 days, and for good reason. It’s comfortable and weighty with a button layout that feels natural. The most recent version – designed for the Xbox One console – iterates on everything that made last generation’s model so great by adding clickier shoulder bumpers and a vastly improved directional pad.
The built-in bluetooth wireless makes pairing it with your desktop a breeze, and the price point is very attractive for consumers on a budget. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, meaning you’re likely to find something that matches your rig. And, even if there isn’t a color scheme you’re into, Microsoft will let you customize it through the Xbox Design Lab. This controller is as universal as they come, making it a fantastic choice for just about any setup and one of the best PC controllers of 2020.
2. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
The king of luxury
Specifications
Connectivity: Wired, Wireless (via adapter)
Features: Interchangeable components, haptic rumble, 3.5mm headset, extensive customization
Reasons to buy
+Tons of features and customizability + Fantastic software
Reasons to avoid
– Very expensive
A premium version of the Xbox One controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller certainly earns its moniker. It features an enormous number of upgrades over the standard Xbox controller, such as an interchangeable component layout and paddle buttons on the reverse side. There’s also a trigger governor that you can toggle for more sensitive trigger pulls. It’s more than double the price, though, so this is a product aimed squarely at those among us who truly want to take advantage of keyboard levels of customizability.
The Elite controller includes some truly impressive software functionality, which lets you tweak and fine-tune nearly every aspect of play. Here, you can customize many different profiles, of which the controller can hold two at any time, letting you change between them with the flick of a switch. If you’re looking for the most feature-packed controller available for your PC, this is your best bet, provided you’re willing to shell out the cash.
Read the full review: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
3. Logitech F310
The ultimate budget solution
Specifications
Connectivity: Wired
Features: Programmable buttons, DirectInput switch for use with older and modern games
Reasons to buy
+Very inexpensive +Functionally simple
Reasons to avoid
–A bit small
If you’re in the market for the best PC controller that won’t break the bank, it’s tough to beat Logitech’s F310. It may be basic in its execution and functionality, but there’s something to be said about the no-frills nature of this cheap option. Just plug it in via USB and you’re ready to go. Considering the glut of customization options and features of all the premium controllers out there, the F310 is oddly refreshing. It also boasts an admirable directional pad and a great button layout.
As might be expected, the price point comes with a number of tradeoffs. First, the controller is rather lightweight, which lends an unfortunately flimsy quality to the experience of gaming with it. Also, with no wireless functionality, the cord interface may be less than ideal for some. It’s also a tad small and larger hands are likely to struggle a bit. Still, given these caveats, the F310 is a fine choice for an inexpensive alternative to a mouse and keyboard.
4. Sony DualShock 4
The motion controller
Specifications
Connectivity: Wireless
Features: 3.5mm headset, touchpad, motion control capabilities
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable, fantastic d-pad +Motion controls
Reasons to avoid
–Exposed shoulder buttons
The DualShock 4 is Sony’s best controller to date, and lucky for us it’s compatible with Steam’s entire library of games. Very comfortable in the hands, the DualShock 4 boasts tactile analog sticks with just enough resistance, and perhaps the best directional pad ever. It also features motion technology that’s compatible with with a surprising number of games, allowing you to steer in racing games or aim in shooters by moving the controller around.
There are a couple issues, though. Most notably, the exposed shoulder buttons make it easy to accidentally bump them on the desk. The rubber on the analog sticks also tends to rub off after extended use. Still, Sony’s controller ranks up there among the best options for controller-based PC gaming.
Read the full review: Dualshock 4 Controller
5. 8BitDo SN30 Pro
The retro champ
Specifications
Connectivity: Wired, Bluetooth
Features: Rumble, screenshot button, turbo button
Reasons to buy
+Sturdy +Retro design
Reasons to avoid
–Small and slightly uncomfortable
Peripheral manufacturer 8BitDo has made its name on retro designs that lean heavily on nostalgia, and the SN30 Pro wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Modeled after old-school Super Nintendo controllers, it’s ideal for the PC’s ever-growing library of retro-inspired games, even if it doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone. The button layout will be instantly familiar to anyone who grew up with 2D platformers and JRPGs.
The craftsmanship on the SN30 Pro is surprisingly sturdy, especially considering its budget pricing. It also sports a pair of analog sticks should you want to use it for modern shooters or action games, though we wouldn’t recommend that. Its small form factor makes it uncomfortable in the hand during extended sessions and more twitch-based games. Regardless, there are a number of games that would benefit from the authentically retro touch that the SN30 brings to the desk. That alone makes this one of the best PC controllers right now.
