The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2025 and Beyond

When it comes to PC gaming, the go-to choice for many is a reliable gaming mouse and keyboard combo. However, if you're someone who prefers the feel and familiarity of a controller, there are plenty of options that cater to your gaming needs. Using a wireless Xbox controller with your PC, for instance, offers a new level of flexibility, complete with features like mappable buttons and ergonomic designs that make long gaming sessions comfortable and enjoyable. If you're on the hunt for a controller that seamlessly connects to your PC, we've done the research and testing for you. Here are our top picks for the best PC controllers worth buying in 2025.

TL;DR – These Are the Best PC Controllers:

Our Top Pick
Xbox Core Controller
5
See it at Amazon
See it at Target

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
2
See it at Amazon

Logitech F310
1
See it at Amazon
See it at Dell
See it at Best Buy

Turtle Beach Recon Controller
4
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy
See it at Target

Sony DualSense Controller
2
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy
See it at Target

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
4
See it at Amazon
See it at Target
See it at Newegg

8Bitdo Pro 2
2
See it at Amazon

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
2
See it at Amazon
See it at Turtle Beach
See it at Best Buy

Razer Kitsune
0
See it at Amazon
See it at Razer

Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
1
See it at Fanatec

For console gamers transitioning to PC gaming, using a controller can ease the process, maintaining that familiar feel as you explore a new platform. Whether you're aiming to excel in racing games, enjoy some couch co-op with friends, or simply prefer the comfort of a controller, the options below are ideal for playing modern PC games.

1. Xbox Core Controller
Best PC Controller
Our Top Pick
Xbox Core Controller
5
Experience the familiar Xbox layout with an ergonomic design featuring remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and versatile connectivity options.
See it at Amazon
See it at Target

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Features: D-pad, Share button, textured grip, custom button mapping
Battery: 2x AA

PROS

Feels good in your hands
Impulse trigger

CONS

Requires add-on for rechargeable batteries

The Xbox Core Controller offers necessary updates that PC gamers will appreciate. The new all-black Xbox button, matte bumpers and triggers, and an overall more comfortable design are welcome improvements. The hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case provide enhanced precision and control. A dedicated Share button simplifies capturing screenshots and video clips. For those preferring a wired setup, the USB-C port offers an easy plug-and-play solution for both console and PC use.

With the Xbox Series X, you can remap many of the Xbox Core Controller’s buttons via the Xbox Accessories app and save multiple profiles, making it easy to customize your controller for different games. If you're seeking the best PC controller for gaming, this classic, yet enhanced, controller is a top choice and one of the best gaming accessories you can buy.

2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X/S
Best Budget PC Controller

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
2
Get all the essential inputs and features like vibration motors and two small buttons on the underside for shortcuts, all at a budget-friendly price.
See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Features: Dual rumble motors, mappable buttons, metallic D-pad, headset dial
Battery: N/A

PROS

Affordable
Wide choice of colors

CONS

It’s wired

Our hands-on testing of the PowerA Enhanced wired controller confirms it's an excellent choice for those looking to save money. It connects via a removable Micro USB, ensuring a reliable connection without the need for batteries. While it lacks wireless connectivity, the controller closely mimics the shape and feel of Microsoft's Xbox controller, though it's lighter and slightly less robust. However, it includes dual vibration motors and all necessary buttons, with two small buttons on the underside for shortcuts.

3. Logitech F310
Best Ultra Cheap PC Controller

Logitech F310
1
An affordable wired controller with dual joysticks, a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, and programmable buttons for occasional use.
See it at Amazon
See it at Dell
See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Features: Programmable buttons, programmable D-pad
Battery: N/A

PROS

Really cheap
Comfortable

CONS

Software installation required for customization

The Logitech F310 is perfect for gamers who occasionally use a controller. At around $20, it offers dual joysticks, bumpers, triggers, four face buttons, and an eight-directional D-pad, with ten programmable buttons for customization. While not ideal for long gaming sessions due to its short grips and less accurate joysticks, it's excellent for short bursts, especially in games like Grand Theft Auto V or Battlefield 2042. It's strictly wired, connecting via USB, and offers low input lag for fast actions.

4. Turtle Beach Recon Controller
Best Wired PC Controller

Turtle Beach Recon Controller
4
A feature-packed wired gamepad with audio customizability, on-the-fly button remapping, and texturized grips for enhanced gameplay.
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy
See it at Target

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 0.66 pounds
Features: Ergonomic cooling grips, mappable buttons, vibration feedback, microphone monitoring
Battery: N/A

PROS

Solid build quality
Good value for money

CONS

Crowded audio buttons layout

Our review of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller highlights its plug-and-play convenience for PC users. It connects via a detachable USB-A cord and includes a headset port to minimize cable clutter. Features like Super Human Hearing enhance audio cues, and audio controls for volume, game and chat mix, and mic monitoring are integrated into the controller. The familiar Xbox-style layout ensures quick adaptation, while two back paddles and on-the-fly button remapping offer flexibility. Textured finishes and rubberized grips provide a secure and comfortable hold.

5. Sony DualSense Controller
Best Bluetooth PC Controller

Sony DualSense Controller
2
A comfortable controller with impressive haptics and adaptive triggers for a more immersive gaming experience.
See it at Amazon
See it at Best Buy
See it at Target

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
Weight: 1.76 ounces
Features: Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, built-in microphone
Battery: Up to 12 hours

PROS

Haptic feedback is insanely good
Sturdy

CONS

Mic quality isn’t the best

Our extensive testing and review of the Sony DualSense Controller confirm its ease of connection to a PC via Bluetooth, making it a solid choice for mobile gaming as well. For a more stable, low-latency connection, a USB-C wired option is available. Unlike the Xbox Core, it features a rechargeable battery, though the battery life could be better.

The DualSense offers a sleeker, easier-to-grip design while maintaining a similar control scheme and symmetrical analog sticks. Its advanced haptics and adaptive triggers work on PC when wired, enhancing gameplay in PlayStation-exclusive titles ported to PC.

6. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Best High-End PC Controller

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
4
Highly customizable with swappable controls, tunable triggers, extra rear paddles, and fully remappable buttons.
See it at Amazon
See it at Target
See it at Newegg

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
Weight: 12.16 ounces
Features: Adjustable tension thumbsticks, rubberized grip, custom profiles, custom button mapping
Battery: Up to 40 hours

PROS

Highly customizable
Wireless charging

CONS

Might be too heavy for some

Our review of the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller demonstrates why it's perfect for gamers seeking a high-end, customizable experience. It features four rear paddles with customizable actions, fully remappable buttons, and magnetically swappable D-pad, back paddles, and analog sticks. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 40 hours, and connectivity options include Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and a USB-C for wired play.

7. 8Bitdo Pro 2
Best PC Controller for Retro Games

8Bitdo Pro 2
2
A controller with a retro aesthetic and modern functionality, perfect for playing classic and new games on PC.
See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wireless, Wired
Weight: 8.04 ounces
Features: Paddle buttons, custom profiles, mode switch, enhanced grip
Battery: Up to 20 hours

PROS

Multiple profiles
Works with lots of devices

CONS

Programmable macros are somewhat limited

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 combines retro looks with modern functionality, ideal for classic and new PC games. It features a modern ergonomic design, quality buttons, and vibration feedback. It supports multiple platforms and connects to your PC via wired USB-C or Bluetooth for up to 20 hours. You can remap buttons, swap stick behavior, adjust trigger depth, and utilize motion controls for a personalized gaming experience.

8. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Best Tunable PC Controller

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
2
Featuring a display for settings adjustments and notifications, alongside hall effect sticks, tactile switches, and extra mappable buttons.
See it at Amazon
See it at Turtle Beach
See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wireless, Bluetooth
Weight: 0.54 pounds
Features: Charging dock, tactile microswitches, AntiDrift thumbsticks, customizable buttons and triggers
Battery: Up to 30 hours

PROS

Excellent mechanical buttons
RGB lights

CONS

No swappable thumbsticks

Our review of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra highlights its unique “Connected Command Display,” which allows for on-the-fly setting adjustments and displays phone notifications. The controller features an Xbox layout with tactile micro switches, hall-effect anti-drift thumbsticks, trigger locks, and four mappable buttons. It offers wireless connectivity via a 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth support.

9. Razer Kitsune
Best PC Fight Stick

Razer Kitsune
0
A leverless fight stick with fast input speed and high accuracy, perfect for fighting games and tournaments.
See it at Amazon
See it at Razer

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Features: Low-profile Linear Optical switches, RGB lighting, Quad Movement button layout
Battery: N/A

PROS

Fast input speed
Highly accurate

CONS

Takes some getting used to

The Razer Kitsune is a standout option for arcade and fighting game enthusiasts. Its leverless design offers quicker input speed, better accuracy, and easier execution of moves. It features responsive and quiet optical switches, a compact size suitable for tournaments, and customizable RGB lighting.

10. Gran Turismo DD Pro
Best PC Racing Wheel

Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
1
A direct drive wheel with powerful force feedback, familiar controls, and a steel two-pedal set for an immersive racing experience.
See it at Fanatec

Product Specifications

Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 22.26 pounds
Features: Custom motor, force feedback, 5 Nm of torque, OLED display, adjustable and upgradeable
Battery: N/A

PROS

Highly customizable
Profile switching

CONS

Some games required compatibility mode

PCs are ideal for simulation racing games, and the Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro is a top choice for professional and enthusiast sim racers. Its direct drive motor delivers 5Nm of torque, upgradeable to 8Nm, providing superior control and force feedback. The wheel features an easy-to-use interface, unique directional sticks, and a steel two-pedal set.

How to Pick the Best PC Controller

Choosing the right PC controller involves considering your gaming style, the types of games you play, and whether you want to use it across multiple devices. Ergonomics and comfort are crucial, especially for extended gaming sessions. Look for controllers with well-placed buttons, responsive triggers, and a comfortable grip.

Consider the genres you play; racing or flying simulators might benefit from controllers with precise analog sticks and triggers, while fighting or platformer games may require a good D-pad and responsive face buttons. Check compatibility with your gaming setup, and decide between wireless and wired options based on your preference for convenience or a clutter-free setup.

Additional features like programmable buttons, vibration feedback, and customizable lighting can enhance your gaming experience and provide added value.

FAQs

Is PC Gaming Better With a Controller?
Some gamers find controllers more comfortable and easier to use than a keyboard and mouse. However, it depends on personal preference. Controllers are more versatile and portable.

Do All Xbox Controllers Work on PC?
Yes, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S controllers can be connected to a PC via USB cable. Bluetooth-enabled Xbox controllers can also be used if your PC has Bluetooth.

Can I Use a PS5 Controller on PC?
Yes, the PS5 DualSense controller can be used wirelessly or wired on a PC with Bluetooth support. A Bluetooth adapter can be used if your PC doesn't support Bluetooth.

Can you play any PC game with a controller?
Not all PC games are designed for controller use. On Steam, you can check game compatibility before purchase. For other platforms, a quick search can reveal controller support.

Where to Get the Best PC Controller in the UK

In the UK, the Xbox controller remains a top choice, but options vary based on your PC's connectivity. If you have Bluetooth, you can use an Xbox One or PlayStation DualShock 4 controller without additional adapters. Here are the best PC controllers available in the UK:

Microsoft Xbox Core Controller
35
Best PC Controller
£49.99 at Currys