2024’s top PC game controllers
The greatest PC gaming controllers can offer an excellent substitute for a mouse and keyboard when it comes to enjoying the greatest Steam games. They also seem like a perfect fit if you recently switched from playing on consoles to PCs.
We use Hardware Tester’s Gamepad Tester application to evaluate PC gamepads to make sure there are no hidden issues with the sticks or buttons. We’ve put every peripheral below through its paces, so you can unwind.
Which gaming controller for PC do I believe works best for most people?
I am enthralled, even beyond the Xbox Wireless Controller. The Xbox Core Wireless Gaming Controller often retails for $64, but you can often get it on sale at Amazon for approximately $46. The genuine Microsoft pad may be easily and wirelessly connected via Bluetooth to your PC.
My selections of the finest PC controllers won’t let you down, regardless of whether you’re looking for a prosumer controller like the Xbox Elite Series 2 or are hankering after a much cheaper, wired accessory if your PC doesn’t support native Bluetooth.
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Xbox Wireless Controller
The best PC game controller overall
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.0 x 4.0 x 2.4 inches
Weight: 10.1 ounces
Analog Sticks: Staggered
Wireless: Yes
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REASONS TO BUY
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Compatible with everything
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Optimized for most games
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Three kinds of connectivity
REASONS TO AVOID
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No rechargeable battery
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Wireless USB requires an adapter
The Xbox Wireless Controller is the best PC game controller for most people because most PC games offer native support for it. This means you won’t have to configure it yourself using a program like reWASD and all of the prompts you see in games will be identical to the buttons on your controller which isn’t the case if you’re using a PlayStation controller like the DualSense Edge. Another great thing about the Xbox Wireless Controller is that it can connect to your PC with a USB-C cable or wirelessly with Bluetooth.
The Xbox Wireless Controller for the Xbox Series X/S offers several improvements over its predecessor including USB-C support, a new D-pad design and textured grips that make it easier to hold in your hand. There’s still one big downside though as it isn’t rechargeable and requires two AA batteries. Still, if you don’t need back paddles or other customization options, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a solid choice for gaming on PC.
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HyperX Clutch Gladiate
Best budget PC controller with some Pro-level features
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.1 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 9.87 ounces
Analog Sticks: Staggered
Wireless: No
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REASONS TO BUY
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Detachable cable
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Lightweight with solid build quality
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Remappable back buttons and trigger locks
REASONS TO AVOID
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Not wireless
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Trigger locks could be more precise
Unlike with a console, when you’re gaming at your PC, you’re most likely sitting at your desk. For this reason, many PC gamers prefer wired controllers over wireless ones. A wired controller will have less latency and you don’t have to worry about it being charged. The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is the latest PC controller from the PC accessory maker HyperX and it packs in quite a few pro-level features for just $35.
On the backside of the HyperX Clutch Gladiate, you’ll find two removable back buttons along with trigger locks. The back buttons are easy to program and you can configure what they do on the controller itself instead of having to download yet another app. The trigger locks may not have as many settings as the Elite Series 2 or other Pro-style controllers but they let you reduce how far you have to push the triggers down by half. The HyperX Clutch Gladiate is lightweight, and very comfortable in the hand and it also works on Xbox Series X/S.
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Xbox Elite Series 2
The best premium PC game controller
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.0 x 4.0 x 2.4 inches
Weight: 12.2 ounces
Analog Sticks: Staggered
Wireless: Yes
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REASONS TO BUY
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Highly customizable
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Extremely comfortable
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Good battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
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Incredibly expensive
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Limited benefits over standard controller
The Xbox Elite Series 2 and the cheaper Xbox Elite Series 2 Core both build upon the best parts of the Xbox Wireless Controller. You have the same button layout but a whole lot more customization options like a more traditional D-pad you can swap out on the fly and four rear paddles. Microsoft also lets you adjust the tension of the controller’s analogue sticks as well as the triggers. You won’t need batteries with the Xbox Elite Series 2 either as it comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 40 hours and the included carrying case doubles as a charger.
If price is holding you back from picking up an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, then you’re in luck as Microsoft released a cheaper version that comes in several different colourways called the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core. The catch is that it doesn’t come with any accessories like extra joysticks, rear paddles or the carrying case. However, you can easily fix the back paddle situation with a $12 accessory which I highly recommend as having four back paddles means that you won’t have to take your thumbs off the controller’s joysticks since you can map all of the face buttons to them. The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the best option for those who want one of the best PC game controllers but the Xbox Elite Series 2 is a better choice for those on a budget who still want a ‘Pro’ controller.
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8BitDo Ultimate
An excellent controller that comes with a charging dock
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.04 x 3.96 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 8.042 ounces
Analog Sticks: Offset
Wireless: Yes
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REASONS TO BUY
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Very comfortable
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Charging dock included
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Multiple connectivity options
REASONS TO AVOID
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The Bluetooth version has a Nintendo Switch button layout
The 8BitDo Ultimate controller is another great choice for PC gamers as it comes in several different varieties to meet every budget. The new 8Bitdo Ultimate C controller is the cheapest at $20 for the wired version and $30 for the wireless version but you miss out on the two back buttons. Meanwhile, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4g can be had for $50 and comes with a charging dock and a USB dongle so that you can use it wirelessly. The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth on the other hand lets you connect over USB-C or wirelessly with either Bluetooth or the included 2.4Ghz dongle.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth uses Nintendo’s button layout with B at the bottom instead of A. However, it does come with Hall Effect joysticks which means you won’t have to worry about stick drift. Regardless of which version of the 8BitDo Ultimate you pick up, it’s an extremely comfortable controller to use and it also has one of the best D-pads if you’re into platformers or retro titles. You can also use 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software to remap buttons and calibrate the controller’s joysticks, triggers and vibration. The 8BitDo Ultimate is as versatile of a controller as it is comfortable to hold in your hand.
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GameSir T4 Kaleid
Plenty of pro-level features at a budget price
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.14 x 4.21 x 3.31 inches
Weight: 7.478 ounces
Analog Sticks: Offset
Wireless: No
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REASONS TO BUY
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Built-in RGB
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Mechanical face buttons
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Hall Effect joysticks and triggers
REASONS TO AVOID
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Wired only
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Short 6-foot cable
The GameSir T4 Kaleid is an interesting controller, to say the least, because it gives you quite a few ‘Pro’ level features at a much more reasonable price. However, the one caveat is that this is a wired controller and can’t be used wirelessly. Still, though, you get two customizable back buttons, joysticks with Hall Effect sensors, mechanical face buttons, turbo functionality and even RGB for just $42. In addition to PC, the GameSir T4 Kaleid also works on Android as well as on the Nintendo Switch and there’s even a setting for swapping the A and B buttons.
While the front face plate of the GameSir T4 Kaleid is clear, the controller’s handles are frosted and have etchings on them just like the Xbox Wireless Controller to give you a better grip. Besides being able to see the controller’s PCB, there are two customizable RGB light strips on either side of the controller. One thing I like about the GameSir T4 Kaleid is that you can remap the back buttons, control its RGB lighting and even enable turbo right on the controller itself. The mechanical face buttons give a nice audible click with just the right amount of travel too. The GameSir T4 Kaleid is a great choice if you want to add a little RGB to your battle station without going too overboard.
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8BitDo Pro 2
The best retro controller by far for PC
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 6.042 x 3.96 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 8.042 ounces
Analog Sticks: Asymmetrical
Wireless: Yes
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REASONS TO BUY
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Multiple colourways
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Two rear buttons
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Excellent D-pad
REASONS TO AVOID
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Nintendo Switch button layout
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a great choice if you’re coming from the PS5 or PS4 and want a PC game controller with symmetrical joysticks. However, it’s also a good fit for platformers and retro titles since its D-pad and face buttons line up. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is available in several different colourways including a GameBoy-styled one as well as a clear black and clear purple variant. It has a USB-C port at the back if you want to use wired, though you can also connect it to your PC using Bluetooth.
Just like the 8BitDo Ultimate, the 8BitdDo Pro 2 has two customizable back buttons and you can remap buttons and make other tweaks using the company’s Ultimate Software on PC or mobile. It’s also a multi-platform controller with support for Switch, Mac, Android, iOS and Apple TV in addition to PC. A mode switch at the back makes it easy to switch between platforms. The 8BitDo Pro 2 has a 1,000 mAh battery pack but 8BitDo also gives you the option to use two AA batteries if you want instead. There’s even a wired-only version that’s slightly cheaper at $35 as opposed to $50. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is the best PC game controller if you prefer symmetrical joysticks.
When it comes to picking the best PC game controller for you, a lot of factors come into play and there are a few questions you need to ask yourself first.
For starters, do you need a wireless controller or would a wired one be okay? Likewise, do you want an official first-party controller from Microsoft or are you open to trying out a third-party controller instead? Finally, are you fine with a stock controller or are you looking for a controller with ‘pro’ level features that you can customize? Whether or not you want back buttons or rear paddles is another thing to consider will two be okay or do you want four so that you can remap all of the face buttons on your controller to them?
Once you’ve answered these questions and thought long and hard about which kind of controller is right for you, the next thing you’re going to want to consider is price. Controllers like the Xbox Series Elite 2 or the DualSense Edge are much more expensive than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller as well as third-party controllers from companies like 8BitDo, GameSir and HyperX.
At the same time, if stick drift has been a problem for you in the past, then you’re going to want a controller with Hall Effect joysticks like the GameSir T4 Kaleid or the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth. Connectivity is another big concern, especially if you prefer a wireless controller. While Bluetooth may be more convenient, it introduces a bit more lag than using a controller that comes with a 2.4 Ghz USB dongle. However, if lag is something you’re worried about, then going wired will always be your best bet.
Fortunately, there are loads of different controllers on this list for every kind of PC gamer and every type of budget. We’re also constantly reviewing new models and trying out different kinds of controllers to build out this list further, so stay tuned.
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