The Best PC Controller

Updated on 24 February 2023

After 17 hours of research, analysing 32 well-known models on the market and testing 7 of them, we believe that the best price-quality ratio is represented by the PC Microsoft Xbox Series X controller.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best mid-range

Microsoft Xbox Series X

This controller is a benchmark in ergonomics. Not only does it have a good quality finish, but it also has responsive buttons that are efficient enough to guarantee reliability with any type of game.

Price search in progress… please wait

Xbox Series X

Microsoft does not surprise with its new controller which is in fact a simple revision of the previous version. It is true that it corrects and improves an already successful model, but lacks innovation compared to its competitors. The Xbox Series controller is an excellent solution on PC because the new technologies of its competitors are not exploited even if, if we look at the controller itself, we have to admit that it struggles to keep up, despite its superior ergonomics.

 

 

Best budget

8Bitdo SN30 Pro

With a design that will make you feel nostalgic for the 90s, this gaming accessory is lightweight and compatible with different platforms. As a bonus, it modernises an established format by adding current features.

Price search in progress… please wait

8Bitdo SN30 Pro

If you are looking for a new versatile controller, the SN30 Pro is an excellent solution, thanks in part to its broad compatibility and overall quality. However, the ergonomics are a little outdated in some respects. A wireless version is also available for those who do not stand cables, while the SN30 Pro+ slightly improves the grip but loses that nostalgic format we love so much. Both add the bonus of compatibility with Android devices via Bluetooth.

 

Best high-end

Microsoft Xbox Elite Serie 2

Take a reference controller and add extensive customisation to get this model. Meant for experienced gamers, it takes optimisation a step further to ensure maximum comfort, no matter how long you use it.

Price search in progress… please wait

Microsoft Xbox Elite Serie 2

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is, in our opinion, the best controller on the market when it comes to the competitive scene. Complete, efficient and fully customisable, it promises many hours of comfortable gameplay, as well as helping you achieve the highest score on your favourite titles. The range of possibilities is almost limitless, allowing you to get the most out of this top-of-the-range equipment.

 

Mid-range alternative

Sony DualSense

For Sony, a new generation of console means a new controller. Packed with new technologies, it can boast of being the best controller nowadays…which is unfortunately deprived of its main assets on PC.

Price search in progress… please wait

Sony DualSense

The DualSense is in our opinion one of the best, if not the best, proposition on the market. Ergonomic, versatile and innovative, it clearly shows the competition that Sony has taken the time to develop a controller to dominate them all, a winning bet for the Japanese firm. As a pure controller, it is far ahead of the competition, but its beautiful technological equipment is unfortunately not compatible with the PC.

 

High-end alternative

Nacon Revolution Unlimited

This controller combines precision and customisation with additional buttons that can be configured via the dedicated software. Its comfort adds to its other qualities, making it a worthy model for experienced Sony supporters.

Price search in progress… please wait

Nacon Revolution Unlimited

The Nacon Revolution Unlimited is a great solution for Sony enthusiasts who want a competition-oriented controller. It is quite complete and has a quality finish worthy of its price, which puts it at the top of the Playstation-certified controller scale. However, when compared to other solutions available on other platforms such as the Xbox, it is a bit disappointing due to the lack of certain features and settings.

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-rangeBest budgetBest high-endMid-range alternativeHigh-end alternative
Microsoft Xbox Series X 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Microsoft Xbox Elite Serie 2 Sony DualSense Nacon Revolution Unlimited
This controller is a benchmark in ergonomics. Not only does it have a good quality finish, but it also has responsive buttons that are efficient enough to guarantee reliability with any type of game. With a design that will make you feel nostalgic for the 90s, this gaming accessory is lightweight and compatible with different platforms. As a bonus, it modernises an established format by adding current features. Take a reference controller and add extensive customisation to get this model. Meant for experienced gamers, it takes optimisation a step further to ensure maximum comfort, no matter how long you use it. For Sony, a new generation of console means a new controller. Packed with new technologies, it can boast of being the best controller nowadays...which is unfortunately deprived of its main assets on PC. This controller combines precision and customisation with additional buttons that can be configured via the dedicated software. Its comfort adds to its other qualities, making it a worthy model for experienced Sony supporters.
See the price on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 119.95 on Amazon £ 59.99 on Amazon £ 114.99 on Amazon

 

300+ Comparisons
3000+ Products Tested
100% Impartial

Why trust us ?

Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn more

 

How did we do the tests?

To test the different controllers, we played different types of video games to analyse the possibilities and effectiveness of each model. From racing games (Forza Horizon 4 or The Crew 2) to shooters (mainly FPS with Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Black Ops Cold War) to platform games (with Ori & The Blind Forest) to test speed and precision.

Finally, we evaluated ergonomics over 1.5 to 2 hours (per controller and game). In the case of the competition models, we pre-configured the profiles to judge their performance at maximum output.

 

How to choose your PC controller?

The search of your perfect fellow partner is not easy and often one finds themselves wavering between established models and affordable products of a more questionable origin.

Les manettes PC

To help you find a choice that fits your budget, pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Ergonomics: in order for you to get the most out of your gaming sessions without having to stop because of hand pain, it is important to focus on this point. The grip must be natural without requiring improbable finger positions to be effective. Therefore, the placement of the buttons and the size of the controller also have an impact. We strongly advise you to focus on this rather than on an interesting design.
  • Integrated controls: directly related to ergonomics, this criterion represents the number of buttons available, their responsiveness and their size. Additional functions are also important. Thus, while most controllers have joysticks, some do not. Others include a gyroscope and accelerometer for motion detection, a turbo function or even vibrating triggers. Determine what your needs are before making your choice and always think about your intended use.

8Bitdo

  • Connectivity and compatibility: wired or wireless, a controller must be connected to a device. It must of course be compatible with your controller so that you can enjoy it in your games. The best solution in our opinion is Bluetooth for its versatility. However, the downside is that the latency is slightly higher than with a radio signal or cable. The models in our selection are all Windows compatible and some add console, MacOS and sometimes even Android compatibility.
  • Manufacture quality and design: these are more important for the durability of your peripheral device, especially if you want to carry it around regularly. Logically, the higher the model, the better the overall quality becomes… even if you can sometimes be positively surprised by basic devices. As for design, it is all a matter of taste. Generally, the choice of colour is the only criterion independent of the model.

LogitechF310

Note: if you are a Switch fan, you should know that we have also dedicated an article to this controller.

 

Other PC controllers we recommend

Logitech F310 (£29.50 upon publication): lightweight and ergonomic. It comes in a small format at a democratic price. After an automatic configuration, you will enjoy many games, recent or older, thanks to its wide compatibility. Unfortunately, it is not up to the level of our best budget model because of the lack of vibration, its inferior versatility and its perfectible quality of finish.

Nintendo Switch Pro (£49.99 upon publication): a mid-range alternative from Nintendo. This full-size controller is as good as anything from Sony or Microsoft thanks to its well thought-out ergonomics and high overall quality. The reactivity is not outdone, which allows it to delight platform and FPS fans. However, it remains less versatile than its competitors and will therefore be more limited as soon as you try something different. 

 

Translated by Aylin Akturk 

Leave a comment