7 Best Controllers for PC in 2024

Find the best controller for PC for you.

best controllers for pc

It’s not possible to play games without a high-quality control system. You can easily use the keyboard and mouse for shooters and strategies while a touch screen will be useful for smartphone puzzles. However, some games should be played with a controller. Thus, all large games have gamepads that allow you to connect them to your computer.

Top 7 Controllers for PC

  1. Logitech Gamepad - Best one
  2. Microsoft Xbox Controller - Budget
  3. MSI Gaming - Modern
  4. Razer Wolverine - High quality
  5. SteelSeries Stratus Duo - Compact
  6. DualShock 4 - Stylish
  7. Hyperkin X91 - Cheap

If you prefer to play games on your desktop computer only, then you have good reasons for this as there are many PC titles for all ages, players, genres, prices and hardware requirements. That’s why it will be beneficial for you to get the best controller for PC.

There are multiple models of gamepads and controllers that you can connect to your computer. In this article, you will find the top ones.

1. Logitech Gamepad

Our choice
controller for pc logitech gamepad

Connectivity: Wired | Features: Textured grip | Item Weight: 10.4 ounces | Manufacturer: Logitech

  • ✚ Supports many devices
  • ✚ Robust
  • ✚ Convenient
  • Pricey
Rating

Using this controller for PC, you will get a competitive edge over your opponents. It’s simple to adjust and supports multiple games. This model is suitable for pro-level gamers. Due to XInput/DirectInput support, it’s easy to install and use.

Also, with Logitech profiler software, you can alter standard commands or adapt this controller for a game that it doesn’t support. All the buttons and controls can be programmed. They can even simulate commands of a keyboard and mouse.

The XID mode is perfect for smooth gaming and convenient navigation when you are using Android TV. Thanks to its smooth curves and contoured rubber grips, you will be able to enjoy long gaming sessions.

2. Microsoft Xbox Controller

Budget
controller for pc microsoft xbox controller

Connectivity: Wired | Features: Textured grip | Item Weight: 8.2 ounces | Manufacturer: Microsoft

  • ✚ Convenient
  • ✚ Up-to-date
  • ✚ Top-quality
  • None
Rating

The newest Xbox Wireless Controller is an upgraded model with a great design and textured grip. You can further customize it for better convenience by assigning various commands to buttons.

If you compare it to the earlier version, it has a twice larger wireless range of 40 feet (12 meters). You can quickly connect it with a headset by using a 3.5mm stereo jack.

Since it comes with a USB cable, you can play the most action-packed games on Windows 10 computer without worrying about any connection issues. It’s perfectly compatible with the Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs.

3. MSI Gaming

Modern
controller for pc msi gaming

Connectivity: Wired / wireless | Features: Textured grip | Item Weight: 9.9 ounces | Manufacturer: MSI

  • ✚ Great for gaming
  • ✚ Upgraded
  • ✚ High-quality
  • None
Rating

Due to enhanced analog sticks, this PC gaming controller guarantees amazing performance. This is very helpful for constant maneuvers in vehicles or when you need to track an opponent using your sight.

With this model, you will definitely enjoy playing racing games in the Force GC series. It also comes with a 256-level accelerator simulation for better precision. Unlike all other controllers, this one has button switches that can withstand 2 million clicks.

Besides, this device has two D-pad covers with a magnetic design, which lets you select the game type you want.

4. Razer Wolverine

High quality
controller for pc razer wolverine

Connectivity: Wired / wireless | Features: Textured grip / LED edge-lighting | Item Weight: 13.1 ounces | Manufacturer: Razer Inc.

  • ✚ Solid build
  • ✚ 6 programmable buttons
  • ✚ Wired headset controls
  • Expensive for a wired controller
Rating

This controller for PC allows gamers to take advantage of their enemies and easily win. Besides, it is suitable for the Xbox One. It comes with 4 reassignable multi-function buttons and can be customized to your needs. Besides, it features Razer Chroma lighting that lets you personalize a controller for an extra immersive effect.

5. SteelSeries Stratus Duo

Compact
controller for pc steelseries stratus duo

Connectivity: wireless | Features: Textured grip | Item Weight: 1.05 lbs | Manufacturer: SteelSeries

  • ✚ Affordable
  • ✚ Top-quality
  • ✚ Modern
  • None
Rating

This is the best controller for PC, Android, Windows and VR devices because it guarantees an amazing gaming experience and a stunning immersive feel. Use Bluetooth to play without installation on Android mobile devices or switch to 2.4GHz wireless to play on Windows.

It’s compatible with over 5000 controller games on Steam. Its high-efficiency joysticks and triggers register input quicker and more precisely than touchscreens and regular controllers. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts more than 20 hours, so you can play anywhere and anytime.

6. DualShock 4

Stylish
controller for pc dualshock 4

Connectivity: wireless | Features: Textured grip /LED edge-lighting | Item Weight: 12 ounces | Manufacturer: Sony Computer Entertainment

  • ✚ Small size
  • ✚ Variety of colors
  • ✚ Up-to-date
  • None
Rating

This wireless controller for PC is packed with familiar controls and includes a few innovative features that herald a whole new level of interactive experience. The manufacturer enhanced its precise analog sticks and trigger buttons for a better feel and sensitivity.

A multi-touch touchpad with push buttons will enhance your gaming experience, and the built-in lightbar combined with the PlayStation Camera makes it easy to identify a player and customize the screen parameters while playing with other people in the same room.

Also, there is a Share button, which makes it easier for you to communicate with other players.

7. Hyperkin X91

Cheap
controller for pc hyperkin x91

Connectivity: Wired wireless | Features: Textured grip | Item Weight: 7.1 ounces | Manufacturer: Hyperkin Inc

  • ✚ Inexpensive
  • ✚ High-quality
  • ✚ Convenient to use
  • None
Rating

This PC gaming controller has a design of the 90’s and modern features. It has a firm build, which makes it a worthy competitor to other recent models. It’s suitable for the Xbox One as well as Windows 10.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
controller for pc logitech gamepad
Logitech Gamepad
Best one
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Features: Textured grip
  • Item Weight: 10.4 ounces
  • Manufacturer: Logitech
CHECK PRICE
controller for pc microsoft xbox controller
Microsoft Xbox Controller
Budget
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Features: Textured grip
  • Item Weight: 8.2 ounces
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
CHECK PRICE
controller for pc msi gaming
MSI Gaming
Modern
  • Connectivity: Wired / wireless
  • Features: Textured grip
  • Item Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Manufacturer:MSI
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the BEst Controller for PC?

best controller for pc

Connection type

The connection type is a significant aspect to consider when choosing the best controller for PC. You need to define at what distance from a computer you are going to play. If you will do it in front of the monitor, chose a wireless model.

The cable can get tangled, which makes it less convenient to use. However, you don’t need to recharge a wired gamepad. Simply connect it to your PC and enjoy playing games. Besides, wired controllers are less expensive, which will save you some money.

Wireless models have their pros and cons, too. They allow you to sit at any distance from your monitor, but you need to recharge them.

Controls

wireless controller for pc

For fighting games, it’s better to get a model with a divided cross-piece (control arrows or D-pad). Due to such a design, it will be easier for you to perform all sorts of attacks.

The ideal gamepad must have rubber analog sticks. It’s better if they have some kind of notches that will not let your fingers slide. You also need to consider the main action buttons on the back of a controller on the right.

They should have letters on them (Y, B, A, X), not numbers. A lot of games use controls from Xbox consoles, which is where this design comes from.

FAQ

  • • Do I have to buy a controller for a PC?

If you play classic emulators (Zelda, Mario and Smash Bros.), it's better to get a controller for your computer. You will enjoy playing games more and achieve better results. Older games require fewer buttons.

  • • Is it possible to use a game controller on a PC?

If you have a Windows 10 PC, you can use the Xbox Wireless Controller as a wired model. All you need to do is to plug it into a USB port.

  • • Can Windows 10 recognize a PS4 controller?

It's very easy to connect your wired PS4 controller to your Windows 10 PC because, after the recent updates, it supports the DS4 controller by default. Just plug it in, and Windows will install the driver and adjust all necessary parameters automatically.

  • • How do I use a DualShock 4 controller on a PC?

Plug the DualShock 4 into your computer through a Micro USB cable (the one that is used in the majority of Android smartphones).

It will allow you to charge the DualShock 4 battery. However, if you want to use it wirelessly, you have to connect a controller with your computer via Bluetooth.

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