Are you on the hunt for the best PS4 controller? If you want to upgrade your gaming experience, then look no further. When it comes to PS4 controllers, many of us assume there’s only one option available: Sony’s own DualShock 4.
Although the official controller is a powerful and very dynamic gamepad, there are many other choices out there if you want to step-up your gameplay experience – or just make it a bit more comfortable for you.
We’ve collected together this buying guide full of the best PS4 controllers on the market that are ideal for everyone from the casual gamer to a budding pro. There are also some options for people who want a bit of nostalgia, rather than the latest and best controller tech.
We’ve rounded up the best controllers that we’ve tried and reviewed for our list – but we’ve also added in a couple of others below that caught our eye to give you a bit more variety and choice.
A number of these controllers are officially licensed by Sony. So you’ll know they’re designed to work well, but all the options on this list are ones we’d happily use with our gaming setup.
1. Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Great look and feel
Built-in speaker
Highly sensitive motion sensors
At times feels a little too light
Track pad has deficiencies
While we did say there are plenty of options out there that aren’t the DualShock 4, it would be hard to create a list of the best PS4 controllers without pointing out it’s still the top option.
The DualShock 4 is perfect for its purpose: sleek, small and wireless. Not to mention the built in speaker, varying light bar colors, touch pad and motion detection that enhance your gameplay experience.
It’s also extremely simple to attach a gaming headset or headphones to the controller (unlike with the Xbox One controller). However battery life can be a pain, with the controller holding charge for around four to eight hours.
We find it’s best to have two and always keep one charging or to invest in a charging dock so you can charge both at once (when you’re not playing of course).
We find the DualShock is a great PS4 controller for someone who just simply wants to get on with playing and isn’t fussed about bells and whistles. If you want to spice up its classic black color, then the controller comes in plenty of other colors and designs.
Check out our full DualShock 4 controller review.
2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller
Customization for the serious gamer
Truly ergonomic
Plentiful customization options
High-quality build
Button mapping not obvious
Can’t amend profiles on PS4
If you are a PS4 player, but prefer the design of the Xbox One controller, then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller might be a better fit for you. Like the Vantage Controller, the Revolution Pro is built for gamers (more specifically esports) with a directional pad that can move eight ways – instead of four – alongside four shortcut buttons.
However, it’s not quite as complicated to operate as the Vantage, nor is it as expensive.
If you want a PS4 controller with a few extra bells and whistles, but not an overwhelming amount, and prefer a chunkier controller that is a bit more resilient then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller could be for you.
Check out our full Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller review.
3. SCUF Vantage Controller
A mostly advantageous (and expensive) modular PS4 controller
Feels great to hold
Modular elements work well
Audio touchpad adds convenience
Customizable aesthetics
Analog sticks can become stuck
Cross d-pad is too rigid
Dicey R1 and L1
Sax buttons can be difficult to press
If you want your PS4 controller to have a bit more bite, and are more specific about your controller’s performance then the SCUF Vantage Controller could be for you.
Built with gamers in mind, this fully customizable PS4 controller boasts enhanced grip, remappable paddles on the back, side action buttons and an audio touch bar.
In other words, there are more buttons to give you control over gameplay, allowing you to specifically map controls to the extra buttons and not have to jump back in forth (in issue in some games more than others).
Essentially the Vantage controller is built so you can play more comfortably for longer but unless you know how to optimize its abilities then its maybe it’s best to stick to a more straightforward PS4 controller.
Especially because the Vantage Controller is much more expensive than your average DualShock 4.
Check out our full SCUF Vantage Controller review.
4. Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller
Incredibly sturdy and durable
Responsive mechanical buttons
Reliable wired connectivity
Chroma lighting integration
Annoying latency
D-pad options feel cheap
Limited availability
The Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller is more suited to seasoned gamers and pros, allowing advanced customization via the Razer mobile app – that includes remapping and adjusting sensitivity.
If that’s not enough customization for you, you can also make use of interchangeable thumbsticks, the built-in quick control panel, and Hair Trigger Mode – allowing you to be more trigger-happy than ever before.
Much like the other pro controllers on this list, the Raiju Ultimate is chunkier than the DualShock making it more suitable for those who prefer the Xbox One controller style.
The Raiju Ultimate is a fantastic PS4 controller, but it’s not exactly cheap. Make sure you will make use of advanced customizations before investing – but if you harness the controller’s capabilities then you’ll find your gameplay experience all that much smoother.
Check out our full Razer Raiju Ultimate review.
5. Mini Wired Gamepad
It’s not exactly a DualShock – but it’s cheaper
40% smaller than the DualShock 4
Great for kids
Limited amount of games it is compatible with
Looking for a PS4 controller for a young person in your house? Hori’s Mini Wired Gamepad is one we’ve found that would be a good ‘first PS4 controller’ for kids.
The Mini Wired looks like a retro controller, boasting easier grip, plug-n-play with 10ft cable (no pulling the console off the stand) and it’s 40% smaller than the DualShock 4.
However, there is no light bar, stereo headset jack, speaker, dual motors, or motion sensor – it’s a much more streamlined version of the DualShock 4.
According to Sony, the Mini Wired Gamepad is compatible with “most” PS4 games. We’re reading that as the less complicated ones, so don’t fire up Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and expect the controller to be able to hack it – not that children should be playing it anyway.
The Mini Wired Gamepad is $30 (around £23/AU$38) from Sony affiliated retailers.
6. Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller
For those who prefer the Xbox One controller
Suited to those who prefer Xbox controllers
Works on PS4 and PC
Comfortable and well built
USB Bluetooth receiver needed for wireless
No motion sensor or built-in speaker
Slight delay
The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller is a comfortable controller that brings the Xbox One gamepad experience to PS4 (and PC) players. It’s robust, classic and well-made, with a chunkier design than the DualShock 4 and asymmetrical toggles.
It may be a better choice for those who have dexterity issues or simply prefer a bigger controller due to its bigger buttons and triggers.
However, there are a few performance issues to take into account such as the fact the controller doesn’t have motion controls – meaning you can’t play games that use motion features.
Check out our full Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller review.
