Using the best PS5 controllers will allow you to get more from your PlayStation 5 console. With adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, the DualSense is one of the most advanced gaming controllers yet. Those features, doubled with the built-in speaker is sure to fully immerse you in game play.
Whilst the DualSense controller itself is considered one of the best PS5 controllers, there are also great alternatives in the form of third-party brands and the Pro controllers. There are plenty of options when it comes to both, with Sony regularly releasing new colour variations and special editions. And of course, we have the impending the shiny new DualSense Edge that is designed for pro gamers looking to fully customise their gaming experience. For up-to-date prices on the regualr DualSense, make sure to keep an eye on our updated guide to the best DualSense controller prices. If you scroll down to the bottom of this article, we also have some detailed insights into how to choose a controller best for you.
If you're still considering getting your hands on a PS5, we have an up-to-date PS5 review that goes into detail about why we love this console (and the DualSense) so much.For more gaming inspiration, take a look at our guides to both the best PS5 games, the most anticipated games of 2023, and best SSD for PS5. For now, let's check out those controllers.
The best PS5 controllers: available now
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The best PS5 controller overall
Manufacturer: Sony
Features: Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speaker, microphone, motion sensors
The PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller is the classic gamepad that comes packaged with PlayStation 5. It apes the console's curved design and two-tone colours. It made waves for bringing haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to mainstream gaming.
The design of the PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller is elegant and original, it perfectly fits into your hands and feels like a true evolution of the classic PlayStation controller. It also features motion sensors for new gameplay features and a built-in microphone to keep you connected online.
The best PS5 controller for gaming pros
Manufacturer: Sony
Features: Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speaker, microphone, motion sensors, interchangeable buttons, customisable button mapping
The PS5 DualSense Edge wireless controller is a beefed up version of the original DualSense pad. It features customisable controls and swappable profiles to fully adjust this pad to fit your pro gaming needs.
The software settings are also fully customisable, meaning you can map the buttons as you choose to fully personalise your gaming experience. It has a hefty price tag, but it's worth it if you want to be at the top of your game – literally!
The best looking PS5 controllers
Manufacturer: HexGaming
Features: 2mm hair triggers, customisable thumb sticks, ergonomic buttons, rubberised grip
HexGaming's range of Rival Pro PS5 Controllers are the most stylish around and best of all you can fully customise the gamepad, from the design to the thumb sticks.
I'm taken with the wave design inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, but other Rival Pro controllers feature The Joker and a vibrant '80s tropical illustration.
Visit the HexGaming site and design your own controller. All the gamepads offer the same features as the official DualSense Wireless Controller, but with your own design.
The best PS5 controller for if money is no option
Manufacturer: Aim Controllers
Features: Adaptive triggers, profile switch, paddles, remap buttons
The Aim Controllers for PS5 is a brand created by gamers for gamers. The base is built on Sony's DualSense design and tech – so you get adaptive triggers, haptics, etc – but Aim Controllers add four paddles to the rear that can be customised to replace the face buttons.
There are other PS5 controllers that offer paddle features, but we give kudos to Aim Controllers' build quality and attention to detail. More so, these gamepads have some of the wackiest designs around, including this black and neon paint splattered design.
The best value PS5 pro controller
Manufacturer: SCUF
Features: Adaptive triggers, profile switch, 4 paddles, remappable buttons
SCUF controllers are some of the best third-party gamepads around, and the SCUF PS5 Reflex Pro Wireless Controller impresses. It features four stubby rear paddles that can be remapped to adjust and set them to a variety of games.
This features all of the tech used in a standard DualSense controller – haptics, motion sensors and adaptive triggers – but comes in a non-slip finish. Unique to SCUF you can program profiles into the controller and switch between them, the LED shows which profile you're using.
The best digital PS5 pro controller
Manufacturer: The Controller People
Features: Digital triggers, Clicksticks, individual D-pad, create your own design
This Pro Controller from The Controller People takes the brave decision to remove the DualSense Controller's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. So why should you 'downgrade'?
Well, we get 'clicky' digital triggers and a genuinely lighter pad with a longer battery life. This makes for a controller old-school players will enjoy. The D-pad too is unique, as each button is a separate button, meaning this is fantastic for 2D fighting games and retro titles. It has small responsive rear paddles too. This one is a little different.
The best value PS5 fight controller
Manufacturer: HORI
Features: Hayabusa buttons and joystick, official Sony fighting stick, changeable artwork
The HORI Fighting Stick Alpha is an impressive arcade-style fighting stick for taking control of your combos in Street Fighter and Tekken. This is a tournament grade controller with a Hayabusa stick and matte finish, responsive buttons, so the quality is guaranteed.
You can tailor the HORI Fighting Stick Alpha by creating four custom profiles using the companion app and switching between them at will; essential if you're playing different fighting games. You can also easily flip open the fight stick to replace its buttons. Built-in audio and mic controls add to the quality, overall.
The best PS5 racing wheel controller
Manufacturer: Thrustmaster
Features: Dual-belt system, 25 watt motor with Force Feedback, quick release wheel, Gran Turismo licensed
The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Force Feedback Racing Wheel is not only one of the best racing wheels around for PS5, it also comes with the added kudos of featuring the Gran Turismo licensed decals.
The wheel has a 25 watt motor connected to a dual-belt drive system to deliver a smooth racing experience with Force Feedback; this feels like a real car wheel. Its quick release wheel means you can adapt it to different styles of games, too.
The best PS5 controller charger
Manufacturer: Razer
Features: Curved design, matching colours, USB power connectivity
The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand is an elegantly designed addition to any gamer's controller setup. While we wait for the Razer PS5 controller (the brand made one of PS4's best so we think its a given) this refined DualSense charger is a nice option.
The charger has a subtle curved design that matches the look of Sony's controller, and Razer has colour-matched the stand with the latest DualSense colours and designs. The new Razer charges a DualSense in under three hours, and features an overheat protector. All-in, this is an excellent addition to your setup.
The best PS5 controller: frequent questions
What does DualSense do, exactly?
The PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller is a high-spec gamepad that evolves the technology of previous PlayStation controllers. Inside you can find the below technology:
Haptic feedback: Instead of rumble, which means games can send vibrations around the pad to emote how on-screen action would 'feel'.
Adaptive triggers: These can be tailored to gameplay by developers, which means they can become 'tighter' the faster a car moves or loose when a gun runs out of ammo.
Touchpad: This can be used by players to interact with a game in new ways, to swipe across the pad to solve a puzzle, for example. This is similar to the rear touchpad on the old PS Vita.
Speaker: This brings games to life with unique audio and voice acting coming directly from the controller. Used with the above tech the PS5 DualSense controller can make you feel rain drops and hear them hit the pad.
Are there special editions of the DualSense?
Yes, for some time now Sony has been releasing special editions of its DualSense, like the God of War limited edition pad that can be bought directly from PlayStation.
As well as game specific controllers and the original White variant you can also now choose from a number of unique colours, these are: Cosmic Red, Midnight Black, Nova Pink, Starlight Blue, Galactic Purple and Grey Camoflage.
If you want to design your own PS5 controller you can visit sites such as Custom Controllers (opens in new tab) and create your own gamepad.
Is there a new PS5 controller?
Yes, Sony has announced its first pro controller for the PS5, called the DualSense Edge. This controller is aimed at gamers who play for longer and need to customise the gamepad to their way of playing as well as to different games. You can replace face buttons and sticks, swap through controller profiles and it features rear paddles, ideal for shooters. The DualSense Edge is a wireless controller and features a USB braided cable, two standard caps, two high dome caps, two low dome caps, two half dome back buttons, lever back buttons, connector housing and a carrying case. You can find the link for the pad above.
Can I use my PS5 DualSense controller on a PS4?
No. Because the best PS5 controllers, such as the DualSense Wireless controller, have been created to make use of 'next-gen games' with high-spec features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, these controllers won't work on old consoles.
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