There’s nothing quite like grasping the best PC controller in your palms. Whether it’s playing Elden Ring or driving in GTA Online with precision, sometimes gamepads are actually better than their clicky mechanical counterparts.
Picking up the best PC controller will help add versatility to your set-up. Sure, you’ll want to obtain the best gaming mouse and a keyboard to match if you’re into competitive shooters, but a gamepad is a must if you want to dive into the best platform games and third-person adventures.
Thankfully, there are tons of controllers out there that’ll play nice with your rig. Whether you prefer the freedom of wireless or the comfort of corded accuracy, hooking up a gamepad should be a breeze. Of course, you don’t have to stick with regular gamepads, as the best PC steering wheel options will help turn your gaming chair into a driver’s seat.
Here are the best PC controllers in 2022:
1. Microsoft Xbox Wireless controller
The best PC controller is the Microsoft Xbox Wireless.
Expect to pay $59.99 USD/ £59.99 GBP.
The Xbox Wireless Controller is Microsoft’s latest attempt to perfect the default gamepad that ships with the Xbox Series X and Series S. While it might not look all that different from its predecessors, aside from dropping the console-specific branding from its name, there’s been plenty of changes four iterations on from the original Xbox One edition that makes this the go-to gamepad for gaming PCs. Plus, it looks great sitting next to you on the best gaming desk.
The textured grip on the rear has been extended to cover the triggers for extra grip and precision, and there’s now a hybrid domed D-pad which we’ve previously only seen on the high-end Xbox Elite controller.
Additionally, the Xbox controller shape has been tweaked so this controller fits a wider range of hand shapes and sizes, although these slight adjustments mean some previous attachments might no longer be compatible. As it’s Microsoft, there’s native compatibility with Windows 10 so there’s no fiddling around with drivers – all you need is a Bluetooth or USB-C connection to plug and play.
Pros
- Hybrid D-pad
- Bluetooth support/plug-and-play
- Textured Triggers
Cons
- Requires AA batteries/play and charge kit
- Not customisable
| Microsoft Wireless Controller specs | |
| Connection | Wireless/micro USB |
| Power | 2x AA batteries |
| Buttons | 18 |
| Layout | Xbox |
2. Thrustmaster Eswap Pro X
The best thumbstick controller is the Thrustmaster Eswap Pro X.
Expect to pay $149.99 USD/ £149.99 GBP.
Thrustmaster’s Eswap Pro X is a premium gamepad through and through, but its modular design makes it one of the most versatile devices on this list. It’s also a great option for players who prefer PlayStation’s parallel controller layout, as you can easily swap around the d-pad and thumbstick. Not only are these magnetic modules high quality, but if they do ever wear down, you’ll be able to replace them without becoming a gamepad surgeon.
The Eswap Pro X also comes with an impressive 22-button layout, four of which reside on the back of the bad. If you’re a fan of all things clicky, you’ll be pleased to know that the d-pad and face buttons use microswitches, which make all the difference compared to rubber dome membranes.
As for compatibility, the Eswap Pro X’s PC drivers come with Thrustmapper, a configuration suite that allows you to remap the pad and fine-tune sensitivity. In other words, if you’re looking for a thumbstick experience that comes close to the accuracy of a gaming mouse, this gamepad could be what you’re looking for.
Pros
- Modular analogue sticks
- Microswitch buttons
- Thrustmapper configuration
Cons
- Expensive
- No wireless option
3. PlayStation 5 Dualsense
The best PC controller for immersion is the PlayStation 5 Dualsense.
Expect to pay $69 USD/ £54.99 GBP.
Sony’s successor to the Dualshock 4 is a newcomer to the gamepad fold, but it’s already showing promising signs when it comes to controller immersion. PC games like Call of Duty: Cold War, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop all boast adaptive trigger support, and there’s bound to be more coming as the company expands its PlayStation PC presence.
Immersion aside, the Dualsense is also just an excellent gamepad, and it elevates everything that made its predecessor great. Its thumbsticks are still superbly comfortable, and it’s still comfortable to use after hours of use. While the PlayStation 5 console itself is still largely out of stock, perhaps picking up its pad to use on PC is the next best thing.
Pros
- Unique Dualsense features
- High-quality feel
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited support on PC
4. Nintendo Switch Pro controller
The best alternative PC controller is the Nintendo Switch Pro.
Expect to pay $69.99 USD/ £49.99 GBP.
The Nintendo Switch Pro has been made specifically for the diminutive console, but has been given its own Steam profile and can be connected to your gaming PC with either a wireless Bluetooth connection or, if you want to get configured in Steam, via a USB-C cable.
Nintendo pioneered the d-pad back in 1985, so it’s no surprise that the Switch Pro controller upholds its gamepad legacy. While the pad lacks fancy features like analogue triggers, its tactile buttons and comfortable feel make it a winner when it comes to precision-based platformers. It’s also got a whopping 40-hour battery life via Bluetooth, making it one of the best wireless options on the market.
Pros
- Fantastic battery life
- Incredibly well-built
- USB-C and Bluetooth
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Can develop stick drift issues
5. Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2
The best high-end controller for PC is the Xbox One Elite Series 2.
Expect to pay $179.99 USD/ £159.99 GBP.
I mean, yeah, spending this much on a joypad might seem pretty crazy, but the Elite Series 2 is one seriously beautiful controller. Almost everything about it has been designed to just scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the previous version rather than a revolution, but it’s got everything we loved about the original Elite, plus everything the competition has added to their high-end pads to try and compete.
It’s beautifully built, impressively responsive, and ultra-versatile too. But I’m still note sure it’s worth that hefty a price premium over the standard Xbox One controller, which is why the Elite Series 2 isn’t down as our absolute, must-have, best PC gamepad in this test. It’s the pad you might aspire to, especially if you’ve ever had one in your hands, but it’s most definitely a luxury rather than a necessity.
Read the PCGamesN Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2 review for our full verdict and score.
Pros
- All the paddles
- Built-in battery
- High build quality
Cons
- Premium price point
- Black aesthetic isn’t as exciting
6. Nacon Revolution Unlimited
The best hybrid PC controller is the Nacon Revolution Unlimited.
Expect to pay $78 USD/ £79.99 GBP.
Many companies have tried to match the quality of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, but very few have managed to nail its mix of serious build quality and ultra customisation. But Nacon’s pad succeeds in both and also manages to mix both the excellent PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical layout.
The only issue is the software. It refuses to connect unless you’re wired in and some of its wordless iconry is borderline impenetrable. But there are a whole host of customisation options buried in there if you really want to go deep.
Read the PCGamesN Nacon Revolution Unlimited review for our full verdict and score.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Asymmetrical layout
- Excellent thumbsticks
Cons
- D-pad isn’t the best
- Software is finicky
7. Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma
The best RGB PC controller is the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma.
Expect to pay $89 USD/ £95 GBP
The Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma is probably the flashiest gamepad on this list. Signature Chroma RGB lighting helps the controller stand out from the crowd, and it’ll look great both at LAN and on your desk
The Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma is undeniably a looker, but it balances both style and substance. Microswitches help the pad’s buttons feel responsive and satisfying, while adjustable hair triggers will help you land shots in the best FPS games.
Just like other PC gamepads on this list, Razer’s light show controller comes with a premium price tag attached. If you’re looking for tournament-grade quality and extra visual flair, you might want to invest in this pad. However, if less-than-stellar D-pads tend to upset you, we’d suggest looking elsewhere.
Pros
- Clicky as heck
- RGB!
- Plenty of added functionality
Cons
- Not the best D-pad
- Expensive
8. Thrustmaster Warthog
The best flight stick is the Thrustmaster Warthog.
Expect to pay $549,99 USD/ £429.99 GBP.
Thrustmaster’s Warthog flight stick is a replica of the controllers in the classic A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the same military-grade materials, and probably only slightly cheaper than a second-hand plane. Yes, the Warthog is frighteningly expensive, but if you’re already looking to pick up one of the best PC flight sticks then you’ve probably got pretty niche tastes – and this is the best way to satisfy them.
The Warthog has been around for a while now, but it’s still the best joystick for PC. It’s pricey, but still manages to feel worth it when you’re hurtling through an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and reducing their ship to tiny bits of melty scrap.
That said, we’re still keen to see what Logitech does with the Saitek brand in the future and whether it will offer some serious competition to the Warthog.
Pros
- Satisfying clicky switches
- Chunky (it’s a good thing)
- Fantastic throttle action
Cons
- Super expensive
- No stick twist support
9. Turtle Beach VelocityOne
The best flight yoke is the Turtle Beach VelocityOne.
Expect to pay $379.99 USD/ £299.99 GBP
Turtle Beach built its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in mind, but it still offers tremendous value for PC players. At this price, you’d expect a lot, and you do indeed get a lot for your money.
The Velocityone features an authentic 180-degree yoke handle rotation that pushes and pulls for ascending and descending respectively, ten programmable buttons, swappable lever handles, and a built-in display you can use to customise virtually everything about this device.
It’s designed specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator and offers more functionality than most, but still works fine with plenty of other flight games like Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Dangerous. Like most yokes, it’s quite a bit larger than a joystick and you will need to clear space on your gaming desk to piece it together, but it’s easy to set up, makes gaming feel like an event, and comes to life when the RGB lighting starts to shine.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Authentic
- Unlimited profiles
Cons
- Temperamental menu controls
- High price
- Slightly cheaper feel
10. Fanatec Clubsport
The best PC racing wheel is the Fanatec Clubsport.
Expect to pay $799 USD/ £700 GBP
So, yeah… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the price of a powerful gaming PC, but it’s also the stuff of gaming peripheral dreams – and it’s all down to just how beautifully designed, created, and finished the Clubsport kit is. If you don’t go for one of the preconfigured bundles you’ll have to create your own, picking and choosing from a very long list of goodies.
The main wheelbase is the same across the board, but then you can fit different steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals into the mix. And they’re all built out of solid lumps of metal and precision-engineered components. The Fanatec system has hands-down the best force feedback system we’ve ever used, even down to feedback from the pedals, too.
Pros
- Incredible force feedback
- Modular
- Precision engineered
Cons
- Costs as much as a gaming PC
- Wheel and pedals are sold separately
11. Thrustmaster TMX
The best budget PC racing wheel is the Thrustmaster TMX.
Expect to pay $249 USD/ £132.99 GBP
Most people aren’t going to blow a four-figure sum on a racing wheel – if you are then bully for you – and a perfect budget option that will still give you a pretty realistic driving experience is Thrustmaster’s TMX wheel. You don’t really want to go for anything cheaper, as here you get force feedback and 900-degree wheel rotation, the same as a real car – compared to some budget wheels which may only have 180-degree rotation.
The TMX uses belt-driven technology as opposed to the inferior gear-driven tech for its force feedback, giving you a smoother, less notchy feel when going through the motions. The brake and throttle pedals are adjustable by angle to suit your seating position, and the brake pedal gets progressively harder as you stamp on it, for a little added realism.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Full 900-degree rotation
- Solid build
Cons
- Lower quality
- Steering could be smoother
| Thrustmaster TMX specs | |
| Rotation | 900° |
| Buttons | 12 |
| Pedals | 2 |
| Adjustable pedals | Yes |
