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Best PC controller 2025: the Eurogamer buyer's guide to gamepads

The best first-party and third-party controllers tested.

gamesir g7 pro
Image credit: Eurogamer
Will Judd avatar
Guide by Will Judd Deputy Tech Editor
Updated on
39 comments

Gamepads are simply the best option for a lot of PC games, thanks to their comfortable layout, analogue inputs and decades of love from game developers. Given that most console and mobile controllers also support PC, there's a wealth of options - from what we call "first-party" options made by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, to third-party models from Turtle Beach, Nacon, Scuf and more.

That can make finding the ultimate controller tough, especially if you're a lifelong PC gamer with no particular stake in the console war. To help you out - and for our own particular interests - we've tested dozens of the best gamepads on the market, sorted the wheat from the chaff, and picked out the best options for a range of budgets and gaming genres.

Best PC controller 2025

Best PC controller: Xbox Wireless Controller

microsoft official xbox series x controllers shown in black, white and blue
  • Pros: Unmatched PC game support, low-latency wireless plus Bluetooth, multiple styles
  • Cons: Rechargeable battery pack and 2.4GHz Xbox Wireless Adapter cost extra
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The best PC controller for most people is the Xbox Wireless Controller. This Xbox Series-era controller works well out of the box with the widest range of PC titles, offers wired, Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and is available in a range of colours and styles at a reasonable price. The Microsoft controller is also well made, with responsive triggers and a large, comfortable shape. It's just a great controller all-around.

However, Microsoft's pad does have its downsides. Rather than charging via a USB cable, the Xbox Series controller takes AA batteries, requiring a £20/$25 Play and Charge Kit to support USB recharging. In addition, most PCs don't support Microsoft's low-latency 2.4GHz wireless out of the box, requiring a £36/$17 adapter for a low-latency connection, though Bluetooth is available as a fall-back.

Runner-up: Sony DualSense (PS5) Controller

  • Pros: Comfortable, well-built controller with trackpad that doesn't require batteries
  • Cons: Few games have PS-style button prompts, third-party software sometimes required
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

While the Xbox Wireless Controller is our top choice, the Sony DualSense PS5 controller is another worthy option. It has great triggers, its longer-than-DualShock design fits all but the smallest hands and of course it has that symmetric design some folks prefer. It's cheaper to run than the Xbox controller too, as it can be recharged via USB-C - so no need to invest in rechargeable batteries or keep buying non-rechargeable ones. There's even a gyroscope, which is useful for playing some emulated games, and first-party Sony games on PC offer the correct button prompts - even if most games will show the Xbox ones instead.

The only minor inconvenience is that you need to install third-party software to get the controller working on Windows. Thankfully, software including DualSenseX and DS4Windows are (normally) free, easy to use and offer options not found on Xbox Accessories app. You can also use Steam's Big Picture mode, which supports the DualSense natively, for both Steam and non-Steam games.

Alternatively: Custom PS5 controllers are also available. The £230/$250 Scuf Reflex Pro is our top pick here, offering full customisation, remappable rear paddles and upgrades to triggers, thumbsticks and grip with extremely good build quality throughout. We also tested a ~$200 MegaModz DualSense with a custom shell, mechanical buttons and interchangeable thumbsticks. The controller feels fantastic to use, thanks to those mechanical upgrades, and it's nice to see a PS5 controller that looks so different from the standard colour options too.

Second runner-up: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

nintendo switch 2 accessories on a sofa, including a protective case, game storage, charger, headset and controller
Image credit: Digital Foundry
  • Pros: Slick, well-built controller with a unique feel and Nintendo layout
  • Cons: Requires some setup on PC, including third-party enabler tool; no analogue triggers; no HE or TMR tech inside
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

If you own a Switch 2, the Switch 2 Pro Controller can be worth considering as a wired PC gamepad too. It offers uniquely slick-feeling sticks, excellent button feel, solid build quality and a relatively slim form factor that suits smaller to medium-sized hands.

It's still early days for the second-gen Pro Controller on PC, but it already works well in wired mode, thanks to a community-made Enabler Tool that activates the controller via the Chrome or Edge browsers. We expect Valve will add better support in the coming weeks, but at present you need to visit the calibration section in Steam's controller settings page to bind each button, stick and trigger. Thankfully, this is a one-time affair, so it's relatively painless. You can also use these bindings outside of Steam by adding your desired title as a "Non-Steam Game".

Nintendo's prior Pro Controller worked wirelessly on PC, so there's a good chance that the new model will be fully supported on PC in the fullness of time - including its extra rear buttons and C button, which are new for this generation. That could see the new gamepad climbing up our rankings, but third place seems fair for now.

Best premium PC controller: Xbox Elite Series 2 / Elite Series 2 Core

  • Pros: Incredible customisation options, comfortable and precise with USB-C charging
  • Cons: Rechargeable battery isn't user-replaceable
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

If you're willing to spend more on your controller, Microsoft's Elite Series 2 is the best controller we've tested thus far. Its controls are tight and responsive, with clicky face buttons and a generous grippy coating that ensures a great in-hand feel. There are plenty of customisation options too - you can add four paddles to the rear, swap out the sticks for four alternative options, adjust stick sensitivity and opt for a circular eight-way d-pad. The ability to toggle between three levels of trigger sensitivity with the flip of a switch is also impressive. There's even software like ReWASD that lets you rebind the paddles to keyboard commands.

The Series 2 also improves on its predecessor with a more modern design equivalent to the most recent standard Xbox One controller, including Bluetooth connectivity, a headphone jack and USB-C charging via the included stand or a USB-C cable. The rechargeable battery used here is arguably more convenient than the previous system that used AA batteries, but it's also not user replaceable. In total though, the generational changes here are overwhelmingly positive - and you can read more in our Elite Controller Series 2 review.

The Elite Series 2 Core (see on Amazon UK/Amazon US) is a distillation of the Elite Series 2, offering the exact same core features but leaving out the extras such as the charging dock and replacement sticks. This move means that you get an extremely responsive and well-built controller for a lower price and you can pick up the accessories later if needed (see on Amazon UK/Amazon US). For someone that used the default loadout on the Elite Series 2 99 percent of the time, this release makes sense when it comes in significantly cheaper than the full-fat controller.

Best cheap PC controller: GuliKit ES Pro

gulikit es pro controller
Image credit: Eurogamer
  • Pros: Great price for a TMR wireless controller with PC, mobile and Switch 2 support
  • Cons: No 2.4GHz wireless, relatively modest 30-hour battery life
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The GuliKit ES Pro is an intriguing low-cost wireless controller, offering PC, mobile and Switch/Switch 2 support via Bluetooth - including the rare ability to actually wake Nintendo's consoles from sleep and six-axis motion controls.

The ES Pro gets its name from its pro-grade TMR joysticks, which aren't as susceptible to stick drift as traditional potentiometer-based designs. The slightly cheaper ES model uses older Hall Effect designs that are still preferable to traditional sticks, but can consume more power and feel a bit different.

Battery life on the ES Pro is rated for around 30 hours, with easy recharging via USB-C. The controller doesn't include rear paddles or short-throw triggers, but it is surprisingly customisable, either via its web software or via series of button inputs.

Overall, this is a great-feeling and powerful controller at its $30/£30 RRP.

Best TMR controller: Gamesir G7 Pro

gamesir g7 pro
Image credit: Eurogamer
  • Pros: Great value TMR controller with HE triggers, charging dock and comfy grips
  • Cons: Xbox compatibility is wired-only, while PC battery life is limited
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Gamesir G7 Pro is a powerful tri-mode controller, supporting Xbox consoles (via USB), PCs (via USB, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless at up to 1000Hz), and mobile devices (via Bluetooth). That grants the G7 Pro excellent flexibility, while its TMR sticks and lockable HE triggers allow for more accurate inputs with smaller dead zones and less potential for stick drift or other degradation over time.

The G7 Pro is the comfiest gamepad GameSir have produced, with textured Xbox Elite-style grips, clicky face buttons, and two pairs of mappable extra buttons: two on the rear, right under your fingers, and two next to the bumpers. A sizeable 1200mAh battery provides less longevity than you might think though, with the G7 Pro only lasting for around eight hours of play. Thankfully, the inclusion of a charging dock means that it's easy and convenient to ensure it's fully topped up next time you play.

For a little over twice the price of a first-party Xbox pad, the G7 Pro delivers a better overall PC experience with tighter and more durable controls, more pro-level features and a convenient dock. If you have the budget, I'd definitely go for this one.

Best Hall Effect controller: Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

razer wolverine v3 pro
Image credit: Razer
  • Pros: High-quality design with Hall Effect sticks/triggers, wired and wireless for Xbox/PC
  • Cons: Expensive, though the wired model is half-price
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is the best gamepad we've ever tested with Hall Effect sticks and triggers, a critical upgrade that allows for improved precision and hugely increased durability. These magnetic sensors don't degrade over time to the same degree that potentiometer-based sensors in traditional controllers do, and can be used without deadzones for an incredibly responsive feel.

This PC/Xbox controller boasts a huge list of other features too, with six extra buttons (four back paddles and two extra bumpers), hair triggers, low-latency 2.4GHz Hyperspeed wireless, hybrid membrane-mechanical face buttons and a huge amount of app-base customisability on Xbox and PC. There's even a tournament mode with a 1000Hz polling rate for wired play on PC. As with other premium controllers, you also get a neat carrying case with an extra-long (10-foot) cable and two replaceable thumbstick caps.

Best cheap Xbox Hall Effect controller: Gamesir G7 SE

gamesir g7 se gamepad shown in white
Image credit: Gamesir
  • Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggers, cheaper than Xbox pad, wired-only with some extra features
  • Cons: No wireless connectivity, obviously
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Gamesir G7 SE is an affordable Xbox/PC gamepad with Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers. Hall Effect sensors use magnets rather than potentiometers, so they don't wear out over time - and they don't need the huge central deadzones that traditional controllers require to keep working as they experience wear and tear, meaning Hall Effect sticks can also feel much more precise.

The G7 SE has some other great ideas too. There are convenient programmable rear buttons, which can be physically locked to prevent accidental actuation in games that they're not needed, a mic mute button, plus textured grips and triggers.

The controller is generally quite comfortable to use for most hand sizes, and the triggers, face buttons and d-pad all feel as precise as the first-party Xbox gamepad - while the sticks feel more precise, making this a net upgrade. If you're happy to prioritise longevity and durability over wireless connectivity, this is an awesome alternative to the standard Xbox controller that should last much longer.

Best value Hall Effect controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2

8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller on its dock
  • Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggers, responsive wireless connectivity, comfortable frame
  • Cons: No iOS or console compatibility
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is a surprisingly versatile Hall Effect controller that has a lot of the benefits of more expensive pro-grade options at a lower price.

It features both TMR joysticks and Hall Effect triggers, which don't physically wear out or drift over time like traditional potentiometer-based alternatives. These technologies also allow for more precision, as they don't need such a large central deadzone. TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance) joysticks are arguably the next step up from HE sensors, as they operate with lower power consumption and can also have sensitivity and linearity improvements too. The ones in the Ultimate 2 are surprisingly good for the money, with good measurements in terms of both stick resolution and linearity.

The Ultimate 2 controller felt responsive in our testing over low-latency 2.4GHz 1000Hz wireless, whether in Forza Horizon 5 or Call of Duty. Bluetooth and wired USB connectivity is also available for Android and Windows, with the latter also offering a 1000Hz polling rate that matches the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro at a much lower cost. The familiar Xbox-style layout works well, with precise-feeling face buttons, lockable triggers, programmable paddles on the underside and some pleasant RGB lighting around the thumbsticks. We also appreciated the convenient colour-matched charging dock, though it feels a bit plasticky.

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is an impressive wireless offering that comes in just a bit above the GameSir G7 SE above in terms of price, making it well worth considering - and its wide range of colour schemes is a brilliant bonus.

Best third-party PC controller: Asus ROG Raikiri Pro

an asus rog raikiri pro controller, with RGB lighting, an OLED display and a cool gamer-y appearance
Image credit: Asus
  • Pros: Great looking and best-feeling wired or wireless pad with long feature list
  • Cons: Expensive, eight-way pad not ideal for fighting, wired-only on Xbox
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

While Microsoft and Sony's long expertise with games consoles means that their controllers are the default option for many, there are also some great third-party alternatives worth considering. The Asus ROG Raikiri Pro is one of the best options, thanks to its clicky and satisfying face buttons, (optional) hair triggers and four extra rear buttons. Its modest dimensions are also comfortable for those with smaller hands, which isn't always a given.

The Raikiri Pro sports an OLED screen and RGB lighting, giving you information like battery levels and the current profile, and it can connect to PCs via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth and USB, or Xbox consoles via USB only. (I particularly like that there's room for the 2.4GHz USB dongle inside the controller - something often eschewed.) There's even an ESS DAC built in to boost audio quality for headsets plugged into the 3.5mm port, along with a button to mute the microphone. The controller can be customised in Asus' Armoury Crate app, with button remapping, trigger deadzone adjustments and animation/lighting tweaks all possible.

Beyond a long feature list that helps to explain its premium price point, the Raikiri also just feels great to use for FPS and racing games alike, though the eight-way d-pad doesn't suit fighting games particularly well and ought to have been replaceable with a four-way alternative at this price point. Still, apart from the high price, this is a solid option - and I hope we see Asus expand what can be put on the OLED screen in future, as this could become a much bigger deal than it currently is.

Most customisable PC controller: Scuf Envision Pro

corsair scuf envision pro
Image credit: Corsair
  • Pros: Extensive customisation, programmable and mechanical buttons, iCUE integration
  • Cons: Expensive for custom models, PC and Android only, no Hall Effect sticks/triggers
  • Buy: Scuf UK, Scuf US

The Scuf Envision and Scuf Envision Pro are deeply customisable PC-first controllers with iCUE compatibility and RGB lighting, courtesy of Scuf owner Corsair. The Pro model is differentiated from the cheaper amateur with 2.4GHz Slipstream wireless connectivity, adjustable 'instant' triggers and grippier handles, but both come with clicky mechanical face buttons, pop-off sticks in a symmetric PS-style layout and tons of useful extra buttons: four on the back, two on the sides and five (!) on the front.

While you can get a standard version of the controller in a perfectly pleasant grey, black and orange colour scheme, you also have access to Scuf's powerful builder tool that lets you change up almost every aspect of the controller's appearance. My dream controller is reproduced above, with an eye-catching cyberpunk-y pink/purple faceplate and contrasting bone-white face buttons, sticks, d-pad, shoulder buttons and triggers. There are 11 options here, including less cosmetic changes like alternate stick types.

Of course, there's plenty of customisation after you've got the controller in your hands too, with iCUE allowing for not just stuff like sensitivity tweaks or button mapping/remapping, but proper macros, responsive RGB lighting and multiple profiles. If you have the Pro model, you also have a choice of two sticks in the box and those customisable triggers, which can be set to short-throw for rapid binary inputs (eg shooting in an FPS) or full-throw for that traditional analogue control (eg accelerating in a racing game).

Unfortunately, the triggers and the sticks don't use longer-lasting and more accurate Hall Effect sensors, which are now starting to pop up in gamepads both budget and premium.

The greatest strength and weakness of the Envision series are that they are rare PC-centric controllers with no compatibility with consoles or even Macs, iPhones and iPads. That's a shame, but it does allow for customisation options that are rarely offered amongst PC controllers - so it's a worthy effort all the same. I'd still recommend an Xbox or PS-compatible controller if you spend any significant amount of time on consoles in addition to PC, but for PC-only players this is a standout choice that feels exceptional to use.

Runner-up customisable controller: PDP Victrix Pro BFG

pdp victrix pro bfg
Image credit: PDP
  • Pros: Swappable to PS or Xbox layouts, great build quality and interesting customisation
  • Cons: Expensive, only mid battery life, no Hall Effect sticks/buttons
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Victrix Pro BFG is another nice option if you prefer a controller you can make your own, with some novel post-purchase customisation ideas. As you can see in the image above, the left and right modules can be unscrewed with an included tiny screwdriver and removed, allowing you to swap to a PlayStation style thumbstick layout or even replace the entire right side with the "fightpad", a six face button layout optimised for Tekken, Street Fighter and the like. The fightpad is pretty special, with bigger and clickier buttons, and makes the Pro BFG worth considering for fans of the genre.

There are plenty more options too. You can adjust the trigger length, swap between different d-pads and thumbstick tops, put in different length thumbsticks, and choose between circular or octagonal gates for each thumb stick. There are also programmable rear buttons, custom profiles, built-in audio controls and a tournament mode that locks out buttons that might accidentally take you out of the game. It's a very comprehensive assortment of features and options.

The build quality here is excellent too, with satisfyingly smooth triggers and slightly tactile face buttons. The whole unit feels pleasantly robust, and the weight is well balanced too. Unlike the previous Victrix Gambit, this is a wired and wireless controller - and thus different varieties exist for Xbox and PlayStation use; both work with PC too. I think there's enough here to justify the asking price!

Bonus - Best cheap iOS/Android controller: Gamesir G8 Galileo

gamesir g8 galileo android/ios gamepad
Image credit: Gamesir
  • Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggers, comfy expandable design for USB-C phones
  • Cons: More expensive than first-party controllers, Android game compatibility patchy
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

We don't have a specific article for Android and iOS controller recommendations, so I thought I'd add one here as a little extra. The best I've tested so far isn't from Razer or SteelSeries, though I have enjoyed their work in this category, but instead from Gamesir. This company is quickly making a name for itself and their Gamesir G8 Galileo backbone-style controller is an excellent choice thanks to its Hall Effect sticks and overall comfy and convenient design.

I tested the gamepad with a Google Pixel 6 in a range of titles/services including Diablo Immortal, Xbox Cloud Gaming and some emulators and was impressed by the overall comfort of the experience. This is miles better than using the touchscreen, with responsive tactile controls in a familiar layout, yet your fingers are still close enough to tap the screen if necessary to navigate the user interface or change games.

The Hall Effect sticks worked well here, and should last for ages without the stick drift that plagues potentiometer-based controllers. There are other nice touches too, like pass-through USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone port, 5mm of extra space for phones with trendy camera bumps

The only downside I discovered is that wired controller support is a little behind support for Bluetooth controllers, so some high-profile Android games like Call of Duty Mobile were complete non-starters.

Still, there's plenty here to be getting on with with native mobile games, streaming and emulation to consider, and playing on a powerful phone with the G8 Galileo represents a viable alternative to dedicated PC handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally with a different selection of games and arguably a more portable design, though the G8 is still fairly chunky at ~215x105x50mm when fully closed.

Bonus - Best overall iOS/Android controller: Razer Kishi V3 Pro

razer kishi v3 pro
Image credit: Digital Foundry
  • Pros: TMR sticks and HE triggers, comfy expandable design for phones and small tablets
  • Cons: Expensive,
  • Buy: Amazon UK, Amazon US

The Razer Kishi V3 Pro backbone-style controller is a lovely bit of kit, adding responsive and tactile controls to a huge variety of phones and tablets, with anything up to eight inches supported. There's even an XL version that can support full-size tablets too, though it's even more unwieldy - as you'd probably expect. As well as the hardware itself, you also get access to the Razer Nexus app, which gives quick access to installed games, suggests compatible titles and allows you to adjust the controller's settings.

The overall effect is very similar to the Steam Deck or Switch 2, with thick, comfortable grips, pleasantly clicks from the face buttons and d-pad, durable Hall Effect triggers and even more advanced TMR joysticks that don't succumb to drift over time. There are three different rubber cushions inside to suit different devices, and you can use the controller without these if your phone or tablet is already in a case. There's also pass-through USB-C charging to keep your phone topped up while playing.

I tested the Kishi V3 Pro out with my OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition, and was very impressed with the feel of the controller in both mobile and streamed PC/console titles. The best use case for me was streaming Metaphor: Refantazio from my PC using Steam's game streaming (and later the community-made Sunshine/Moonlight tools which provide the option for lower-latency 120fps connections - glorious).

When I was out and about, I preferred running games locally, and the likes of Genshin Impact, Vampire Survivors and World of Tanks Blitz all worked well. However, Call of Duty Mobile required a Bluetooth controller to work, a common stumbling block for games that are seemingly built only with the likes of the Xbox Wireless Controller or DualSense in mind.

Best of the rest: other controllers we tested

turtle beach stealth ultra gamepad
Image credit: Turtle Beach

To keep our recommendations manageable, we've opted for 10 controller suggestions in the main article above. Here are some brief thoughts on the other controllers we've tested, including a few options that nearly made it into the top slots.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless: This premium controller has a lot going for it, but ultimately just barely fell short of our top recommendations. We loved its accurate and responsive Hall Effect sticks and tactile micro switch face/shoulder buttons, and the ability to change your settings on the fly using the built-in screen is incredibly handy. However, the controller's build quality feels a bit low for the price point, and battery life isn't exceptional either at a rated 30 hours. You do at least get a very handy dock for drop-on recharging, which has a place to plug in the controller's wireless dongle - perfect for PC. The rear buttons here are a bit of a mixed bag too, with a nice click but relatively little travel - and I couldn't reach the P2 and P3 buttons with my usual grip style. This has dropped as low as £139, where it's a genuine contender, but at its current £179/$200 at the time of writing it's just too expensive.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro: A premium wireless PlayStation 5 and PC gamepad with Hall Effect sticks and triggers, the R5P is solidly constructed with a long feature list - but it is a bit limited on PS5, where it doesn't support adaptive triggers and rumble and can't turn the console on due to Sony restrictions. The controller is heavy and wide, making it best suited for medium to large hand sizes, but still feels balanced and comfortable. Overall, a decent option that's largely held back by a top-tier price (£159/$199) that demands perfection.

Thrustmaster Eswap X2: This is another strong controller when it comes to customisation, with hot-swappable components - you can freely swap the position of each stick and the d-pad. As with earlier Eswap iterations, the build quality and responsiveness here are impressive given the modular design. The buttons on this model are nice and clicky too. If you're happy with a wired pad and want something with a ton of extra features, including back buttons, this is a few price drops away from real contention. We last saw this one at £145 or $170, but click the links to check for yourself.

PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced Wired Controller: At £40/$45, this gamepad is a bit too close to the superior Microsoft controller, but at lower prices it might make sense. Going PowerA, you lose out on wireless connectivity and a tiny bit of build quality, but you gain edge and button lighting in seven colours, two programmable rear buttons and three-tier trigger locks. The trigger locks didn't work perfectly in our testing, with the most restrictive setting on both triggers resulting in different amounts of movement, but otherwise the controller delivers a reasonable gaming experience and looks good doing it. If the extra features are worthwhile for you and you're not interested in wireless connectivity, then this is a decent choice.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: This £49/$69 controller is a good first-party option with excellent battery life, but it is more expensive than many competitors, lacks analogue triggers and doesn't offer any compelling unique features beyond Switch compatibility and a cool see-through design.

So, there you have it. We will continue to evaluate new gamepads and controllers to keep our recommendations up to date, and we welcome your feedback in the comments below.