The Best PlayStation 4 Controllers
The Sony Playstation has been renowned for its gaming experience and its groundbreaking controllers ever since its inception. With the arrival of the Playstation 4, Sony upped the ante and delivered a knockout controller with their DualShock 4. It's still regarded by many as one of the most comfortable controllers to game with. For more awesome PS4 controllers, you'll want to check out our curated list. Read on below to find out more.
What to Look For
In order to create a proper list of the best PS4 controllers, we did some research, looking at the following: ergonomics, style, and features. For example, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro is the most feature-rich controller on our list, and it has hot-swappable joysticks and caps, programmable back buttons, and more. For a beautifully styled controller that has probably the best ergonomics, we turn to FXH and their wireless PS4 controller. It’s modeled after the PS5’s DualSense controller and feels just as luxurious. Your best PS4 controller adventure continues below, so keep scrolling to discover more about them.
Playstation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
The original king of inputs
Sony revolutionized the gaming world with their original Dualshock for the first Playstation console. The design has been slowly updated over the years leading up to the Dualshock 4 controller, which takes the ergonomics and features to a new level. The thumbsticks have been coated with a super-grippy texture, and there’s even a touchpad in the middle which can act as a mousepad. All-in-all, this is still one of the best controllers ever made in terms of ergonomics and build quality.
Pros:
- This controller doesn’t feel too light or heavy. Instead, it feels comfortable in the hands, with enough heft, so it doesn’t feel cheap.
- Latency is practically zero. You won’t notice any input lag.
Cons:
- It’s still a bit pricey compared to some third-party controllers on the market.
SZDILONG Wireless Controller for PS4 Gamepad
Frag in style
Official PS4 controllers are great but a bit expensive. If you’re looking for something of similar quality but more affordable, this controller might interest you. It feels and looks much like the official DualShock 4, and it has all of the same features: rumble, touchpad, speaker, microphone, and pressure-sensitive buttons and triggers. It also can connect to your PC or other Bluetooth devices. At such an affordable price, it’s hard to pass up this excellent PS4 controller.
Pros:
- The joysticks and buttons feel just like the original DualShock 4.
- It doesn’t feel cheap, and it’s robust and well-crafted for a solid feeling.
Cons:
- The joystick tops are a bit less grippy than the Sony versions.
Akvwj Wireless Controller Compatible with PS4 Slim and Pro
If you like to stand out with your controller, this might be the one for you. It’s almost identical to the standard DualShock four controller, with high-quality joysticks and buttons. Except this controller has been highly stylized with a super cool print. The face buttons have also been restyled for a unique look. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with this third-party PS4 controller. It looks cool and plays PS4 games perfectly — what more could you ask for?
Pros:
- It feels just like a DualShock 4 controller, with grippy triggers and joysticks. It’s just as well-built as official controllers but at a fraction of the price.
- The headphone jack accepts any standard 3.5mm headphones, headsets, or microphones.
Cons:
- The triggers might be a bit clicky for some gamers.
NACON Revolution Unlimited Pro V3 PS4 Controller
Hardcore mode activated
If you’re a serious, hardcore gamer that wants to play at the peak of their game, you might want to check out this controller. For one, it’s built with a higher standard of precision than most Playstation 4 controllers. And unlike every other controller on the market, you can customize this one for your playstyle. The joystick caps can be swapped out. Not only that, but the actual height of the joysticks can also be customized. For truly advanced maneuvers, there are back paddles that can be mapped to any button. So if you want to jump or crouch while keeping your thumbs on the analog sticks themselves, now you can.
Pros:
- The larger shape of this controller feels comfortable to hold, and it’s designed thoughtfully.
- The Bluetooth receiver can be plugged into a PC for instant controller connection.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricey, although we think that with its quality and extra features it’s worth the price.
FXH Wireless PS4 Controller with Highly Sensitive Buttons
Molded for your hands
One could almost think this pro controller is a DualSense controller for PS5. But it is, in fact, a high-class PS4 controller with updated ergonomics and texture. This wireless controller from FXH uses artificial leather in the handles for a premium feel. The buttons are responsive and have a great feel to them — not too clicky and sharp, yet not too mushy and soft. We’d expect a controller of this quality to cost a lot more, so at this price, it’s practically a steal.
Pros:
- This uses USB-C instead of micro-USB for charging and wired connectivity.
- The D-pad is fantastic and feels just like a DualSense controller’s D-pad, and it’s responsive and can be rocked quickly.
Cons:
- The turbo button takes the place of the mute button here, so you might need to get used to that if you’re used to regular PS4 controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the “DualShock” controller?
The original DualShock for Playstion was called that because it was the first controller to have two rumble motors, one on each side. The “shock” refers to this rumble, which was a huge deal at the time, and has since become an expected standard in gaming controllers.
Can I use PS4 controllers on PC?
For the most part, yes, PS4 controllers will work on PC. The official ones from Sony certainly will, and most third-party options will also work fine. They use Bluetooth, so it’s just a matter of pairing the controller to your device.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.