Buyer's Guide
5 Best PlayStation Controllers (April 2024)
Anytime there are choices to make, it means some options will outweigh the rest by some degree. And the concept is no different to PlayStation controllers, which, to my surprise, are actually a whopping sum out there. Each offers unique advantages that drastically affect your experience. You’ll find pros gravitate toward DualSense Edge for the ultimate means to experience PlayStation 5 games. Anything less will feel like a huge step down from the industry standard.
Meanwhile, some gamers look for style above all else. They look for the kind of complete gaming rig setup that, once you step back to admire your work, has to induce the kind of butterflies that make you smile. No matter your priority feature, we’ve compiled the best PlayStation controllers you most definitely need to be thinking about at the top of your radar.
5. AimController Custom
Day by day, gamers are opting to design their own controllers from scratch. So, while the controller itself is hand-built, you get a say in the features and parts you want for your needs. It’s the best way to modify your controller to fit your exact style. And it may even save you the additional cost of buying the parts you originally wanted down the line.
Besides its freedom to customize, AimController Custom still strives to be on par with the best when it comes to deep and immersive experiences. Specifically, when playing first-person shooters, which often get competitive—so much so that even a millisecond counts—AimController Custom makes it so your reaction time to high-stakes missions is the fastest it can be.
Furthermore, AimController Custom gives you four more remappable paddles, in addition to the usual R1, L1, X, O, Square, etc. Just by the paddle design, it’s optimally designed to feel at your fingertips. Additionally, they increase the efficiency of giving commands faster and more accurately.
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Feels comfortable
- Precise aim
Cons
- Customization can be pricey
Buy here: AimController Custom
4. PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
Sony hit a home run when they launched the PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller. It’s simply unmatched for its haptic feedback and dynamic adaptive triggers that bring games to life. Previously, the earth crumbling under your feet was restricted to one’s imagination. Now, the controller’s rumbling relays the feeling of igniting an explosion or drifting on snow. It’s magic that other controllers, like AimController Custom use DualSense as its base.
Consequently, it’d be almost customary to scoop up one for yourself, if only to experience the immersive and unparalleled gaming the DualSense has achieved. But if not for that, consider the ergonomic comfort vouched for by many gamers. You could hold the controller, play games for hours, and not feel the strain creep through your hands. Even though you cannot fully customize it, the DualSense does have customizable controls that can give you some leeway to curate your gaming sessions exactly how you like them.
Pros
- Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Customizable controls
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
Buy here: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
3. Scuf Reflex Pro
With the Scuf Reflex Pro, the engineers had one goal in mind to reduce the time it takes to win or lose a game. So, if you’re an FPS shooter, battle royale, or other quick-reaction time-based game addict, you’re in luck. The Scuf Reflex Pro’s reaction times are excellent, taking your mind off the technicalities and focusing on the game itself. What’s more? It prioritizes comfort too, meanwhile, including all the advantages you’ll find in the standard controller that comes with the console—adaptive triggers and haptic feedback inclusive.
But that means that opting for the Scuf Reflex Pro expands your horizons beyond the standard functionality. Precisely, it adds remappable paddles for more inputs. Plus, you have the freedom to choose from a wide assortment of colors.
Pros
- Has all the Dualsense features
- High quality
- Steady grip
Cons
- Can be pricey
Buy here: Scuf Reflex Pro
2. PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Sony has always been keen on innovation and improvement. So, it’s no surprise that even beyond their already competitive DualSense, they have yet another new PS5 controller in store. The PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller may very well cater to every gamer’s taste, thanks to its freedom to customize to your liking. At the basic level, it offers comfort over long gaming sessions. You enjoy haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that truly immerse you in a game.
But beyond DualSense’s advantages, the DualSense Edge offers additional control options for hardcore gamers at heart. It’s the higher-end option, or ‘pro’ version of the already excellent DualSense that gamers looking for an upgrade can consider. However, do keep an eye on the price tag, as the upgrade comes with its own hefty charge attached.
Pros
- Programmable buttons
- Swappable parts
- Very responsive
Cons
- An even shorter battery life than DualSense
Buy here: PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
1. Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is an excellent choice for either PC or PS5. Particularly for its longer-lasting battery life than the DualSense Edge, at up to 28 hours of battery life. But besides that, it offers far more options for customization, with up to six programmable buttons and four remappable paddles. Its grip feels sturdy and comfortable to hold. Additionally, it looks pretty slick and feels premium, with a high-quality finish.
Performance-wise, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro outshines most controllers, with smooth, precise motion and seamless click feedback, perfect for competitive players. It also has an excellent directional D-pad, perfect for playing FPS shooter games. Unfortunately, for its speedy and consistent experience, there's a pricey tag attached to it. However, its benefits far outweigh the downsides, especially for gamers dedicated to the competitive scene.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Impressive battery life
- Fantastic grip
Cons
- No haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
Buy here: Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best PlayStation controllers? Are there more PlayStation controllers we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.
Evans I. Karanja is a freelance writer who loves to write about anything technology. He is always on the lookout for interesting topics, and enjoys writing about video games, cryptocurrency and blockchain and more. When not writing, he can be found playing video games or watching F1.