Best PS4 controllers you can buy in 2021

(Image credit: Sony)

The PS4 is still a hugely popular console and finding the best PS4 controllers to go with it can give you an edge over just sticking with the same model that comes with the console - although there are some fantastic color options too. for the trusty Dualshock.

The follow-up

PS5 inventory

being so difficult anyway, many of you might not be quite ready to say goodbye to the PlayStation 4 just yet.

really

all finished on our

best ps4 games

listing? Exactly.

Maybe you've worn out the rubber thumbsticks on your current PS4 controller, or are tired of slipping triggers, or are just looking for a better way to play like a pro. Whatever your reasoning, we've gone through all the possibilities to round up only the best PS4 controllers worthy of your consideration, as it's one of the most essential PS4 accessories around.

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Sure, most gamers have become familiar with Sony's official Dualshock 4 controller in the years since the PS4 was released, but just because it's official doesn't mean it's ideal, for example, for tournaments or professional Twitch streamers. The list below features a healthy mix of the best PS4 controllers suitable for all sorts of purposes and occasions. Plus, all are listed at the lowest price available.

When determining which PS4 controller is best for you, keep in mind its functionality, comfort, battery life, and overall design. Luckily, we're about to cover all of these factors in detail in our list of the best PS4 controllers you can buy.

Best PS4 Controllers

(Image credit: Sony)< /p>

1.Sony DualShock 4

The best PS4 controller for most gamers

Classic design

Seamless Connection

Ergonomic to hold

It should go without saying, but one of the best PS4 controllers is actually the one you get right out of the box: the Dualshock 4. A faithful continuation of previous Dualshock controller designs, this fourth iteration has also sprinkled in a few new features that have since become synonymous with the PS4 console itself. The central touchpad, for example, makes viewing the map easier in most games, and sharing captured screenshots and recordings can be done instantly with the dedicated Share button that replaces the previous select button.

Design-wise, the Dualshock 4 controller doesn't disappoint either. It's beefy and stiff to deal with a good amount of hard pimple mash, but just as thin enough that holding it never gets uncomfortable. Typically, the Dualshock 4 will last up to 8 hours from a full charge, which might not be the most generous but enough to keep you going during those extended gaming sessions. Picking up a new Dualshock 4 controller also means you're spoiled for choice when it comes to patterns and colors. Those who don't want to go with the standard Jet Black can choose from Wave Blue, Glacier White, and even Sunset Orange. There are plenty of reasons to love the Dualshock 4, easily making it one of the best PS4 controllers. and yes, it will also work on the new PS5, but only for PS4 games.

(Image credit: Nacon)

2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited

The best custom wireless PS4 controller

High customization

A good weight

True D-8-way pad

Software takes time to learn

You can always count on Nacon for excellent build quality, but in the

Nacon Revolution Unlimited

the third-party accessory specialist has outdone itself. What makes it one of the best PS4 controllers is its incredibly flexible functionality, which gives gamers the ability to play wired or wireless, change the controller's joystick using the supplied interchangeable heads, and map their favorite commands on no less than 4 configurable shortcut buttons. Add a real 8-way D-pad and the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro PS4 Controller is a professional eSports gamer's dream.

The most noticeable difference between the Nacon Revolution Unlimited and what most PS4 gamers are used to is its analog stick placement. They're no longer located directly apart from each other symmetrically, instead opting for the classic offset design you'll likely find while playing Xbox One. This is a huge boon for players who find this setup more natural to interact with. While not a game-changer, another nice touch is the inclusion of LED light indicators by Nacon Revolution Unlimited, which supplants the standard Dualshock 4 lightbar to let players know the status of factors. important in the game (like health) and easily notify you whenever the power is low.

3. Razer Raiju Tournament

The Best PS4 eSports Programmable Controller

Ergonomic design and premium feel

Touch control

Easy companion app p>

On the expensive side

PS4 gamers looking for a competitive edge should definitely consider the

Razer Raiju Tournament Edition Controller

, which launches itself squarely as a premium eSports solution. Not only does it offer a nice weight and build quality to help relay that premium feel, but it also gives gamers a suite of programmable options through the corresponding Razer app. Simply sync the app with the controller via Bluetooth and off you go, able to change the function of each button as you see fit and even adjust the level of rumble on either side of the gamepad. In terms of the best controllers PS4 for absolute versatility, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition certainly deserves its place.

The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition also succeeds from a pure design standpoint, again different from the traditional Dualshock 4 by featuring offset analog sticks and face buttons that provide extremely tactile feedback. Yet the design also represents the best of both worlds, as evidenced by the split D-pad and the emphasis on the central touchpad, which is bordered by RGB lighting to really add pizzazz. Finding that balance between eSports gear and functionality makes the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition one of the best PS4 controllers on the market.

(Image credit: Sony)

4. Nacon Asymmetrical Wireless

Best PS4 controller with asymmetrical thumbsticks

Extremely comfortable

PS4 and Xbox One elements mixed together

Asymmetrical sticks p>

Requires USB dongle

Other entries on this list may try to distance themselves from the classic Dualshock 4 design, but in its

Asymmetrical wireless controller

xbox one controllers

.

It makes our list of best PS4 controllers largely because of how well it fulfills that, admittedly. niche gap so well, while still retaining the convenience that comes from wireless gaming and working nearly identically to the traditional Dualshock 4. The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller may be a bit plumber than its direct influence, but even that gives it a satisfying sense any pious PS4 gamer will come to appreciate. It also helps that the controller is priced competitively against other third-party PS4 gamepad options.

Note: This controller is not generally available in the United States.

(Image credit: Thrustmaster)

5. Thrustmaster eSwap Pro

Best PS4 controller for quick customization

Simple and easy module exchange

Back touch control

Excellent build quality p>

Unusual aesthetic design

Despite being best known for developing some of the

best racing wheels

, Thrustmaster tried for the first time to supplant the Dualshock 4 controller is also one of the best. This is largely down to how it handles customization, which allows players to swap out different button modules based on their functional or aesthetic preferences. There is also a suite of additional configurable buttons located on the backplate of the eSwap Pro - perfect for tournament players looking for a competitive edge. There are four in total, and rather than opting for the traditional paddles you see with most eSports controllers, Thrustmaster's are more like face buttons and therefore harder to press by mistake.

After tweaking with the eSwap Pro mods is enough to find your perfect layout, it's easy and comfortable to set up for extended gaming sessions. Button presses, for example, offer a tactile feel and satisfying feedback like any esports-centric controller should, while textured grips on either side of the gamepad ensure you're still in control. things in the heat of competition. Even better, these grips, just like the analog sticks and the D-pad, can be replaced entirely with an alternative option. Only the best PS4 controllers offer such flexibility, and the

Thrustmaster eSwap Pro

is one of them.

Whether you play on PS4 or one of the newer consoles, our

guide to the best gaming tvs

worth a visit for sure. Don't neglect your audio experience either, as we have some great options in our

guide to the best PS4 headsets

.

Aaron Potter

Often considering himself the biggest Timesplitters fan in the world, Aaron is a freelancer who finally got over that obsession enough to try other games and occasionally write about them.

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