The 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 came with the console - although there are also options for fantastic colors for the faithful Dualshock.
With tracking
Stock PS5
being so difficult anyway, many of you might not be quite ready to say goodbye to the PlayStation 4 yet.
really
all finished on our
best ps4 games
list? Exactly.
Maybe you've worn out the thumbstick rubber on your current PS4 controller, or are tired of slipping triggers, or just looking for a better way to play like a pro. Whatever your reasoning, we've gone through review all the possibilities to collect only the best PS4 controllers worthy of your attention, because it is one of the most essential.
PS4 Accessories
.
Of course, most gamers will have become familiar with Sony's official Dualshock 4 controller in the years since the release of the PS4, 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 right for you, it's worth keeping in mind its functionality, comfort, battery life, and overall design. Luckily, we're about to cover all of these factors in depth in our list of the best PS4 controllers you can buy.
Best PS4 Controllers
(Image credit: Sony)
1.Sony DualShock 4
The best PS4 controller for most gamers
Classic design
Seamless Connection
Ergonomic to hold
Balanced analog sticks
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 it easier to view the map in most games, and sharing captured screenshots and recordings can be done instantly thanks to the dedicated Share button that replaces the previous selection button.
Design-wise, the Dualshock 4 controller doesn't disappoint either. It's beefy and stiff to deal with a fair amount of hard button mash, but just as thin enough that holding it never gets uncomfortable. Typically, the Dualshock 4 will last up to 8 hours after a full charge, which may not be the most generous but enough to get you through those extended gaming sessions. Choosing a new Dualshock 4 controller also means that 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. love the Dualshock 4, which easily makes 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 Unlimited Revolution
The best custom wireless PS4 controller
Highly customizable
A nice weight
True 8-way D-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 themselves. What makes it one of the best PS4 controllers is its incredibly flexible functionality, which gives gamers the ability to play wired or wirelessly, modify the controller's joystick to using the supplied interchangeable heads and map their favorite controls to no less than 4 configurable shortcut buttons. Add a real 8-way D-pad and the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro PS4 controller is every professional eSport gamer's dream .
The most noticeable difference between the Nacon Revolution Unlimited and most PS4 gamers is its location on the analog stick. you'll likely find while playing Xbox One. It's a huge boon for gamers who find this setup more natural to interact with. While this isn't a game-changer, another nice touch is the inclusion of LED lighting by Nacon Revolution Unlimited, which replaces the standard Dualshock 4 lightbar to let gamers know the status of important in-game factors (like health) and easily notify you whenever power is low.
3. Razer Raiju Tournament
The Best PS4 eSports Programmable Controller
Ergonomic design and premium feel
Touch button feedback
Easy companion app
On the expensive side
PS4 gamers looking for a competitive edge should definitely consider the
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition Controller
, which bills itself 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 away 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. best PS4 controllers 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. worlds, as evidenced by the split D-pad and emphasis on the central touchpad, which is bordered by RGB lighting to really add pizzazz. By striking that balance between eSports gear and practicality, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition is one of the best PS4 controllers on the market.
(Image credit: Sony)
4. Wireless Asymmetric Nacon
Best PS4 controller with asymmetrical thumbsticks
Extremely comfortable
PS4 and Xbox One elements mixed together
Asymmetrical sticks
Requires a USB key
Other entries on this list may try to distance themselves from the classic Dualshock 4 design, but in its
Asymmetric wireless controller
, Nacon chose to keep things familiar – with one notable exception. You see, in this design, Nacon lovingly acknowledged the appeal that the Dualshock 4 offers to so many gamers via its ergonomic design, the only real major difference being that the gamepad's analog sticks are, you guessed it, asymmetrical. This is especially useful for those who find the traditional PS4 controller layout weirdly off-putting. Definitely worth considering if you prefer the
Xbox One Controllers
.
It made it to our list of the best PS4 controllers in large part because of how well it bridges that niche gap, while still maintaining the convenience of wireless gaming and operating almost the same as the traditional Dualshock 4. The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller might be a little plumber than its direct influence, but even that gives it a satisfying sense of heft that any avid PS4 gamer will appreciate.It also helps that the controller is priced competitively against other options. third-party PS4 gamepads.
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
Touch button feedback
Great build quality
Unusual aesthetic design
Although he is primarily known for developing some of the
best racing wheels
around, Thrustmaster's first real attempt at supplanting the Dualshock 4 controller is also one of the best. A lot of that has to do with how it handles customization, which allows gamers to swap out different button pods depending on their functional or aesthetic preferences. There's 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 ones look more like face buttons and are therefore harder to press by mistake.
After tweaking the eSwap Pro's modules enough to find your perfect setup, it's easy and comfortable to settle in for extended gaming sessions. Button presses, for example, provide a tactile feel and sense of satisfying feedback like any esports-centric controller should, while textured grips on either side of the gamepad still keep you in control during the heat of competitive gaming. Better yet, these grips, just like the analog sticks and D-pad, can be fully replaced with an alternative option. Only the best PS4 controllers offer such flexibility, and the
Thrustmaster eSwap Pro
is one of them.
Whether you're playing on PS4 or one of the newer consoles, our
best gaming tv
guide is worth a look for sure. Don't neglect your audio experience either, as we have some great options in our
best ps4 headset
to guide.
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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