Best PlayStation 5 Controllers: Buying Guide

Last update: April 15th 2024
best PS5 controllers

If you're looking for expert advice on the best PS5 controllers and want to know which models are compatible with this console and have the best prices on the market, stay tuned for our buying guide.

We have a clear preference for the Sony DualSense wireless controller , not only for its numerous features and efficiency, but also for its attractive price-performance ratio . It's the official controller with the best features you can currently find.

Razer also has a couple of excellent controllers that feature extra buttons, multiple configuration profiles, and trigger stops.

There are also third-party controller options that work very well with only one type of game in mind: fighting games.

If you want to get one of the best PS5 accessories to play with friends at home and you don't know which one to choose, here are the best PS5 controllers.

Official PlayStation 5 controllers

After showing you the 5 best controllers for PS5, we'll tell you what happens with the controllers from the previous console, the PS4, whether they're compatible or not, and which ones you could use. However, with the new features included in the PS5 controllers, we definitely recommend one of these.

PlayStation 5 Dual Sense

PlayStation 5 Dual Sense

The DualSense is the official controller for the PS5 . It's slightly larger than the DualShock 4 and features enhanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing an immersive experience that lets you feel every shot, special ability, punch, or slide like never before.

It's also the only controller currently capable of playing full PS5 games. Other features include a built-in microphone for chatting with friends online and the ability to connect a headset to the 3,5mm port. Voice capture can also be easily disabled at any time with the dedicated mute button.

Technical Specifications:

SpecificationDetail
Weight281 grams
Dimensions160mm x 66mm x 106mm
ConnectionBluetooth 5.1, USB-C
Battery1560mAh (built-in)
AutonomyUp to 12 hours (depending on feature usage)
Loading timeAbout 3 hours
ButtonsAction, Direction, Triggers (L2, R2), Adaptive Triggers, Touch Buttons
FeedbackHaptic vibration, Adaptive triggers
AudioBuilt-in speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack, Built-in microphone
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope
Touch panelCapacitive with haptic feedback
Light indicatorLED light bar
CompatibilityPlayStation 5, PC (with limitations)
ColorBlanco

PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge

PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge

The main difference between the DualSense and this year's Edge version, aside from its price, lies in its design. This DualSense Edge is mostly white but has a black touchpad.

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On the back, we find two (replaceable) paddle buttons that we can use to assign additional controls. Another nice touch is that we can quickly change the button configuration and save it to different profiles so we can switch on the fly.

It's also important to know that, should you ever need to make a future repair, this DualSense Edge features removable and replaceable analog stick units.

Technical specifications:

SpecificationDetail
CompatibilityPS5
ConnectivityWireless
Personalization.Interchangeable buttons and joysticks
ProfilesCustomizable controls
BatteryReduced duration
DimensionsSmaller than the standard Dualsense
CableThree-meter USB-C
Accessories includedCase, additional mushrooms, rear levers
ColorBlanco

Fighting Commander OCTA

Fighting Commander OCTA

Finally, the Fighting Commander OCTA is an official PS5 controller specifically designed for 2D fighting games. Its features include mechanical Micro Switch buttons and a short-travel analog stick with an octagonal restrictor for increased speed and precision.

It's also PC-compatible, very easy to set up, and you can use up to four different profiles.

Technical specifications:

SpecificationDetail
Consumer Relations PlatformPS5/PS4/PC
Controller typeSpecialized for fighting games and 2D titles
ConnectionWired
Customizable buttonsYes
Sensitivity adjustmentYes, on the crosshead
Button layoutErgonomic layout for fighting games
CompatibilityPS5, PS4 and PC

Best compatible PS5 controllers

Scuf Reflex Pro

The SCUF Reflex Pro for PS5 has earned its reputation as one of the most advanced and adaptable controllers on the market, giving serious gamers a competitive edge thanks to its customization and ergonomic design. Its sturdy construction and the ability to modify components make it a long-term investment for those looking for more than just a standard controller.

If you want to know more details about it, don't miss our review of the SCUF Reflex Pro on Guíahardware.

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Technical Specifications:

SpecificationDetail
CompatibilityPlayStation 5, Windows 7 or higher, MacOS Catalina+, iOS 10 and Android
ConnectivityWireless, Bluetooth
Personalization.Interchangeable sticks, adjustable triggers
Programmable buttons4 rear buttons
MaterialsHeavy duty plastic, rubber grips
BatteryRechargeable, extended life
Available ColoursVarious, with customization options
Tactile feedbackHigh sensitivity and haptic feedback
WeightAdjustable with interchangeable weights
Personalization softwareYes, through the SCUF app
Price249,99 Euros

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

The next controller for PS5 is the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, featuring a 6-button reprogrammable design. The buttons are optimally spaced and positioned to accommodate both standard and claw grip styles.

It also features an 8-way D-pad for precise diagonal input and allows for clean combo execution in competitive fighting games.

Another important feature is the integrated competition mode which allows the deactivation of additional buttons through its app to prevent strange inputs during tournament play with the built-in button lock function.

Finally, we'd like to highlight its RGB customization option, which you can control via the Razer Controller app for iOS and Android.

Thrustmaster – eSwap Pro Controller

Thrustmaster – eSwap Pro Controller

If we had to highlight 3 main points of this PS5 controller, they would be, firstly, the T-MOD technology and the Hot Swap function that allow you to swap one module with any other, at any time during the game.

Secondly, the extremely precise action modules and buttons for minimal response times, thanks to durable and highly responsive tactile switches, guarantee a long lifespan.

Finally, it's worth noting that they feature four additional rear buttons , ergonomically designed and remappable. These allow you to adjust the trigger sensitivity and switch between two different presets in real time for instant adaptability.

Which PS5 controller is best?

Without a doubt, we can say that the DualSense is the best controller for fully enjoying our PS5 games. Many of them are designed with the DualSense's customizable features in mind, making it the best controller for PS5.

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If you're looking to move away from the official versions, we recommend the Razer Raion range as the best alternative. This is all taking into account that you don't want to keep and connect your old PS4 controller to the new console.

How to choose the best PS5 controller

But beyond the official details, there are some tips to keep in mind when choosing the best PS5 controllers.

Control type

If you're thinking about buying a controller for your PS5, there are several things to consider. First, what type of controller do you want? Depending on the games you play, you can get a regular controller or upgrade to more specialized types, such as a racing wheel or a flight stick.

A racing wheel allows you to drive with a sense of authentic reality. Some models even include vibration and vibration characteristics that perfectly represent different moments.

You can also opt for a flight stick if you like playing flight simulators, and a fight stick or fight pad if you like playing 2D-style games. For that, we've listed the Fighting Commander OCTA as the best option.

Backward compatibility

Backwards compatibility is the ability to play games from older consoles, like the PS4. You can use your PS5 DualSense controller to play older games, but you can also use a PS4 DualShock controller to play backwards compatibility-compatible games and PSVR games.

Design

This is one of the most important considerations when looking for a PS5 controller. The DualSense controller's black and white dual-tone design with blue accents is stunning, but you can choose from thousands of custom skins and accessories to add style to your controller and gaming setup.

What is a deadzone on a joystick?

Can I use a PS4 controller on PS5?

The answer is yes, but in a limited way . That is, you can use a PS4 controller on your new PS5, but only to play PS4 games . You can't use, for example, the DualShock 4 to play PS5-specific games.

In fact, if you try, you'll see a warning on the screen saying "PS5 games cannot be played with DUALSHOCK 4." That's why we recommend you buy the new DualShock 5 to take advantage of all the benefits and advancements of this new controller.

best controllers for PS5

How to use PS4 controller on PS5?

Setting up a PS4 controller on a PS5 is really easy. All you need to do is connect it to the PS5 using the charging cable.

  1. The next-gen PS4 pad uses a microUSB cable, so you can't use the PS5 DualSense cable. Find a microUSB cable and plug it into one of your PS5's USB ports.
  2. Plug in the microUSB connector at the top of your DualShock 4 controller.
  3. Press and hold the PlayStation button in the middle of the DualShock 4 pad until the light flashes. If it worked, the PS5 should ask you who's using the gamepad.

The PS4 pad has now been paired with the PS5, and you shouldn't need to follow this step again. You can even turn on the PS5 by holding down the PlayStation button, just like you would with a DualSense pad.

Final conclusions

If you already have everything you need to play with friends on your PS5 , you might also be looking for other accessories to get the most out of the console. In that case, we recommend checking out the best gaming headsets on the market, many of which are compatible with PS5.