Analyzing the Top PS5 Controller of 2024

PlayStation’s DualSense controller is great, but it isn’t the only great option for PS5 owners. From competitive PS5 controllers to racing wheels and fight sticks, here are the best PlayStation controllers in 2024.

By Steven Petite, Brendan Hesse, and Jon Bitner on April 3, 2024 at 4:37PM PDT

Best PS5 controller

DualSense Wireless Controller

Best Pro-style PS5 controller (Tie)

DualSense Edge

Best Pro-style PS5 controller (Tie)

Victrix Pro BFG

Best PS5 fight stick (tie)

Victrix Pro FS-12

Best PS5 fight stick (tie)

Razer Kitsune

Best PS5 racing wheel

Logitech G923

Best PS5 flight stick

Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4

Best for streaming movies and TV on PS5

PlayStation Media Remote

Best For Remote Play

PlayStation Portal

Best For Budget Remote Play

Backbone One (2nd Gen)

While the PlayStation 5 has many great features, one of the best is its DualSense controller. The latest iteration of Sony’s gamepad is not only comfortable to hold, it also packs tons of innovative features that boost immersion while playing. For a long time, the DualSense was the only PS5 controller worth recommending, but in 2024, PS5 users finally have a few more options, including the long-awaited DualSense Edge, PlayStation’s first-party pro controller. The DualSense Edge isn’t the only competitive controller worthy of being deemed one of the best PS5 controllers. PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG, an officially licensed controller with a similar focus, is a strong competitor that offers different features that may appeal to you.

Whether you’re looking for the best PS5 controller for general use (spoiler: It’s the DualSense) or options for fighting games, racing games, and streaming Netflix, there are a handful of great controllers we recommend using with the PS5 from reliable brands like Logitech, Razer, and Thrustmaster. And of course, we’re taking a look at the growing lineup of competitive controllers that give PS5 users more customization features.

For more recommendations, see the best Switch controllers and best Xbox controllers for 2024.

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The DualSense is comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions and has slightly longer sides with curved back triggers for a grip that gently supports your hands and index fingers. It’s a major improvement over the DualShock 4 in terms of ergonomics.

In addition to just being a great-feeling controller, the PS5 DualSense wireless controller features haptic feedback, which, in plain terms, is just a fancy vibration feature-, but it feels great when playing games that implement it well, such as Astro’s Playroom and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Adaptive triggers on the L2 and R2 buttons also provide realistic tension based on different situations, like the feeling of pulling back a bowstring or switching between different guns. The DualSense wireless controller has a built-in microphone for online play, and as with the DualShock 4, there’s a 3.5mm jack to directly plug in your PS5 headset for hearing other online players or just enjoying game audio.

The PS5 comes with a single DualSense controller. However, if you’re purchasing an extra PS5 controller, it’s a useful strategy to also acquire a second DualSense controller. This can be handy for whenever the first one is recharging, or for playing local multiplayer games. You might also want to consider getting the official for this same reason. The DualSense is available in an array of colors, which encompass white, Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Galactic Purple, Nova Pink, and Skylight Blue. The white and Midnight Black models are priced at $70, while the remaining color options are priced at $75 each.

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The standard DualSense is our favorite PS5 controller, so it’s not surprising that the enhanced DualSense Edge would snag the title for best Pro-style controller. It encompasses everything the standard DualSense comprises, but also introduces a plethora of customization features, such as exchangeable analog sticks and mappable back buttons.

But Sony didn’t stop there. You’ll also enjoy the perks of multiple gamepad profiles, adjustable triggers, customizable dead zones, and the choice to set up your analog sensitivities. Combine this with the usual range of haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and an in-built microphone, and it’s clear to see why the Edge marks a successful entry into the high-end controller market for PlayStation.

Yes, you’ll have to shell out quite a bit more for the Edge compared to a standard gaming controller. Its price point of $200 places it on par with many other pro-style gamepads on the market. But when you consider its vast array of features and Sony’s reputation for quality, you’ll realize few rivals can keep pace with its performance.

Read our DualSense Edge review.

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Though the DualSense Edge will be the best pick for those who already love the look, feel, and features found on the DualSense, PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG is an incredible option, too. The Victrix Pro BFG is a modular controller, which gives it more customization features than the DualSense Edge. You can quickly unscrew the faceplate that covers the controls and swap out accessories. By default, the BFG has offset sticks, like an Xbox controller but you can switch them to be aligned like the PS5’s Dualsense. It comes with two extra thumbsticks–one tall, one short–and three D-pads. Each D-pad is unique: a solid-body square D-pad to promote fast inputs, an eight-directional pad, and a traditional D-pad. You can also swap the right analog stick and face buttons for a fight-pad module. The six-button panel has a nice, clicky feel to it–much like a mouse.

In addition to the modular adjustments, there are four built-in back triggers that feel great, a rubberized grip, and clutch triggers. The R2 and L2 triggers can be locked at five different spots that shorten trigger pulls. The BFG stores up to three custom profiles, and the back triggers can be remapped on the fly without needing an app. The BFG can be used wirelessly with the included dongle (roughly 20 hours of battery life) or wired when connected to the braided USB-C cord. A switch on the top of the controller lets you swap between PS5, PS4, and PC profiles.

As impressive as it is, there are a few downsides to the BFG. Though it’s officially licensed, that doesn’t mean it has all of the features found in the DualSense. You’re missing out on adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and the internal speaker. The lack of adaptive triggers and haptic feedback might be major losses for some, as many of PlayStation’s first-party games make great use of this tech.

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The Razer Raion is a wired PS4 controller suitable for backward-compatible PS4 games on PS5. At present, it remains the top fight pad for PlayStation games, presenting a tactile eight-way D-pad with a six-button design similar to a fight stick. The buttons are slightly bulkier than usual, equipped with Razer yellow switches for immediate inputs. It includes a button lock feature to disable unnecessary buttons and avoid mistakenly disturbing the wrong inputs in tournaments. The Razer Raion is also lightweight enough for comfortable one-hand hold and for tapping the buttons in a piano fashion with your other hand.

There’s no need to shift to a fully-featured controller for tasks like character customization, owing to a switch that allows mapping the left and right analog sticks to the D-pad. Although the absence of analog sticks and triggers restricts the usage of Raion with most games on PS5, it’s a fantastic option for fighting games like Mortal Kombat 11, Tekken 7, and Injustice 2.

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There were two fight stick options for PS5 that we couldn’t choose between. The first one that stood out to us is the Victrix Pro FS-12. This is a PS5-compatible version of our preferred PS4 fight stick. Like its predecessor, the Victrix Pro FS-12 is constructed from hard-wearing aluminum and replaces the usual joystick with an all-button layout. It also incorporates a PS5 touchpad. The buttons provide a satisfying click and can be adjusted to your liking. Additionally, it offers customizable audio and lighting effects together with an accessible door for swapping components if you want to modify it.

In comparison to our second choice, the Razer Kitsune, which sports a smoother and more compact design, the Victrix Pro FS offers a superior experience for those wanting an all-button stick with the resemblance of an arcade feel and plenty of modding opportunities.

The Victrix Pro FS is priced at $400, and we primarily recommend it for die-hard fighting game enthusiasts. For an excellent mid-range option, have a look at the Razer Panthera Evo.

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The Razer Kitsune is our other top recommendation for best PS5 fighting game controller. This controller, similar to the Victrix Pro FS, is an all-button fight stick, meaning it does not possess a joystick but four distinct directional buttons. This design enables more precise button inputs, simplifying the execution of combos and special moves. This controller also boasts of four Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD) cleaning modes to maintain input accuracy.

In comparison to the Victrix Pro FS, the Kitsune is more compact, weighing a little less than two pounds and having a thinner frame, thus making it the more travel-friendly choice. This sleekness extends to the controller’s technical features as well. The low-profile buttons and linear optical switches allow for swift, lag-free inputs due to their short actuation height.

While the Razer Kitsune is priced at $300, just a bit less than the Victrix Pro FS, the final choice rests on your gaming style and input preferences. If a streamlined design and an all-button layout offer the level of precision you desire over the conventional arcade-like experience, then we would recommend the Razer Kitsune.

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The options for PlayStation racing wheels are plentiful, with the Logitech G923 emerging as a reasonable and accessible pick from places like Amazon among others. Another well-liked choice is the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT. The Logitech G923 is commonly seen as an ideal beginner’s racing wheel and is adaptable with racing games on PlayStation and PC, integrating game controls. It exclusively boasts TrueForce technology from Logitech, which provides high-quality force feedback for increased racing authenticity. However, TrueForce is currently only compatible with a limited number of games such as Gran Turismo 7, Grid, Assetto Corsa Competizione, iRacing, Gran Turismo Sport, Showrunner, and Dirt Rally 2.0.

Additionally, it incorporates a programmable dual clutch, a 24-point selector, and a progressive brake spring designed to boost your vehicle control. The G Hub software permits you to create various profiles, tweak wheel sensitivity, and more. Although it’s not the most luxurious PS5 racing wheel out there, reliability, relative affordability, easy availability, and a sturdy aluminium make are features that make the Logitech G923 a worthy recommendation.

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While there isn’t an official PS5 flight stick as of now, one of the outstanding PS4 choices, the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4, functions perfectly with backward compatible flight simulations on PS5 such as Star Wars Squadrons or Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. This flight stick, with an official license sold at $90, provides a more economical option, making it an excellent selection for those venturing into flight sticks. Despite the absence of a headset jack, the T.Flight HOTAS 4 is user-friendly with an easy setup. It features a dual-rudder system, detachable throttle, and adjustable resistance permitting customization of your flying experience.

The primary alternative option for a PS5 flight stick is the Hori HOTAS flight stick. While pricier at $200, it includes an integral headset jack, vibration motor, and throttle resistance. Despite its premium cost, the build quality may not fully justify the high price. Regardless, it remains a worthwhile consideration, especially for individuals who have prior experience with flight sticks, although locating one in stock could pose a challenge.

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Supported platforms: PS5

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PlayStation consoles have been streaming machines for several generations now, and the PS5 is a particularly great option for watching movies and TV as it’s capable of streaming content in 4K; the standard model can also play 4K Blu-ray discs. Of course, you’ll need a 4K TV to take advantage of this as well.

If you’re someone who likes to use the PS5 for media streaming, the PlayStation Media Remote is a no-brainer purchase that’ll make the process feel way easier. It comes with quick access buttons for Disney+, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube along with pause, rewind, and fast forward buttons. With the media remote, you can power on the PS5 and navigate its menus, functioning just like the DualSense with the PS5 interface for a more intuitive feel. The PlayStation Media Remote is designed specifically for PS5 and costs $30.

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The PlayStation Portal is a unique Remote Play device designed specifically for streaming games from your PS5 console using wifi. However, it doesn’t support cloud gaming. The device seamlessly combines the standard PS5 Dualsense controller with an eight-inch LCD screen. Without the ability to play games natively, it still offers an excellent Remote Play experience due to its familiar button configuration and inclusion of essential Dualsense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. The screen can display 1080p resolution and 60fps, depending on the strength of your in-home wifi.

The major downside to the PlayStation Portal is its cost. A price tag of $200 makes it slightly more expensive than some alternatives, and there are cheaper third-party Remote Play devices available. Nevertheless, for those seeking a Remote Play experience that closely replicates PS5 gameplay, the Portal is the top choice.

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When it comes to cost-effective PlayStation Remote Play controllers, we particularly recommend the Backbone One mobile controller. This controller attaches directly to your iPhone or Android phone, transforming it into a handheld gaming system capable of streaming games from your PS5 via wifi.

The Backbone One comes in several variants, including USB-C models compatible with Android and iPhone 15 or newer, as well as a lightning port model suitable for older iPhones. Both versions offer charging passthrough functionality, enabling you to maintain your phone’s battery level while playing.

While the PlayStation version features the triangle, square, circle, and cross button labels for the face buttons, you can also use the controller to play games on other streaming services, including Xbox Game Pass and Steam (there are also Xbox versions with the A, B, X, Y button layouts instead). However, the thumbsticks are offset like on an Xbox or Nintendo Switch controller, rather than the parallel layout found on PlayStation pads. It Backbone One also lacks support for the Dualsense’s special features like adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and controller audio. In practice, those changes don’t affect gameplay much, but it’s worth mentioning in case you prefer the parallel layout or want the Dualsense features, in which case the PS Portal is the better option.

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