The best PS4 controllers are getting harder to come by - but that doesn't mean they aren't worth buying. There are plenty of PS4 games on PS5 that these gamepads will still be playable with, and if you're still on Sony's older console, they'll work just fine. Of course, if you're a sad controller collector like I am, you'll know just how important PS4's pro controllers are to the history of this kind of accessory.
The reason we still recommend PS4 controllers, besides the fact that plenty of folks still play on a PS4 these days, is that there are still lots of multiplayer games you can play on PS5 that are originally from PS4. If one of these PS4 games hasn't received a next-gen update, your best PS4 controller will work, and you'll get all the bonus features and functions that the controller will give you. We've pulled together a list of the best gamepads from across the industry, and as it happens, quite a few of these are up there with the best PC controllers, despite some being a fair bit older. Some of the best PS5 controllers even support the PS4, which means our favorites list is still being continually updated.
Sony started handing out official licensing for its pro controllers back in 2016 to companies like Razer, Nacon, and Thrustmaster. Since then, there have been some amazing releases that have helped to expand the controller market into the exciting shape it's in now. The DualSense Edge was released in January of 2023, but just like the regular DualSense, it, unfortunately, won't work with PS4. Despite this, the 2013 console's controller market is still expansive, and Sony's first homemade pro controller release might help to bring down third-party prices.
The quick list
The best PS4 controller overall
The Victrix Pro BFG is our top PS4 controller overall, and the best gamepad we've had our hands on in a long time. Considering all of its extra features it's fairly priced - cheaper than Sony's own.
The best PS4 controller for most
Sometimes you have to go back to basics. The DualShock 4 was an excellent gamepad and it still is to this day - for easy PS4 compatibility this is your best bet.
The best PS4 pro controller
Offering up plenty of customization options and an eight-way D-Pad, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited is for those after pro level personalization without the cost of a modular design.
The best PS4 controller for larger hands
After something with a little more grip? The Razer Raiju Tournament not only boasts a larger body for more control but some excellent tactile buttons as well. This is an older device but it's still holding up today.
The best modular PS4 controller
The Thrustmaster eSwap Pro packs modular thumbsticks and d-pad options which means you can configure the design of your controller to your exact specification.
The best PS4 controller under $40
Considering there's full wireless compatibility, rumble, built in speakers and an extra set of buttons, the Terios Gaming Pro controller is an absolute steal. It's $40 but often much cheaper than that.
The best asymmetrical PS4 controller
If you prefer to keep the thumbstick design of an Xbox device, this Nacon model has you covered. On top of that layout shift you're also getting a particularly comfortable form factor.
The best PS4 controller overall
The Victrix Pro BFG controller has been predominantly designed for PS5, but it's also compatible with PS4 and PC. With a fully modular design, four remappable back buttons, and a slew of excellent attachments, it is hands down the best PS4 controller for tailoring to your exact competitive preferences.
If you'd like a longer right analog stick for more precise aiming, it's yours. If you want to flip the left face module to give you symmetrical sticks, it can be done in a flash. If you want six face buttons, quickly slot in the Fightpad module. The customisation and performance this controller offers is up there with the absolute best in the market.
Moreover, it feels great to use. Although it's a little lightweight and doesn't have any rumble functionality, the fact you can shape it to suit your favourite features in a controller is what makes it truly shine. Versatility is one thing, but not having to compromise on function or comfort to get it is not all that common.
The Victrix Pro BFG can be used wirelessly or with a USB-C to USB cable. It's also notably cheaper than many of its competitors in the current PS5 controller scene, despite offering exceptional value for money. If you're in need of a new PS4 controller for now, and have yet to graduate to a PS5, this is undoubtedly your best bet, since it's one of few options that will work with both generations of games.
The best PS4 controller for most
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 also sprinkled in a couple of new features that have since become synonymous with the PS4 console itself. The central touchpad, for example, makes bringing up the map in most games a breeze, and sharing out captured screenshots and recordings can be done instantly thanks to the dedicated Share button that replaces the previous select button.
Design-wise, the Dualshock 4 controller also doesn’t disappoint. It’s beefy and rigid to cope with a fair amount of harsh button mashing, but equally slim enough that holding it never becomes uncomfortable. Typically, the Dualshock 4 will last for up to 8 hours following a full charge, which mightn’t be the most generous but is enough to see you through those extended play sessions.
Picking up a Dualshock 4 controller brand new also means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to patterns and color. Those not wanting to opt for standard Jet Black can pick from Wave Blue, Glacier White, and even Sunset Orange. There’s plenty of reasons to love the Dualshock 4, easily rendering it one of the best PS4 controllers. and yes, it'll work on the new PS5 as well, although only for PS4 games.
The best PS4 pro controller
Yes, the Victrix above does offer a better all-round pro experience but it also adds modular connections to the final price. If you're after a pro controller without the extra cost, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited is your best bet. You can always rely on Nacon for great build quality, but in the Revolution Unlimited the third-party accessories specialist has outdone itself.
When testing we found that what makes it one of the best PS4 controllers is its incredibly flexible functionality, which offers gamers the ability to do such things as play wired or wirelessly, tweak the controller’s joystick using the interchangeable heads provided, and map their preferred controls to no less than 4 configurable shortcut buttons. Add in a true 8-way D-pad and the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro PS4 controller is every professional eSports player’s dream.
A dizzying amount of customization
Nacon Unlimited Pro review
The most notable way the Nacon Revolution Unlimited differs from what most PS4 players are used to is its analog stick placement. No longer are they situated directly apart from each other in symmetrical fashion, instead opting for the classic offset design you’d likely find when playing Xbox One. This is a massive boon for players that find this setup more natural to interact with. While not game-changing by any means, we found that another nice touch is Nacon Revolution Unlimited’s inclusion of LED lighting indicators, which supplants the standard Dualshock 4’s lightbar to let players know the status of important in-game factors (like health) and easily notify you whenever power is low.
When testing this product out we found that it feels great to hold and the controls are extremely satisfying to use. You can feel the quality of the Nacon Revolution Unlimited just by holding it.
Read more: Nacon Revolution Unlimited review
The best PS4 controller for larger hands
PS4 players looking for a competitive edge should absolutely consider the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition controller, which pitches itself squarely as a premium eSports solution. Not only does it boast a nice weight and build quality to help relay that premium feel, but it also offers players a suite of programmable options thanks to the corresponding Razer app. We found that it was really easy to just simply sync the app to the controller via Bluetooth and away you go, able to tweak the function of each button however you see fit and even set the level of rumble on either side of the gamepad. In terms of the best PS4 controllers for sheer versatility, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition certainly earns its place.
Finely tuned, expensive, and precise, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition is a handset designed to perform.
Razer Raiju Tournament Edition review
The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition succeeds from a pure design perspective too, again different from the traditional Dualshock 4 by featuring offset analog sticks and face buttons that deliver extremely tactile feedback. Still, we felt the design also represents the best of both worlds, as evidenced by the split D-pad and emphasis on the central touchpad, which is bordered by RGB lighting to really add some pizzazz. Striking this balance between eSports equipped yet practical renders the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition as one of the best PS4 controllers around.
It may be worth noting that we found that the sticks weren't grippy enough when we were testing the Raiju Tournament Edition. However, the quality of the controller can really be felt when using it as this was the only downside other than the price.
Read more: Razer Raiju Tournament Edition controller
The best modular PS4 controller
Despite being primarily known for developing some of the best PC steering wheels around, Thrustmaster’s first true attempt at supplanting the Dualshock 4 controller is also one of the best. A lot of this is down to how it handles customization, which works by letting players swap out different button modules depending on their functional or aesthetic preferences. There’s also a suite of extra configurable buttons located on the eSwap Pro’s backplate – perfect for tournament players craving a competitive edge. There are four of them in total, and rather than opt for the traditional paddles you see with most eSports controllers, Thrustmaster’s take better resemble face buttons and are therefore harder to mistakenly press.
After tweaking around with the eSwap Pro’s modules enough to find your perfect layout, we found that it’s easy and comfortable to settle in for extended play sessions. When testing it was great that button presses, for example, deliver a tactile feel and a satisfying sense of feedback as any eSports-centric controller should, while the textured grips on either side of the gamepad always ensure you can maintain a handle on things during the heat of competitive play. Better still, those grips, much like the analog sticks and D-pad, can be entirely switched out for an alternative option. Only the best PS4 controllers offer such flexibility, and the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro is one of them.
Read more: Thrustmaster eSwap Pro
The best PS4 controller under $40
The Terios Gaming Pro Controller comes in at under $40, but we often see it on sale for way less than that. These wireless PS4 controllers can sometimes sit as cheap as $23, and considering the feature-set on offer that makes them a must-see for anyone after a budget alternative. Terios claims a battery life of up to 10 hours from these multi-colored gamepads, a figure which sounds just about likely considering the 1200mAh rechargeable battery.
However, the real value-buster here is the full wireless compatibility with rumble, built-in speakers, and an extra set of programmable buttons. Those are some serious specs and, while the quality won't match those of pricier options, being able to tinker with such features is always a welcome bonus on a cheap controller.
You'll find the Terios available in black, blue, or orange, and each model tends to offer a slightly different price tag at Amazon. We'd recommend flicking through the different options to make sure you're getting the best discount.
The best asymmetrical PS4 controller
Other entries on this list may try and distance themselves from the classic Dualshock 4 design, but the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller has opted to keep things familiar – bar one notable exception. You see, in this design Nacon has affectionately recognized the appeal the Dualshock 4 offers so many players via its ergonomic design, with the only real major difference being that the gamepad’s analog sticks are, you guessed it, asymmetrical. This is particularly useful for those that find the traditional PS4 controller layout oddly off-putting. Certainly one to consider if you prefer the Xbox One controllers.
While switching the d-pad and left thumbstick may not sound like much, it makes a huge difference in practice
Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller rev
It makes our list of the best PS4 controllers largely because of how it fills this admittedly niche gap so well, all while still retaining the convenience that comes through wireless play and functionating almost identically to the traditional Dualshock 4. The Nacon Asymmetrical Wireless Controller might be a little plumber than its direct influence, but we found even that gives it a satisfying sense of heft any devout PS4 player will come to appreciate. It also helps that the controller features a price that’s competitive when compared to other third-party PS4 gamepad options.
When we were testing the Nacon, we were particularly impressed by the comfort of it - it felt great to hold and use for long periods of time. However, a downside when we tried it was the fact that a USB wireless dongle was needed.
Note: This controller is generally unavailable in the US.
Read more: Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller
Best PS4 controller: FAQs
What is the best PS4 controller?
While we've found that the best all-rounder for most people is the DualShock 4, The Nacon Revolution Unlimited, is incredibly flexible and has excellent functionality for PS4 games and for playing on PC. It also provides an asymmetrical feel which some Xbox players may be used to. Another great option in terms of pro controllers, is the Razer Raiju Tournament, which has an ergonomic design and tactile button feedback.
Can you use a PS4 controller with PS5?
If you've managed to scout out some PS5 stock, there's some good news for your PS4 collection. You can use a PS4 controller on your PS5 console as long as you're playing PS4 games. However, you will need to use the DualSense that comes in your console's box, or an officially licensed third-party PS5 controller for new-generation titles.
Is the DualShock 4 or 5 better?
The question of whether the DualShock 4 or DualSense is a better controller really comes down to you, and your preferences. The DualSense certainly has more versatile, upgraded technology inside it. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers allow more accurate and specific feedback for developers to harness when they think about game feel. However, for plenty of people, the fit, size, and shape of the DualShock 4 is all together more comfortable. Depending on what games you play, you may only be able to use one or the other, but ultimately, what's more comfortable for you is the better controller.
Why are DualShock 4 controllers so expensive?
The DualShock 4 is, in our opinion, the best controller for most PS4 players. It provides many great features at a lower price point than many other controllers on the market. Unfortunately, because it's an official first-party controller, the price reflects the manufacturer. Luckily, the DualShock 4 is super reliable, and definitely stands the test of time. Other models are limited edition, or in rare colors, which may also contribute to the higher price.
How much should I pay for a PS4 controller?
The price you pay will depend on the features you are after, the DualShock 4 sits at $60 but can go as low as $40 on Amazon. However if you are after something catered to competitive players then the Razer Raiju Tournament is likely more suited to you which can come in at above $120.
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 overlook your audio experience either as we've got some great options in our best PS4 headset guide.
