Best Razer controllers 2024: Get a cutting-edge gamepad

One of the best Razer controllers will transform the way you play games, particularly if you choose something with more buttons than you're used to. Pro controllers take some getting used to, as well as some re-learning, but they can get you so much more functionality than a stock gamepad will, and Razer's controllers are up there with the very best on the shelves. We've pulled together a list of our go-to recommendations, no matter what platform you play on.

It's worth noting that some Razer controllers can be at the higher end of one's budget, particularly when you get a gamepad that also fits on our list of best PC controllers, too. We'd argue that the quality, features, and customization on offer justify the money you spend. As with all Razer products, you also get exceptional design and build quality. Thankfully, Razer makes controllers for Xbox, PC, mobile, and PlayStation these days, so as long as you don't play on Switch, Razer has you covered.

Since there are plenty of options available, it's worth thinking about what you'll need your controller for, and what platform you use. If you want something that'll help give you a competitive edge, then you may lean more towards the 'Ultimate' models. These have six extra buttons you can assign to in-game functions to give you more advantages over your opponents. However, if you're not fussed about competing, and just want a good quality, long-lasting controller then take a look at the 'Tournament' variants. For the most part, these controllers are customized through the Razer app which lets you change button mappings to your liking.

Best Razer controllers 2023

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The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro doesn't quite live up to its potential, and it's definitely going to be the priciest option on this list for a while, but it's up there with the best Razer has ever put out. Wolverine V2 Pro is the next generation in the Wolverine family tree, and the first that's compatible with PlayStation. It essentially takes the Wolverine V2 Chroma and gives it a fresh lick of PlayStation paint.

The extra bumpers work great, and even if the back buttons themselves aren't the most comfortable, the functionality that comes from having this many extra buttons at your disposal opens up this controller to so many possibilities. For competitive multiplayer shooters on PS5, this is a controller that would potentially mean never taking your thumbs off the sticks.

The Wolverine V2 Pro also has an excellent battery life which can be even longer if turn off the fancy RGB chroma lighting on the gamepad's face. This is definitely the best Razer controller going at the moment for folks who can afford it and prefer a chunky, wide gamepad with offset sticks. 

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The top Razer Xbox controller is the Wolverine Ultimate, without question. It's one of the highest-quality Razer controllers out of this entire guide, too. 

Featuring the classic Razer Chroma RGB lighting that changes while you play, it matches those visuals with interchangeable thumbsticks and d-pads, four extra back buttons, and two extra shoulder buttons. Everything is within reach of your fingers no matter the controls you need or the game you're playing, increasing response-time dramatically.

The Wolverine Ultimate does have the 'Ultimate' price tag, but its features, quality design, and build largely justify it. It gives you the undeniable precision, quality, and pizazz a Razer controller should. In fact, it's the go-to controller of a few Xbox players we know - and for good reason.

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The latest in the Razer controller lineup, this is the successor to the entry-level Wolverine controller. It's been given a modern and considerable makeover to coincide with the release of the Xbox Series X and this Razer controller might just be for you if you're after some extra customization: there are extra remappable buttons up top; and you can switch to hair triggers to reduce the actuation depth for a quicker response.

It has a high-ish price tag but largely warrants it, as, for you're money, you're getting exceptional grip on the front side as well as rear; improved tactile buttons; a very comfortable-but-chunky design; and the speeds of a wired connection. There's no wireless option yet, sadly, but this will at least mean zero lag on inputs and you don't have to worry about batteries either. The cable is nearly 10ft/3m long so should be fine for most players.

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The Razer Raiju Ultimate is perfect for those PS4 players looking to get increased versatility and functionality from their Razer controller. The customization, multi-functional buttons, and interchangeable D-pad and thumbsticks are all great factors that are useful to the dedicated eSports player craving an edge. They also make for an interesting addition to those who prefer 'story games' but are looking for shortcuts, or their own way to play.

The press of every button is satisfyingly tactile, and even the touchpad feels good to tap, with it never being in doubt whether presses registered either in wired or wireless modes. Not having to press L2 and R2 as far down when trigger lock is activated helps as well; it's a small feature almost every PS4 player will enjoy and be satisfied by. The extra 'M' buttons on the back of the controller will take some getting used to, but once you've mastered them, the Raiju Ultimate will be your go-to pad. They really help to reduce finger travel-time.

While it does have a large entry price, if you ever have the chance to grab a discount on this premium Razer controller for PS4, you'd be mad not to jump on that opportunity.

Read more: Razer Raiju Ultimate review

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The Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition manages to balance advanced customizability and pared-back style, offering Xbox One players flexibility without being garish or ugly. The primary way the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition achieves this is via four remappable buttons, two of which are back paddles that are easily accessed during the heat of play. This helps reduce finger travel-time, meaning you don't ever need to take your thumbs off the thumbsticks. That's crucial in competitive games, and it provides a few extra milliseconds that can save your (digital) life.

Other advancements this Razer controller features are hair-trigger locks, which reduce the actuation needed in the buttons and thus making the act of firing faster possible in first-person shooters. Also aiding competitive players is the controller’s ergonomic non-slip rubber grip, ensuring they always have a handle on their in-game actions.

If you're an Xbox player who loves the competitive scene, this controller is well worth considering.

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With mobile games becoming steadily more complex, the drawbacks of touch screen controls have never been more apparent. Trying to play a shooter like Fortnite or Call of Duty just doesn't work as well on phones, for example. That's where the Razer Kishi V2 comes into its own, picking up where the original model left off. Adopting a wraparound design, the Kishi V2 fits a range of Android (and iPhone if you pick up a compatible model) devices well, and provides a secure housing for both your port and smartphone corners. 

Thumbsticks are snappy and responsive, microswitch face buttons are twitch-response ready (though proved a little too sensitive in some of our testing), and the overall grip is well designed for longer sessions. While the Razer Nexus software might not be able to compete with that of the absolute best mobile controllers on the market, it's certainly a nice place to keep all your games and settings to hand. 

The only downside of this product is that if you purchase it to work with an iPhone you will not be able to switch over to Android due to how the connection is made and vice versa, so be sure to choose the correct model. 

Read more: Razer Kishi V2 review

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The Razer Raiju Tournament Edition is an excellent pick for those browsing Razer controllers. Though it's geared more towards sports and competitive play, it is still a wonderful controller for those looking for something premium and quality, and different to the DualShock 4.

It has a wonderful weight and build-quality you can really feel. However, underneath the premium exterior is a whole host of programmable options thanks to the corresponding Razer app. Just sync the app to the controller via Bluetooth and away you go, allowing you 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 sheer versatility, the Razer Raiju Tournament Edition certainly earns its keep.

This Raiju model succeeds in the realms of design, too: it's of the asymmetric school of thought more often seen on Xbox controllers. What's more, the design also represents the best of both worlds, as evidenced by the split D-pad and emphasis on the central touchpad. It's one of the top Razer controllers going, period - particularly thanks to the rear buttons that allow you to react faster without having to take your thumbs off the thumbsticks.

Read more: Razer Raiju Tournament Edition review

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Now, we know, this isn't technically a controller for video games. You'd certainly have a hard time playing Call of Duty on it, that's for sure. But the Razer Stream Controller X does have the words "Razer", and "Controller" in the name, so we think it qualifies. 

Whether you get this to make controlling elements of your live stream easier, or you just want something that makes opening up your most-used PC applications a bit quicker, the Razer Stream Controller can be a really handy tool to have at your disposal. It's really up to you to get creative and work out how this can aid your productivity, whether it's in gaming, or during work. The Stream Controller X operates via Loudpeck software, which makes it really easy to assign commands to it and change up the way you use it.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that better be true because, for its second stream controller, Razer has come to the party dressed up as the Elgato Steam Deck. Besides its software, the Razer Stream Controller X is every bit as good as that go-to option. If you're already pretty integrated into the Razer ecosystem, this might be the next best thing to buy to help glue it all together.

Best Razer controllers: FAQs

How we test Razer controllers

It's worth noting that we don't test every controller which makes it into our buying guide but we do try out best to test most of them. You can find out more information about our opinion on each controller within the specific review linked below. In brief, every controller that we have had our hands on is used in a series of different video games to accommodate for most genres. This means that we'll test the responsiveness of the sticks, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and any other additional features found on the unit. If a controller is wired or relies on rechargeable batteries, then the duration of the lifespan is tested, too. The same can be said for any specialist software, such as drivers, that may be included with the gamepad as well. 

For more on how we test controllers at 12DOVE check out our full article, and for something more representative of our holistic approach to the latest gear, check out our Hardware Policy. 

Given the reputation, it's no real surprise that the company has taken what it knows so well in the form of their Razer headsets, Razer laptops, or Razer streaming gear and applied it to their many Razer controllers.