The Best Controllers For A PC in 2022

PC gaming has a ton of caveats. Aside from the fact that you can play games at their best given the right setup, you can also enjoy games in a variety of ways as well. Typically, gamers use a mouse and a keyboard to play games. However, this kind of setup typically works only for first-person shooters. For other games, it’s hard to control them with such a setup.

The good news is that you can connect a variety of controllers to your PC as well. If you’re having a tough time picking a PC controller, then you’re in luck as we’re going to list down some of the best controllers for a PC. With any of these choices, you’ll be able to play a variety of games more comfortably and more excellently as well. Let’s start.

The Xbox Elite 2 Controller is one of the best controllers you can buy. It’s about the same price as the Xbox One S bundle, so it is also one of the priciest at $181.49. Microsoft far outperforms competitors like Scuf when it comes to design and customization. It may be pricey, but you’re getting what you pay for.

Microsoft’s redesign of the Xbox Elite 2 controller looks almost ugly at first glance, but it goes deeper and makes a big difference in how this controller is used. The most apparent change from the original is its new wrap-around texture grip. The grips were controversial with the original elite controller. However, it’s no exaggeration to say that the grip is better designed in this model than in the original.

In addition to these new handles, Microsoft has made many small changes that are not immediately apparent. The Xbox button used to navigate the power button on the Xbox One dashboard or Elite 2 controller is much more stable and clicky. To let you know what profile is active, there are LEDs in place to do so. Like the original, there is no instant button remapping on the device.

However, you can manage and create three profiles to switch instantly. With the Xbox Accessories app, you can customize or remap all of the buttons on your Elite2 controller. There are four extra paddles behind, which is probably a bit overkill for most people. I always find it more convenient to use one or two of these paddles and remove the unused ones. This choice and flexibility reflects exactly how customizable the Elite2 controller is.

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Bluetooth enabled
• Detachable charging dock

Cons

• Pricey

Specification

• Price $181.49
• Connectivity USB Type-C, Bluetooth
• Battery Internal Rechargable Battery (40 Hours)
• Weight 0.76 lbs
• Product Dimensions 8 x 7.8 x 3.6 inches

The PowerA Spectra Infinity is one of the best budget-friendly controllers that you can buy. The setup for this controller is easy and comparable to that of the professional Xbox Wireless Controller from Microsoft, this cheap controller feels top-notch when it’s in your hands.

Most gamers say that it is absolutely fantastic when it comes to customization and feel. Black in color, it comes with a kind of soft-contact sheen that is sincerely stunning to hold, neither scratchy nor irritating to the touch. The underside has a piece of texturing at the handgrips, similar to many controllers in 2021. From there, the analogs, the D-pad, and all of the face buttons are close to genuine replicas of an Xbox controller.

The only difference is that the Nexus, menu, view, and percentage buttons are a bit rounder than usual. The Nexus button itself is a joy, paying homage to years long past with its smooth to press feel. There’s a small LED located among the selection of menu buttons to indicate power is attached. The controller is powered by a ten-foot USB-A to Micro-USB cable.

Perhaps the most effective actual distinction about the front of the Spectra is the volume dial close to the bottom. This is a first-class little addition; you were given instant volume and mute controls that are easily accessible.

The headset needs to run a cable to the 3.5mm jack; however, as soon as it is plugged in, it will be easy to control with a little push of the dial. I nudge to the right increases the volume while to the left will lower it. Pushing it down immediately mutes your mic. This makes it easy for you to customize your sound. There’s no need to head into the darkest depths of the Xbox to get the settings you want.

This PowerA controller might be cheap, but it’s far from being lackluster. In fact, it might just be one of the best PC controllers you can buy at its price right now. The lack of wireless options might not be good for some, but the fact that it’s a wired controller means high response times.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Crisp buttons
• Great RGB lighting

Cons

• No wireless

Specification

• Price $39.88
• Connectivity Micro-USB
• Battery N/A
• Weight 0.99 lbs
• Product Dimensions 6.3 x 4.33 x 2.56 inches

At first glance, the PS5 controller looks like a slightly advanced version of the DualShock 4. Abandoning the black grunge aesthetics of the PS4, the Dual Sense is an amazingly attractive controller with a sleek white chassis accented with matte black analog sticks.

There’s a new PlayStation-themed home button and a built-in mic with a very handy mute button nearby. It would be a mistake to think of it as just a larger version of the DualShock 4. They didn’t just swap the share and launch buttons. If you take a closer look, every part of the DualSense’s body is different and more comfortable. Sony went out of its way to create a controller that fits well with your hands and your needs.

The Haptic Feedback technology is the true highlight of this controller. The striking thing about this technology is that haptic feedback resonates throughout the entire controller. Even better are the adaptive triggers which are already being utilized in different ways by the developers. From the colorful adventure Bugsnax that turns the right trigger into a stiff camera shutter to the soft pounding of sand that moves around the controller in the “bot beach” level of Astro Playroom, this technology brings exciting prospects for future games.

Aside from immersive innovation, DualSense is obviously a controller designed for comfort. Not only is it much more comfortable than its predecessor, but Sony’s PS5 products also have a built-in microphone and a comfortable cross key, and it won’t spoil the game with dazzling light. The touchpad and headphone jack haven’t changed much from the last gen, but the micro USB charging cable has, of course, been replaced with the latest USB-C connector.

The only downside to this generation of the PlayStation is the life of the DualSense. The Battery life isn’t terrible, but it’s a bit disappointing given that Sony’s PS5 controller only gives about 9-10 hours of playtime before the charging cable needs to be plugged in. Compared to the amazing 30 hours you get with Nintendo’s amazing Switch Pro Controller, 10 hours doesn’t feel like a big win.

Pros

• Amazing haptic feedback
• Accurate thumbsticks
• Top of the line adaptive triggers

Cons

• Limited support for PC

Specification

• Price $69.00
• Connectivity USB Type-C, Bluetooth
• Battery Lithium-Ion (6-12 hours)
• Weight 0.46 lbs
• Product Dimensions 3 x 7 x 8 inches

Scuf is one of the biggest names out there when it comes to third-party controllers. They continue to provide gamers, either PC or console, with intelligently designed controllers that are well-built for the platform of their choice.

The Scuf Instinct Pro controller is one of the best Microsoft-centric controllers, but if there’s an Elite Series 2 in the world, how would someone else compete in the field of enthusiastic controllers? With its own $200 price tag, the ScufInstinct Pro has its work cut out for it if it wants to claim the title of the best PC controller. But we believe it’s up to the task.

Previously, Scuf’s MO had been to try and provide more options and features than others. The Instinct and Instinct Pro are following this, trying to give you more choices in how they function and feel right out of the box. The trigger has dual features, but, unlike the elite, Instinct Pro has a toggle switch that allows you to switch from a smooth analog trigger to a quick shot button that feels very close to a flat mouse click.

The Instinct Pro requires two AA batteries like a standard Xbox pad. Again, this is just Scuf’s esports trend, and the ability to replace new battery pairs in the middle of a tournament could be a selling point. Similarly, this could be a problem for heavy users due to the limited shelf life of batteries.

Pros

• Great customization
• Responsive and accurate
• Great feel

Cons

• Expensive to fully customize

Specification

• Price $229.99
• Connectivity USB Type-C, Bluetooth
• Battery 2x AA
• Weight 0.62 lbs
• Product Dimensions 8.07 x 6.06 x 3.86 inches

It doesn’t take you a lot to see why the Razer Wolverine Ultimate is one of the best controllers that Razer has. The controller comes with Razer`s signature Chroma RGB lighting fixtures. But that’s not all as there are also a lot of utilitarian buttons that are each fashionable and functional.

Sadly, the controller only works with Windows 8 and 10 on PC. This slight flaw is easy to compare to the Xbox Elite which also works with Windows 7. While wired controllers are better when it comes to performance, this one doesn’t come with a wireless option.  Instead, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate requires you to use its very own protected braided micro USB cable or one that’s long enough for practical PC use. That’s one of the main issues we have with the controller, which is unfortunate since if it wasn’t for this, the controller would’ve made it higher on this list.

The controller also comes with magnetic, interchangeable buttons and media control keys positioned alongside the lowest interface. This makes the Razer Wolverine Ultimate controller feel intentionally and meticulously examined by individuals who play video games in place of being entirely devised through a company R&D team.

The end result is stunning. However, if you’re participating in single-player experiences, like Cuphead for example, from the consolation of your very own bed, we should see how being tethered to a micro-USB cable might be downright frustrating.

Pros

• Swappable sticks and d-pad
• Clicky face buttons
• Stylish design

Cons

• Pricey wired controller

Specification

• Price $99.99
• Connectivity Wired
• Battery N/A
• Weight 0.6 lbs (272g)
• Product Dimensions 4.16 x 6.1 x 2.59 inches

Nintendo has made it easy for anyone to connect the Nintendo Switch Pro to a PC. This is easily one of the best controllers out there right now. The Nintendo Switch Pro was originally designed to accommodate players who aren’t comfortable with the Joy-Cons on the Switch. The result is an amazing controller that rivals the likes of the PlayStation 4 DualShock and the Xbox One controllers. One of the outstanding things about the Switch Pro Controller is that it comes in a variety of designs and color options that are based on some of Nintendo’s biggest titles. However, you might have to shell out extra cash for limited edition controllers.

The Nintendo Switch Pro features a sleek set of buttons that are both crisp and responsive. The triggers and the joysticks are the same as well. Another great feature of this controller is the HD rumble, which isn’t as advanced as the DualSense’s haptic feedback but is still a lot better than the traditional vibration features that you might be used to by now. Don’t worry about compatibility as this controller is compatible with most consoles and PCs.

Pros

• Available in various designs and colors
• Feels great

Cons

• Users complain that the left joystick tends to give out

Specification

• Price $69.99
• Connectivity USB-C
• Battery Lithium-Ion
• Weight .66 lbs
• Product Dimensions 2.52 x 6.14 x 5.67 inches