Best PC controller 2026: the Eurogamer buyer's guide to gamepads
The best first-party and third-party controllers tested.
Gamepads are simply the best option for a lot of PC gamesthanks to their comfortable layoutanalogue inputs and decades of love from game developers. Given that most console and mobile controllers also support PCthere's a wealth of options - from what we call "first-party" options made by console makers MicrosoftSony and Nintendoto models from RazerScufGameSir and more.
That can make finding the ultimate controller toughespecially if you're a lifelong PC gamer with no particular stake in the console war. To help you out - and for our own particular interests - we've tested dozens of the best gamepads on the marketsorted the wheat from the chaffand picked out the best options for a range of budgets and gaming genres.
Best PC controller 2026
- Best PC controller: Xbox Wireless Controller
- Runner-up: Sony DualSense (PS5) Controller
- Second runner-up: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
- Best premium PC controller: Scuf Valor Pro Wireless
- Best cheap PC controller: GuliKit ES Pro
- Best TMR controller: GameSir G7 Pro
- Best Hall Effect controller: Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K
- Best cheap Hall Effect Xbox controller: GameSir G7 SE
- Best value Hall Effect controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2
- Best third-party PC controller: Asus ROG Raikiri Pro
- Most customisable PC controller: Scuf Envision / Envision Pro
- Runner-up customisable controller: Victrix Pro BFG
- Bonus - Best cheap Android/iOS controller: Gamesir G8+ MFi
- Bonus - Best overall Android/iOS controller: Razer Kishi V3 Pro
- Best of the rest: other controllers we tested
Best PC controller: Xbox Wireless Controller
- Pros: Unmatched PC game supportlow-latency wireless plus Bluetoothmultiple s
- Cons: Rechargeable battery pack and 2.4GHz Xbox Wireless Adapter cost extra
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The best PC controller for most people is the Xbox Wireless Controller. This Xbox Series-era controller works well out of the box with the widest range of PC titlesoffers wiredBluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and is available in a range of colours and s at a reasonable price. The Microsoft controller is also well madewith responsive triggers and a largecomfortable shape. It's just a great controller all-around.
HoweverMicrosoft's pad does have its downsides. Rather than charging via a USB cablethe Xbox Series controller takes AA batteriesrequiring a £20/$25 Play and Charge Kit to support USB recharging. In additionmost PCs don't support Microsoft's low-latency 2.4GHz wireless out of the boxrequiring a £36/$17 adapter for a low-latency connectionthough Bluetooth is available as a fall-back.
Runner-up: Sony DualSense (PS5) Controller
- Pros: Comfortablewell-built controller with trackpad that doesn't require batteries
- Cons: Few games have PS- button promptsthird-party software sometimes required
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
While the Xbox Wireless Controller is our top choicethe Sony DualSense PS5 controller is another worthy option. It has great triggersits longer-than-DualShock design fits all but the smallest hands and of course it has that symmetric design some folks prefer. It's cheaper to run than the Xbox controller tooas it can be recharged via USB-C - so no need to invest in rechargeable batteries or keep buying non-rechargeable ones. There's even a gyroscopewhich is useful for playing some emulated gamesand first-party Sony games on PC offer the correct button prompts - even if most games will show the Xbox ones instead.
The only minor inconvenience is that you need to install third-party software to get the controller working on Windows. Thankfullysoftware including DualSenseX and DS4Windows are (normally) freeeasy to use and offer options not found on Xbox Accessories app. You can also use Steam's Big Picture modewhich supports the DualSense nativelyfor both Steam and non-Steam games.
Alternatively: Custom PS5 controllers are also available. The £230/$250 Scuf Reflex Pro is our top pick hereoffering full customisationremappable rear paddles and upgrades to triggersthumbsticks and grip with extremely good build quality throughout. We also tested a ~$200 MegaModz DualSense with a custom shellmechanical buttons and interchangeable thumbsticks. The controller feels fantastic to usethanks to those mechanical upgradesand it's nice to see a PS5 controller that looks so different from the standard colour options too.
Second runner-up: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
- Pros: Slickwell-built controller with a unique feel and Nintendo layout
- Cons: Requires some setup on PCvia Steam or a third-party enabler tool; no analogue triggers; no HE or TMR tech inside
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
If you own a Switch 2the Switch 2 Pro Controller can be worth considering as a wired PC gamepad too. It offers uniquely slick-feeling sticksexcellent button feelsolid build quality and a relatively slim form factor that suits smaller to medium-sized hands.
It's still early days for the second-gen Pro Controller on PCbut it already works well in wired modethanks to a community-made Enabler Tool that activates the controller via the Chrome or Edge browsers. Valve has also added support for the controller to Steamthough the functionality is in beta at the time of writing.
Nintendo's prior Pro Controller worked wirelessly on PCso there's a good chance that the new model will be fully supported on PC in the fullness of time - including its extra rear buttons and C buttonwhich are new for this generation. That could see the new gamepad climbing up our rankingsbut third place seems fair for now.
Best premium PC controller: Scuf Valor Pro Wireless
- Pros: Precise and durable TMR stickspro rear paddlesgood connectivity and customisation
- Cons: PC app doesn't support mouse and keyboardrechargeable battery isn't replaceable
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon USScuf Store
If you're willing to spend morethe Scuf Valor Pro Wireless is the best controller we've tested thus far. Its TMR thumbsticks are responsivelong-lasting and customisablethe face buttons are nicely weighted and a grippy coating ensures no mid-fight readjustments are required. Wireless connectivity is supported for PCXbox and mobilewith a 1000Hz 2.4GHz dongle for PCBluetooth and wired USB-C all being options.
There's a good level of customisation here toowith two alternate thumbstick capsincluding a tall optionswappable magnetic faceplates and switches for toggling between clicky rapid triggers and traditional analogue triggers. Four paddles on the back can be set to mimic other buttonsallowing for different grip s and faster inputswhile dials on the front allow you to adjust the volume and game/chat mix. I found the outermost paddles to be convenient to presswith the clickier inner paddles to require a slight hand readjustmentbut two paddles is enough for me in games like Battlefield 6 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
There's also a PC/Xbox app for adjusting deadzonesremapping inputs and setting up your three profilesthough this is only accessible via the Microsoft Storerequires setting the controller to Xbox modeand doesn't support keyboard or mouse inputs to change settings - a bit of an odd experience for a PC user. Battery life is modest at a rated 17 hoursbut recharging is fast via USB-C and no batteries are needed. The gamepad often took two attempts to power onbut otherwise it worked reliably during my testing.
I found it easier to time dodges and parries in Clair Obscur with the buttons of the Valor Pro Wireless than with a mouse and keyboardand the sticks allowed for a good level of precision when sniping in Battlefield too. Overallan excellent controller that should last longer than the Xbox Elite Series 2and it's not bad value either - especially when discounted.
Best cheap PC controller: GuliKit ES Pro
- Pros: Great price for a TMR wireless controller with PCmobile and Switch 2 support
- Cons: No 2.4GHz wirelessrelatively modest 30-hour battery life
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The GuliKit ES Pro is an intriguing low-cost wireless controlleroffering PCmobile and Switch/Switch 2 support via Bluetooth - including the rare ability to actually wake Nintendo's consoles from sleep and six-axis motion controls.
The ES Pro gets its name from its pro-grade TMR joystickswhich aren't as susceptible to stick drift as traditional potentiometer-based designs. The slightly cheaper ES model uses older Hall Effect designs that are still preferable to traditional sticksbut can consume more power and feel a bit different.
Battery life on the ES Pro is rated for around 30 hourswith easy recharging via USB-C. The controller doesn't include rear paddles or short-throw triggersbut it is surprisingly customisableeither via its web software or via series of button inputs.
Overallthis is a great-feeling and powerful controller at its $30/£30 RRP.
Best TMR controller: Gamesir G7 Pro
- Pros: Great value TMR controller with HE triggerscharging dock and comfy grips
- Cons: Xbox compatibility is wired-onlywhile PC battery life is limited
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Gamesir G7 Pro is a powerful tri-mode controllersupporting Xbox consoles (via USB)PCs (via USBBluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless at up to 1000Hz)and mobile devices (via Bluetooth). That grants the G7 Pro excellent flexibilitywhile its TMR sticks and lockable HE triggers allow for more accurate inputs with smaller dead zones and less potential for stick drift or other degradation over time.
The G7 Pro is the comfiest gamepad GameSir have producedwith textured Xbox Elite- gripsclicky face buttonsand two pairs of mappable extra buttons: two on the rearright under your fingersand two next to the bumpers. A sizeable 1200mAh battery provides less longevity than you might think thoughwith the G7 Pro only lasting for around eight hours of play. Thankfullythe inclusion of a charging dock means that it's easy and convenient to ensure it's fully topped up next time you play.
For a little over twice the price of a first-party Xbox padthe G7 Pro delivers a better overall PC experience with tighter and more durable controlsmore pro-level features and a convenient dock. If you have the budgetI'd definitely go for this one.
Best Hall Effect controller: Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K
- Pros: High-quality design with Hall Effect sticks/triggerswired and wireless for Xbox/PC
- Cons: Expensivethough the wired model is half-price
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K is the best gamepad we've ever tested with TMR sticks and Hall Effect triggerscritical upgrades that allows for improved precision and hugely increased durability. These magnetic sensors don't degrade over time to the same degree that potentiometer-based sensors in traditional controllers doand can be used without deadzones for an incredibly responsive feel.
This PC/Xbox controller boasts a huge list of other features toowith six extra buttons (four back paddles and two extra bumpers)hair triggerslow-latency 2.4GHz Hyperspeed wirelesshybrid membrane-mechanical face buttons and a huge amount of app-base customisability on Xbox and PC. There's even a tournament mode with an 8000Hz polling rate for wired play on PC. As with other premium controllersyou also get a neat carrying case with an extra-long (10-foot) cable and two replaceable thumbstick caps.
Best cheap Xbox Hall Effect controller: Gamesir G7 SE
- Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggerscheaper than Xbox padwired-only with some extra features
- Cons: No wireless connectivityobviously
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Gamesir G7 SE is an affordable Xbox/PC gamepad with Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers. Hall Effect sensors use magnets rather than potentiometersso they don't wear out over time - and they don't need the huge central deadzones that traditional controllers require to keep working as they experience wear and tearmeaning Hall Effect sticks can also feel much more precise.
The G7 SE has some other great ideas too. There are convenient programmable rear buttonswhich can be physically locked to prevent accidental actuation in games that they're not neededa mic mute buttonplus textured grips and triggers.
The controller is generally quite comfortable to use for most hand sizesand the triggersface buttons and d-pad all feel as precise as the first-party Xbox gamepad - while the sticks feel more precisemaking this a net upgrade. If you're happy to prioritise longevity and durability over wireless connectivitythis is an awesome alternative to the standard Xbox controller that should last much longer.
Best value Hall Effect controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2
- Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggersresponsive wireless connectivitycomfortable frame
- Cons: No iOS or console compatibility
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is a surprisingly versatile Hall Effect controller that has a lot of the benefits of more expensive pro-grade options at a lower price.
It features both TMR joysticks and Hall Effect triggerswhich don't physically wear out or drift over time like traditional potentiometer-based alternatives. These technologies also allow for more precisionas they don't need such a large central deadzone. TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance) joysticks are arguably the next step up from HE sensorsas they operate with lower power consumption and can also have sensitivity and linearity improvements too. The ones in the Ultimate 2 are surprisingly good for the moneywith good measurements in terms of both stick resolution and linearity.
The Ultimate 2 controller felt responsive in our testing over low-latency 2.4GHz 1000Hz wirelesswhether in Forza Horizon 5 or Call of Duty. Bluetooth and wired USB connectivity is also available for Android and Windowswith the latter also offering a 1000Hz polling rate that matches the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro at a much lower cost. The familiar Xbox- layout works wellwith precise-feeling face buttonslockable triggersprogrammable paddles on the underside and some pleasant RGB lighting around the thumbsticks. We also appreciated the convenient colour-matched charging dockthough it feels a bit plasticky.
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is an impressive wireless offering that comes in just a bit above the GameSir G7 SE above in terms of pricemaking it well worth considering - and its wide range of colour schemes is a brilliant bonus.
Best third-party PC controller: Asus ROG Raikiri Pro
- Pros: Great looking and best-feeling wired or wireless pad with long feature list
- Cons: Expensiveeight-way pad not ideal for fightingwired-only on Xbox
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
While Microsoft and Sony's long expertise with games consoles means that their controllers are the default option for manythere are also some great third-party alternatives worth considering. The Asus ROG Raikiri Pro is one of the best optionsthanks to its clicky and satisfying face buttons(optional) hair triggers and four extra rear buttons. Its modest dimensions are also comfortable for those with smaller handswhich isn't always a given.
The Raikiri Pro sports an OLED screen and RGB lightinggiving you information like battery levels and the current profileand it can connect to PCs via 2.4GHz wirelessBluetooth and USBor Xbox consoles via USB only. (I particularly like that there's room for the 2.4GHz USB dongle inside the controller - something often eschewed.) There's even an ESS DAC built in to boost audio quality for headsets plugged into the 3.5mm portalong with a button to mute the microphone. The controller can be customised in Asus' Armoury Crate appwith button remappingtrigger deadzone adjustments and animation/lighting tweaks all possible.
Beyond a long feature list that helps to explain its premium price pointthe Raikiri also just feels great to use for FPS and racing games alikethough the eight-way d-pad doesn't suit fighting games particularly well and ought to have been replaceable with a four-way alternative at this price point. Stillapart from the high pricethis is a solid option - and I hope we see Asus expand what can be put on the OLED screen in futureas this could become a much bigger deal than it currently is.
Most customisable PC controller: Scuf Envision Pro
- Pros: Extensive customisationprogrammable and mechanical buttonsiCUE integration
- Cons: Expensive for custom modelsPC and Android onlyno Hall Effect sticks/triggers
- Buy: Scuf UKScuf US
The Scuf Envision and Scuf Envision Pro are deeply customisable PC-first controllers with iCUE compatibility and RGB lightingcourtesy of Scuf owner Corsair. The Pro model is differentiated from the cheaper amateur with 2.4GHz Slipstream wireless connectivityadjustable 'instant' triggers and grippier handlesbut both come with clicky mechanical face buttonspop-off sticks in a symmetric PS- layout and tons of useful extra buttons: four on the backtwo on the sides and five (!) on the front.
While you can get a standard version of the controller in a perfectly pleasant greyblack and orange colour schemeyou also have access to Scuf's powerful builder tool that lets you change up almost every aspect of the controller's appearance. My dream controller is reproduced abovewith an eye-catching cyberpunk-y pink/purple faceplate and contrasting bone-white face buttonssticksd-padshoulder buttons and triggers. There are 11 options hereincluding less cosmetic changes like alternate stick types.
Of coursethere's plenty of customisation after you've got the controller in your hands toowith iCUE allowing for not just stuff like sensitivity tweaks or button mapping/remappingbut proper macrosresponsive RGB lighting and multiple profiles. If you have the Pro modelyou also have a choice of two sticks in the box and those customisable triggerswhich can be set to short-throw for rapid binary inputs (eg shooting in an FPS) or full-throw for that traditional analogue control (eg accelerating in a racing game).
Unfortunatelythe triggers and the sticks don't use longer-lasting and more accurate Hall Effect sensorswhich are now starting to pop up in gamepads both budget and premium.
The greatest strength and weakness of the Envision series are that they are rare PC-centric controllers with no compatibility with consoles or even MacsiPhones and iPads. That's a shamebut it does allow for customisation options that are rarely offered amongst PC controllers - so it's a worthy effort all the same. I'd still recommend an Xbox or PS-compatible controller if you spend any significant amount of time on consoles in addition to PCbut for PC-only players this is a standout choice that feels exceptional to use.
Runner-up customisable controller: PDP Victrix Pro BFG
- Pros: Swappable to PS or Xbox layoutsgreat build quality and interesting customisation
- Cons: Expensiveonly mid battery lifeno Hall Effect sticks/buttons
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Victrix Pro BFG is another nice option if you prefer a controller you can make your ownwith some novel post-purchase customisation ideas. As you can see in the image abovethe left and right modules can be unscrewed with an included tiny screwdriver and removedallowing you to swap to a PlayStation thumbstick layout or even replace the entire right side with the "fightpad"a six face button layout optimised for TekkenStreet Fighter and the like. The fightpad is pretty specialwith bigger and clickier buttonsand makes the Pro BFG worth considering for fans of the genre.
There are plenty more options too. You can adjust the trigger lengthswap between different d-pads and thumbstick topsput in different length thumbsticksand choose between circular or octagonal gates for each thumb stick. There are also programmable rear buttonscustom profilesbuilt-in audio controls and a tournament mode that locks out buttons that might accidentally take you out of the game. It's a very comprehensive assortment of features and options.
The build quality here is excellent toowith satisfyingly smooth triggers and slightly tactile face buttons. The whole unit feels pleasantly robustand the weight is well balanced too. Unlike the previous Victrix Gambitthis is a wired and wireless controller - and thus different varieties exist for Xbox and PlayStation use; both work with PC too. I think there's enough here to justify the asking price!
Bonus - Best cheap iOS/Android controller: Gamesir G8+ MFi
- Pros: Hall Effect sticks/triggerscomfy expandable design for USB-C phones
- Cons: More expensive than first-party controllersAndroid game compatibility patchy
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Gamesir G8+ MFi is a great expandable iOS and Android controlleravailable with Hall Effect sticks and triggers plus rumble for a reasonable price.
I tested the gamepad with a Google Pixel 6 in a range of titles/services including Diablo ImmortalXbox Cloud Gaming and some emulators and was impressed by the overall comfort of the experience. This is miles better than using the touchscreenwith responsive tactile controls in a familiar layoutyet your fingers are still close enough to tap the screen if necessary to navigate the user interface or change games.
The Hall Effect sticks worked well hereand should last for ages without the stick drift that plagues potentiometer-based controllers. There are other nice touches toolike pass-through USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone port5mm of extra space for phones with trendy camera bumps
The only downside I discovered is that wired controller support is a little behind support for Bluetooth controllersso some high-profile Android games like Call of Duty Mobile were complete non-starters.
Stillthere's plenty here to be getting on with with native mobile gamesstreaming and emulation to considerand playing on a powerful phone with the G8+ MFi represents a viable alternative to dedicated PC handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally with a different selection of games and arguably a more portable designthough the G8 is still fairly chunky at ~215x105x50mm when fully closed.
Bonus - Best overall iOS/Android controller: Razer Kishi V3 Pro
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- Pros: TMR sticks and HE triggerscomfy expandable design for phones and small tablets
- Cons: Twice the price of the GameSir G8+ MFi
- Buy: Amazon UKAmazon US
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro backbone- controller is a lovely bit of kitadding responsive and tactile controls to a huge variety of phones and tabletswith anything up to eight inches supported. There's even an XL version that can support full-size tablets toothough it's even more unwieldy - as you'd probably expect. As well as the hardware itselfyou also get access to the Razer Nexus appwhich gives quick access to installed gamessuggests compatible titles and allows you to adjust the controller's settings.
The overall effect is very similar to the Steam Deck or Switch 2with thickcomfortable gripspleasantly clicks from the face buttons and d-paddurable Hall Effect triggers and even more advanced TMR joysticks that don't succumb to drift over time. There are three different rubber cushions inside to suit different devicesand you can use the controller without these if your phone or tablet is already in a case. There's also pass-through USB-C charging to keep your phone topped up while playing.
I tested the Kishi V3 Pro out with my OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Editionand was very impressed with the feel of the controller in both mobile and streamed PC/console titles. The best use case for me was streaming Metaphor: Refantazio from my PC using Steam's game streaming (and later the community-made Sunshine/Moonlight tools which provide the option for lower-latency 120fps connections - glorious).
When I was out and aboutI preferred running games locallyand the likes of Genshin ImpactVampire Survivors and World of Tanks Blitz all worked well. HoweverCall of Duty Mobile required a Bluetooth controller to worka common stumbling block for games that are seemingly built only with the likes of the Xbox Wireless Controller or DualSense in mind.
Best of the rest: other controllers we tested
To keep our recommendations manageablewe've opted for 10 controller suggestions in the main article above. Here are some brief thoughts on the other controllers we've testedincluding a few options that nearly made it into the top slots.
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless: This premium controller has a lot going for itbut ultimately just barely fell short of our top recommendations. We loved its accurate and responsive Hall Effect sticks and tactile micro switch face/shoulder buttonsand the ability to change your settings on the fly using the built-in screen is incredibly handy. Howeverthe controller's build quality feels a bit low for the price pointand battery life isn't exceptional either at a rated 30 hours. You do at least get a very handy dock for drop-on rechargingwhich has a place to plug in the controller's wireless dongle - perfect for PC. The rear buttons here are a bit of a mixed bag toowith a nice click but relatively little travel - and I couldn't reach the P2 and P3 buttons with my usual grip . Check price at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro: A premium wireless PlayStation 5 and PC gamepad with Hall Effect sticks and triggersthe R5P is solidly constructed with a long feature list - but it is a bit limited on PS5where it doesn't support adaptive triggers and rumble and can't turn the console on due to Sony restrictions. The controller is heavy and widemaking it best suited for medium to large hand sizesbut still feels balanced and comfortable. Overalla decent option that's largely held back by a top-tier price that demands perfection. Check price at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
Thrustmaster Eswap X2: This is another strong controller when it comes to customisationwith hot-swappable components - you can freely swap the position of each stick and the d-pad. As with earlier Eswap iterationsthe build quality and responsiveness here are impressive given the modular design. The buttons on this model are nice and clicky too. If you're happy with a wired pad and want something with a ton of extra featuresincluding back buttonsthis is a few price drops away from real contention. Check price at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced Wired Controller: This gamepad is a bit too close to the superior Microsoft controllerbut at lower prices it might make sense. Going PowerAyou lose out on wireless connectivity and a tiny bit of build qualitybut you gain edge and button lighting in seven colourstwo programmable rear buttons and three-tier trigger locks. The trigger locks didn't work perfectly in our testingwith the most restrictive setting on both triggers resulting in different amounts of movementbut otherwise the controller delivers a reasonable gaming experience and looks good doing it. If the extra features are worthwhile for you and you're not interested in wireless connectivitythen this is a decent choice. Check price at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: This controller is a good first-party option with excellent battery lifebut it is more expensive than many competitorslacks analogue triggers and doesn't offer any compelling unique features beyond Switch compatibility and a cool see-through design. Check price at Amazon UK/Amazon US.
Sothere you have it. We will continue to evaluate new gamepads and controllers to keep our recommendations up to dateand we welcome your feedback in the comments below.