For many PC gamers, using a keyboard and mouse combination is still the best way to play games. Some would prefer the comfort of using a controller instead. Gaming controllers have come a long way since the Gamecube, and now, given the popularity of consoles, the majority of games are made with controllers in mind.
That is why it’s a great idea to check out the best gaming controllers for PC in 2024. We have mentioned the best wired and wireless controllers compatible with PC. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get into it.
1. Xbox Wireless Controller
The Xbox wireless controller is the best budget pick for most PC gamers to start their journey. It’s the improved and latest generation of the much-appreciated Microsoft Xbox controller. Pro-level PC gamers prefer this controller for a limited budget because it offers plenty of premium and useful features.
Such as the sturdy build quality, good wireless connectivity, ergonomic design, multiple color options, replaceable AA batteries, textured triggers, superior D-pad, and more. If your budget is tight, it would be your first choice for PC gaming.
| Model | Xbox Wireless Controller |
| Price | $44.49 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB |
| Power | 2x AA batteries Battery life up to 40 hours |
| Features | Hybrid D-pad, Textured grip on the triggers/bumpers/back-case, share button, a 3.5mm audio headset jack, a USB-C port, Custom button mappings |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 275 grams |
Pros
- Best overall wireless PC controller
- Comfortable design
- Excellent build feels great in hands
- Textured triggers, Hybrid D-Pad
- Custom button mappings
- Compatible with most games
Cons
- No rechargeable battery
- Requires an adapter for wireless mode
- Not heavily customizable
- Stick-drift issue may appear
2. GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
The GameSir G7 SE wired controller is a licensed Xbox controller. It offers excellent value-for-money performance and features for a budget range. You’ll get features like Hall Effect sticks, two additional customizable buttons, 4 on-board profiles, etc.
It also includes button remapping, additional customizable options via the GameSir Nexus app, great ergonomics, and a reliable wired connectivity mode.
| Model | GameSir G7 SE |
| Price | $44.99 |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Power | Wired 3 meters cable length |
| Features | Hall-effect triggers and sticks, a 3.5mm audio headset jack, a USB-C port, Custom button mappings, 2x extra buttons, 4 on-board memory profiles, fully customizable software with the GameSir Nexus app |
| Analog Sticks | Hall Effect |
| Weight | 221 grams |
Pros
- Offers a great value-for-money
- Licensed Xbox controller
- Hall effect triggers and joysticks
- Good ergonomic design
- Vibration feedback is decent
- Fully customizable with a companion app
- Lengthy detachable wire
Cons
- Wired only
- Xbox button feels less responsive
- Build quality feels fragile
- Stick drift issue may appear
3. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
The PowerA Enhanced wired controller is an officially licensed Xbox Series X|S controller in the sub $40 price range with a textured grip on the back, programmable rear buttons, dual vibration motors for a realistic feel while gaming, etc. It also features two short buttons for shortcuts and a headphone jack.
You’ll get an outdated micro USB port for the connectivity. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Xbox-certified controller for your PC with decent experience, you can go with it.
| Model | PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller |
| Price | $36.49 |
| Connectivity | Micro USB |
| Power | Wired 3 meters cable length |
| Features | Detachable cable with hook-and-loop closure, dual rumble motors, share button, mappable advanced gaming buttons, Diamond-texture grip on the back, metallic d-pad, a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Volume dial with One-touch Chat Mute |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 205 grams |
Pros
- Decent affordable choice
- Remappable Rear Buttons
- Officially licensed Xbox controller
- Physical volume button
- Lightweight design
- Detachable cable, hook-and-loop closure
Cons
- Old micro USB port, no Type-C
- Lacks wireless connectivity
- Wrong inputs with d-pad buttons
- Action buttons can get sticky at times
4. 8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G is another extremely competitive wireless controller that comes just under the $50 price tag. It includes Hall Effect joysticks, a 2.4GHz receiver for stable wireless connectivity, textured grips, customizable buttons, a charging dock, and additional back paddles.
You can adjust the trigger sensitivity & vibration levels, and assign macros for almost every PC title. It also allows you to change settings using the 8BitDo Ultimate software.
| Model | 8Bitdo Ultimate 2.4G Wireless Controller |
| Price | $49.99 |
| Connectivity | 2.4G wireless adapter |
| Power | Wireless, Rechargeable Battery, Multifunctional Charging Dock |
| Features | Rumble vibration, up to 15 hours of battery life, X-input & D-input switch, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Custom Profile Switch button, 3 profiles, Ultimate Software support, |
| Analog Sticks | Hall Effect |
| Weight | 236 grams (with dock) |
Pros
- Excellent value
- Hall Effect joysticks
- Charging dock is a plus point
- Comfortable design
- Customizable extra rear paddles
- Front LED ring feels premium
- Custom profile switching
- 2.4GHz adapter connectivity is stable
- 8BitDo Ultimate Software compatible
Cons
- Lacks Bluetooth mode
- Some buttons can get sticky
- May not be suitable for competitive games
- Rear paddles not remappable
5. Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless
For a premium segment, you can consider buying an Xbox Elite Series 2 Core wireless controller with higher capabilities. It features four rear paddles with customizations, remappable buttons, etc. It also allows you to swap D-pad buttons, back paddles, and joysticks with the magnetic attachment.
The overall grip, feel, and looks give you a custom gaming controller vibe. It includes a rechargeable battery that can last up to 40 hours. Additionally, it does have Bluetooth connectivity and low-latency USB-C wired mode.
| Model | Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless |
| Price | $114.99 |
| Connectivity | Wired + Wireless |
| Power | Bluetooth, USB Type-C Rechargeable Battery |
| Features | 3 custom profiles, up to 40 hours of battery life on each charge, fully customizable buttons and triggers, Xbox Accessories app support, a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, adjustable-tension thumbstick, rubberized grip, shorter hair trigger locks |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 345 grams |
Pros
- Good build and modular design
- Excellent for competitive gaming
- Highly customizable buttons
- Metal paddles are a big advantage
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Custom profiles
- Braided Type-C cord
- Wireless charging supported
Cons
- Not a lightweight design
- Stick drift and mushy buttons are present
- Poor lifespan
- Input lags and disconnections in the wireless mode
6. SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series Wireless
Do you love gamepad customizations like the faceplate or the buttons? If so, the Scuf Instinct Pro Performance Series wireless controller would be a go-to option for you at a premium price range. It costs more than double the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core wireless. However, it does have higher standards than its competitors.
You’ll be able to customize faceplates and buttons on Scuf Instinct Pro, there’s also thumbstick-ring options, D-pad customizability, bumper & trigger styling, removable rumble motors, and the familiar design pattern of the Xbox controller. It houses rechargeable AA batteries, great build quality, and offers precision accuracy.
| Model | SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series Wireless |
| Price | $229.99 |
| Connectivity | Wired + Wireless BT |
| Power | 2x AA rechargeable batteries, USB Type-C |
| Features | Textured grip on the back, four paddles with 16 configurable functions, interchangeable thumbstick, paddle profile switching button, new Instant Triggers |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 280 grams |
Pros
- Color customizability options
- Feels sturdy in hands
- Responsive, accurate precision
- Fully programmable buttons
- Designed for competitive gaming
Cons
- Expensive, add-on costs for customizations
- Stick drifts may arise
- Poor lifespan
7. PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
The Sony PlayStation DualSense is the ultimate Bluetooth PC controller for those who want an immersive gaming experience with adaptive triggers. Though it’s developed and designed for PS5 consoles, you can easily connect this controller to the PC via Bluetooth or Type-C and taste most of its functionalities.
You’ll get a rechargeable battery in the wireless mode, a pretty sleek & easy to hold grip, haptic feedback, an inbuilt microphone, touchpad, gyroscope sensor, etc. You’ll have to use it in a wired mode for advanced haptics and adaptive triggers on the PC with PS5-exclusive PC ports.
| Model | PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller |
| Price | $54.90 |
| Connectivity | Wired + Wireless BT |
| Power | 1x Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery, USB Type-C port |
| Features | Adaptive triggers, gyroscope, built-in microphone, a 3.5mm headphone jack, haptic feedback, touchpad, a dedicated mute button, PlayStation Accessories app support, up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 280 grams |
Pros
- Excellent immersive controller
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Haptic feedback is too good
- Good build quality and ergonomics
- Adaptive triggers are amazing
- PlayStation Accessories app offers updates
Cons
- USB-C cable not included
- Some features work on the wired mode only
- Headphone jack doesn’t work with the PC
- Stick drift issues can arise
8. THRUSTMASTER ESWAP XR Pro Forza Edition Wired Controller
The Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro controller is a Forza Horizon 5 Edition modular wired gamepad. It comes with a steering wheel attachment for playing racing games in full swing. The overall design and aesthetics are extremely good in terms of racing game lovers. It may feel like you’re using a wheel and pedal emulator for real.
Due to its hot-swappable modular design, the controller is comfortable for longer sessions with better palm grips. The best part is that the build quality is solid and feels premium in hands. It offers a micro USB connector for the wired mode.
| Model | THRUSTMASTER ESWAP XR Pro |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Power | Micro USB |
| Features | Racing Wheel Module with 95° rotation angle, S5 NXG mini-sticks, mechanical buttons, remappable 4 additional rear buttons, Volume control, 2 gaming profiles |
| Analog Sticks | Staggered |
| Weight | 324 grams |
Pros
- Excellent hot-swappable attachments
- Racing wheel module offers precision
- Tactile mechanical face buttons
- Great racing design
- Solid build quality, durable
- Comfortable hold and grip
Cons
- No Type-C and no wireless option
- Expensive
- Stick drifting can occur quickly
- Zero-trigger reaction with short-distance travel
9. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless
In the last option, we’ve added the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless controller that competes well among others in the sub $200 price range. It includes a built-in color display, mechanical face buttons, Hall Effect thumbsticks, companion app support, advanced sensors, and a great overall design.
You can consider it as an upgrade over the Xbox controller that offers great RGB lighting effects, wireless connectivity, and a good battery life. It even includes accessories like a carrying case and a charging dock.
| Model | THRUSTMASTER ESWAP XR Pro |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Connectivity | Wireless BT & Wireless Receiver |
| Power | USB Type-A to Type-C |
| Features | AntiDrift Thumbsticks, RGB Lighting, Charging Dock, Carrying Case, LED dashboard, Advanced Audio Tuning, Four Mappable Quick-Action Buttons, Pro-Aim Focus Mode, Adjustable Trigger Stops, Tactile Microswitch Buttons, Up to 30-hour battery life, Adjustable Power Modes, a 3.5mm audio jack, Four Additional Thumbcaps, Control Center 2 app support |
| Analog Sticks | Hall Effect |
| Weight | 246 grams |
Pros
- Dual rumble motors for immersive vibration
- Hall sensor effect on analog sticks
- Excellent triggers with shorter hairlock
- Charge using the charging dock in the case
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- RGB lighting, LED dashboard for notifications
- Precision thumbstick sensitivity
- Optimized for competitive FPS games
Cons
- Excessive clicky face buttons
- Non-swappable thumbsticks
- Trigger and bumper may start malfunctioning
- Average battery life
Which Controller to Choose for Your PC Gaming?
Well, it fully depends on your personal preference and budget. If you’re new to the gaming controller or play games moderately, simply go with the Xbox wireless controller or PowerA Enhanced wired controller. For FPS games or racing games, you can try the GameSir G7 SE wired controller, 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G controller, or Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro controller based on what kind of games you play.
Meanwhile, PlayStation fans or those who enjoy single-player games can go with the PlayStation DualSense controller for an immersive and adaptive trigger gaming experience. For hardcore gaming, you can consider buying the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core wireless controller, Scuf Instinct Pro Performance Series wireless controller, or Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless controller depending on the specs and budget.
