The best PS5 controllers in 2023: Pro pads, arcade sticks & more

Want to get the best PS5 controller? The options may be limited, but how do they stack against Sony’s DualSense? We’ve done a deep dive to bring you our top recommendations.

Choosing the best PS5 controller isn’t easy – you need to consider your gaming habits and the types of games you’ll be playing. Now, with the PS5 readily available, it’s the perfect time to fully immerse yourself in the PS5 ecosystem and elevate your gaming experience. And what’s the first step? Scoring the perfect controller, of course.

Thankfully, the market is seeing an influx of third-party PS5 controllers, and Sony’s DualSense Edge is also making waves. Remember that these controllers don’t come cheap – we’re talking $200 and up. But if you’re ready to take your PS5 gaming to the next level, these are worth every penny.

The DualSense controller stands out with its haptic triggers and other unique features. However, the new breed of specialist controllers are game-changers, packing some exciting features to enhance your gameplay.If you’re more inclined towards PC gaming, we list the best PC controllers. So, if you need to get set on a console-specific controller, be sure to check that out.

Victrix Pro BFG: The best PS5 controller overall

Dexerto

• Connectivity: USB-C, Wireless
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Price: $179.99

When it comes to getting a premium experience for your controller, you might be best off with the Victrix Pro BFG. It has an adjustable layout, meaning that you can easily switch from symmetrical, or asymmetrical stick placements. In addition to this, you can also swap out the shape of the D Pad, and even the gate of the sticks themselves, too. The package also sports full tournament functions while also having excellent battery life.

The adjustable triggers have five stopping points, and you are also able to swap out the entire right button and stick module for a fightpad, if you so choose. The only thing that you are really having to sacrifice will be a USB port for wireless connectivity. You can also choose a wired mode, and assign the four back buttons directly on the controller without any software hassle. Coming in cheaper than the DualSense Edge and Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, we think it deserves this top spot.

DualSense Edge: The best premium PS5 controller

Dexerto

• Connectivity: USB-C, Wireless
• Compatibility: PS5, PC
• Battery life: Six hours
• Price: $199.99

The DualSense Edge is the most premium, first-party controller from Sony. However, coming in as slightly more expensive than the Victrix Pro BFG, and only offering a meager six hours of battery life, we think that this one is for diehard PlayStation fans only. It retains the “Panda” colorway of the current PlayStation hardware, and while it is incredibly customizable through software, there are better options in the Victrix Pro BFG.

With that in mind, you get a wealth of accessories in the box, which can have a cable fed through it for easy charging, which you will be using a fair amount. With a circular back button option, we think that this is the best application of a back button in a controller that we’ve ever seen, thanks to the DualSense Edge’s excellent ergonomics. However, the price may be a tough pill to swallow for some. However, it’s still one of the best PS5 controllers, making it a fine contender for this list.

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro: The most comfortable PS5 controller

Dexerto

• Connectivity: USB-C, Wireless
• Compatibility: PS5, PC
• Battery life: 10- 30 hours
• Price: $249.99

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is one of the most expensive controllers on this list, but it’s also the most comfortable. We found that while it was lacking in areas such as features, with the rear buttons too difficult to reach, if you overlook this, then you just have a really great-feeling pad to play around with. You can remap up to six buttons on the pad through an app. If you’re also into fighting games, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has what is the best D-Pad on this entire list, no other controller aside from the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA manages to come close.

The battery life is more than adequate, though you will have to sacrifice a USB-A port on your PS5 console, and forego any haptic trigger shenanigans going on with the DualSense duo. But, with all that in mind, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is not a bad controller at all and can feel comfortable even when playing for those longer sessions.

DualSense: The best budget PS5 controller

Sony

• Connectivity: USB-C, Wireless
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Price: $69.99

Sporting haptic triggers, a wealth of connectivity options, and more, the humble DualSense is the best all-around controller that you can get for your PS5. Not only does it have decent battery life, but you will still be able to make use of the haptic trigger functions on the console itself, for use in games like God of War Ragnarok.

Moreover, this one actually comes bundled with the PS5, meaning that for most games, you won’t have to shell out any cash at all to get your hands on this controller. Just be aware that older DualSense models have a weaker spring in the triggers, and are prone to breakage, any variant of the controller with a different colorway should have this issue fully resolved.

Hori Fighting Commander OCTA: The best fightpad for PS5

Dexerto

• Connectivity: USB-A
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Battery life: N/A
• Price: $59.99

If you are a fighting game aficionado looking to get stuck into titles like Street Fighter 6 in the coming months, the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA should be the first controller you look to, with an excellent D-Pad in addition to an eight-way stick, this is excellent for those looking to get a classic six-button feel without having to rely on older hardware or confusing controller converters.

This is mainly for fighting games, and retro titles, so just know that ahead of purchase. The buttons have a microswitch, and are incredibly easy to actuate in a flash, and they will last for a good long time, too, meaning that this controller is excellent to have in your arsenal, especially as it is an officially licensed product and will have zero issues with any games native to PS5.

Victrix Pro FS: The best arcade stick for PS5

Dexerto

• Connectivity: USB-C
• Platform: PS5, PS4, PC
• Battery life: N/A
• Price: $399

If you are looking for a premium Arcade stick for PS5, then the Victrix Pro FS should be what you consider, if you can afford it. With a full-aluminum construction, this is one of the best PS5 controllers that we have ever tested. But, it will only work effectively with fighting games, such as Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter.

With that in mind, the buttons and lever are genuine parts taken straight from arcades, with Sanwa Denshi parts, and the lever is also easily removed for effective use while out and about, and it all connects via USB-C, with a place to wrap the cable for storage. You can also customize your buttons, if you so choose to do so, with a removable flap around the bottom of the controller, too.

Also, here is a list of some of the best guides to help improve your PS5 gaming experience.

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