As console titles become increasingly cross-platform, even the most traditional keyboard and mouse gamers find themselves purchasing gaming controllers. While most PC games still support keyboards and mice, certain genres, including sports and fighting titles, work best with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch controllers. Fortunately, there are more Microsoft Windows-compatible PC controllers than ever before on the market, but determining which is the best gaming controller for PC users is often a chore.

The best PC controllers aren't actually designed for PC gamers, but rather for major consoles. Even so, many of these peripherals function more than adequately when connected to Windows computers, whether it's through USB cables, wireless RF dongles, or Bluetooth.

Game Rant's picks for the Best Controllers for PCs for 2024

Our choice for the best PC gaming controller is the Xbox Controller. Even gamers who don’t own an Xbox tend to agree that Microsoft’s Core Xbox design is one of the best gaming controllers of all time. Being a Microsoft product, it only makes sense that PC users are also able to enjoy a near-perfect gaming controller experience. Players can easily connect the controller to the Xbox and PCs via Bluetooth, with PC gamers also being able to use the included USB RF dongle, which Microsoft continues to slim down with each new generation of controllers, for an even more reliable connection. The controller has native support on Windows, and gamers are able to customize buttons and monitor battery levels in the Xbox Accessories app both on the console and PC.

Being one of the best and most popular, support for this PC gaming controller is widespread in games, with even some added configurations available to Steam users. PC gamers who love to express their individuality will appreciate the fact that the Xbox Wireless Controller is available in many colors with some special editions routinely coming and going. The Xbox Design Lab allows users to fully customize their color schemes and controller finishes, though some options come at a premium.

The gaming controller does lose some points for lacking a rechargeable battery pack without purchasing an add-on, but with reusable batteries and a 40-hour life, this is a small caveat for the Xbox controller. The controller is also missing the now fairly common back buttons, but the handles do offer excellent texture and the whole device feels very light. Additionally, few users ever experience issues with stick drift or loose triggers with the Xbox core controller, still a rarity among even name-brand controllers. The Xbox Core Wireless Controller is the best controller for PC gamers on all fronts, with players able to depend on its connectivity and responsiveness through basically every title that allows controller play.

The best wired PC gaming controller is the GameSir G7 SE. Released in 2023, it was the very first Xbox controller with Hall effect sticks. Hall effect sensors are slowly making their way into plenty of third party controllers, but GameSir’s G7 SE controller offers excellent performance at an amazing price. Although the controller isn’t the most stylish choice, the simple white faceplate is designed to be removed so that users can customize them separately. The controller also comes with ample texture around the handles and on the triggers and joysticks, creating a more breathable and stable grip.

The long cord is lightweight and easy to manipulate, helping to keep desks from getting too cluttered during games. The cord can also be removed, allowing for more compact storage. Players can customize the buttons on the G7 using the handy app, which is very intuitive and available on PC, though the layout can be changed on the fly using the controller itself.

In Game Rant’s review of the G7, we found that the Hall effect sticks are way snappier than standard controllers. The triggers are just as responsive and reliable, even after months of use. Wired gamepads aren’t for everyone, but with GameSir’s responsiveness and durability, the G7 SE is the best wired controller for PC gamers.

Finding a wireless controller for less than $20 seems like an impossible task in 2024, yet there are still some options. One of the best budget PC gaming controllers is the PXN 50L, which offers players excellent connectivity, customization, and performance on both the PC and Switch. The brown controller isn’t the prettiest thing in the world, but players can pay just an extra $6 and get the much more attractive dual-toned green or white and blue options. Regardless of the color, the controller offers players two extra back buttons, motion controls, and an NFC reader – premium extras that are surprising to find on such a cheap controller.

The main downside to the controller is its range, which many users report to be about 6-10 feet, depending on the environment. While this isn’t ideal for many Switch players, PC players and Switch gamers who sit close to the TV or don’t always play in docked mode won’t have any issues with the controller for a while. Being so affordable, it’s not uncommon for players to start running into minor issues such as stick drift after a year or so, but given PXN’s seriously affordable price, that’s far from a problem for most budget PC gamers.

BigBig Won was basically unknown just a few months ago, but in 2023 they released a handful of controllers that have taken the market by storm. Game Rant recently did a hands-on review of their Rainbow 2 Pro controller, and found that it offers Switch and PC gamers one of the best wireless RGB PC gaming controllers available.

First and foremost, the Rainbow 2 Pro has customizable RGB lighting around the border of its faceplate, which gives players a vibrant display of up to six different colors with a simple cycle mode. It’s not the brightest display, but for PC players that’s usually a good thing, since controllers are often held much closer than when gaming on a couch. The customization app makes changing the colors easy, but also provides remapping. There are two extra buttons on the back of the controller that can be programmed to be any other function either on the controller, and all of the controls can be edited and saved to unique profiles through the PC app. Even the trigger and stick sensitivity can be customized.

BigBig Won’s Rainbow 2 Pro provides an excellent wireless connection, with a responsiveness that’s ideal for most gamers not involved in competitions. Despite the battery life being listed as less than 15 hours with RGB lighting on, in our review we found that the controller actually lasts much longer on average. Plus, for an extra $15, players can get the controller with a charging stand, which makes storage a bit more compact and can recharge the controller in about an hour. Overall, for PC players who want a reliable, wireless RGB controller, the Rainbow 2 Pro is the best way to go.

Despite the popularity of Xbox-based controllers for PC gaming, some gamers aren’t a fan of the “standard” controller shape. Fortunately, the Sony PlayStation DualSense wireless controller works fairly well on the PC, leading to its being recommended by plenty of players in the community. While Sony doesn't provide official Windows drivers, tons of gamers have had great success running Steam in the background to enable support for the DualSense controller either wired or wirelessly through Bluetooth.

Although some trademark DualSense features aren't supported in many PC titles, including its haptic feedback and touchpad, the controller has Sony’s signature responsiveness and reliability. This is a fairly premium controller, and it performs like one across many PC titles. The typical battery life for the DualSense controller during continuous use is around 8 hours, but many PC users will happily use a USB cable to eliminate those concerns and avoid any Bluetooth latency issues. Using the wired connection also allows for more advanced features, such as haptic feedback, to be available on most modern titles.

The DualSense offers PC players an ergonomic design that makes long gaming sessions no problem, and Playstation gamers will especially enjoy having a familiar control scheme. In the future, it's likely that more games will support all the controller's innovative features, but even as it stands, with its high quality design and responsive connectivity available at a sub-$100 price, the DualSense is the best mid-range controller for PC gamers.

Microsoft naturally didn’t stop with their core controller once it realized what they had. While the core controller is an “every man’s” wireless controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 offers impressive advancements at every turn. This extremely well-built controller takes all of the good of the core controller, such as the long battery life and dependable connectivity, and piles on more premium features to create one of the best wireless controllers money can buy. Of course, with a nearly $200 price tag, these high-end features certainly have to earn their keep.

However, these delightful advancements are largely things that gamers are always on the hunt for with controllers. Customization is a major theme of the Xbox Elite Series 2, with players being offered adjustable tension thumbsticks, three-stop trigger locks, and even a small variety of colors to choose from. The Elite Series 2 controller also comes complete with four remappable back buttons and the whole thing can be customized through Microsoft’s controller app. If players opt for the Elite Series 2 bundle, they’ll immediately be able to swap out the joysticks, D-pad, and the back buttons, though these parts are also available separately.

The software with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 provides users with profile data, both on Xbox and Microsoft profiles. Gamers can save up to 3 different profiles per controller. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 can connect to PCs in two ways, either via Bluetooth connection or via the USB port. The controller has wide compatibility and is able to work with the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and Windows operating systems. Given the intuitive Xbox controller shape, the rubberized grips, and the impressive customizability, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is simply one of the best high-end controllers available to gamers on PC or console.

How To Pick The Perfect PC Controller

When choosing a new controller for a PC, consider these factors:

• Wired vs. Wireless: Wired controllers are still very popular with PC gamers since sitting positions are often close to rigs with USB ports. However, wireless controllers fit in with completely cord-free gaming setups and now offer extremely low-latency connections.
• Button Layout: PC gamers have an extensive selection of controllers also compatible with the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Buyers should pick a controller with a familiar button layout and one that is comfortable to hold for hours at a time.
• Features: Not all controllers include features like vibration or touchpads that are standard on the Xbox Series X/S or DualSense controllers. Buyers may sacrifice these capabilities to save money and purchase a controller that prioritizes ergonomics and performance.
• Customization: Some gamers are fussier than others when it comes to being able to modify every aspect of a controller. Not only do some controllers enable users to remap buttons, but modular controllers have replaceable analog sticks and D-pads.

FAQ

Q: What features should I look for when buying a controller for PC?

Probably one of the most important features to keep an eye out for is compatibility. Depending on your operating system, some controllers may work better than others.

Q: What's better, a wired or wireless controller?

Modern controllers, whether they be wired or wireless, have almost no difference in latency. The choice between wired or wireless all depends on your personal preference.

Q: How can I customize my controller to look better on my PC?

There are many aspects to consider if customization is important to you. If the controller has RGB lighting or different styles available, consider those aspects and your PC. Can the lights sync up? Which color version goes the best with your rig?