7 Best Gaming Controllers for a Perfect GamePlay
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Gaming is almost always better with a controller, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you the best Windows gaming controllers you can buy.
What are the best Windows 10 gaming controllers?
1. Xbox Wireless Controller – Best overall
- Ergonomic design
- Compatible with Bluetooth devices, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One
- Rechargeable and removable batteries that last up to 40 hours
- Remappable buttons
- Stick drift will eventually occur
Xbox Controller has been the staple of gaming for decades due to its ergonomic design. The controller uses Xbox Wireless technology as well as Bluetooth allowing you to easily connect it with your PC.
Of course, a wired connection is also possible thanks to the USB Type-C port. As for the available buttons, there are two thumbsticks, a hybrid D-pad, four face buttons and textured triggers and bumpers.
During our testing, the controller felt stable and secure during gaming sessions and the available rechargeable batters provided about 40 hours before having to recharge.
Xbox Wireless Controller offers great features, reliability, and ergonomic design, and it’s available in multiple colors, so it’s a perfect choice for both Xbox and PC gamers alike.
2. PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – Amazing haptic feedback
- Great design
- Built-in microphone and 3.5mm jack
- Amazing haptic feedback
- Adaptive triggers
- Stick drift will occur eventually
- Battery lasts up to 6 hours max
Sony is well-known for the quality of its controllers, and the PS5 controller continues this trend. The controller is comfortable and ergonomic to use, and during our testing, we didn’t feel any strain even after prolonged gaming sessions.
The controller supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly connect it to your PC, and there’s also a USB Type-C cable available, if you don’t want to use a wireless connection.
One selling point of the PS5 controller is its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that will give you more immersive gameplay. While the touchpad can work as a mouse, we didn’t find it too useful on a PC, however, its functionality can be enhanced with third-party tools.
Overall, the PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller is amazing, especially if you need haptic feedback, so it’s a great controller for all gamers.
3. Crush Defender TMR – One-of-a-kind design
- Amazing rugged design
- Compatible with PCs and other Bluetooth devices
- Adjustable lighting
- Removable joystick caps and magcases
- Might feel heavy to some users
- Doesn’t have dedicated software for firmware updates
The first thing you’ll notice about this controller is its design. It comes with a worn-out metal body and imperfections so it looks rather rugged.
The controller has a standard Xbox controller layout, but thanks to Bluetooth support you can easily connect it to any device. It also has six different lighting modes that you can toggle without having to use a dedicated app.
As for customization, it offers removable joystick caps and swappable magcases so you can customize the look of your controller with ease. Lastly, the controller also has a 6-axis sensor built in.
Metal Crush Defender TMR offers incredible design and during our testing, it felt heavy but comfortable, however, some users might have issues using it for more than a few hours. Overall, with its unique design, this controller easily stands out from others on the market.
4. Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 – Highly customizable
- Compatible with Xbox One, Series X|S, and PC
- Rubberized grip
- Thumbstick tension adjustment
- Swappable toppers, D-pads, and paddles
- Up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge
- Rubber isn’t too durable
- Expensive
If you’re a fan of Xbox controllers, you’re probably familiar with the Elite Series. Just like the regular model, this one is compatible with Xbox One, Series X|S, and PC.
The Elite series is famous for its customization options, and Series 2 doesn’t disappoint in that regard. The thumbtack toppers, D-pads, and paddles are swappable, so you can change them as you wish for the most optimal gaming experience.
The controller also supports up to 3 custom profiles, and you can easily switch between them on the fly. You can also adjust the tension on the thumbsticks thus ensuring maximum precision in games.
This is an incredible controller, especially if you’re a competitive gamer and you need to adjust your controller to meet your needs perfectly.
5. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra – Unique design
- Antidrift thumbsticks and microswitch buttons
- Comes with a companion app
- Has a built-in display for configuration and notifications
- Adjustable trigger stops
- Programmable quick-action buttons
- Expensive
- Haptic feedback is loud
- Battery life could be better
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is primarily an Xbox controller, but it’s fully compatible with PCs. The controller stands out from other controllers on the market due to its design that features RGB lights.
In addition to lights, it also has a command display that you can use to view notifications from your phone or to adjust your settings on the fly.
Besides the standard buttons, it also has adjustable trigger stops, so you can easily change their sensitivity. It’s also worth mentioning the four mappable quick action buttons on the bottom of the controller.
The controller comes with hall-effect thumbsticks that provide smooth control without any drift while other buttons use tactile microswitches for fast response time and longevity.
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra offers a unique design that will be suitable for games, and if you want a controller with great design and antidrift thumbsticks, this is the right model for you.
6. Scuf Instinct Pro – Highly customizable
- High-performance grip
- Powered by 2X AA batteries
- Replaceable thumbsticks and programmable paddles
- Rumble support
- Replaceable faceplates
- Pricey
- The controller could be more durable
This is another Xbox controller, and as such, it’s fully compatible with Windows. What sets this controller apart from others is its customization and you can easily change thumbsticks.
For more sensitivity, there are adjustable triggers on the back as well as customizable paddles that you can use to remap keys.
The controller will fit perfectly in your hand during intense gaming sessions thanks to its ergonomic design and contoured surface. SCUF Instinct Pro also supports up to three profiles and you can switch between them with a single key press.
The controller has built-in rumbles, and it offers replaceable faceplates, so you can customize it with unique designs. It’s a great controller especially if you need something premium with many customization options.
7. Gamesir Kaleid Controller – Affordable wired alternative
- Comes with 9.8 feet USB-C cable
- Offers haptic feedback
- Hall Effect analog triggers
- Adjustable lighting
- Textured design
- No Bluetooth
- Requires software to turn off LEDs
Unlike the previous entries on our list, this one is a wired controller, but it’s fully compatible with Xbox X|S, One, and PC. The controller offers anti-drift performance and high precision thanks to the Hall Effect analog triggers.
Thanks to the four built-in motors, the controller offers feedback during the gameplay for extra immersion. The controller is comfortable and thanks to the textured design, it will remain firmly in your hands at all times.
It’s worth mentioning that the controller offers lighting effects, and you can configure them via a dedicated app. Overall, if you’re on a budget, but you need a quality controller for your PC, this is the right choice.
We hope this article about the best Windows gaming controllers helped you to decide which controller to buy.
For more suggestions, don’t miss our guide on the best USB wireless gaming controllers or our article on the best responsive PC gaming controllers.
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