The best PlayStation 5 controllers to pair with your new-gen console

Does it get any better than the DualSense Edge? The answer may shock you.
By Dylan Haas  on 
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Overview

Best for playing PS5 titles

Sony PlayStation DualSense Edge

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Best overall (if you can give up certain PS5 features)

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

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Best for the basics

Sony PlayStation DualSense

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Best for personalization

SCUF Reflex Pro

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Best for pro gamers

PDP Victrix Pro BFG

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Best for when you're in a pinch

Sony PlayStation DualShock 4

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See 1 More

After careful hands-on testing, we feature our favorite gear and gadgets as Mashable Selects products in our dedicated shopping guides.


Table of Contents

Has HBO's The Last of Us inspired you to play the PlayStation games that inspired the show? Whether you're a newbie gamer looking to buy a PlayStation 5 or a seasoned pro looking for a few upgrades, you're going to want the best add-ons possible. One of the most important ones? A controller.

Now is the best time to buy a PlayStation 5 controller

Just a few months ago, writing a roundup of the best PS5 controllers probably would've been pointless, on account of the coveted console being virtually inaccessible. You simply couldn't get one unless you had a massive amount of luck on your side. Fortunately, now you can, sans headache.

It took over two years to see reliable stock of the new-gen console. It's good timing: With the recent releases of flagship PlayStation 5 accessories like the PSVR2 and DualSense Edge, and more PS5 exclusives coming in 2023, consoles are probably going to stay in high demand for the foreseeable future.

Why buy a controller when the PS5 already comes with one?

You don't really need to buy another controller when you get your PlayStation 5. The DualSense controller that comes with the console is a solid option and supports all the most important PS5 features. But, if you want a controller that lets you do more — namely alternate key mapping — you're better off upgrading. And hey, having an extra controller on hand is always a plus.

Not all brands are made equal

There are more options than ever for PlayStation 5 controllers, whether they're first- or third-party. It's a double-edged sword, though — a bigger selection also means that there are plenty of opportunities for illegitimate vendors to strike while the iron is hot. While sourcing for this roundup, I came across multiple retailers that gave me weird gut feelings as I tried to buy one of their PS5 controllers (including sites like AimControllers and HexGaming).

I wasn't able to fully confirm that these sites were scammy, as I was never actually able to get my hands on one of their products, but they certainly gave off those vibes. In the case of AimControllers, my editor and I both became suspicious when we were asked for additional credit card and official identification info after placing an order for a controller, which we promptly canceled. With HexGaming, I couldn't even get to a checkout page because the website is a hot mess.

This is all to say that you should be wary of third-party sites and make sure to do your research before purchasing from one. My recommendation is to only purchase a PS5 controller directly from Sony, or from a brand that has an official license to make controllers for the PS5 (like Razer and SCUF). If you buy from a seller that isn't trusted by other consumers or officially licensed, you might just be getting a modded PlayStation controller, which most likely isn't what you want.

What are the best PlayStation 5 controllers?

I've narrowed it down to six options, and they're all great for different reasons. My personal favorite? The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro. The convenient remapping process, comfort factor, impressive response times, and satisfying click on each button have made it my new go-to. Note that this recommendation is coming from someone who is OK with giving up the haptics and adaptive triggers that the PlayStation 5 has to offer. When I first got my PS5 I was enamored with those features, but after over two years of having one, they've worn off on me a bit and have gone from a necessity to a nice-to-have. If you're new to the PS5, you might want to stick with either the DualSense or DualSense Edge for a while to really experience the magic.

I also tried out the popular SCUF Reflex Pro and PDP Victrix Pro BFG, which are more niche but still worthwhile picks. No matter which one you end up deciding on, one thing is certainly true: There's never been a more exciting time to be shopping for a PlayStation 5 controller.

It's undeniable: The DualSense Edge is the ultimate way to experience PlayStation 5 games. It's their only flagship pro-controller-style product, so anything less would be a massive letdown.

Aside from being super PS5-y, I loved some of the extras that came with the Edge. The carrying case is fantastic — it's durable, houses all the controller's accessories comfortably, and allows for in-case charging. The USB cable lock was a unique piece that I'd never seen before, and reliably kept my charging cord from popping out during gameplay sessions. But by far, my favorite add-ons were the half-dome back buttons (there's also a paddle option if you like those more). Performance and comfort were both great, and the key mapping experience is a breeze thanks to the controller's unique function buttons in conjunction with the PlayStation's onboard interface.

The DualSense Edge is not perfect, though. The battery life is somehow worse than the original DualSense, and I was disappointed that there are only two back buttons compared to the industry-standard minimum of four. I appreciate that there's a hair trigger option, but it still takes a little too long to press compared to other controllers. I also couldn't help but notice that the Edge doesn't have that "premium feel" that the Xbox Elite Series 2 has. "Cheap" certainly isn't the word I would use, but it definitely felt lighter and lower in build quality than I had hoped.

I don't think it's the best controller overall — that prize goes to the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro — but if you're new to the PlayStation 5 and those adaptive triggers and haptics are something you have yet to experience, this is where you should start.

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The Bad

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Razer Wolverine V2 Pro controller

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

Best overall (if you can give up certain PS5 features)

After testing six different controllers for this roundup, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is the new main controller that I'll use for everyday gaming.

While the controller initially feels a little light and plasticky, this actually plays into what makes the Wolverine V2 Pro so great: Its sense of speed. Everything about the controller is "light," including the button feel and response time. It's the first controller I've used that genuinely compares to a PC gaming mouse — each button has a "click" to it that feels great, and results in an effortless press. Like a high-quality mouse, the actuation time from press to response is lightning-quick.

Another thing I loved about this controller was the unique placement of the back buttons: They're placed in the middle of the device as opposed to the sides. Maybe it's just the size of my hands, but my fingers comfortably landed right on the paddles without having to reach or scrunch my fingers up. The two extra bumpers were much appreciated, too, as well as the lengthy battery life.

I'd be remiss not to mention that the Wolverine V2 Pro isn't compatible with the PlayStation 5's haptics and adaptive triggers, which might be a big sacrifice for some people. For me, the trade-off was worth it, but I've had my PS5 since it launched in 2020, so the magic of those features has worn off for me. The only thing I wished was better was the key mapping experience — I didn't love that I had to download an app on my phone to reassign inputs, having to reconnect to it via Bluetooth every time I wanted to make a change.

I'll switch back to the DualSense Edge when I'm playing a game that features can't-miss haptics and adaptive trigger stuff, but for everything else, I'll be using this baby.

The Good

The Bad

Details

I can't recommend against the DualSense, mainly because you're going to get one whether you like it or not when you buy a PlayStation 5.

The DualSense is basically the DualSense Edge minus the extras and the steep price tag ($69.99 if you're buying an extra one separately). That means no custom sticks, adjustable triggers, back buttons, etcetera. You'll get everything that was promised when the PS5 launched, though, including Sony's proprietary adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback.

The main downside of the DualSense is its lackluster battery life, which is a problem that carried over from the PlayStation 4's DualShock controller. It's still better than the DualSense Edge in that department, which is a little confounding, but a win nonetheless. When it comes to overall performance and comfort, I have no complaints.

It's the bare minimum when it comes to choosing a PlayStation 5 controller to stick with, and thankfully, the bare minimum for the PS5 is already fantastic.

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SCUF Reflex Pro controller

SCUF Reflex Pro

Best for personalization

In 2022, I would've told you that the SCUF Reflex Pro is the best controller you can get to experience full-featured PlayStation 5 titles. In a post-DualSense-Edge world, though, it's not as special.

That's not to say that the Reflex Pro is a bad option, though. In fact, it's still one that I think you should consider for a few reasons. It's the only third-party option I found that includes Sony's proprietary adaptive trigger tech, and the overall build quality is really solid. I especially loved the performance grip, as well as the placement of the back paddles. The paddles on the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro are more my style, but I liked how the SCUF buttons were set in such a way that I could operate both with just one finger, and I can see how they'd be someone else's first choice. The real star of the show, though, is the opportunity for personalization: You can customize your Reflex Pro to make it uniquely "you," and the amount of design options you can choose from is impressive. The battery life is OK, and overall performance and comfort get an A+ from me.

My qualms with the SCUF Reflex Pro are mainly the price and the decision to leave out a hair trigger option. For that, you'll have to buy the Reflex FPS or add on instant triggers in the SCUF customizer, which means you'll be giving up the adaptive triggers. At this price — $219.99 for a base model and much more for a custom model (mine passed the $300 mark) — a controller like the Reflex Pro should have the same trigger features as the DualSense Edge, which include the adaptive tech and trigger adjustment options.

I'd love to see the next iteration of the Reflex have fully adjustable adaptive triggers to make it more comparable to the DualSense Edge, but for now, I can't recommend it over the Edge. If you care a lot about personalization and making your gear your own, this controller is the way to go, but I'd say that's the only thing it has over Sony's flagship option.

The Good

The Bad

Details

I'm not a professional gamer, and I never will be — you're not going to catch me at an esports tournament anytime soon. But if I was a pro, I'd probably have the PDP Victrix Pro BFG at my side wherever I went.

I was impressed with the PDP's number of button swap options. Using the included screwdriver-like tool, I was able to flip around the placement of the joysticks, d-pad, and face buttons to match my needs. You can even fully remove the face buttons to swap in the Victrix Pro BFG's fight pad configuration. All of that is in addition to the extra thumbstick, gate, and d-pad styles that you can choose from, making this controller a bona fide customization powerhouse. Other highlights include speedy performance, a sturdy grip, and seemingly infinite battery life. It comes with a nice carrying case, too.

It's not all sunshine and roses, though. You won't get the new-gen PS5 features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The key mapping process was also my least favorite of the controllers I tested, sometimes having to hold down three buttons at one time to get the setup I wanted (it felt like I was playing a game of Twister with my fingers). While I really liked the quick hair trigger release on the back of the device, the triggers themselves felt a little bit on the cheap side, which is tough at $179.99.

That's mostly OK, because the purpose of the PDP Victrix Pro BFG isn't really about the build quality — to me, it's more about speed, versatility, and overall performance. It's the most inexpensive pro-style controller on the list, so I gave it a little extra leeway at times, but I can't fully let it off the hook for its overly light and hollow feel. All in all, though, it's the best tournament controller you're going to get right now.

The Good

The Bad

Details

Don't start scoffing just yet. The DualShock 4 isn't a PlayStation 5 controller, but I included it in this roundup because there are certain aspects that make it worth an earnest look.

For starters, it'll keep your wallet happy, as it's the cheapest controller here. It also allows for the opportunity to add on a nifty back button attachment, which is more than you can say for the original base model DualSense (I would consider it a must-have if you're going to go the DualShock route). The attachment has officially been discontinued, seeing as we're well past the PS4 generation, but you can still find them floating around out there for close to the original $19.99 MSRP.

Battery life is notoriously bad, usually clocking in at five to six hours before needing a charge, and you obviously won't be getting any of those PlayStation 5 features or the built-in extras you'll find with a pro-style controller. Comfort and performance both do the trick.

There's a caveat you need to be aware of, too: You can't play PS5 titles with a DualShock 4; only PS4 games that you've downloaded onto your console. It's a big roadblock, but if you're in a pinch and need an extra controller to play a compatible local multiplayer game, having one can really come in clutch.

The Good

The Bad

Details

Topics Gaming

How we tested

When sourcing which controllers I would test for this roundup, I wanted only the best instead of testing 15-plus options with a majority of them being duds. I did preliminary research and narrowed it down to six picks that have been widely praised by the gaming community at large. I opted to test only the products that were first-party from Sony, or third-party devices that were officially licensed by them. I disqualified all of the options that didn't fit into those two categories, that were considered third-party "modded" controllers or models that came from sellers I deemed illegitimate due to customer reviews that stated as such (as well as my own firsthand experience with AimControllers and HexGaming).

To test the controllers, I spent a few days with each, playing at least one hour of the same five PS5 titles with each of them: Returnal, Demon's Souls, The Last of Us Part I, God of War Ragnarök, and Astro's Playroom. All of these games are critically acclaimed in some regard, and all do a comprehensive job of showing what the PlayStation 5 has to offer. (The only exception to the rule was the DualShock 4, which I had to exclusively play PlayStation 4 games with, as it's not compatible with PS5 games. With the DualShock, I tested out the PS4 versions of God of War, The Last of Us Part II, and played through the It Takes Two co-op campaign.)

Factors I took into consideration during the testing period were:

  • Comfort and feel: If you're going to spend hours holding a controller, it needs to be ergonomically comfortable if you don't want to cramp up while you're playing. I also took special care to notice the "feel" of each device, like grip, weight, and quality of the build materials.

  • Battery life: Most gaming sessions are going to last multiple hours, so battery life is a huge factor when it comes to picking out a controller. Nobody wants to have to constantly stop for a charge in the middle of gameplay.

  • Key mapping: Alternate key mapping options allow for an experience that is specific to every player, but not all controllers let you do it. If they do employ the feature, it should be as convenient as possible to assign and re-assign inputs on the fly.

  • Additional buttons and customization: Some controllers include more buttons than usual — like back buttons and bumpers — so that players can use them to assign inputs in a way that requires less hand repositioning. Some even include swappable thumbsticks, d-pads, and multiple back button choices.

  • Performance: When using a controller in wireless mode, response time can take a noticeable dive. The best controllers avoid this, though, and maintain speedy performance even if you're not wired in.

  • PlayStation 5 features: The PS5 boasts best-in-class haptic feedback and one-of-a-kind adaptive triggers. Some third-party controllers aren't able to emulate these features, but in some cases, the sacrifice may be worth it. It's really a "pick your poison" type of situation, but it's not something you can ignore if you're playing PS5-exclusive games that take advantage of those fancy bells and whistles.

author photo
Dylan Haas
Lead Shopping Reporter

Dylan Haas is a Lead Shopping Reporter for Mashable, where he covers all things gaming, pets, fitness, sleep, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Before joining the team at Mashable, Dylan received a B.A. in Communications from Pace University and contributed to publications like Paste Magazine, Bandsintown, and others following a brief stint as a marketing and management assistant in the music industry.

When he's not writing or testing products, you can find Dylan playing lots of video games, working out, spending time with loved ones (especially his dog, Stevie), or watching reality TV. Follow him on X at @iamdylanhaas, or send him an email at [email protected].

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