The best PS5 controllers could be the only upgrade your console needs, especially if a $700 price tag for a full console upgrade is too much for you. The PS5 Pro is one thing, but if you want your console gaming experience to feel more like a next-gen machine, a new controller is my best recommendation for you. Some back buttons, added comfort, and a whole lot of customization could seriously improve your gaming time, and I'm here to help find the right one for you.
The pro controller scene for PS5 is arguably better than it ever was for PS4, and we know that from time spent testing and reviewing the latest ones. Some of the gamepads in the list below even feature in our best PC controllers list, and a few are even backwards compatible with the PS4. While you can't use a PS4 controller to play PS5 games, you can still use them for last-gen games. That still leaves you plenty of choices, but with the growing number of titles that now have PS5 versions, we'd recommend a newer option from the list below.
Don't forget, either, that there are plenty of situational controllers that will work with the PS5. For example, Sony teamed up with Backbone to bring an officially licensed mobile controller to market. There are also steering wheels that'll be right in line with those PS5 players who enjoy taking to the virtual tracks. With the PlayStation Portal now available, as well as the Access controller, there are PS5 gamepads out there for every player.
Remember, towards the end of this month Black Friday PS5 deals will arrive to help you afford all of these controllers. It might be worth waiting until then to see if you can get a better deal.
The Quick List
The best PS5 controller overall
Undoubtedly our favorite controller overall at the moment, the Victrix Pro BFG is competitively priced and simply makes you better at every game you touch with it. This is probably one of the best gamepads ever made and we even prefer the customization elements over the Edge.
The best PS5 controller for features
The DualSense Edge is Sony's first homegrown pro controller, and it's a great all-rounder. Its integration into the PS5's UI makes it a serious contender on this list because of the features on offer. We just wish it wasn't so pricey.
The best PS5 controller for longevity
Hall Sensor sticks that are immune to stick drift make this the best gamepad on the shelves for longevity. As if that wasn't enough, Nacon has made something that's great for Esports and multiplayer too.
The best PS5 controller for most players
Despite its stick drift issues and lack of wider support, the DualSense is still one of the most innovative controllers ever made, and it has some excellent features. It's also available in a slew of colors now too.
The PS5 controller with the most buttons
The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has four back buttons and two additional bumpers, making it the controller with the most bang for your buck in terms of functionality. This is a gamepad for folks who like a chunkier build.
The best for remote play
The PlayStation Portal isn't the PS5 handheld we were hoping for, but if you want something for remote play, it doesn't get much better than this.
The best mobile controller
If you're a fan of remote play, or just playing mobile games while you're out and about, the GameSir G8 Galileo is our current pick for the best mobile controller. The Backbone One is also an option but see below to find out why we prefer this.
The best DualSense alternative
Scuf's controllers are known for their quality, if not their high prices. Regardless, if you want a traditional DualSense feel with some extra features from a third party, the Scuf Reflex range is your best bet. You're boosting customization, with a range of designs to choose from as well.
The best racing wheel for PS5
For those who are looking to level up their Gran Turismo game, a racing wheel is just the thing. You can play a great selection of driving games and racing sims with the Thrustmaster T248, making it a best buy.
Don't tell the other bits of tech I get to review for a living, but controllers are probably my favorite type of gaming hardware. I love testing gamepads, evaluating their ergonomics, their pro features, and testing whether they help or hurt my gaming performance. PS5 controllers are some of the best on the shelves, and I'm always eagerly awaiting the next newcomer to the market.
Disclaimer
November 11, 2024: To help you get a quick and painless idea of how each controller stacks up with the others, I've added some handy little star rating boxes to each of our entries. These give the controller's attributes a rating from one to five stars, and will hopefully let you prioritise which mean more to you. I've also added some images of the Thrustmaster T248 to give you a better idea of how it looks.
The best PS5 controller overall
Are you sick of hearing about how a controller can't keep up with a mouse and keyboard? Because with the Victrix Pro BFG at your disposal, that might not be such a clear-cut contest anymore. This is undoubtedly the best PS5 controller because it's been designed with elite performance in mind, and thanks to a clever modular design, you can tailor it to your exact preferences.
Design: That modular design means the controller's two facial components are removable, and you can switch them out or even swap them around to suit you, the game you're playing, and the way you want to play. The suite of attachments that come in the case is one of the most conclusive offerings I've ever come across in a controller. Among them are a taller analog stick for precision aiming, multiple D-pad choices, stick gates, and a "fightpad" module that gives you six face buttons. Like the Thrustmaster E-Swap X Pro, the modules can also be flipped around so the sticks are symmetrical.
On the back, you'll find four excellent back buttons that are built so well into the grips of the pad that they're effortless to use. Of course, being an officially licensed PlayStation controller, you get the classic home button, share button, option button, and touchpad.
✅You prioritize performance over any fancy software or features: This controller doesn't have haptic feedback or even rumble, but it has so many clever design features that add a lot of value.
✅You play a lot of multiplayer games: If you play competitively in any online multiplayer game, whether it's a first-person shooter or a fighting game, this is the controller for you.
✅You want the best back buttons on the market: The four back buttons on this controller are really well-designed and placed beautifully. Although some prefer the paddles found on first-party controllers, the Victrix Pro BFG's tactile and highly usable buttons feel excellent.
✅You want to spend as little as possible on a pro controller: The Victrix Pro BFG is cheaper than the other PS5 pro controllers on the shelves at the moment and offers the best value for money in terms of competitive features.
❌You like a heavier controller: The Victrix Pro BFG is pretty lightweight in the hands and isn't the chunkiest for folks that like a more substantial feel.
❌You need those DualSense features: If you mainly play first-party PS5 games, you'll benefit from having Haptic Feedback and trigger resistance, which this controller doesn't offer.
❌You don't care about customization: If you don't need to personalize and customize a controller's modules to your liking, maybe don't go for this one.
Features: In pursuit of pure performance, this controller is relentlessly stripped back. You won't find any rumble or haptic feedback, which is a bit of a shame, and there isn't any DualSense trigger resistance, although the Pro BFG does feature trigger stops. The biggest features of this controller are very much in its design and all the swappable modules and add-ons.
There is a "Tournament Lock" mode that stops you from pressing the system/function buttons during competition, which can sometimes result in disqualification. You don't need any companion software here either, as you can change profiles and button mappings with function button shortcuts alone. Definitely check the manual of this pad to know all of its hidden shortcuts as there are a few useful ones you should know, like double-tapping the function button to mute yourself.
The Victrix Pro BFG's connection is either wired USB-C to USB-A or via a wireless dongle. Battery life here could be better in wireless mode, it lasts around the same time as a DualSense Edge, which isn't impressive considering how stripped-back it is.
Although it's got official PlayStation licensing, it works for PC and PS4 as well.
Performance: In terms of value for money, this is by far one of the best controllers to hit the shelves in recent years, especially when you consider that it's cheaper than its competition up and down this list of the best PS5 controllers.
There isn't a game I can turn this controller to that I don't feel advantaged in. From its ergonomic design, its best-in-class back buttons, its swappable modules, and attachments, to even its size and feel in the hands, there is no better controller at the moment.
It feels ridiculous to argue that, given that the Victrix Pro BFG doesn't have the DualSense's next-generation features. But let's be real for a second - those amazing features are great, but they aren't supported by nearly enough games, and this gamepad focuses on the aspects of a controller that really matter.
Whether it's a first-person shooter, a game you're trying to speedrun, an intense platformer, or a competitive fighting game, this is the best PS5 controller there is.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★ |
The best PS5 controller for features
The DualSense Edge is the first homemade pro controller from Sony, and it offers a number of quality-of-life updates over the original DualSense. It isn't everything we hoped for in PlayStation's first official pro gamepad, but it's still one of the best PS5 controllers out there.
✅You want those bespoke DualSense features in an all-around improved package: Adaptive trigger resistance, haptic feedback, and a whole load of software to fine-tune it to your liking.
✅You mainly play single-player, or first-party PS5 exclusives: There's no better way to experience Sony's homemade games than with Sony's first homemade pro controller.
✅You only need two back buttons: It's a shame the DualSense Edge costs more than other PS5 controllers but has fewer back buttons, but at least the paddles provided here are really comfortable.
❌You want a genuine, honest fix to stick drift: You can buy replacement stick modules for the DualSense Edge, but there's not guarantee you won't run into the same drift issues you may have with the DualSense.
❌You want more battery life: The battery life here is worse than on the original DualSense, so it's worth looking elsewhere if that's something that bothers you.
❌You need more than two back buttons: For more competitive, PC-optimized games, I'd recommend a controller with at least four back buttons.
Design and features: Rounded corners at the bottom of the grips, as well as a heftier weight, make it feel much more premium and ergonomic in the hands than the original DualSense. Seriously, this is the comfort I wanted from the DualSense, and I have no idea why rounded corners don't feature in the regular DualSense.
Clever software integration means you can fine-tune bespoke PS5 features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, and function buttons found under the control sticks help to change customizable profiles in a flash. Not only that, but you can map all the buttons on the gamepad to your liking, allowing for some serious versatility.
There are also trigger-stop levels at play here. On that note, the triggers have a more textured feel thanks to the sacred symbols being embossed on their lower halves. You don't get much in the way of swappable parts here, but you do get a decent hard case that the controller can be charged while in.
Performance: The DualSense Edge has a shorter battery life than the original DualSense, and doesn't truly fix the widespread stick drift issues. Although entire stick modules can be replaced, we'd have an easier time recommending it if there were genuine alternatives like Hall sensors.
Regardless, this is a really comfortable controller that I use for a lot of PlayStation games I don't feel I need a competitive edge in. It's a good halfway house between something bred for performance and something that has those bespoke PS5 controller features that make gameplay feel truly next-gen.
The two back button attachments are extremely comfortable and work really well. Unfortunately, there are only two of them, which means for a similar price you can get third-party controllers that offer a load more functionality.
Unfortunately, this controller would be so much easier to recommend if it wasn't so expensive for what it is. Compared to Xbox's Elite Series 2, and even the Victrix Pro BFG, you should get a lot more controller for the money here.
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best PS5 controller for longevity
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is the spiritual successor to the Nacon Revolution Unlimited, which was one of the best officially licensed pro controllers for PS4. Equipped with Hall Sensor sticks, it's the first controller on this list that's immune to stick drift issues.
✅You want Hall Sensor sticks: No stick drift will be tempting if you've been burned by that problem before.
✅You want something for competitive play: four back buttons and a suite of features and customization means this is up there with the best Esports gamepads you'll find.
✅You prefer a broader controller: the wider and broader build quality of this gamepad makes it welcoming for players with larger hands.
❌You want the best back buttons: a few design flaws mean this doesn't have the best back buttons available, but they're still good.
❌You like tighter stick tensions: The right stick has fairly loose stick tension, so if you prefer a tighter feel, this might not be for you.
❌You use a wired headset: read more in our review, but your microphone audio has a chance to be compromised.
Design and features: In its design, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro feels very similar to the Nacon Revolution Unlimited. It's got the same broad shoulders and long grips, its face buttons are large, and the circle button spills over the right-hand side in the same way.
Alongside asymmetrical Hall Sensor thumbsticks, the R5P also packs in four back buttons, varying stick tops and gates, weights you can add to the handles, and four profiles per platform. The chassis sports a matted rubberized surface that feels really nice and cool in the hands. Nacon deserves additional praise for putting sustainability at the heart of this gamepad's design.
The features list of the Revolution 5 Pro (R5P) is as exhaustive as you'll find these days: wired and wireless connectivity, an impressive 10-hour lifespan, companion PC software for fine-tuning, and even extensive audio settings and multipoint wireless connectivity.
Performance: When it comes to competitive gaming, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is as close as it gets to the Victrix Pro BFG. Its larger size and increased heft might even make it more appealing to a lot of players. Annoyingly, looser stick tension and less ergonomic back buttons make it fall short for us.
Additionally, there are some flaws, particularly if you use a wired headset, as Nacon's noise canceling software means your microphone audio will be accompanied by a grating white noise.
Either way, this is one of the best controllers we tested in 2023, and it felt just as at home in a first-person shooter as it did in a platformer or a third-person game. Being immune to stick drift would make this the best PS5 controller for longevity as it is, but the build quality here gives us so much confidence that this controller will last you a long way into the future.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best PS5 controller for most players
The DualSense is the one PS5 accessory that's included with the console, but it's also one most of us will undoubtedly buy more than once. With the DualSense, games are more immersive when features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are adopted and incorporated into games' mechanics. Feel the textures of gravel in your fingers as you drive through streets, as well as the tension in the strings of your bow as you draw back an arrow.
✅You want those bespoke features: Haptic feedback is a game changer that's worth having for first-party games.
✅You mainly play first-party PS5 exclusives: There's no real replacement for the DualSense in first-party exclusive games since they're designed to be played with it.
✅You don't care about a pro controller and the extra features they bring: If you don't mind not having back buttons and competitive customization features, the DualSense Edge is a premium controller without them.
❌You've been burned before: If you've already gone through one DualSense that's died due to stick drift or poor durability, vote with your wallet and go for something else.
❌You want something long-lasting: The DualSense isn't exactly a reliable or durable gamepad, so go elsewhere if you don't want to buy again later.
❌You want back buttons and mainly play multiplayer games: If you're not playing PlayStation exclusives, why not go for something with more functionality?
Design and features: The DualSense takes a bit of a design leap away from the DualShock 4. It has more abrasive feeling corners to it and arguably isn't as ergonomic. What it lacks in comfort, it gains in features, however.
Haptic feedback is an evolution of rumble that gives you extremely tactile, specific game feel in titles that support it. From rain in Returnal tapping away at your controller, to different weaponry in Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart feeling stupidly distinct, this is the best a controller has ever felt during gameplay.
Adaptive trigger resistance can offer some interesting gameplay angles when supported well, although it's a shame the ability to fine-tune its levels isn't the easiest without the more expensive Edge model. Moreover, in older models of this controller, it isn't uncommon to see trigger springs break or lose tension entirely when a game only tunes this resistance up to full. Kena: Bridge of Spirits crippled my original PS5 controllers.
More colors are now available - Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Starlight Blue, Nova Pink, and Galactic Purple - have joined the party, there's a bit more choice to work with and to inject some jazz and personalization into your setup. There are also some lovely limited editions to look out for, and I'm sure we'll see more of these in the future.
Performance: While the DualSense is a truly next-gen controller and its features are nothing short of revolutionary, it is disappointing how this controller has performed over time. I wouldn't argue it's lived up to its potential. That's partly down to such a small number of games truly supporting its bespoke features, but it's mainly down to such poor durability.
The DualSense has been plagued with stick drift issues since its launch. The original batch, especially, is infamous for not lasting very long before stick drift becomes a serious issue. This is supposedly a lot better now that Sony hasn't had to cut corners with pandemic manufacturing and can really work on mitigating the issues.
Newer models seem to suffer from this less, but without genuine solutions to this, like Hall Sensor sticks that use tiny electromagnets instead of potentiometers, there's no guarantee this won't happen if you buy a newer DualSense.
Elsewhere, triggers in particular, feel very fragile at times. I've mentioned the springs in mine snapped, and that has given me a glaring lack of trust in this controller's adaptive triggers. As cool as it can be, if it isn't essential to a game, I usually turn trigger resistance off.
Battery life is another concern. It really doesn't last very long, and it's a shame this isn't something that was paid more attention to in the controller's development. These issues make me a bit more critical of the gamepad as a whole and make me seriously miss the comfort of the DualShock 4.
| Comfort | ★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★★ |
The PS5 controller with the most buttons
The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro doesn't fully capitalize on its potential, but it's still up there with the best PS5 controllers on the market. With a total of six extra buttons compared to a regular DualSense, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro has the highest number of extra buttons of any controller on this list. It's the next generation in the Wolverine family tree, and the first that's compatible with PlayStation.
✅You want the most amount of buttons possible on a controller: The Wolverine V2 Pro has four back buttons and two extra bumpers - need I say more?
✅You like a chunkier controller: If you have bigger hands or just like the feel of a more substantial Xbox controller, the Wolverine V2 Pro is for you.
✅You want the best battery life: This has the best wireless battery life of any PS5 controller out there.
❌You want ergonomic back buttons: It may have a lot of them, but the extra buttons here aren't the most comfortable or usable.
❌You have smaller hands: I'd go for something else if you've got smaller hands - this is one of the chunkier gamepads out there.
❌You want haptic feedback: Once again, there's no haptics, rumble, or trigger resistance here.
Design and Features: The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is the next evolution of the Wolverine V2 line which started over on the Xbox side of things. It's a chunkier, wider controller for that reason, which makes it a great option for people who prefer the traditional Xbox controller design philosophy. It has wide thumbsticks that feel excellent to use, and most notably, six extra mappable buttons you can program with the Razer mobile app.
There are trigger stops too, and both wired and wireless connectivity. Beyond that, this controller doesn't offer the best customization, which is a real shame since that's standard for pro controllers of this kind of price. Also missing is a carry case, which, I admit is hardly essential, but it's always a nice bonus if you need to take our gamepad on the go or want to display it neatly.
Performance: Unfortunately, the placement of its back buttons makes the Wolverine V2 Pro harder to recommend, especially for the money. The back buttons are uncomfortable and difficult to use since they're set fairly centrally and high up on the controller's spine. The extra bumpers work great, though, and the relentless functionality that comes from having this many extra buttons at your disposal opens up this gamepad to so many new horizons. For competitive multiplayer shooters, this is a controller that would mean never taking your thumbs off the sticks.
The Wolverine V2 Pro also has an excellent battery life which can be even longer if you turn off the fancy RGB chroma lighting on the gamepad's face. This is definitely the best PS5 controller for folks who prefer a chunky, wide pad with offset sticks. Unfortunately, it's one of the most expensive options on this list and has the fewest number of attachments lumped in. Regardless, if you want the highest number of extra buttons possible, and you can forgo a carry case, this is still a really great option.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best PS5 controller for remote play
The PlayStation Portal isn't the PS5 handheld we were all dreaming it could be. It can connect to Wi-Fi and remote play with a console that's switched on or in rest mode, but it's not a portable version of the platform. This is a real shame because the potential a device like that could have in today's market is boundless. In reality, what we have is a DualSense controller with a screen, so it's still worth a spot on this list.
✅ You live with others: If you live with other people who want to use the TV, the PlayStation Portal is your best way to keep gaming sessions going.
✅ You want to play on the toilet: Let's be real here, the PlayStation Portal is pretty perfect if you need to take your gaming sessions to other rooms in your home.
✅ You want a PS5 handheld: Regardless of some missing features, this is as close as you'll get to a PS5 handheld.
❌ Your internet is slow: Got a slow network at home? Portal performance may suffer as a result.
❌ You don't have a PS5: This might sound silly, but the PS Portal won't work with the PS4, so you're going to need Sony's new-gen console.
❌ You want access more games: The Portal can only stream games using remote play, so if you're after something with more functionality, this isn't the device for you.
Design and Features: The PS Portal is effectively an 8-inch LCD screen sandwiched between two halves of a DualSense controller. For that reason, you'll get DualSense features like trigger resistance and haptic feedback, but there's not a lot else separating this from a Backbone One mobile controller you'll find a little further down this list. While the handheld itself fully relies on the PS5 in terms of gameplay, at least this will furnish your fingers with full-sized controls, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers, so it'll feel more like you're playing your PlayStation 5.
That's sort of it though, it really is a controller with a screen. There's no internal processing that'll allow this to run games natively. Aesthetically, at least it blends right into the existing PS5 family. Despite the initial reveal rumors, this device doesn't need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi as your PS5.
Performance: Your mileage will vary based on your broadband connection, but if you use a reliable network, you'll be able to stream PS5 games with next to no lag. You will potentially run into issues if you choose to also download games to your console while playing, but you shouldn't experience any issues if you avoid doing that. Naturally, frame rates and visual performance are intrinsic to whatever you're actually trying to play using the PS5 itself, meaning any shortcomings are its fault rather than the handheld's.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best mobile controller for PS5
The GameSir G8 Galileo saw the bar that Backbone had clearly set for the mobile controller market and raised it in ways I didn't know it could. This is a bigger, better mobile controller in almost every way, and its cheaper price than its rivals makes it an easy pick for the top of this list.
✅You want to take your games on the go: A mobile controller lets you use remote play to take your gaming session wherever you need to.
✅You think a PlayStation Portal isn't worth it: The new-gen PSP has proven popular, but a good mobile controller that can use Remote Play could save you money.
✅You want a mobile controller that's comfortable for larger hands: The GameSir G8 Galileo is pretty much full-size compared to a normal PS5 controller, so you won't suffer the same hand cramps as you do with other mobile options.
❌You don't use Remote Play
❌You'd rather get something with official licensing: While the G8 is currently our favorite mobile controller and it can use remote play with PS5, it isn't officially licensed.
❌You like the look of the PlayStation Portal: Sony's strange handheld device is another viable Remote Play option for PS5.
Design and features: The G8 Galileo has chunkier, larger grips than other mobile controllers you'll find, and sports Hall Sensor thumbsticks and triggers that make you feel like you're playing on an ordinary gamepad, not a stand-in phone controller for shorter sessions. The design choices here make so much sense - even down to the pivoting USB-C connector that removes any fear your phone could snap it off during removal.
Performance: I didn't realize that I viewed mobile controllers as a means to an end - I only really tend to use them when I'm on a journey somewhere, I have a brief moment of time to kill, or I'm at a friend's house and need to take my games on the go. The G8 Galileo is so much more comfortable and so much more enjoyable to use that I now seek it out for certain games - it's an excuse for me to cloud stream games or use PlayStation Remote Play (yes, it can do both).
The catches here then? Well, unlike the Backbone One, it doesn't have official licensing on either side of the console war, which means it could run into problems further down the line if either company takes a harsher line on third-party mobile controllers. Elsewhere, even if its thumbsticks are immune to stick drift, they aren't quite perfect - they can be subject to friction with the stickgates and run a little hot in first-person shooters. These are hardly big issues though - this is by far the best mobile controller money can buy right now.
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The Backbone One was already a well-established mobile controller for iPhone before Sony gave it official backing. With its black, Xbox GamePass-focused version that was released at the end of 2020, people knew it was a strong option to go for. However, now the fun comes to Remote Play fans on PlayStation with this officially licensed, asymmetrical controller. It's now available in an Android version too, meaning anyone can get their hands on one.
✅You like to take your games on the go: Whether it's on a commute, on the toilet, or while someone else uses the TV, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a handy little device to have.
✅You think a PlayStation Portal is pointless: We still don't know an awful lot about it, but the Backbone One will no doubt be the clearest reason not to get a Project Q when it arrives.
✅You play games on Game Pass, or mobile as well as the PS5: Backbone One is great because it doesn't tie you down to PlayStation remote play, you can access Game Pass and other mobile gaming services too.
❌You struggle to find the Nintendo Switch's smaller size comfortable: The Backbone One isn't the most comfortable when used in longer sessions.
❌You don't play games on the go: If you don't have a need for it, there's no reason to buy yet another PlayStation accessory
❌You're waiting for PlayStation Portal stock: Sony's strange handheld device does the same as a good mobile controller, but if you're keen for that instead, there's no real need for both.
Design and Features: Straight away, it's easy to see the same design language as the PS5 and the DualSense with Backbone One's PlayStation edition, meaning it'll easily slot into your current PlayStation ecosystem. There are the standard face buttons, the share, options, and in-game menu buttons in lieu of a touchpad, as well as a D-pad, and offset thumbsticks.
There are L1 and R1 bumpers, and some triggers too, although these perhaps are the only thing that makes the Backbone feel a little cheaper. They click fairly loudly, which is a shame since the rest of the buttons feel almost identical to the DualSense - although they're smaller.
In terms of features here, you get a low latency connection, pass-through charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for a headset. It would have been nice, but there's no haptic feedback here or trigger resistance - fitting these things into a small package like this would have been tough, and would have pushed the price up. So long as you're an Apple user, it will house almost any iPhone, including the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Max. As for Android, there is now a USB-C option here which works a treat with my Samsung Galaxy S22+.
Annoyingly, phone cases won't fit here, but Backbone has just collaborated with a minimalist case maker that does mean you can keep your phone in its case during use.
Performance: Remote play is surprisingly easy and much better than you may think, so long as you have the data or Wi-Fi connection to handle it. In fact, with Project Q on the horizon, Backbone One presents an excellent competitor that makes us question why Project Q is being produced at all. With the two likely just being Remote Play controllers for PS5, the Backbone One will almost certainly be cheaper, and isn't just bound to PS5 mobile gaming.
In the same way as the Nintendo Switch, the Backbone One can suffer from its smaller size a little. If you have larger hands like me, your thumbs might ache a little from having to force your hands into the appropriate position to use the Backbone one's asymmetrical sticks. Depending on how long you'd be using this for in one sitting though, it might not even be an issue.
Either way, while it is possible to take a DualSense on the go, having a bespoke controller for the phone itself will make the experience feel much more organic. If you want a bespoke PS5 controller for your phone on your commute, this is your best bet.
| Comfort | ★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★ |
| Pro features | ★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best DualSense alternative
If you're looking for a PS5 pro controller that's as close as it gets to the design of the DualSense, look no further than the Scuf Reflex. It's compatible with PS5 and PC, and presents an array of design options. It may be pricey, but it's established itself as a strong competitor to the DualSense, and it'll likely be the first point of comparison when the DualSense Edge arrives on the shelves.
✅You want to personalize the look of your PS5 controller: If you care about skins, designs, and colors, Scuf has you covered better than anyone.
✅You like the feel of the DualSense, but want four back buttons as opposed to two: The two back buttons on the DualSense Edge are great, but I don't blame you for wanting more.
✅You can afford it: It ain't cheap, but if you have the money, it's all yours.
❌You don't like the feel of the DualSense: It goes without saying, but the evil twin looks and feels exactly like the DualSense, so if you don't like that controller, maybe look elsewhere.
❌You don't have the money: Seriously, there are plenty of other options up and down this list if this costs too much for you.
❌You want haptic feedback: Yet again, there's no haptics, rumble, or trigger resistance.
Design and Features: For starters, The Scuf Reflex already has the Edge beaten in terms of its back buttons. While the Sony option only gives players two additional buttons for a similar price, the Reflex gives you a total of four buttons that can be assigned to in-game functions.
Moreover, it comes in a few different variants: the Reflex, the Reflex Pro, and the Reflex FPS, and all of these have varying levels of customization. With all these options at your fingertips, you're bound to find a model which suits your hands and one that will give you the competitive edge you're looking for without compromising on the design of the DualSense.
There's no haptic feedback or trigger resistance, but other than that, the Scuf Reflex is essentially that evil clone of the DualSense's action hero that pops up for a big fight sequence toward the end of the movie.
Performance: The Scuf Reflex performed great in our review testing, giving our reviewer a pleasant experience of back buttons that were usable, and built into a comfortable position. Our reviewer found that there was good grip, and if you like the design and feel of the DualSense, you're not going to get that much difference with this, since they're almost identical.
What is great, is that you can tailor the look of this gamepad to you. There is a myriad of custom skins and aesthetic choices to go for here, which is a real bonus since that's not common on this list of best PS5 controllers. Annoyingly, the biggest reason not to buy here might just be the high price.
| Comfort | ★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Battery life | ★★★ |
| Add-ons | ★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
The best racing wheel for PS5
The Thrustmaster T248 enters the best PS5 controller race as our favorite steering wheel option. If you're someone who spends more time on the virtual tracks than on a fighting game stage, and you'd rather perfect your cornering than your FPS aim, maybe this is the controller you should invest in. The T248 takes some of the best features of other wheels and brings them into a package that's more affordable.
✅You spend a lot of time in racing games: These controllers don't come cheap, and they're really only going to be worth the investment if you spend a lot of time playing racing sim games already.
✅You want pro racing features: All the feedback and pedal pressure you could want is in this wheel.
✅You don't mind the set-up process: securing this on a table, desk, or other surface can be a bit annoying if it isn't a permanent feature. If you don't mind that kind of thing for the added fun it brings, go ahead!
❌You want something newer: While this is our favorite, and doesn't feel old, there are newer wheels that might be worth considering if you want the best of the best.
❌Money is no object: If you can afford more, there are arguably even better wheels like the Logitech G Pro. If you've got money that's burning a hole in your pocket, why not set your sights higher?
❌You don't spend a lot of time in racing games: Seriously, the faff of setting this up if you don't care that much about racing games will be tiresome. Your money might be better spent elsewhere.
Design & Features: All the bells and whistles you could want in a steering wheel are present here - that is, without going into astronomical price territory. There are dual-encoder controls, magnetic paddle gear shifters, as well as an LED display that can offer you important info while you're behind the wheel.
Pro features aren't enough though, and the T248 gives you plenty of room for customization. The brake pedal can be configured in four different pressure modes, and a total of 25 remappable buttons gives you a lot of horsepower to play with. If you compare the T248 with some of its rivals, you'll find some excellent specs and features for the money, and we think it hits a lovely sweet spot amongst the likes of Logitech's feature-rich wheels.
Performance: All in all, the sense of immersion created by the powerful motor and resistance settings in the Thrustmaster T248 speaks for itself. Some of the fancier features are still to be picked up by some titles, which is a shame. On the other hand, there's still plenty to dive into here. Whether it's Gran Turismo, F1, or another racer, a wheel like this will add so much to your gaming time. Unlike other options, this doesn't demand that you sell your actual real-world car to afford it.
Read more: Thrustmaster T248 review
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Ergonomics | ★★★★ |
| Pro features | ★★★★ |
| Longevity | ★★★★ |
| Battery life | NA |
| Add-ons | ★★★★ |
| Multiplayer potential | ★★★★ |
| Singleplayer potential | ★★★★ |
Best PS5 controller: FAQs
Are PS5 Pro controllers worth it?
We'd argue that the best PS5 controllers with back buttons and extra features are definitely worth it, if you can afford them. Having extra mappable buttons provides so much extra functionality compared to a stock DualSense, and if you like to play competitive multiplayer games, these can give you a massive advantage. Other pro controllers will have extra features like trigger stops, custom thumbstick deadzones, and sometimes even modular designs that let you change their make-up to suit you and the game you're playing.
How to choose the best PS5 controller for you
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PS5 controllers come in many different forms, and the best way to narrow down your search and get the most for your money is to work out what you'd use one for. Do you need a replacement daily driver because the DualSense has cracked under the pressure of your everyday use? Maybe a new DualSense is the one to go for.
Do you want a pro controller to climb the ladders in your favorite games? If so, what type of game is it? We've detailed above which controllers are good for what type of game, so use that advice to narrow down your search.
Do you have bigger or smaller hands? If you're on the larger side, maybe opt for the Nacon options rather than the Victrix ones, since these brands lean into different size preferences.
Maybe you don't want a multiplayer controller, but you play singleplayer games to a high difficulty, and you want some back buttons to help you out. Maybe the DualSense Edge is the best one for you, since you'll still get all the haptic feedback and trigger resistance the PS5 is known for, but you'll gain the pro features of other gamepads on this list.
Of course, the situational controllers will be worth their weight in gold if you spend a lot of time playing on the go, or playing a specific type of game. Racing games get better the more you play them with a wheel and pedal setup, and remote playing has never been easier thanks to mobile controllers and the PlayStation Portal.
What PS5 controllers do pros use?
If we had to guess, pro players who are looking for a competitive edge for their streams or tournaments are likely using a controller like the Victrix Pro BFG, the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, or the Scuf Reflex range. These all have back buttons that allow for extra in-game functions than a typical DualSense will. If they're playing last gen games on PS5, they could also be using a PS4 pro controller, like the Nacon Revolution Unlimited, Razer Raiju, or Thrustmaster eSwap Pro.
Which PS5 controller version is best?
To begin with, we'd say that the DualSense is one of the best ways to experience PS5 games. A lot of games, especially first-party ones, are designed with the DualSense's bespoke features in mind, so it's got to be one of the best controllers for the console out there. Besides that, we can recommend the Scuf Reflex range, and the Victrix Pro BFG as solid alternatives. We'll soon be testing more models for the PS5 specifically, but there are also a myriad of great PS4 controllers that will work on PS5 if you play a lot of last-gen games.
Is the PS5 DualSense controller worth it?
Since a lot of PS5 versions of the latest games are designed with the DualSense's haptic feedback in mind, the DualSense can definitely be worth it - especially when playing first-party PlayStation games. Having said that, it has quite a few issues that the DualSense Edge improves upon. In our opinion, if you're looking for the best PS5 controller for multiplayer games, a third-party option like the Victrix Pro BFG is a much better option.
Why do you need back buttons?
Back buttons are an incredibly useful addition to video game controllers, since they let you have more functionality that isn't controlled by your thumbs. For example, in competitive FPS games, you don't want to take control away from the movement or camera stick, so having back buttons lets you complete actions in the game without losing out on movement. This helps to bring console players a little closer to the performance of mouse and keyboard.
What colour of PS5 controller is best?
There really is no accounting for taste. After cries for a black version of the Ps5 and DualSense, there are likely many folks who would say that the sleek, classy design of the controller is accentuated by the Midnight Black colour, although it really comes down to preference. The DualSense comes in Nova Pink, Original White, Cosmic Red, Starlight Blue, Galactic Purple, Grey Camouflage, and in a limited edition God of War Ragnarok design.
What is the best 3rd party controller PS5?
In our opinion, the best PS5 controller overall is a third party one named the Victrix Pro BFG. It has a modular build so you can swap out the positioning of buttons and sticks, it has four back buttons, and plenty of thumbstick options to help you gear up for your favorite game. If you're looking for specific PS5 features and software integration, the DualSense Edge is a great option, although it's more expensive than the Victrix Pro BFG.
How we test the best PS5 controllers
Testing controllers begins with unboxing. This is the early impression stage where we get the device out of its packaging and get a feel for it in the hands. Even without playing games with it, I'll ask how comfortable it is to hold - does it feel natural, smooth, or angular? How heavy is it? These are all things that will inform gaming performance later, so it's good to get an idea for them right away. It's also important to lay out how much you get for your money in this stage, and often, unboxing will be when we go through any attachments or cases that come along with the controller.
Then, it's onto testing. I'll usually make whichever pad I'm reviewing the one I use for all my gaming time until I'm ready to write up my thoughts. That means we'll test across various titles depending on what's relevant, but there are a few games that exist to give us some objective tests. Celeste is a great barometer for platforming precision, so I'll load up some levels of that, and see how the controller helps or hurts me while climbing one of gaming's most hazardous mountains. For first-person shooter accuracy, I'll play Hunt: Showdown. This is the game I've played most of in my life, and my settings never change, so it's a great way to objectively test each new controller and scout out its FPS potential.
Beyond those games, we'll always find a fighting game, a third-person action/adventure, a racing game, and other miscellaneous titles to test with. We'll assess a controller's battery life, back buttons, and durability from continuous testing. If a pad does come with attachments we can swap out, we'll use these to measure how versatile it can be.
For more on how we test the latest controllers, take a gander at our hardware policy.
While you're at it, why not kit out more of your set-up with the best PS5 accessories? alternatively, get a noteworthy upgrade with one of the best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
