Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best PS4 controllers

best video game consoles version 1508519123 sony ps4 controller tv
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nothing is worse than having to struggle with a difficult controller. Issues from drifting joysticks to controller size and even syncing your PlayStation 4 controller can be frustrating to deal with. Luckily, there are controllers on the market to match anyone’s gaming style. No matter your budget or preferred genre, you can find a gamepad that fits your needs and tips for saving battery life.

The PlayStation 4 is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and that means we’ve had plenty of time for great controllers to hit the market. From elite esports-ready gamepads to tailor-made fighting game control panels, here are the best controllers currently available for the PlayStation 4.

We’ve also found the best Xbox controllers and Nintendo Switch controllers if you’re looking to upgrade other consoles.

Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Controller - Green Camo
DualShock 4
Jump to details
NACON Wired Compact Control
Nacon Wired Compact Control
Jump to details
hori fighting commander PS4
Hori Fighting Commander
Jump to details
Hit Box
Scuf Impact
Scuf Impact
Jump to details
razer raiju ultimate
Razer Raiju Ultimate
Jump to details
Nacon Esports Revolution Unlimited Pro V3
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
Jump to details
Logitech G920 Dual-Motor Racing Wheel 
Logitech G920
Jump to details
Recommended Videos
new ps4 turns back clock celebrate 20 years playstation psone dualshock 4
Image used with permission by copyright holder

DualShock 4

Pros
  • Comes with every PS4
  • Usually under warrenty
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • Low battery life

Included with the PlayStation 4 regardless of which bundle you choose to purchase, the DualShock 4 is one of the best controllers Sony has ever made. Its face buttons are large enough to accommodate nearly any hand size, its triggers are actual triggers rather than the weirdly shaped buttons of the DualShock 3, and its analog sticks have a more thumb-friendly shape. The DualShock 4 is more than just an updated DualShock 3, however, as it packs in a neat touchpad, a great speaker for certain game noises, and a share button to quickly capture your best moments. Its design is so great, in fact, that Sony will be using a very similar one for the PlayStation 5.

Sony doesn’t offer its own Elite controller, but you can now pick up the Back Button Attachment to add a bit more functionality to the standard device. It comes with two mappable buttons, a digital screen that shows the current configuration, and the ability to save multiple presets. For just $29.99, it’s an affordable way to upgrade your controller.

Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Controller - Green Camo
DualShock 4
A NACON Wired Compact Controller.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nacon Wired Compact Control

Pros
  • Never runs out of battery
  • Smooth design
  • Better-quality thumbsticks
Cons
  • Cord may not be long enough for every situation

If your PlayStation 4 is located in a relatively small space and you’re just a few feet away from it during play sessions, you may want to invest in a wired controller to save yourself time spent charging the DualShock 4’s battery. NACON's controller features a 9-foot cord, which should give you plenty of slack, and it includes the same motion control and touch support as the standard DualShock 4.

For the $49 price, you get the full functionality of a regular DualShock 4 in a more rounded, compact design.

NACON Wired Compact Control
Nacon Wired Compact Control
best fighting game controllers hori commander
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hori Fighting Commander

Pros
  • Great for fighting games
  • Small form factor
  • Extra features built in
Cons
  • Not useful for other genres

The PlayStation 4 is one of the best platforms ever when it comes to fighting games, with everything from Injustice 2 to Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 releasing on the system. If you’re a dedicated fighting game player, the DualShock 4 is a decent enough controller, but Hori’s Fighting Commander is the perfect option for players on a budget. The $40 controller features all the face buttons as well as the R1 and R2 buttons on the front of the controller in a similar configuration to the Sega Genesis, as well as additional shoulder buttons, a toggle switch for making the directional pad function as an analog stick, and a turbo button.

Just like with the Xbox One version of the Fighting Commander, the PlayStation 4 controller can also be used for PC games, and it’s compatible with the PlayStation 3 as well. Its small size means you can easily purchase more than one for when your friends come over to get their butts kicked in Dragon Ball FighterZ or Street Fighter V, and it includes a 10-foot cable for ease of use.

hori fighting commander PS4
Hori Fighting Commander
Hit Box
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hit Box

Pros
  • Durable and easy to transport
  • Great button quality
  • More ergonomic than a fight stick
Cons
  • Not super customizable

Fighting games rely on precise inputs more than any other genre, and that often means that an analog stick and even a directional pad simply won’t cut it. For these cases, the Hit Box is the answer. The controller has a similar appearance to a fight stick, but it only contains buttons on its top and sides. You can do all the same techniques possible with a traditional controller, but using your entire hand and your fingertips to pull off special attacks leads to fewer mistakes. Pulling off Ryu’s Hadoken move, for instance, can be a little tricky on a gamepad, but it’s a piece of cake with the Hit Box.

Also compatible with PC, the Hit Box has been used in high-level fighting game events such as Evo, and it’s made out of a mix of plexiglass and metal to prevent damage when you’re on the go. As with the Fighting Commander, it’s a wired controller, but the nearly 10 feet of cable you’re given should be enough for all but the largest gaming setups.

Hit Box
Hit Box
A Scuf Impact controller front and back.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Scuf Impact

Pros
  • Highly customizable
  • Programable back paddles
  • Durable parts
Cons
  • Expensive

Scuf’s Impact controller has a bit more of a traditional shape and comes with a whole kit of customization options to get things just right. Along with the customizable controller faceplate, you get four removable paddles that fit into the back for some extra button mapping, electro-magnetic remapping options for easy swaps, adjustable hair-trigger, quick shift trigger stops, and interchangeable thumbsticks to find the best options. It’s the perfect choice if you love tons of personalization and tweaking the controller to find just the right setup. It also supports both wired and wireless modes.

Scuf Impact
Scuf Impact
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Razer Raiju Ultimate

Pros
  • Very high-quality and durable
  • Replacable parts
  • Tactile buttons
Cons
  • Expensive

Razer is known for crafting high-quality gear, and the Raiju Ultimate is no different. The controller allows for a wide degree of customization using its mobile app, and you can even change out its thumbsticks and D-pads. There’s also an option to reduce the back triggers’ travel time, allowing you to react in the blink of an eye.

The standout feature of the Raiju is arguably its mecha-tactile action buttons. These incredibly responsive buttons give users tactile feedback with a “soft cushioned touch.” You’ll never have to worry if your input went through properly, as Razer’s face buttons are some of the best on the market.

The Raiju Ultimate works as both a wired and wireless device. If you want to take a break from gaming on your PS4, the Raiju is also compatible with most PC games. Out of the box, it’ll work with Steam, but download a few drivers, and you’ll be ready to play nearly everything on your hard drive.

razer raiju ultimate
Razer Raiju Ultimate
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro

Pros
  • Can be used wired or wirelessly
  • Long battery life
  • Adjustable weight
Cons
  • Not a great-feeling D-pad

Although it might not be a familiar name, Nacon has been crafting top-tier gaming products for years. The Revolution Unlimited Pro is a premium gamepad that gives you the ability to play in wired or wireless modes, boasts a seven-hour battery life, and includes customizable joysticks with interchangeable thumbstick heads and shafts.

While most of this puts it on par with something like the Scuff, one of the more unique features of the Revolution Unlimited is the option to change its weight. To add some heft to the gamepad, you can add small, removable pieces to hidden compartments in the controller’s handles — not many other controllers offer this degree of customization.

There are a bunch of other great features — button mapping, dead zone sensitivity, vibration intensity — and you’ll even get a sturdy storage case for the controller and all its extra components. If you’ve got particular tastes when it comes to gamepads and want to be able to take it between PS4 and PC, Nacon’s offering is definitely worth a look.

Nacon Esports Revolution Unlimited Pro V3
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
A racing wheel and pedals.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Logitech G920

Pros
  • Best-feeling racing wheel for consoles
  • Works with PS4, PS5, and PC
  • Force feedback
Cons
  • Very expensive for limited use

Racing games just don't feel right if you're not gripping a wheel and pressing down on a petal. With so many great racing games available on PS4, you owe it to yourself to experience them in the most immersive way possible by grabbing the Logitech G920 racing wheel and pedals. This wheel-and-pedal combo works with not just your PS4, but PC and PS5 as well, making it a safe investment if you ever upgrade.

Logitech G920 comes with amazing force feedback, a programmable dual-clutch, and a spring brake for an authentic driving feel. This isn't a cheap investment, running around $400, but racing enthusiasts have no better choice. You will feel every bump in the road and rev of the engine when gripping this high-quality controller.

Logitech G920 Dual-Motor Racing Wheel 
Logitech G920
Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career back in 2010 while still in high school, and subsequently graduated summa cum laude from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 2016.

In addition to video games, Gabe has also covered television, film, and music, and he has done everything from news to reviews and video work. You can follow him on Twitter @GamingAngelGabe.

Jesse Lennox

Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things gaming but has a specific interest in all things PlayStation, JRPGs, and experimental indies. Jesse has been writing about games for over 10 years, starting off as a volunteer and eventually finding his way into doing it full-time. He is constantly striving to push his boundaries in what he covers and finds thought-provoking and important angles to highlight within the games industry.

Originally double-majoring in English and Education, Jesse came into games media as a profession by accident. After an unfortunate layoff, he took his passion for writing about games seriously and was lucky enough to find Digital Trends and other outlets such as Pocket-Lint, Classic Nerd, and Gamepur to write for. He has held numerous writing positions, as well as several editing roles, and is always on the hunt for new opportunities to grow his skillset.

Based in Colorado, Jesse spends at least two hours every morning training in the gym to set his mind straight before a full day of writing and gaming.

Connect with Jesse on LinkdIn.

Best PS5 SSD deals: Add more storage to your PS5 from $125
A 2TB WD Black

The PlayStation 5 does have quite a considerable storage, even with the newer Slim version, but the truth is that with so many games nowadays reaching 100GB in size or more, it can be quite difficult to manage your library constantly. That's where expanding the internal storage with an SSD makes sense, and even if you aren't that tech-savvy, it's not too difficult. The only thing that's important to know is that you need to have SSDs with the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 tech since that is what the PS5 uses to work games at the speeds it can. Luckily, we've done a lot of the foot work and collected some of our favorite deals for you below, including some of the best SSDs for the PS5.

That said, if you haven't picked up a PS5 yet, be sure to check out these excellent PS5 deals, and if you already own one, maybe check out these PS5 game deals to expand your library.
Our favorite PS5 SSD deal

Read more
The best gaming smartphones for 2024
oneplus nord 4 metal gaming test one thing better than other android phones genshin impact

Once mocked as the home of “filthy casuals,” mobile gaming has advanced over the last few years, with games like Genshin Impact, PUBG: Mobile, and Call of Duty showing that the humble smartphone can provide just as much enjoyment as the console parked in front of the TV.

While almost all of the best smartphones can play mobile games, some are better at it than others. If you’re really serious about games, perhaps even at a competitive level, there are phones built expressly for the purpose. Our top choice is the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro because it’s made specifically for gamers.

Read more
Best PlayStation Plus Deals: Save on Essential, Plus and Premium
Best PS Plus deals

Gaming on consoles can be a lot of fun, and while some gaming PCs can be a lot more powerful, they also tend to be a lot more expensive. Of course, if you're on the PlayStation 4 or the PlayStation 5, then you're likely going to need to grab yourself a PlayStation Plus subscription service from Sony directly. That allows you to play multiplayer games and access online servers and, depending on your subscription, also gives you access to a library of free games every month, so you don't have to spend your money on extra games except for titles that don't appear on PS Plus on release.

Also, while you're here, be sure to check out these excellent PS5 game deals and PlayStation deals that include some great games and accessories you can get for a great price.
What is PlayStation Plus?
Along with online multiplayer and other in-game network features, a PlayStation Plus Essential membership grants you access to exclusive discounts and other promotions. Perhaps the most notable benefit of PlayStation Plus is that every month, Sony gives subscribers one PlayStation 5 and two PlayStation 4 games that are free to download. You have one month to add these free PlayStation Plus games to your library.

Read more