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.
DualShock 4
- Comes with every PS4
- Usually under warrenty
- Easy setup
- 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.
Nacon Wired Compact Control
- Never runs out of battery
- Smooth design
- Better-quality thumbsticks
- 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.
Hori Fighting Commander
- Great for fighting games
- Small form factor
- Extra features built in
- 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.
Hit Box
- Durable and easy to transport
- Great button quality
- More ergonomic than a fight stick
- 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.
Scuf Impact
- Highly customizable
- Programable back paddles
- Durable parts
- 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.
Razer Raiju Ultimate
- Very high-quality and durable
- Replacable parts
- Tactile buttons
- 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.
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
- Can be used wired or wirelessly
- Long battery life
- Adjustable weight
- 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.
Logitech G920
- Best-feeling racing wheel for consoles
- Works with PS4, PS5, and PC
- Force feedback
- 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.
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