It's still proving to be an epic undertaking to secure a PlayStation 5. The morning I wrote this, I missed out on another round of stock by about four minutes and spent the next five screaming into the void. But sooner or later, when we get our hands on one, we'll want to celebrate the occasion by making sure it's decked out with the best PlayStation 5 controllers.
Whether you're taking your PlayStation 5 to the track, the skies, or just using it as yet another streaming device for Netflix because you're tired and don't want to do anything to stress out your last remaining brain cell, we've rounded up the controllers that will make it all as easy and exciting as possible – and click here to find them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best PS5 Controllers:
- DualSense Controller
- Scuf Reflex Pro
- Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller
- HexGaming Rival
- Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
- Victrix Pro Arcade Fight Stick
- Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick
- DualSense Charging Station
- PlayStation 5 Media Remote
1. DualSense Controller
Best PS5 Controller
For now, there are no other controllers that are as perfectly suited to take advantage of the capabilities of the PS5 as the DualSense controller. It’s not just another simple wireless controller with a couple of rumble motors to let you feel when action is happening in the game but an actual haptic device that does a much more compelling job simulating the feeling of what’s happening in the game.
The PS5 DualSense Controller will feel similar in the hand to the DualShock 4, making a comfortable adjustment for many gamers. But, when games take advantage of its capabilities, it’ll go beyond being a simple input device. The haptic feedback is part of that, but there are also adaptive triggers that can adjust their resistance on the fly. You might find it easier to pull the trigger when your character is holding a pistol and a lot harder to pull the trigger when you’re wielding a long-bow. All of this can serve to pull you further into the game.
2. Scuf Reflex Pro
Best Third-Party PS5 Controller
The DualSense controller is great and all, but maybe you want to step out of the Sony bubble and try something new. That’s where the Scuf Reflex Pro comes in. This gamepad offers everything you love about Sony’s DualSense, like adaptive triggers that adjust based on the game you’re playing and a super accurate rumble. However, there are a few additional features that further improve your gameplay. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more cash for this controller.
From the front, the Reflex Pro looks almost identical to our top pick, with virtually the same buttons, D-pad, touchpad, and triggers. But with this pick, you can swap out the convex analog sticks for concave, giving you a slightly different feel. The back is where things get shaken up further. There are four manually programmable paddles that are easy to reach and removable. Plus, you get a button that lets you switch between configuration profiles, optimizing the controller for FPS, sports, or racing games. Unfortunately, you don’t get any software to make further customizations, like adjusting trigger sensitivity or remapping buttons.
3. Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller
Best PS5 Controller for FPS
Do you have fingers that are a little trigger-happy? Maybe it’s time to lean into that with Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller. You basically just mod out Sony’s Dual Sense controller through Aim to make it perfect for you. This is super convenient if you’re into FPS games, as you can tune the triggers and bumpers to have a shorter travel distance. That quicker actuation allows you to annihilate opponents more efficiently. There’s even an option to add paddles on the back, providing more functionality to the controller.
Aim Controllers Customized PS5 DualSense Controller lets you choose the stylings right down to some of the most minute details — from buttons and sticks to the large blank surfaces that make up the rest of the controller. In some cases, you can go for transparency or even a special bullet casing style. If that’s not enough, custom logos and gamer tags can also go onto the controller to make the DualSense uniquely yours.
4. HexGaming Rival
Best Custom PS5 Controller
If you want to take the DualSense controller to the next level without managing the customizations yourself, the HexGaming Rival gets it done. This is a highly altered DualSense controller, coming with major aesthetic changes as well as some performance changes.
You’ll get a ton of different skin options to find a style that suits you. Each controller also comes with different thumbsticks that offer varying height and shape options. You’ll be first to shoot with the hair triggers available on the HexGaming Rival, and you’ll be able to keep your thumbs on the analog sticks more often with the remappable paddle buttons on the back of the controller. Just be ready to pay for all of these extras.
5. Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel
Best PS5 Racing Wheel
When you want to floor it in your favorite racing games, pulling a trigger just isn’t going to cut it. The Thrustmaster T248 Racing Wheel will cut it. This racing wheel doesn’t come cheap, but you’ll get a versatile, precise, high-performance system for your money.
The Thrustmaster T248 offers up a leather-wrapped wheel you’re going to have to hold onto tightly because the force feedback system combines a belt and gear mechanism for realistic and powerful feedback. You can even switch between three different force feedback modes that can let you tune your feel for the road. Helping you keep your car under control, you’ll find highly sensitive magnetic paddle shifters and pedals with four different pressure modes. The wheel includes an assortment of controls just a thumb-press away, and there’s a built-in display at the center of the wheel you can use to show in-game stats like your engine’s RPM or speed.
6. Victrix Pro Arcade FS Arcade Fight Stick
Best PS5 Fight Stick
A lot of my friends who are big into the fighting game scene still swear by the fact that certain games must be played on an old school, fight stick. And given how thoroughly they tend to kick my ass all the way across the arena, I'm not inclined to disagree. For PS5, I'm a fan of the Victrix Pro for all my flailing around trying to do a specific combo and then doing a completely different one on accident.
This thing is stylish as hell with a matte black exterior and clean, simple face buttons that fit well with the overall aesthetics of the PS5. It doesn't have that classic, colorful, arcade look, and the stick itself is a bit small. But it can hold up to my manic, demon-like button mashing, and has the responsive feel you need in the heat of a tense round of Mortal Kombat 11 or the upcoming Guilty Gear Strive.
7. Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick
Best PS5 Flight Stick
Hori's PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick is officially licensed by Sony, so you know this bad boy is going to work with your PS4 (or PS4 games on your PS5, or games on your PS3 and PC). The controller follows the DualShock 4's lead, with all the controls you'll need for the system, including the touch pad.
The Hori PS4 HOTAS Flight Stick provides some flexibility for your flying setup. The throttle and stick are built onto two separate bases, so you can space them out as needed. The bases include suction cups to hold them in place on your desk, table, or custom cockpit. You can also customize the sensitivity of both the throttle and joystick, letting you dial in the responsiveness you want for your aircraft (or spacecraft). The flight stick will also encourage you to perform your best, as it includes a vibration motor, so you're going to feel it when you're under fire.
8. DualSense Charging Station
Best PS5 Controller Charger
I wish I had bought a charging station for my PS4. The shape of the DualShock 4 was such that if you set it down for a long time on a hard surface with the USB charge cord plugged in, it could actually bend and damage the charging port and more or less brick the controller. This happened to me twice! So I don't plan to repeat the mistake with my PS5, and neither should you.
This official one from Sony nestles two DualSense pads in a sturdy, streamlined little trough that uses the same shapes and colors as the console itself, so it blends right in. If you happened to pick up an extra DualSense like I did, partly so I could try it out on PC and partly to sate my craving for new hardware while the consoles were still out of stock everywhere, you can even enjoy uninterrupted gaming by hot-swapping one controller in while the other is charging.
9. PlayStation 5 Media Remote
Best PS5 Remote
Your PlayStation 5 is a fantastic gaming machine, but it can do even more sitting at the heart of your entertainment setup. Beyond games, the PlayStation 5 offers access to a host of streaming media and even can serve as a 4K UHD Blu-Ray player (assuming you have the PS5 version with a disc drive). You can navigate all of this with the DualSense controller, but it’s not really labeled for that. The PlayStation 5 Media Remote can serve as a better comrade when you’re done gaming and just want some passive entertainment.
The PlayStation 5 Media Remote will get you streaming in no time with dedicated buttons to launch Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube (or even Spotify if you just want some jams). It’s got media playback controls clearly labeled as well, so no more guessing which button on your controller pauses the movie. This controller can even do something your DualSense can’t: adjust your TV’s volume. It has a built-in IR transmitter to control the volume on compatible TVs. As an added perk, your family can use this controller to stream stuff so your DualSense can stay charged up for your next game session.
Where to Get the Best PS5 Controllers in the UK
Leana Hafer is an avid PC gamer. Talk action-RPGs, strategy games, and more with her on Twitter at @TilFolkvang.
