Your PS4 is nothing without a great controller. Luckily, the stock DualShock 4 is a well-rounded gamepad that works well for nearly every game type while offering a balance of quality, price, and perfect compatibility. Yet, other third-party controllers offer a different layout or functionality for specific games, letting you play better and longer without discomfort. While racing wheels and arcade fight sticks add deeper immersion into the action.
It’s worth noting that if you have (or are planning to get) a PlayStation 5, most PS4 controllers are only compatible with PlayStation 4 games and basic menu navigation. Therefore, you’ll want to grab a PS5 controller to play the best PS5 games. However, PlayStation 4 gamepads also make great options for PC gaming. Though the support isn’t as universal as it is for Xbox Series controllers, you can still use them for the vast majority of games.
So, if you’re ready to get your game on, check out our favorite PS4 controllers below.
TL;DR – These are the Best PS4 Controllers:
- DualShock 4
- Nacon Revolution Pro 3
- Horipad FPS Plus
- HORI Fighting Commander
- Victrix Pro FS
- Logitech G923
Sony DualShock 4
Best PS4 Controller
The DualShock 4 is an improvement over previous generations of controllers, though the DualSense controller for the PS5 raises the bar even higher in certain areas. The PS4 model is still a fantastic controller, whether you are playing on PS4, PC, or as a phone controller using Bluetooth. You can even use it with the PS5 when playing PS4 games.
The ergonomic design of the DualShock 4, with its thick, rounded hand grips, makes the gamepad comfortable to hold onto for hours, even if you have larger hands. The triggers are also much more generous with their room and resistance than previous generations, and a handy trackpad adds new input methods for games of all kinds. You’re also in for a more immersive gaming experience with built-in audio, while a gyroscope and accelerometer provide insanely accurate motion sensitivity.
Nacon Revolution Pro 3
Best Third-Party PS4 Controller
Nacon has a strong reputation for building high-quality controllers, and the Revolution Pro 3 is part of that legacy. This gamepad is slightly larger than the DualShock 4 and offers a design similar to the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 with its offset analog sticks and a set of rear buttons nestled into the handles.
You can make a good deal of customizations to the Nacon Revolution Pro 3, including adjusting the sensitivity of the triggers or sticks and remapping buttons, like moving the face buttons to the rear for easy control without taking your fingers off the analog sticks. Optional controller weights also allow you to change the feel of the controller, and an RGB LED ring around the right joystick adds a hint of style. With its wired USB-C connection, you’ll also experience high performance with low input latency, perfect for FPS.
Horipad FPS Plus
Best Xbox-Style PS4 Controller
As great as the DualShock controller design has been since the original PlayStation, the stick layout doesn’t feel right for some of us, and that’s what the Horipad FPS Plus sets out to fix. This controller is ready for FPS games, adopting the iconic asymmetrical thumbstick layout of the Xbox and a wired input for low latency. It also has a built-in Turbo function and a “Target” button on the backside to drop your aim sensitivity or map to a frequently used button.
Unfortunately, you aren’t getting wireless connectivity, motion sensors, rumble, or audio ports like you do with the DualShock. However, most of these features aren’t essential for most gamers, and it’s easy to find a headset that’ll connect to your console. The Horipad FPS Plus is even officially licensed by PlayStation, so you know it’ll work pretty seamlessly.
Hori Fighting Commander
Best PS4 Fighting Controller
The Hori Fighting Commander is a wired controller—with a generous 10-foot cable—designed specifically for 2D fighting games. It’s wider than most standard controllers and has a classic six-button layout, putting a duplicate R1 and R2 next to your standard face buttons. That lets this gamepad accommodate certain classic fighting game button layouts. But, don’t worry, you still get the usual R1, R2, L1, and L2 on the shoulders to play modern games without significantly modifying your play.
Since it doesn’t have analog sticks, Hori included a toggle to switch the D-Pad to function as the left or right analog stick when needed. Since you’re only getting one directional input, unlike most controllers that feature at least two, you’ll need to stick almost exclusively to fighting games. You also aren’t getting any more advanced features like rumble or audio input, but if you’re looking to jab, punch, and kick your way to victory, this is a solid choice.
Victrix Pro FS
Best PS4 Fight Stick
Nothing beats an arcade fight stick in many fighting games, as they can make full circle inputs, negative edge techniques, and plinking two buttons (for those juicy option selects) much easier. The Victrix Pro FS is a real winner for the PS4. And it works seamlessly with the PS5, so it’s a solid investment even if you eventually upgrade to the latest console.
The Victrix Pro FS is built on a sturdy metal chassis with quality Sanwa parts from the eight front buttons to the stick. All those buttons are programmable, while an easy-access door makes tinkering around and swapping components relatively easy. You can also stow away your joystick inside the chassis for easy stowing.
Logitech G923
Best PS4 Racing Wheel
If you’re serious about racing games, a racing wheel is a must, with our favorite PS4 option being the Logitech G923. For around $400, you get a complete package featuring a leather-wrapped wheel using a decently realistic geared force feedback motor and a full set of metal pedals for deeper immersion in your games.
The Logitech G923 is designed for PlayStation, so everything works out of the box, and you can use it with the PS5 when you upgrade your console. You get all the buttons for PlayStation and customizable controls, along with a 24-point selection dial and LED rev indicator lights. Logitech’s “Trueforce” adds a vibration motor in supported games to feel both the engine and the road, letting you push your performance further than ever before.
Brian Barnett writes reviews, wiki guides, deals posts, features, and more for IGN. You can get your fix of his antics on Twitter (@Ribnax) or check out his show on Twitch (The Platformers).
