Gaming controllers don’t get much better than the PS4’s stock DualShock 4 controller. It has thick grips, dependable analog sticks, great triggers and shoulder buttons, and works flawlessly with the PS4. But, there are plenty of reasons you might want to consider a different controller for your PS4.If you’ve got bigger or smaller hands, a bigger or smaller budget, or you just want more custom functionality out of your controller, there are controllers that may be better suited to you. We’ve compared advanced controllers with swappable components to let you customize your inputs along with fightsticks and racing wheels. So, from first-person shooters to racing games, we’ve found a great controller to improve your gaming experience.TL;DR These are the Best PS4 Controllers:
1. Sony DualShock 4
Best PS4 Controller
There really isn’t anything that beats the classic DualShock 4. Sony created a near-perfect gamepad by rounding out its shape and giving it actual triggers. For the price, it’s the best PS4 controller on the market for most gamers whether they’re playing racing games, fighting games, or off on third-person adventures. It’s available in a variety of colors to match your personality or decor. Really, its only faults are short ( eight to ten hours, depending) battery life and the too-stiff Share and Options buttons.2. Astro C40 TR
Best Wireless PS4 Controller
Ever since Microsoft introduced the Xbox One Elite Controller, I’ve been waiting for Sony to release their own version of a high-end DualShock 4 controller. While Sony has still yet to release such a prestigious controller, the Astro C40 TR is an arguably better controller overall. Not only does it include swappable thumbstick tops and multiple D-pads, you can even swap entire assemblies on this controller to make your more like an Xbox controller. Add in a pair of mappable back buttons and 12 hours of battery life (four more than the traditional DualShock 4), and you’ve got your hands on the best wireless PS4 controller.3. Nacon Revolution Pro
Best Third-Party PS4 Controller
Revolution Pro Controller is an officially licensed gamepad with some welcome tweaks when compared to Sony’s DualShock. It certainly wins in the looks department, with a swanky LED below the right analog stick. More importantly, the D-Pad has larger wings for better control and the triggers and shoulder buttons have been contoured for maximum comfort. Just like the stock controller, there’s even a touchpad and a share button.4. Horipad FPS Plus
Best Xbox-Style PS4 Controller
The Horipad FPS Plus features a target button with three levels of sensitivity and thumbsticks with larger grooves to keep your thumbs comfortable. It doesnt have some of the fancier elements of other controllers like the lightbar function, but it does have a clickable trackpad, which makes it unique. Overall it’s a solid choice for those who just want a comfortable, easy-to-use controller, or those who are more accustomed to Microsoft’s Xbox gamepad offerings.5. Sades Gamepad
Best PS4 Elite Controller Alternative
The Sades Gamepad is about as close as you can get to an Xbox Elite Controller on the PS4. This controller has interchangeable thumbsticks, so you swap in new ones if you wear them out after years of play. It has two types of D-pad, just like the Elite Controller. It even has four paddle butttons that go on the bottom, giving you access to more controls without needing to move your thumbs from the analog sticks.6. HORI Fighting Commander
Best PS4 Fighting Controller
The Hori Fighting Commander is a wired controller for those of you who specialize in 2D fighting games. It offers a wider design than the standard controller along with the necessary six button layout. You can customize the functionality of its D-pad, and it even has a Turbo function as well.7. Razer Panthera Evo Arcade Stick
Best PS4 Fight Stick
Fight pads and regular controllers are good for fighting games, but nothing quite beats a tried and true arcade fight stick. Firstly you can get a lot more precision out of a stick that’s meant to be maneuvered by your whole hand rather than just your thumb. Likewise, a fight stick puts all the buttons at your literal fingertips, so you never have to move your thumb from one action to the next.The Razer Panthera Evo was our particular favorite fight stick for the PS4 simply because it was built from the ground up for the system. On the face of the arcade stick you get a PS4 touchpad that perfectly mirrors all the functionality of a traditional DualShock 4. Of course, it helps that Razer built one hell of a fight stick with a perfectly responsive lever and buttons.
8. Fanatec CSL Elite Racing Wheel
Best PS4 Racing Wheel
If you’re looking to add a bit of realistic flair to your hot laps in Gran Turismo Sport and other racing games on the PS4, there’s nothing better than a racing wheel and the Fantec CSL Elite Racing Wheel is the best one you can get. It’s a best belt-driven racing wheel designed exclusively for the PS4, so you’ve got all your typical Dualshock 4 buttons at your fingertips.This racing wheel also delivers quite the kick with 6Nm of torque delivered through its belt-drive force-feedback system. You’ll be able to feel every bump on the road, virtual G-forces from braking hard, and the wheel fight you as you try to make tight turns. Rounding out this authentic racing simulation experience is the wheel’s 30cm rim, which you’ll be able to rotate it up to 1,080-degrees. There’s also an integrated revolution meter and just above that on the wheel is a three-digit LED display you can use to monitor your speed or check which gear you’re in. The only thing this racing wheel doesn’t include is a set of pedals.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
