A video game is only as good as your controller allows it to be. Without a good controller, your ability to play optimally—or even effectively—is compromised. Over time, the best PS4 controller options, like all controllers across multiple gaming platforms, have evolved from the clunky, awkward originals, to controllers that are now ergonomically designed to fit a more natural grip. Texture has been added to many of them to increase stability, and the weight is now better balanced to reduce hand fatigue even during marathon gaming sessions.

There have been other advances in the best PS4 controllers, including the addition of touchpads. This addition can allow for more precise control and faster gameplay and may have been added with the newest generation of gamers in mind. This is the generation who typically experienced their first video games on phones and tablets, with touchscreens and touchpads, and are more familiar with that technology than trigger buttons and d-pads.

With the many advances in the best PS4 controllers today, it may be difficult to make a choice between the many options now available.

For most gamers, the choice comes down to choosing between the official Sony licensed controllers and the many other options available today. While at a glance, these seem to offer similar features, there are subtle differences and variations that can enhance the gameplay for individual gamers depending on their personal preference.

Even putting aside such considerations as budget and details, there are many important basic features to consider before purchasing a new PS4 controller, including wired or wireless technology, integrated speakers and headphone ports, and the design format and sensitivity of the trigger buttons, analog sticks, and directional pads.

When it comes to the major options in the best PS4 controller, we've done the investigating, scoured the reviews, and put together a list of some of the best choices for your main PS4 controller, and also for those that make great backup or second player controllers in varieties that won't break the budget but can more than hold their own against the big brands.

The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 is an impressive improvement in nearly every way from the previous versions, making this the best PS4 controller for serious gamers. It is perfectly weighted and more ergonomically designed to feel comfortable in your hands while you play, combining comfort with more intuitive and reactive control.

The precision control technology and enhanced sensitivity of the DualShock 4's more evolved analog sticks offer complete control and pinpoint accuracy with every movement. The trigger buttons are designed for improved feel, shape, and reaction, putting more control at your fingertips.

The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 delivers the latest way to play, with revolutionary touchpad technology to amp up your gameplay with more options for fast interaction. An integrated front light bar adds to the gaming atmosphere while the built-in speaker and shock motors give gaming a more immersive feel. You can literally feel the shocks and impacts as they occur, putting you into the game.

A share button is added right at your fingertips so you can share your favorite gameplay moments at the simple touch of a button to livestream your action or upload play videos and screenshots.

Also added to the enhanced technology of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 is a convenient 3.5 mm audio jack so your wired headphones can move with you as you play. It comes in 18 great color options from black to rose gold and more.

While the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 can be recharged easily with any standard micro USB port or by plugging it directly into your PS4 system, the battery life is not as good as that of the DualShock 3, possibly because of the additional features. Despite that, this is a more comfortable and reactive controller and definitely one of the best PS4 Controllers to date.

Key Features
  • Precision control with analog sticks and trigger buttons
  • Share button technology
  • Integrated touch pad
  • Built-in light bar and speaker
  • Includes headphone jack
Specifications
  • Number of Colors: 5
  • Wireless?: Yes
  • Compatible Systems: PlayStation, Windows, Steam Deck
  • Brand: Sony
  • Color Options: White, Black, Red, Camo, Gold
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Micro USB, 3.5mm jack
  • Headset Support: 3.5mm jack
  • Programmable Buttons: No
  • Extra Buttons: No
Pros
  • Charges through standard USB port or by plugging into the PS4 system, so it's always ready
  • Ergonomically designed and lightweight
  • Touchpad doubles as an extra button
Cons
  • Battery life is not as good as previous versions
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DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

The best PS4 controller for serious gamers who want to take control literally into their own hands is the SCUF Vantage 2 Wireless and Wired Customizable Controller for PS4. This high-performance controller has the more ergonomically correct Xbox style controller with diagonal analog sticks. The paddle design has a high-performance grip and non-slip textured surface for greater stability. What's more, this controller is customizable.

The SCUF comes with a removable magnetic faceplate and over 60 interchangeable parts. Users can remap trigger buttons with an extra set and customize the play in whatever way works best for them. For many gamers, this gives them a fighting advantage by increasing speed for faster reaction time.

The SCUF Vantage 2 comes with a protective travel case, two long-domed thumbsticks, two long trigger covers, two anti-friction rings, and control disc, and a SCUF key, as well as manual, guide, and Micro-USB cable. Rear paddles and action buttons are removable and interchangeable. Four paddles and SAX buttons may be mapped to 15 total controller functions. An easily accessed remapping switch lets users remap in a hurry.

Interchangeable thumbsticks with variable heights as well as hair triggers and trigger stops allow users to find their sweet spot for the fastest reaction times, which can literally be game-changing. If you've ever wished your controller was configured differently, this is the best PS4 controller for you. It's also ideal for those with disabilities who may have difficulties with the configuration of typical controllers and need adaptations.

With the SCUF Vantage 2, the vibration modules are removable, so users can choose to enjoy the impact sensations during play or reduce muscle fatigue during long gaming sessions by removing the extra weight.

Gamers can also choose between playing in wired or wireless mode, but the included headphone jack only works in wired mode.

With the long-lasting battery life and customizable options, this is the best PS4 controller for serious gamers!

Key Features
  • High-performance customizable controller
  • Paddle design
  • Adaptable to any style of play
  • Non-slip grip handles
  • Removable magnetic faceplate and 60 removable magnetic parts
  • Protective travel case included
Pros
  • Comes with four interchangeable thumbsticks with adjustable height
  • Endless options for remapping and reconfiguring can make this helpful for individuals with disabilities
  • Can be used in wired or wireless
Cons
  • Headphone port does not work in wireless mode
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SCUF Vantage 2 Wired and Wireless Customizable Controller for Playstation 4

One of the best PS4 controller choices for comfortable grip is the Oubang Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4. This is a really impressive looking controller with red or blue diamond-pressed patterns on the handles for a non-slip grip. It has a nice heft to the weight and is well-balanced to hold in comfort even for extended gameplay. An integrated light bar with seven colors adds to the gaming atmosphere and tracks the player's position.

This controller is not only good-looking and comfortable, but it also has the latest vibration technology to enhance the immersive feel of the game as it reacts to shocks and player contact in the game for more realism. The updated technology also includes a convenient, multi-touch, and clickable touchpad for faster reaction time as well as precision trigger buttons and directional pad. A share button is added so players can instantly share their favorite moves in the game through screenshots and videos. All controls have advanced sensitivity and instant reaction times.

The Oubang Wireless Controller has an integrated speaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. With an extra-long wireless range with 2.4 GHz technology and distance of up to 10 meters, you can conveniently take your sound with you along with new audio options.

While this is a solid choice in controllers with a comfortable weight and grip, dual vibration function, and sensitive controls, the battery life could be better. Another negative is the short length of the cord. If you do play while wired, you have to be fairly close to your system. Still, this is one of the best PS4 controllers to use as a backup, for a second player, or as a decent choice to compare with Sony's controller in a better price range.

Key Features
  • Wireless controller with touchpad, analog sticks, and trigger buttons
  • Share button for fast sharing
  • Integrated light bar
  • Vibration shock technology
  • Built-in speaker and 3.5 mm headphone jack
Pros
  • Unique appearance with ambient lighting effects
  • Nicely weighted
  • Analog stick covers for less slipping
Cons
  • Short battery life
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Oubang Wireless Controller for Playstation 4 with Dual Shock Technology

If you love the PS4 gaming system but enjoy the more hand-friendly asymmetrical design of an Xbox controller, the Pictek Wired Controller may be the best PS4 controller for you. It also works with PS3, PC, Windows XP, and Android 4.0 or above. It is a plug-and-play controller, so no driver support is required on Windows PC. The different modes are indicated by different LED colors, making this the best controller to use for multiple gaming platforms.

This is a wired controller, so you are free from the worry about battery recharging or dying battery life in the middle of a game. Instead, you have a secure connection. With the Pictek Wired Controller, the layout includes the more hand-friendly format of asymmetrical analog sticks, which encourages a more secure yet relaxed grip. Functions also include directional buttons, action buttons, home button, and touchpad. A share button is added for instant action sharing to highlight your best gaming moments. All buttons are backlit, making this the best PS4 controller for night gaming. All buttons are highly sensitive and reactive, with no lag.

The Pictek Wired Controller puts you right in the game with dual vibrating motors with eight intensity levels, so you feel the instant feedback of impacts and action at different strengths. This enhances the immersive atmosphere of any game.

This comfortable controller also comes with an integrated headphone jack and microphone switch, giving you freedom of movement while connected.

This is a solid controller with all of the features of more expensive options and with what many consider to be a better design for grip and comfortable hold for long periods of gaming. The only real negative to this controller is the fact that the home button does not power up your PS4 or other gaming systems, so you can't turn on your game from the controller at all. This seems like an important oversight. Nonetheless, this controller makes up for the lack in many other ways, making it a solid choice for any gamer at a budget-friendly price.

Key Features
  • Wired controller for secure connection
  • Linear trigger design
  • Realistic vibration with dual motors with 8 levels of feedback intensity
  • Audio port and microphone switch included
  • Share button for instant sharing
Pros
  • Ergonmically designed to be asymmetrical for hand-friendly grip
  • Includes turbo setting
  • LED backlighting
  • No need to charge batteries
Cons
  • Does not power on your gaming system
  • No speaker
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Pictek Wired PS4 controler

If you need a controller with a better grip design including texturized, non-slip grips that are sweat-resistant, then the Orda PS4 Wireless Gamepad Controller could be the best PS4 controller for you. It is not only ergonomically designed and nicely weighted to make it hand-friendly for longer gaming periods, but it's also slip-resistant for a more stable grip—an improvement on typical slippery, hard plastic.

The Orda offers super-compatibility. You can use it to enjoy gaming on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim, and PC. Just activate your device with a USB cable for the first match connection, and you are ready to play.

Like the more expensive controllers, the Orda PS4 Wireless Gamepad Controller comes with double shock vibration motors built-in to enhance realism for a more immersive gaming experience. The button feature layout is optimized for comfort and efficiency in gaming, and the buttons, directional pad, and analog sticks are highly sensitive and reactive with precision-control technology for reduced reaction time and improved accuracy. A touchpad is conveniently located to enhance your gaming and reduce reaction time. A share button is added for instant sharing of your favorite gaming moments.

While the Orda PS4 Wireless Gamepad Controller does not feature an integrated speaker, it does have a 3.5 mm audio port.

The Orda PS4 Wireless Gamepad Controller is one of the best PS4 controllers for a more comfortable and stable grip, and it comes in four color combinations, and blue LED lighting.

Key Features
  • Ergonomically designed controller with unique, non-slip grips
  • Optimized button and function layout
  • Dual-shock function
  • 3.5 mm audio port
  • Highly sensitive and reactive buttons and joysticks
Pros
  • Slip and sweat-proof handles
  • Multi-platform compatibility
  • Dual analog sticks are highly sensitive
  • Nicely weighted
Cons
  • Buttons are "clicky"
  • No integrated speaker
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Orda Wireless PS4 Controller Gamepad for Playsation 4

The Chengdao PS4 Wireless Controller is designed to be very similar in style and function to the PS4 Dualshock 4 controller, but it may be the best PS4 controller in a more budget-friendly price range. This sharp-looking controller has been upgraded in 2020 and is compatible with PS4, PS4 Pro, PC, and laptop game systems. It has a reactive D-pad with a 6-axis somatosensory feature, classic PS4 sensitive button design, 360-degree analog sticks, and a clickable touchpad to amp up your gaming reaction time. All controls are precision-designed and highly sensitive to prevent lagging and improve pinpoint accuracy even in the most demanding gaming moments.

The Chengdao PS4 controller is ergonomically designed to feel good in the hand, with a little more heft than the Dualshock 4. It's a wireless controller with a ten-foot range, allowing more freedom of movement during gaming. It contains an upgraded polymer lithium battery that's longer-lasting and can be charged right from your PS4 unit with the included high-quality charging cable. This controller also has a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack to further enhance freedom of movement.

The Chengdao PS4 Wireless Controller has dual shock functioning with two vibrating motors that react to action in the game to add to the immersive gaming experience. The integrated LED front lighting bar indicates a secure connection and enhances your gaming atmosphere.

You'll also appreciate the three colorful designs, including galaxy, cyberpunk, and Bryce Canyon styles, with no skins required. While the hard plastic may feel a little slick or slippery, the slightly larger size and weight of this controller helps to improve grip.

This may be the best PS4 controller in a lower price range that's able to rival the PS4 version and totally hold its own in a feature by feature comparison.

Key Features
  • Integrated speaker and stereo headphone jack
  • Dual-shock vibration motors
  • Dual analog joysticks
  • Built-in light bar
Pros
  • Optimized button and touchpad placement
  • Ergonomically designed controller for hand comfort
  • Works for most games in multiple platforms
  • Comes in great colors and designs without needed skins
Cons
  • A little larger and heavier than the official Playstation version
  • Slick plastic texture can be slippery
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Chengdao PS4 Wireless Controller

One of the best PS4 controller choices for compatibility and versatile use is the Ishako PS4 Wireless Controller. This controller works with PS4, PS4 Pro, PC and Laptops with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. You can play most games on these platforms with this versatile and attractive controller, which comes in starry blue, and universe red. The ergonomically designed controller has an optimized layout that makes gaming response faster and more efficient with a controller that is nicely weighted and balanced for comfortable long-term use.

The controls are highly sensitive and reactive to eliminate lags and include trigger buttons, directional pad, and analog sticks with thumb grips. A clickable touchpad is centrally located for faster touch to amp up the speed of your game and increase the accuracy of your responses while gaming. A share button has been added for instant sharing of your best moments in the game. All buttons are smooth to press and have minimal clicking sensation to enhance your fast response.

With motion-sensing technology and dual vibration technology, you will experience the sensation of impact in your controller with action cues from your game.

The Ishako PS4 Wireless Controller with Dual Shock Function has an integrated smart light bar that displays a variety of colors that can be used to indicate different players or to give message tips such as a reduction in strength or life value during a game. It also interacts with the PlayStation camera.

This ergonomically designed controller has a built-in speaker and a 3.5 mm headphone jack with stereo capability. It is one of the best PS4 controllers today to rival the Sony versions.

Key Features
  • High-precision controller
  • Dual-shock technology
  • 3.5 mm audio port
  • Sensitive joysticks
  • Fast response touchpad
Pros
  • Sharing button to share screenshots and videos
  • Trigger buttons have smoother function with quieter clicking action
  • Unique graphics on the controller body
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Does not power on your system
  • Must be charged through USB, does not fit PS4 docking system
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Ishako PS4 Wireless Controller with Dual Shock Function

The best PS4 controller for those who dislike analog sticks for fighting games is the Hori Fighting Commander for PlayStation 4 and 3. This is a nicely weighted gamepad in the classic ergonomically shaped controller style with a 6-button layout and simple D-pad design.

This controller is designed to deliver superior control for 2D fighting games requiring the 6-button layout function. It also works with most classic arcade-type games and some action games. It has right and left directional toggle switch and turbo functions. The sturdy D-pad can also be switched to function as a right or left analog stick when required.

The D-pad on the Commander is one of the best, even allowing fast quarter-circle movements. All buttons on this controller are more fully reactive, with no sticking or annoying clicking sounds. They are perfectly placed to enhance your game and work well with most hand sizes but are ideal for those with large hands who may find some complex controllers awkward.

This is a high-quality controller that's compatible with PlayStation 3 and 4, as well as with a PC through an input. It's a wired controller, so the secure connection means you will never experience lag. The button functions are instantly reactive for superior control that makes for a more immersive gaming experience.

While this controller may not be the best controller for PS4 games if you are looking for analog sticks and advanced functions such as touchpad controls, this is definitely one of the best for fighting games in a simple and more hand-friendly design and is a favorite of the fighting game community.

Key Features
  • Designed for 2D fighting games requiring 6 button function layout
  • Wired controller for secure connection and reactive response
  • Large button design and D-pad which functions as directional pad or left or right analog stick
  • Ergonomic shape to fit your hand for secure grip
Pros
  • Improved ergonomic design for hand comfort
  • 10 foot cable for more freedom of movement
  • Ideal for those who prefer a six button layout to analog sticks
  • Intuitive inputs
Cons
  • No touchpad or similar option
  • This is a genre-specialized controller, so it's formatted for fighting games and arcade type games only
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Hori Fighting Commander for PlayStation 4 and 3

One of the best PS4 controller options for updated features at an affordable price is the Etpark PS4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4. This controller is equipped with the latest technology, including wireless operation and double vibrating motors for feedback functioning to enhance the immersive feeling of the game by reacting to the shocks during gameplay. It is compatible with PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS4 Slim.

The trigger buttons and analog sticks on this controller are sensitive and reactive, reducing the possibility of lag and improving reaction time. A sensitive touchpad is included to amp up the action in the gameplay, and a share button allows users to easily share gameplay videos and screenshots. All control functions have been enhanced for greater sensitivity to offer more control to players. It also features non-slip grips on the handles for better stability while you play.

The Etpark PS4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 has a mini LED light bar that displays different colored lights that can be formatted to represent different players or as message tips to indicate game information such as reduced life value during play.

This controller has an integrated audio jack so you can enjoy privacy with your gaming headset as well as more freedom of motion as your headphones move around with you and your wireless controller.

The Etpack PS4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 has a fast charging time of 3 hours for up to a 4-hour active playtime and an 8-meter range for greater mobility.

While there is no integrated speaker, this controller offers every other desirable feature in a controller today, including touchpad, lightbar, and dual shock technology. It is definitely able to compete with more expensive options and hold its own as a solid little controller to use as your main gamepad or as a backup.

Key Features
  • Precision control with sensitive buttons, analog sticks, and touchpad
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Mini LED light bar
  • Includes instant share button
  • Includes integrated speaker and audio jack
Pros
  • Ergonomically designed grips with slip-resistant texturing
  • Good battery life
  • Includes integrated speaker and audio jack
Cons
  • Not as good for games requiring precise aiming
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Etpark PS4 Wireless Controller for Playstation 4 with dual vibration and touchpad

The YCCTEAM Wireless Controller for PS4 is one of the best PS4 controller choices for precision technology in a more budget-friendly option. This is a simply designed controller that rivals the more expensive Sony versions. It is compatible with PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, and PlayStation Slim. It has the latest and most popular motion-sensing technology and vibration feedback for a more authentic and immersive gaming experience. You will feel the game motion and impacts in your hands as you play, thanks to the double shock motors built right into the gamepad.

The YCCTEAM Wireless Controller for PS4 offers more precise control with super-sensitive and reactive trigger buttons, a directional pad, and a game-amping touchpad. This touchpad provides a new way to play with clickable and multi-touch features. The analog sticks are easy to grip and maneuver and have an excellent range of motion and good balance. A share button is included for fast sharing of your favorite game moments.

This grip-friendly controller comes with an integrated speaker to enhance your gaming atmosphere as well as a convenient headphone jack to allow for more freedom of movement.

While this controller does have some drawbacks, such as a battery life that doesn't quite live up to the more expensive versions, and a lighter weight that makes it feel not quite as durable, it holds up well under use and may be one of the best PS4 controller choices to use as a backup or as a second-player option.

Key Features
  • Wireless controller with motion sensing technology
  • Dual shock vibration feedback
  • Share button for instant sharing
  • Enhanced precision control
  • Built-in speaker
Pros
  • Integrated headphone jack
  • Nicely weighted
  • Built-in speaker
Cons
  • Battery life needs improving
Buy This Product
YCCTEAM Wireless Controller for PS4

The original controllers for video games were no more than joysticks with a couple of buttons. However, along with the evolution of technology, which brought us much more complex and realistic video game worlds, the technology of controllers—including the best PS4 controller—has evolved into much more complex pieces of machinery. The trick has been to balance out the need for more sensitive and instantly reactive trigger buttons and joysticks, with the need to keep a controller easy to manage, easy to grasp, and as small and perfectly weighted as possible to keep them hand-friendly for marathon gaming sessions. The best PS4 controllers have managed this task nicely, from the official Sony versions to the ones made by other brands that offer similar technology with subtle feature variations.

So for those looking for a new PS4 controller to use either as their main controller, a backup controller, or ones for a second or third user, it's helpful to understand the basic features included in your controllers, as well as some extra options.

Common Controller Features For PlayStation 4

For PS4 controllers, the basic functions include two analog sticks—or joysticks—4 trigger buttons, a directional pad (D-Pad), and in more recent models, a centrally located touchpad and a share button. Double right and left rear buttons are also included.

The best PS4 controllers come in either wired or wireless options. Wireless options are also able to function as a wired controller when needed or preferred. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless controllers offer the obvious advantage of freedom from cords and wires and greater freedom of movement during play. However, even the best PS4 controller with wireless technology could experience a small degree of lag time, which may impede close competition in a fast-moving game.

Wired PS4 controllers have the obvious disadvantage of messy cords that can be tripped over and the fact that it physically tethers a gamer to his device. However, there is virtually no lag experienced with a wired device, which gives them a competitive advantage when a split-second lag could impede reaction time.

Revolutionary New Features In The Best PS4 Controllers

Besides the touchpad technology, which has been added to the more recent generations of controllers, PS4 controllers now come with Dual Shock technology. This brings more realism to the game by allowing players to feel the shock of impact in their hands as they play, through feedback from game action to two small motors in the controller handles, which vibrate to simulate contact and impact actions. These dual shock motors range in effectiveness, often based on the price range of the controller. Some provide simple, basic feedback, and others deliver more nuanced effects with up to eight levels of impact shocks available depending on the action in the game.

Other features to look for in the best PS4 controllers include integrated headphone jacks and built-in speakers.

For really serious gamers who know their way around a controller, there are also controllers that allow customization, with removable and interchangeable parts, as well as remapping technology so users can create an individualized controller that works best for them and optimizes their play. This type of controller is also the best PS4 controller for individuals with disabilities, which could limit or compromise their ability to use the function buttons and analog sticks in their current formation.

No matter what features and functions you are looking for in a PS4 controller, you should be able to find a great option in any price range—and let the games begin!