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A pile of PC game controllers on a desk Credit: Reviewed / Matthew S. Smith
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The Best PC Gaming Controllers of 2026

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A pile of PC game controllers on a desk Credit: Reviewed / Matthew S. Smith

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Editor's Choice Product image of GuliKit KK3 Max
Best PC Controller Overall

GuliKit KK3 Max

Currently
Unavailable

The Gulikit KK3 is a “budget” PC and Nintendo Switch controller with magnetic thumbsticks, trigger locks, a comfortable layout, and a turbo button. Read More

Pros

  • Feature-rich, including paddle buttons and trigger locks
  • Comfortable and familiar layout
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Limited device compatibility
  • Moderate battery life
2
Editor's Choice Product image of GameSir Nova Lite
Best Value PC Controller

GameSir Nova Lite

Check Price at Amazon

At $25, the GameSir Nova Lite delivers a familiar shape and face button layout, but also a full suite of wireless connectivity and Hall effect sticks. Read More

Pros

  • Hall Effect joysticks
  • Familiar, comfortable layout
  • Great price for wireless controller

Cons

  • Short battery life
  • PC and Switch only
  • D-Pad can feel vague with diagonal movement
3
Editor's Choice Product image of PowerA Fusion Pro 3
Best Wired PC Controller

PowerA Fusion Pro 3

Check Price at Walmart

PowerA’s Fusion Pro 3 Wired is an affordable alternative to the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 that ditches wireless connectivity. Read More

Pros

  • Added buttons, trigger locks
  • Familiar and comfortable layout
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Wired
  • Only supports PC and Xbox
  • Swappable faceplate doesn’t impress
4
Editor's Choice Product image of GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro

GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro

Currently
Unavailable

The Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro Wireless is a solid controller for Switch, PC, Mac, and mobile phones. It packs a comfy design and Hall Effect joysticks. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Precise joysticks
  • Easy to connect

Cons

  • Triggers feel wooden
  • No customization
  • Not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation
5
Product image of Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

Check Price at Walmart

The Xbox Wireless Controller is easy to use thanks to built-in Windows support. It also boasts high build quality and a layout that’s ideal for 3D games. It relies on disposable batteries, however, which become costly over time. Read More

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Great for 3D games
  • Durable build quality

Cons

  • Uses disposable batteries

  • GuliKit KK3 Max

  • GameSir Nova Lite

  • PowerA Fusion Pro 3

  • Other PC Gaming Controllers We Tested

  • What We Look for in PC Gaming Controller Layouts

  • How We Test PC Gaming Controllers

  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

  • Best PC Controller Overall GuliKit KK3 Max
  • Best Value PC Controller GameSir Nova Lite
  • Best Wired PC Controller PowerA Fusion Pro 3
  • Other PC Gaming Controllers We Tested
  • What We Look for in PC Gaming Controller Layouts
  • How We Test PC Gaming Controllers
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy
Matthew S. Smith
Written by Matthew S. Smith, a tech journalist with 16 years’ experience testing PC desktops, laptops, and monitors.

Updated June 5, 2024

The Rundown

  • Our favorite PC gaming controllers are the Gulikit KK3 Max and the GameSir Nova Lite.
  • The best PC controllers feature adaptive triggers, Hall effect thumbsticks, and comfortable grips for versatile gameplay across genres.
  • Consider wireless connectivity, battery type, and controller layout to match your gaming preferences and device compatibility.

The PC is an incredibly diverse gaming platform and you can find ports of titles from every genre, console, and era of gaming. Many games were designed with a gamepad in mind, so to get the best gaming experience you might need to ditch your mouse and keyboard. The best PC gaming controllers should be able to tackle every genre, from fighting games to first-person shooters, with ease.

Gamers who just want to stick to PC-only titles should read our round-up of the best gaming keyboards or look for the best gaming mouse. But if you want to skip the keyboard and mouse and are looking for the best PC controller to play Forza Motorsport or Street Fighter 6 with, read on.

The best PC controllers feature adaptive triggers, textured or rubberized grips, and sometimes even RGB lighting or a carrying case. If you’re looking for the best mix of comfort and features, the Gulikit KK3 Max is the best PC controller you can buy right now. It’s durable, rich with features like Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers and built-in macro recording, and supremely comfortable. It can be used with your PC, Mac, mobile devices, or Nintendo Switch over Bluetooth, and pair with up to four devices at a time.

A grey and purple controller, the Gulikit KK3 Max
Credit: Reviewed / Matthew S. Smith

The GuliKit KK3 Max uses Hall effect thumbsticks, trigger locks, and customizable back paddles at a fraction of the cost of competitors.

Best PC Controller Overall
GuliKit KK3 Max

The Gulikit KK3 Max is an excellent gamepad that competes with high-end controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 but at a more accessible price point of $80.

The long list of higher-end features includes magnetic Hall effect triggers and thumbsticks, trigger locks, four detachable and customizable back paddles, and macro support. This goes a step above and beyond our previous top pick, the Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro, for only $10 more.

The KK3 Max is also excellent to game with even when those features aren’t required. It boasts a comfortable design, responsive BAYX face buttons (recognized as the more familiar ABXY, Xbox-style layout when connected to PC), and apart from the layout, customization options include letting players attach or detach the paddles, replace the face buttons, and swap between a 4-way or 8-way D-Pad. It feels great to use out of the box and even better after taking a few minutes to tweak it to your preference.

The KK3 Max officially supports PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices but not consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The battery life, though adequate at up to 28 hours with LED lighting disabled, isn’t class-leading.

If you can accept those downsides, however, the KK3 Max is nearly unbeatable. It offers all the features found in more expensive alternatives, yet makes no sacrifices in quality or layout to obtain them. It’s an easy recommendation for PC gamers.

Read our full review of the Gulikit KK3 Max.

Pros

  • Feature-rich, including paddle buttons and trigger locks

  • Comfortable and familiar layout

  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Limited device compatibility

  • Moderate battery life

The gamesir nova lite, the value pick for best PC controllers you can buy right now, on a wooden table
Credit: Reviewed / Matthew S. Smith

For only $25 (and less on sale!), the GameSir Nova Lite delivers the full range of wireless connectivity options and feels good to game on.

Best Value PC Controller
GameSir Nova Lite

The GameSir Nova Lite is an inexpensive PC controller that doesn’t fall short on features. For only $25 it offers USB-C connectivity, Bluetooth, and 2.4Ghz wireless via an included USB-A dongle. It also has a built-in battery, Hall effect joysticks, and a familiar face button layout that gamers can swap in software (from XYBA to YXAB) depending on the game.

Device compatibility includes support for PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms like iOS and Android, making the controller a versatile option. It lacks support for Xbox or PlayStation consoles, however.

The Nova Lite’s built-in battery is small at just 600mAh and only lasts about 10 hours on a charge. That’s not long but, at this price, the fact that it supports wireless connectivity at all is an advantage. Most similarly priced gamepads are wired-only.

Most importantly, however, the Nova Lite is fundamentally enjoyable to use. The face buttons feel responsive, the joysticks are smooth, and the triggers glide through the full range of analog motion. The D-Pad is perhaps the only weakness, as it sticks to a cross-style layout that can seem vague in games that use diagonal movement, but it’s comparable to many other inexpensive gamepads.

The Nova Lite is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers, and it even includes features its more expensive counterpart, the GameSir Nova, leaves out. It’s perfect if you need extra controllers for classic Nintendo couch co-op games like Mario Kart 8 or Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Read our full review of the GameSir Nova and GameSir Nova Lite.

Pros

  • Hall Effect joysticks

  • Familiar, comfortable layout

  • Great price for wireless controller

Cons

  • Short battery life

  • PC and Switch only

  • D-Pad can feel vague with diagonal movement

$21.84 from Amazon

A black controller on a carpet
Credit: Reviewed / Matthew S. Smith

The PowerA Fusion Pro 3 trades wireless for pro-level features for under $100.

Best Wired PC Controller
PowerA Fusion Pro 3

In a world where top-tier Xbox elite controllers with trigger locks, swappable thumbsticks, and extra buttons are usually well above $100, PowerA's Fusion Pro 3 Wired Controller is a breath of fresh air. It delivers these features at a more reasonable $80.

PowerA delivers this value by ditching wireless support. The controller doesn’t include Bluetooth or a wireless dongle and instead relies on an included detachable 10-foot USB-C to USB-A cable. Official device support is limited to the Xbox Series X|S and PC, though the PowerA Fusion 3 Pro works well with both and is easy to plug and play.

The Fusion Pro 3 looks almost identical to an official Xbox controller, which is a testament to its quality. It’s comfortable in-hand and all touch points offer high-quality materials. However, there are a few differences. The D-Pad is a cross, instead of a radial; the triggers are slightly different in shape, and the microphone jack is paired with a physical volume adjustment switch. However, these differences are either neutral or an improvement over the standard Xbox Wireless Controller.

The Fusion Pro 3 has a detachable faceplate secured by magnets and detachable thumbsticks. PowerA doesn’t offer standalone replacements at the time of review, however, which limits the feature’s appeal to repair-only.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 3 Wired Controller is a fantastic choice for gamers who want a budget-friendly alternative to the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 and similar wireless controllers. It packs just as many features at a much lower price.

Read our review of the PowerA Fusion Pro 3 Wired Controller.

Pros

  • Added buttons, trigger locks

  • Familiar and comfortable layout

  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Wired

  • Only supports PC and Xbox

  • Swappable faceplate doesn’t impress

$79.99 from Walmart

Other PC Gaming Controllers We Tested

Product image of GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro
Editors' Choice
GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro

Want a dependable, enjoyable controller that works with multiple devices? The Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro Wireless controller ticks every box and leads the competition on multiple platforms, making it more than just the best controller for PC games..

The KingKong 2 Pro offers an elegant matte black body and glossy silver accents and is also available in white. Material quality is excellent, too, with grippy soft-touch plastics that prove comfortable to handle over long play sessions.

The Hall effect joysticks Gulikit used feel precise and won’t ever suffer from stick drift, as input is determined via magnetic fields instead of relying on mechanical resistance. This also eliminates dead zones, resulting in pixel-perfect sensitivity.

The layout is based on the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and includes Home and Screenshot buttons, plus two additional face buttons for macros. The Nintendo-style button layout can be swapped to the ABXY Xbox face button layout when connected to a PC. Other features include an auto-fire button and a macro button that can record and play back up to 10 minutes of key presses.

First-person shooter fans might not like the triggers, which feel wooden and don’t offer trigger locks or customizable tension. The Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro spans Nintendo Switch, PC, MacOS, iOS, and Android compatibility, but it lacks Xbox and PlayStation support. Connecting supported devices is easy, at least, thanks to clearly labeled pairing buttons with bright LEDs that indicate pairing status, and you can switch between four paired devices. The controller offers a robust 25 hours of battery life, and wired use over USB is also an option.

The Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro is our go-to wireless controller choice for Nintendo, PC, Mac, and mobile gamers. Its comfortable layout, pleasant materials, and Hall effect joysticks push it ahead of the pack for only $70.

Read our review of the Gulikit KingKong 2 Pro.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality

  • Precise joysticks

  • Easy to connect

Cons

  • Triggers feel wooden

  • No customization

  • Not compatible with Xbox or PlayStation

Product image of Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

No PC game controller is easier to use than the Xbox Wireless Controller. Microsoft, which owns both Windows and Xbox, brought Xbox gamepad compatibility into Windows during the Xbox 360 era. This effectively made the Xbox controller the default choice for PC gaming.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is reliably detected by Windows over both wired and wireless connections. Once detected, Windows automatically finishes setup using built-in drivers. This takes mere seconds. Most games assume the Xbox controller as the default and display button prompts that mirror the Xbox gamepad’s layout.

It helps that the Xbox Wireless Controller is a solid, well-built gamepad with an asymmetrical layout well suited to 3D titles.

These strengths are offset by a couple of problems. The Xbox Wireless Controller doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery, so you’ll have to buy disposable AA batteries or purchase a rechargeable battery pack. (The official battery is $25.) The controller can connect wireless over Bluetooth but works best with the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, another $25 expense.

Despite this, PC gamers who want a gamepad that just works in every game should consider the Xbox Wireless Controller. The Xbox Wireless Controller can also be used with MacOS, Xbox consoles, Android, and iOS. And if you eventually want to upgrade, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller or Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core are excellent alternatives.

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Great for 3D games

  • Durable build quality

Cons

  • Uses disposable batteries

$65.00 from Walmart

Product image of Sony Dualshock 4
Sony Dualshock 4

Sony’s DualShock 4 is a solid PC game controller. It’s not as easy to use as Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller and is a tad pricey, but makes up for this with a built-in battery and versatile layout.

The DualShock 4 is a small, light controller with a symmetrical layout. This makes it easy to use in a wide variety of 3D and 2D games. The 8bitdo SN30 Pro 2 is better for 2D games by a hair, but the Dualshock 4 is a good alternative. The Dualshock 4 has a built-in rechargeable battery and relies on Bluetooth for wireless.

You may find the DualShock 4 difficult to use with some games. Steam has official Dualshock 4 support and some games will detect the controller, but Windows does not. You will need to install a third-party program like DS4Windows to ensure the controller works properly in all games. DS4Windows is easy to install, but this extra hurdle will put off gamers who want a simple solution.

Gamers can use the Dualshock 4’s touchpad to control the mouse. This has limited appeal but can be helpful if you want to use a controller with a game that doesn’t have built-in controller support.

Relatively expensive at $60, the DualShock 4 can be used with Windows, macOS, Sony’s PlayStation 4 console, Android, and iOS.

Pros

  • Low weight

  • Built-in battery

  • Versatile layout

Cons

  • May require third-party software

$74.90 from Walmart


$74.99 from Best Buy

Product image of Sony Dualsense Controller
Sony Dualsense Controller

Sony’s DualSense controller is a new spin on the DualShock 4 for the PlayStation 5 and remains a solid choice for PC gaming thanks to its features and broad platform compatibility. However, it’s more expensive than the DualShock 4 and among the most expensive PC game controllers we tested.

The DualSense is a larger, heavier controller than the DualShock 4. It feels more similar to the Xbox Wireless Controller when picked up. This provides a sense of quality and luxury. However, it retains the familiar symmetrical layout that works well with both 3D and 2D titles. The DualSense has a built-in rechargeable battery and relies on Bluetooth for wireless gaming.

Like the DualShock 4, the DualSense may be difficult to use with some games. Steam has official DualSense support but Windows does not. You will need a third-party program like DS4Windows to enable the controller in all games.

The DualSense’s touchpad can be used to control the mouse. The touchpad is larger on the DualSense than on the DualShock 4, which makes it more comfortable to use.

The DualSense controller ties the Amazon Luna controller for the most expensive we tested. The Dualsense can be used with Windows, MacOS, Sony’s PlayStation 5 console, Android, and iOS. It’s a good alternative for gamers who dislike the Xbox-style controllers previously mentioned.

Pros

  • Premium feel

  • Built-in battery

  • Versatile layout

Cons

  • May require third-party software

$58.00 from Walmart


$75.35 from Best Buy

Product image of 8bitdo SN30 Pro
8bitdo SN30 Pro

The 8bitdo SN30 Pro is similar to the SN30 Pro 2 but targets a different audience. It mimics the look and feel of a Super Nintendo gamepad while retaining features required for new titles, such as triggers. It’s ideal for retro games but lackluster for modern 3D titles.

8bitdo uses a symmetrical layout for the SN30 Pro, but the gamepad lacks the grips that extend from the bottom of most modern controllers. This forces your hands towards the gamepad’s D-Pad and primary buttons and away from the joysticks. The joysticks remain for use in 3D games, but the D-Pad is the center of attention.

It’s a less comfortable gamepad in most cases, but some gamers might prefer it for 2D platformers and retro games.

The 8bitdo SN30 Pro has a built-in rechargeable battery and can connect wirelessly over Bluetooth. It works well with Windows games by default and 8bitdo’s software can be used to customize the controller. This gamepad also supports the Nintendo Switch, Android, macOS, iOS, and Raspberry Pi.

Shaving the grips off of the SN30 Pro saves you a few bucks, making it the second most affordable controller on this list. Still, the SN30 Pro+ is only $5 more.

Pros

  • Easy to use

  • Built-in battery

  • Great for 2D games

Cons

  • Not great for 3D games

  • Can feel small for some players

Product image of Amazon Luna Controller
Amazon Luna Controller

Amazon’s Luna controller is a decent controller designed primarily for Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service. It’s well designed and comfortable to use, but we encountered problems in our testing.

The Luna controller has a generic asymmetrical layout similar to the Xbox Wireless Controller. This makes it ideal for 3D games, though the overall feel and build quality are slightly inferior to the Xbox alternative. The center of the Luna controller has several additional buttons, like an Alexa button, though they’re not useful outside of Amazon’s Luna service. Bluetooth is used for wireless gaming and the controller relies on disposable AA batteries.

Amazon’s Luna controller worked in Windows games when connected over USB-C. A Bluetooth connection was possible and Windows identified the controller once we installed Amazon’s Luna drivers for Windows, but the controller frequently lost connection. We weren’t able to resolve this issue.

The Luna’s high price is difficult to justify given its features and unreliable Bluetooth connection. It ties the DualSense and GuliKit’s controllers for the most expensive on our list. The Luna controller is comfortable but doesn’t make sense unless you plan to use Amazon’s Luna service or want a wired connection for your PC games.

Pros

  • Low latency Wi-Fi controller

  • Large game library

  • Cross-platform compatible

Cons

  • Uses disposable batteries

  • Unreliable bluetooth connection

  • Prime membership required

$69.99 from Amazon

What We Look for in PC Gaming Controller Layouts

Modern PC game controllers come in two basic layouts: asymmetrical or symmetrical.

An asymmetrical layout, like the Xbox Wireless Controller, places the left joystick above the D-Pad while the right joystick is below the four primary buttons. This asymmetrical design is superior for games that use joysticks for 3D movement. The D-Pad is often used to provide additional action buttons in these titles, and this layout makes the D-Pad easier to access.

The symmetrical layout, championed by Sony, places the joysticks beside each other and pushes the D-Pad up. The D-Pad is harder to access when using the joysticks for movement, but the joysticks are easy to ignore when playing a game that uses the D-Pad for movement.

We give slight preference to symmetrical layouts when testing PC game controllers. We feel a symmetrical layout is more versatile than an asymmetrical layout. This is because symmetrical layouts are generally preferable for 2D games that play best with a D-Pad but are still great in 3D titles. A versatile controller is useful for PC gaming because the platform has access to a wider range of games and genres than a console.

Your mileage may vary, however. Players only interested in modern 3D titles and console ports may lean towards an asymmetric layout.

Wired vs. Wireless

Most modern gamepads support both wired and wireless connections. The wireless connection is typically enabled through Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz over a USB dongle. Microsoft offers a proprietary wireless dongle for the Xbox controller, and cloud gaming controllers, like the Amazon Luna controller, use Wi-Fi when connected to their respective services.

Wired connections remain the easy option. Wired controllers are reliably detected by Windows and require no additional setup to use. There’s no need to worry about latency or drop-outs caused by interference from other devices.

Most controllers support a Bluetooth connection that should, in theory, be automatically detected by Windows. This didn’t always prove true in our testing. Wireless can also fall victim to interference from other devices.

Most PC game controllers support a wireless connection but also work over USB-A or USB-C, providing a backup if wireless goes awry. You often pay a slight premium for wireless, but prices have come down in recent years. Finding a wireless controller nowadays doesn’t have to cost more than a wired one.

Cloud Controllers Have Real Problems

The Google Stadia controller and Amazon Luna controller were included in our testing. Each has a solid, though generic, layout that doesn’t offend. That doesn’t mean they’re a great choice, however.

Amazon’s Luna controller can connect to a PC wirelessly over Bluetooth. This lets it function as a generic PC gamepad. We encountered connectivity problems over Bluetooth, however, so we had to revert to a wired connection.

The Google Stadia controller is technically wireless but only supports Wi-Fi and can’t be used wirelessly outside the Google Stadia platform. This contributed to its low ranking in our tests and exclusion from this list, especially as Stadia has been shut down by Google.

Both cloud gaming controllers were among the most expensive we tested. That makes them hard to recommend over the less expensive, easier to use, and more broadly compatible PC game controllers that top our list. We recommend staying away from either.

Rechargeable vs. Disposable Batteries

A majority of wireless controllers use a built-in rechargeable battery. However, Microsoft’s Xbox controller and Amazon’s Luna controller use disposable AA batteries.

Built-in rechargeable batteries are superior and many of the best PC gaming controllers have them. Disposable AA batteries are inexpensive, but the cost of replacing batteries will add up over time. A long gaming session could easily eat up a pair of non-rechargeable batteries. You’ll eventually spend as much on disposable batteries as you did on the controller itself.

A rechargeable battery is lighter than disposable batteries and allows for a more compact design on the rear of the controller. This makes a controller with a rechargeable battery more comfortable to use.

Controllers that use disposable AA batteries can be upgraded with a rechargeable battery pack or can be used with rechargeable AA batteries. This is an extra cost, however, and undercuts the value of controllers that use disposable batteries.

How We Test PC Gaming Controllers

How We Test

We test PC game controllers in the usual way: by playing games on them. Every controller considered for this list was tested first-hand with a custom desktop PC over wired and wireless connections (if supported).

The games we used for testing included several keystone titles that we returned to with every gamepad: Final Fantasy XIV, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Control, and an emulated version of Super Mario World. They represent a wide variety of genres and control schemes.

Meet the tester

Matthew S. Smith

Matthew S. Smith

Contributor

@Matt_on_tech

Matthew S. Smith is a veteran tech journalist and general-purpose PC hardware nerd. Formerly the Lead Editor of Reviews at Digital Trends, he has over a decade of experience covering PC hardware. Matt often flies the virtual skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator and is on a quest to grow the perfect heirloom tomato.

See all of Matthew S. Smith's reviews

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