Supercharge Your Gaming Sessions With The Best PlayStation 4 Controllers Available

When it comes to gaming, the controller you use to guide your character to victory is as important as your skills as a player. Sure, consoles like the PlayStation 4 come packing their own proprietary equipment when you purchase one, but you may find yourself needing an additional controller or having to replace one if the original breaks. Perhaps you just don’t like the color you received.

Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of other Playstation controllers on the market that will suit your needs if you find that you need another. From controllers that offer a configuration similar to the Xbox One to comfortable, miniature riffs on the classic design, the perfect model is out there.

If you’re ready to power up your PlayStation 4 setup, look no further. We’ve selected some of the best PS4 controllers on the market to give you the biggest edge on the competition you can possibly get — or at the very least, offer a way for you to invite a Player 2 into the fold.

1. Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

BEST OVERALL

Our favorite PlayStation 4 controller may seem pedestrian, but that’s because Sony makes the best there is for the money. The original, factory-standard wireless DualShock 4 that comes along with a new console is the best option for most players. Whether you need to purchase an additional controller to play games with others or simply need a replacement, you can’t go wrong with this industry standard. Its thumbsticks fit comfortably beneath the pads of your fingers, it comes in a wide variety of colors and it lasts from eight to 10 hours on a single charge. It’s also pleasingly weighty, which makes it extremely durable — in the event you drop it (or throw it out of frustration.)

2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller

BEST THIRD-PARTY CONTROLLER

Nacon’s Revolution Pro Controller is officially licensed by Sony, which gives it an automatic seal of approval from the PlayStation 4 manufacturer itself. If the official DualShock 4 doesn’t appeal to you, this slick riff on the PS4 controller certainly will. It includes the same niceties as Sony’s official controller but switches up the analog stick locations to make it more comfortable for those used to the Xbox One’s layout instead. It also opts for a grippy, fingerprint oil-fighting texture as well as an LED light circling the right analog stick. You may find yourself fighting for the third-party option instead of Sony’s controller for once during multiplayer games.

3. PlayStation 4 Raion Fightpad

BEST FOR FIGHTING GAMES

Calling all fighting game fans, beat your next boss with the controller that’ll help you get it done. The PlayStation 4 Raion Fightpad is built with a 6 face button layout using Razer’s classic style. Carrying a feel that exudes that classic arcade feel you’ve always craved in a gaming controller, the Raion Fightpad is built for thriving and winning any combat. This wired option sits at just under a hundred bucks, too, making it on the more affordable side of gaming controllers—which is perfect for the kind of guy that wants to game seriously but save some coin while doing so.

4. Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller

BEST FOR PROS

Razer is a trusted name when it comes to PC peripherals, so it makes sense that the manufacturer would know what it’s doing when it comes to crafting the best PS4 controllers. The Raiju resembles an Xbox One controller when it comes to its form factor, but the analog sticks remain in their original position. It features four programmable buttons, textured grips and satisfying, tactile triggers. Its analog sticks are pleasantly responsive as well. Built like a tank, it’s the perfect choice for pro players and those looking to splurge on another addition to their PS4 peripheral collection.

5. Hori Mini Wired PS4 Gamepad

BEST FOR SMALLER HANDS

Sometimes, you don’t need a tank of a controller to get the job done. Hori’s PS4 Mini Wired Gamepad packs all the essentials needed to get some game time in with its uniquely-shaped half-moon PS4 controller. It comes in black and red, and it’s absolutely perfect for smaller hands or younger gamers who don’t need top-of-the-line customizable performance. This officially licensed Playstation controller is perfect for the whole family, easy to grip and even comes with a tiny touchpad to complete important game functions.

6. Astro C40 TR

BEST WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Everything about Astro’s C40 TR PS4 controller screams quality, especially its excellent battery life and wireless connectivity. It dwarfs even Sony’s DualShock 4, offering up to 12 hours of battery life, plus it features interchangeable thumbstick toppers and directional pads. If you’re more interested in how the Xbox One gamepad is set up, you can even switch out the entire configuration to make the C40 TR match an Xbox-style controller. It’s extremely versatile in that way, and it’s also extremely attractive in general.

7. Etpark PS4 Wireless Controller

BEST BUDGET CONTROLLER

This budget controller may not be from a recognizable brand, but it does a fantastic job at mimicking everything that makes the DualShock 4 so comfortable and satisfying to use. It looks nearly identical to the original and performs similarly, all for half the price. It features a headphone jack, wireless connectivity and the same light bar seen on the official Sony-branded controller. The stylish blackout buttons add a fun look to the design as well, though for those unfamiliar with the face buttons’ functionality, you might offer a different option.

8. SADES 2018 Gamepad

STURDIEST THIRD-PARTY CONTROLLER

SADES’ PS4 controller is a rugged, utilitarian version of the classic PS4 design, and it should last quite a long while even if it takes a few tumbles. It comes with the same built-in speaker you’d expect from a regular DualShock 4, as well as a clickable touchpad and light bar on the back. With a satisfyingly grippy rubber exterior, micro-USB charging port and responsive buttons, this is a pricy but sturdy alternative to any of the other third-party PS4 controllers out there. You’ll certainly be getting your money’s worth if you decide to spend your hard-earned cash on this budget Playstation controller.