If you want to play FIFA, Fortnite, and co on the PS4 and PS5, you need a good controller. We present you with the best controllers of 2022 and provide some tips on purchasing.
A good controller is a must for gaming on consoles, especially when you want to play competitively. Nowadays, there is a large selection of various controllers on the market.
But which gamepad is best suited for whom? We present you with the best controllers and explain who they are best suited for.
Update 01/03/2022: The article was published in April 2020. We updated the article on January 3, 2022. We have added the SCUF Reflex as an alternative to the PS5 DualSense.
What should I consider when buying a controller?
How to buy a controller: The following steps should be considered and weighed for oneself before purchasing a controller:
- Wireless or Wired: First, you should consider whether you want a wireless or a wired controller. Wireless controllers are more flexible, but you may have to deal with input lag. With a wired controller, you are tethered to the cable but don’t have to recharge in between and minimize lags.
- Budget calculation: How much money do you want to invest? A controller does not have to be expensive to work well. Expensive controllers are often significantly better crafted or use more precise and mechanical components.
- Preferred games: Those who like to play shooters have different preferences than someone who prefers sports games or MMOs.
- Ergonomics: How important is proper grip and easily reachable buttons? Are you willing to get accustomed or does everything have to fit directly?
- Compatibility: Not every controller works with every system. Often, PS4 controllers are compatible with PCs but not with the Xbox One. The reverse is also true.
- Gaming on the PS5: With PS4 controllers, you can also play PS4 games on the PlayStation 5. However, for PS5 games, you need the official DualSense controller.
Best PS4 Controller under 30 Euros – Snakebyte 4 S Wireless
Weight: Not known | Connection: Bluetooth/ Cable | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range (via Geizhals): 19 – 30 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? The Snakebyte controller offers the cheapest entry into the realm of controllers. If you are primarily looking for a second or third controller for couch co-op, or can forgo features like VR, then you can get the Snakebyte 4 S Wireless. Competitive gamers should invest more money.
What the Snakebyte 4 S Wireless offers: The Snakebyte controller is the cheapest controller in our article and offers all the basic functions that a PS4 controller must have for around 30 Euros. The thumbsticks and buttons are precise enough, and the controller has a 3.5mm jack. Overall, the controller is lighter and also a little smaller than the original Sony controller.
The build quality is only mediocre in this price range, and the controller is made of a lot of plastic and has no rubberized grips. However, manufacturer Snakebyte promises 5 years warranty, which is rather rare for a controller. The controller basically works on Windows, but the driver software causes unnecessary problems.
A light bar on the back is also not available, which is a problem for many VR titles that require it.
User reviews: The controller has a rating of 3.5 stars based on 34 reviews. The low price and the comfortable ergonomics due to smaller size are praised. Some users complain about the poor driver software.
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Snakebyte PS4 GAME:PAD 4S - Wireless bluetooth Controller for PlayStation 4 / PS4 Slim/Pro, analog... | Zu Amazon |
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Best controller under 50 Euros – TUTUO Wireless Controller for PS4
Weight: 298 grams | Connection: Bluetooth/ Cable | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery (5 – 7 hours) | Price range: 37 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a comparatively cheap price for a PS4 controller that still offers the essential features, you should take a look at the controller from TUTUO.
What the TUTUO Wireless Controller offers: The TUTUO controller provides the essential functions that the original Sony controller offers: vibration, motion control like the light bar and touchpad. All important functions are integrated. Headphones can also be connected via the jack. A speaker is also built-in.
The buttons are also good and precise, the resistance of the buttons is a bit heavier than that of the original controller.
For around 40 Euros (April 2020), the price is very fair. The controller only uses ABS plastic, so the manufacturing quality is only mediocre. The battery life is between 4 and 6 hours, which is acceptable for the price.
User reviews: The controller has a rating of 4.1 stars based on 854 reviews. The buyers praise especially the very fair price-performance ratio and the decent buttons of the controller. Some criticize the mediocre manufacturing and the comparatively short range of the controller via Bluetooth.
Keine Produkte gefunden.
Best all-rounder – DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Weight: 210 grams | Connection: Bluetooth/ Cable | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range (via Geizhals): 49 – 59 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for nothing more and nothing less than a proven and good controller that is particularly well-suited for FIFA, the official PlayStation 4 controller is the best choice.
What the PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 offers: The official controller for the PlayStation 4 offers Sony’s official standard and is usually included with every PS4. In addition to the black variant, there is a wide range of colors in which the DualShock 4 is offered. From the mentioned plain black to blue to “Sunset Orange,” everything is available.
An advantage is that the controller can be controlled via USB as well as Bluetooth. The former is especially practical when the battery is empty but you want to keep playing. Unique is also the touchpad, which is located in the center of the controller and is used by some games. Also cool is the share button, which allows you to quickly share content or take screenshots. The jack for connecting headsets is also good.
Compared to other third-party products, the DualShock 4 is comparatively expensive. Furthermore, the controller is only compatible with the PC and PS4, excluding the Xbox One and Switch. Compatibility on PC is also associated with a few tricks.
The battery life weakens after extended use. It is also annoying that the light on the back cannot be completely turned off, but you can at least significantly reduce the lighting of the controller. How exactly this works, we explain along with many other useful tips for the PS4:
User reviews: The DualShock 4 has a rating of 4.4 stars based on 7,101 reviews. The precision and good handling of the controller are praised. Criticism is directed at the weak battery and the many fakes that are now available for purchase. With atypical packaging, one should therefore return the product.
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PlayStation 4 - DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Schwarz* | Zu Amazon |
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Good alternative to the PS4 DualShock controller – FUSION Pro Wireless
Weight: 365 grams | Connection: Bluetooth and Cable | Cable Length: 3 meters | Battery: internal, built-in battery | Price range (via Geizhals): 111.00 – 159.00 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a gaming controller whose design is heavily based on the official DualShock controller but offers a few nice additional features, then you should take a look at the FUSION Pro Wireless.
What the FUSION Pro Wireless offers: In addition to the usual functions that every PS4 controller offers, you get with the FUSION Pro Wireless a few extra perks. For example, you get back paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, a 3-way trigger, and also official PC support.
The back paddles allow you to program the functions of the buttons to the paddles. This way you can control the analog sticks with your thumbs and quickly access additional functions with your other fingers via the paddles.
MeinMMO was able to extensively try out the FUSION Pro Wireless in a test. We particularly liked the high-quality processing, robust design, and the long connection cable for the controller. The additional paddle module is also a nice idea, although the mounting did not totally convince us. It is also unfortunate that the headset does not work in wireless mode.
MeinMMO author Maik Schneider writes in the test: “If you can overlook the issue of missing headset support in wireless mode, then you get a strong paddle controller with some extras for a reasonable price.”
User reviews: Amazon rates the controller with 3.8 out of 5 stars based on over 150 reviews. It is praised that the controller is really high-quality and well-made.
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Kabelloser FUSION Pro-Controller für PlayStation 4* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Best mouse/controller hybrid – SplitFish FragFX Shark PS4
Weight: Not specified | Connection: Bluetooth/ 2.4 GHz | Cable Length: – | Battery: replaceable AA batteries; 100h (mouse) and 50h (controller) Price range (via Geizhals): 119 Euros.
Who is the controller suitable for? If you want both the comfort of the console and the precision of the mouse, you should take a look at the FragFX Shark from SplitFish. Especially in shooters, the mouse offers advantages.
What the SplitFish FragFX Shark offers: The manufacturer SplitFish relies on a mouse-controller mix with its product. The mouse looks like a normal PC mouse but integrates the typical PlayStation symbol buttons (like circle or square) on the inside. The controller or chuck offers the usual functions of a controller but is a bit slimmer. Both PS4, PS4 Pro, and PS3 are supported. Additionally, it is an officially licensed product from Sony.
Each of the two devices contains a replaceable AA battery. The manufacturer promises around 100 hours of runtime for the mouse and about 50 hours for the chuck. The sensitivity of the mouse and the button assignment can be adjusted within the games.
The downside of this hybrid mainly lies in the acclimatization period. There are many adjustment options, and the buttons are initially awkwardly positioned on the mouse and controller. Setting macros is also not very intuitive. However, once accustomed, the FragFX Shark offers the precision of a mouse, which is particularly advantageous in shooters. A second downside is that the chuck does not offer a headphone jack. Additionally, the price of 120 Euros is significantly higher than a conventional controller.
User reviews: The controller is rated 3.8 at Amazon based on 191 reviews. High precision and speed are praised. Criticism is directed at the mediocre build quality of the chuck and the lack of a headphone jack on the device.
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SplitFish FragFX Shark PS4 - Sony offiziell lizenziert (PS4/PS3) - Maus für die PS4* | Zu Amazon |
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Best controller for competitive gamers – NACON PS4 Revolution Pro Controller
Weight: 390 – 410 grams | Connection: Bluetooth | Cable Length: 3m | Battery: built-in battery | Price range (via Geizhals): 136 – 179 Euros.
Who is the controller suitable for? The Nacon Pro Controller is primarily suitable for players looking for a very precise controller with plenty of customization options.
What the NACON Revolution Pro Controller offers? The controller from Nacon uses a robust material and has a relatively high base weight. With the included weights, you can also adjust this. The manufacturer has also thought of both a jack and an integrated microphone.
On the back of the controller, there are also buttons to control the volume directly from the controller. This is very practical as you no longer need to switch to the PS4 menu.
There’s also a button on the back to switch between Bluetooth and cable, which is a sensible option. The cable is also pleasantly long at 3 meters.
The thumbsticks are a bit looser than with the official PS4 controller from Sony. Behind the R1 and L1 buttons are Omron switches that are typically found in gaming mice: Omron switches are very precise and have a long lifespan.
A disadvantage is primarily the relatively short battery life: the controller lasts only about 6 – 8 hours. Additionally, the high price will not appeal to everyone.
User reviews: The Nacon Pro Controller is rated by buyers with 3.8 stars based on 822 ratings. Praise goes to the great haptics and good manufacturing. Some complain that the manufacturer sometimes sends defective controllers. A replacement would solve most problems. The very high price is also not appreciated by everyone.
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![NACON PS4 Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller [ ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41aml4aGlhL._SL160_.jpg)
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NACON PS4 Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller [ ]* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Best PS4 controller under 100 Euros – Nacon PS4 Asymmetric Wireless Controller
Weight: 390 grams | Connection: Bluetooth | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range: 50 – 84 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a good controller with great ergonomics but use the Xbox controller layout instead of the PS4 layout, the Nacon PS4 Asymmetric Controller is for you.
What the Nacon PS4 Asymmetric Wireless Controller offers: The Nacon PS4 controller features a simple design that closely resembles an Xbox controller: The two thumbsticks are not both at the front, one is on the left side, while the d-pad sits directly at the front. The buttons have a pleasant pressure point, but the back buttons are a bit stiffer to operate.
The controller otherwise offers the usual functions of a PS4 controller. Vibration function and share button are integrated, and via the jack, a headset can also be connected. The disadvantage: The voice transmission quality is only mediocre.
The battery life is around 7 hours, which is better than the original PS4 controller, but still less than comparable controllers.
User reviews: The controller is rated with 4 stars based on 282 reviews. The great ergonomics and the quality of the controller are particularly praised. Some are bothered by the poor touchpad and that voice chat quality is only mediocre.
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NACON Asymmetric Wireless PC-Gamepad, Playstation 4, Schwarz – Zubehör für Videospiele,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Best PS4 controller that works well on PC – ASTRO Gaming C40 TR-Controller
Weight: 308 grams | Connection: 2.4 GHz (with transmitter) or wired | Cable Length: – | Battery: internal, built-in battery (12 hours) | Price range: 189 – 384 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a controller that not only performs well on the PlayStation but can also be effectively used on the PC thanks to software, then you should take a look at the ASTRO Gaming C40 TR-Controller. The official DualShock 4 also works on PC, but there are some limitations, which is why we recommend the ASTRO Gaming C40 TR, which is easier to use.
What the ASTRO Gaming C40 TR-Controller offers: The controller features high-quality processing made of metal, which also positively affects its durability. The special feature of the controller is also its modular system: the analog stick and the D-pad can be removed and replaced as modules.
Another advantage is that the controller is also very easy to use on PC: using the ASTRO software, you can further adjust the accuracy or sensitivity of the controller.
With around 12 hours of battery life, the controller also offers decent uptime.
The controller feels noticeably heavier than other controllers, which can be noticeable in longer sessions. A significant disadvantage is the high price of the controller: the high-quality processing and modularity come at a cost. However, if you do not mind the high price, you will get a high-quality controller for PS4 and PC.
User reviews: The controller is rated 4.4 stars based on 1289 reviews. Buyers praise the great ergonomics and the stable, high-quality processing. Some buyers criticize that after prolonged use, right stick drift becomes noticeable.
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ASTRO Gaming C40 TR-Controller - Kompatibel mit Playstation 4 und PC + Zubehör (Reisetasche, 4... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Alternative in the mid price segment – Razer Raiju Tournament Edition 2019
Weight: 320 grams | Connection: Bluetooth or wired | Cable Length: – | Battery: internal, built-in battery | Price range: 99 – 199 Euros
In the mid-price segment, the Raiju Tournament Edition is a good alternative. It also offers good compatibility with the PC and can be used via cable or Bluetooth. However, some users complain about connection issues with the Bluetooth connection.
The controller relies on sturdy construction, using mechanical switches for the thumbsticks and buttons. The customizable multifunction buttons are also a nice addition. The controller itself can also be further customized via a mobile app.
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Razer Raiju Tournament Edition (2019) - Kabelgebundener und Kabelloser Bluetooth Controller für PS4... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Alternative in the low price segment – PICTEK PS4 Controller
Weight: 322 grams | Connection: wired | Cable Length: 2m | Battery: – |Price range: 34.99 Euros
Compared to Razer or ASTRO, the build quality is significantly worse, but the price is likewise lower. Despite the price, the Pictek controller has all the important functions you need. A headphone jack is available, as well as a vibration function. Thanks to plug-and-play, the controller is compatible with PCs without any effort.
If you have an OTG cable on hand, you can also use the controller on an Android smartphone. Unlike the original PS4 controller, the lighting can be completely turned off at the push of a button.
Keine Produkte gefunden.
Best PS4 Controller for Individuality – Scuf Impact
Weight: 230 grams | Connection: Bluetooth/ 2.4 GHz | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range: from 149 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a controller that can be almost completely adapted to your needs, you should take a look at the Scuf Impact. This controller can be configured entirely to your preferences.
What the Scuf Impact Controller offers: The controller from Scuf Gaming focuses on individuality: On the manufacturer’s website (via scufgaming.com), you can assemble your own controller according to your own ideas. A wide variety of options are available to the buyer: From color to grips to thumbstick processing – there are no limits to personalization.
Also successful are the “paddles” on the back of the controller. The Scuf Impact is currently one of the best PS4 controllers with paddles that you can currently get.
The downside: personalization can become very expensive. The base price is 149 Euros, and every further customization like different thumbsticks, special grips, or triggers incurs additional costs. However, if you do not mind the price, you will get a great controller.
Best PS5 controller – PS5 DualSense Controller
Weight: 280 grams | Connection: Bluetooth | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range: from 60.73 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you want to play the latest PS5 games on your new PS5 and are looking for a suitable controller, you should buy the DualSense controller. Because for the new PS5 games, you absolutely need a PS5 controller, as the PS4 DualShock is no longer sufficient for PS5 games.
What the PS5 DualSense Controller offers: The official PS5 controller offers you many new features. The most important features are the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
The adaptive triggers are designed to make the gaming experience feel much more realistic and can block when you try to reload your weapon.
The haptic feedback should make you feel, among other things, when your character walks on soft sand or hard, slippery ice. You can find an overview of the features of the DualSense controller here:
At 79.99 Euros, the DualSense controller is significantly more expensive than the previous controller for the PlayStation 4. Overall, the DualSense controller feels extremely high-quality, and some PS5 games already support the new features. With the Create button, you can quickly share gaming moments. However, the battery life could be better, and the built-in microphone is a nice idea but not a real substitute for a good gaming headset.
User reviews: The controller is rated with 4.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 18,000 reviews. The good workmanship, design, and pleasant ergonomics are praised. Criticism is directed at the weak battery life.
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![DualSense Wireless-Controller [PlayStation 5 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31BdzR4ALjL._SL160_.jpg)
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DualSense Wireless-Controller [PlayStation 5 ]* | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Best alternative to PS5 DualSense: SCUF Reflex
Weight: 280 grams | Connection: Bluetooth | Cable Length: – | Battery: built-in battery | Price range: from 219.99 Euros
Who is the controller suitable for? If you are looking for a PS5 controller that offers a few additional features compared to the DualSense, then you should take a look at the SCUF Reflex. The PS5 controller was sold over 100,000 times within 3 hours.
What the SCUF Reflex offers: The controller from Scuf offers you all the important functions that the official DualSense controller also offers. Functions include adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. A Bluetooth function is also included.
Additionally, with the SCUF Reflex, you can change the thumbsticks of the controller. The Reflex Pro also offers configurable paddles. Furthermore, you can save important settings on the controller.
What does the controller cost? Currently, you will pay at least 219.99 Euros for the controller. If you want to make additional adjustments like different grips or colors, that will cost you extra. You can only order the controller directly from the manufacturer (via scufgaming.com).
Additional accessories for your PS5: Are you looking for a good gaming headset that you can connect to your PS5 DualSense? Then take a look at our buying guide here on MeinMMO: Here we present the best gaming headsets that you can currently buy.
