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13 Best PS4 Controllers: Your Buyer’s Guide

Sony’s DualShock 4 controller for the PlayStation 4 is a fine gamepad. But there are many gamers out there that prefer alternative options. For those folks, our list of the best PS4 controllers should be the perfect place to begin your hunt to find some other contenders.

Amongst our selections are both wired PS4 controllers and wireless. The former is targeted for competitive play. However, there are models that feature wired cords instead in order to give a cheaper price point too. So if you’re a gamer out there looking for a controller for your PlayStation 4, check out our list below of the best PlayStation 4 controllers.

What are the Best PS4 Controllers?

Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Choice of Pro Control Mode and Advanced Mode.
  • Tons of customization options.
  • Sleek looking gamepad.
Price: $146.08 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Interchangeable D-Pad and thumbsticks.
  • Trigger Button Locks.
  • Rear paddles.
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • You’ll get a competitive edge thanks to the rapid-fire mod.
  • Uses the DualShock 4 shell so it feels just like Sony’s official controller.
  • 1 Year warranty on the modchip.
Price: $109.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Gorgeous design all around.
  • Gives a proven advantage over standard controllers.
  • Sub-panel with tons of features.
Price: $234.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • 6-button layout has it specifically designed to excel with fighting games.
  • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
  • Turbo functionality.
Price: $179.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Insanely light and small making it perfect for children and smaller gamers.
  • Sleek and clean white design.
  • Great for PlayStation emulation.
Price: $104.48 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Available in numerous color options.
  • Two controllers for roughly the price of one.
  • Supports all of the features a standard DualShock 4 would at a much cheaper price.
Price: $64.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Great design.
  • Full touchpad functionality, Gyro sensors, LED lightbar and an audio jack slot too.
  • Lifetime warranty.
Price: $29.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Comparable features to Sony’s DualShock 4.
  • Drastically cheaper than the DualShock 4.
  • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
Price: $39.93 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Turbo button functionality.
  • Non-slip texture is a nice touch.
  • PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC compatability.
Price: $41.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Compatible across PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.
  • Strong wireless signal covering up to 25 feet.
  • 3.5mm audio jack with headphone support.
Price: $19.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Offers essentially every feature the DualShock 4 does.
  • Thumbstick grips are thrown in for free.
  • Lifetime warranty.
Price: $15.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Most of the same features as the DualShock 4.
  • Under $30.
  • 12 month warranty.
Price: $24.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Nacon Revolution Pro Wired PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Choice of Pro Control Mode and Advanced Mode.
    • Tons of customization options.
    • Sleek looking gamepad.
    Cons:
    • Wired only.
    • No light bar built-in.
    • No speaker within the controller either.

    The Nacon Revolution Pro Wired PlayStation 4 Controller is an impressive beast. It features two different gaming modes in Pro Control Mode and Advanced Mode. With the latter offering a slew of features.

    You can instantly switch between 4 preloaded custom profiles to cover a wide array of games. Within those profiles, you can assign macros, re-map your button configurations, adjust sensitivity and dead zones of triggers and analog sticks, and adjust the intensity of the controller’s vibration in both the right and left-hand grips. It’s also compatible with your PC so you can get additional use out of it there too.

  2. 2. SADES C100 PlayStation 4 Wireless Controller

    Pros:
    • Interchangeable D-Pad and thumbsticks.
    • Trigger Button Locks.
    • Rear paddles.
    • Built-in speaker and a stereo headset jack.
    Cons:
    • No mention of a warranty.
    • Square, Triangle, Circle, and X buttons have an ugly 3D look.
    • The design looks a bit bulky.

    The SADES C100 PlayStation 4 Wireless Controller is an impressive piece of hardware at price much lower than similar offerings in its class. The company touts a design that combines comfort with intuitive and precise controls. As well as numerous upgrades over the stock DualShock 4.

    The C100 has an interchangeable D-Pad and thumbsticks, with paddles in the rear to replicate the shoulder buttons. There’s also trigger button locks to give an edge in competitive situations. SADES states that their controller’s design is superior to the PlayStation 4’s standard controller too. As it has improved feel and shape with a non-slip surface for better overall grip.

  3. 3. Controller Customizer PlayStation 4 Pro Rapid-Fire Modded Wireless Controller

    Pros:
    • You’ll get a competitive edge thanks to the rapid-fire mod.
    • Uses the DualShock 4 shell so it feels just like Sony’s official controller.
    • 1 Year warranty on the modchip.
    • Controller Customizer only uses brand new factory sealed controllers in their mods.
    Cons:
    • Bit of a bland design.
    • The modded controller could be considered unethical to some.
    • It doesn’t come with cables or other accessories.

    This offering from Controller Customizer is essentially a shell of the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 but modded to give players a little bit of help behind the scenes. It may not be the most ethical controller on the market for competitive gaming, but it should certainly aid those that need a leg up in the shooter genre.

    Controller Customizer states that their Pro Rapid-Fire Modded Wireless Controller has built-in features such as rapid-fire, auto spot, jump spot, drop shot, and auto burst. It’s got a slick black and blue look, and most importantly of all, they guarantee that the device is 100% undetectable on the PlayStation Network.

  4. 4. Hori Fighting Edge Arcade Fighting Stick

    Pros:
    • Gorgeous design all around.
    • Gives a proven advantage over standard controllers.
    • Sub-panel with tons of features.
    • It even includes a headset jack and touchpad functionality.
    Cons:
    • Steep sticker price.
    • The square design may hinder movement at times.
    • Wired, but that’s a necessity in competitive settings.

    If you take your fighting games serious and the Hori Fighting Commander PlayStation 4 Wired Controller just isn’t going to cut it, it sounds like you should graduate up to the impressive Hori Fighting Edge Arcade Fighting Stick. The stick features the ever-popular Hori Original Hayabusa Joystick which promises a 15% cut on your controller’s input latency. It’s Hayabusa buttons feature beveled edges for improved feel and execution. And they’re slimmer than typical buttons for quicker response and actuation.

    The controller is 7.7 pounds, so you certainly won’t lose stability when wailing away on the buttons. And it’s absolutely gorgeous with the casing’s brushed aluminum finish and joystick’s silky matte finish. If you’re not using the Hori Fighting Edge Arcade Fighting Stick during your competitive fights, you’re fighting at a disadvantage. 

  5. 5. Hori Fighting Commander PlayStation 4 Wired Controller

    Pros:
    • 6-button layout has it specifically designed to excel with fighting games.
    • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
    • Turbo functionality.
    Cons:
    • No analog sticks eliminates functionality in 3D games.
    • Some users report a lack of durability.
    • Nothing to replicate the PlayStation 4’s touchpad features.

    The Hori Fighting Commander PlayStation 4 Wired Controller is an ideal gamepad for fighting game fans. It’s officially licensed by Sony, so you know the quality is legitimate. And its design is laid out to be ideal for 2D fighting games, or really any title that doesn’t require the use of analog sticks. 

    The Fight Commander controller can be switched between PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC with a flick of a switch. It also features a toggle switch for its Turbo setting. And most importantly, a six-button layout that sees Square, Triangle, R1, X, Circle, and R2 all conveniently on the front of the controller. It’s one of the better fighting controllers ever made.

  6. 6. Hori Light and Small Wired PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Insanely light and small making it perfect for children and smaller gamers.
    • Sleek and clean white design.
    • Great for PlayStation emulation.
    • Available in red, blue, and black too.
    Cons:
    • No headphone port or light bar.
    • No motion sensors or vibration.
    • No touchpad.
    • Not available wireless.

    If you’re looking for something radically different from Sony’s DualShock 4, Hori has you covered yet again with their Hori Light and Small Wired PlayStation 4 Controller. The controller is ideal for children or gamers with smaller hands. And it’s insanely light at a weight of just .26 pounds.

    To keep the controller light and small, Hori has omitted the typical headphone port, light bar, motion sensors, and vibration functionality. There’s no touchpad either, though you can simulate its press with the button installed on the bottom of the gamepad. 

    The Hori Light and Small Wired PlayStation 4 Controller won’t be for everyone or every game, but for its intended audience, it should prove to be a perfect fit. 

  7. 7. Kogoda Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller Bundle

    Pros:
    • Available in numerous color options.
    • Two controllers for roughly the price of one.
    • Supports all of the features a standard DualShock 4 would at a much cheaper price.
    Cons:
    • Only about 6 hours of battery life.
    • Square, Triangle, Circle, and X button designs are different for no reason.
    • Some users report that the thumbsticks are overly sensitive.

    If you’re looking for a controller that mimics the DualShock 4 as closely as possible but at a minimal price, Kogoda has you covered. The outlet’s Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller Bundle gives you not one, but two PlayStation 4 controllers at about the same price that Sony sells their first-party offering. 

    The Kogoda Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller features a light bar and touchpad just like the real deal. It also has the Share button built-in as well as a speaker too. It even sports the 3.5mm jack and delivers this all for just over $32 a controller. 

  8. 8. Dotca Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Great design.
    • Full touchpad functionality, Gyro sensors, LED lightbar and an audio jack slot too.
    • Lifetime warranty.
    • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
    Cons:
    • Only 5 hours of battery life.
    • No EXT port for peripherals.
    • Only available in black.

    The Dotca Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller more closely resembles the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller than the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4. But that’s perfectly fine as the Switch’s Pro Controller is considered one of the best in the industry. And for well under $40, you’re saving yourself some dough on Dotca’s offering too.

    Battery life is iffy at a promise of just 5 hours, but with the included LED light bar that’s kind of expected. And the controller comes equipped with 6-axis gyro functionality, touchpad support, and an audio jack too. Dotca even promises a lifetime warranty, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be running into trouble with this gamepad. 

  9. 9. ISHAKO Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Comparable features to Sony’s DualShock 4.
    • Drastically cheaper than the DualShock 4.
    • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
    Cons:
    • Odd design choices for the Square, Triangle, Circle, and X buttons.
    • Only 5 to 6 hours of battery life.
    • Only a 30-day guarantee on its warranty.

    ISHAKO’s Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller is one of the cheapest DualShock 4 alternatives of quality on the market. It touts all of the standard features of the DualShock 4 (touchpad, dual vibration, 3.5 mm headphone jack, share button, etc.) yet at a fraction of the cost. 

    It features a slick coat of blue paint that gives off a refreshing aquatic or cosmic theme. There’s a cable included to charge its 600 mAh battery. And there’s a comfortable grip with a non-slip design to ensure the controller never slides out of your hand in the heat of battle. 

  10. 10. Stoga Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Turbo button functionality.
    • Non-slip texture is a nice touch.
    • PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC compatability.
    Cons:
    • Very small light bar.
    • Small touchpad.
    • No EXT port.

    The Stoga Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller sports a design that should make fans of the Xbox One gamepad happy. It also has a non-slip grip texturing on both handles to ensure you won’t lose control of the controller during hectic moments. 

    The touchpad is on the small side, but it is clickable and supports multi-touch. The light bar is smaller than usual too but it’s there. The controller has 6-axis motion sensors built-in as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for your headset and mic.

  11. 11. DoinMaster Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Compatible across PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.
    • Strong wireless signal covering up to 25 feet.
    • 3.5mm audio jack with headphone support.
    Cons:
    • You’ll have to connect to your PS4 with a USB to initialize.
    • 6 to 8 hours of battery life is lower than many.
    • No specific warranty mentioned. Listing only notes to contact DoinMaster with issues.

    DoinMaster’s Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller doesn’t appear to be all that different than the system’s standard DualShock 4. Yet there are a few bells and whistles behind the scenes that give it a slight edge.

    The controller has a battery life of 6 to 8 hours, giving it a slight edge over the DualShock 4. DoinMaster touts a better ergonomic design which makes it more comfortable to hold. And you’ll also have the ability to use the device across your PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. We say all of that before even considering the price of the hardware, which is roughly $15 to $20 cheaper than the official PlayStation 4 controller.

  12. 12. DainSlef Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Offers essentially every feature the DualShock 4 does.
    • Thumbstick grips are thrown in for free.
    • Lifetime warranty.
    Cons:
    • Only comes in black.
    • Just 4 to 6 hours of battery life.
    • Vibrate function doesn’t work with PC games.

    This DainSlef Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller is probably the cheapest device on our list that boasts all the big features that the stock DualShock 4 does. It sports a built-in speaker, a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, a multi-touch clickable touchpad, an integrated light bar, 6-axis gyro motion tech, and dual vibration engines in the controller’s two handles. Phew. 

    The gamepad is only $33 currently, and that’s before you can take an additional 20% off with a clickable coupon on Amazon. For everything it’s offering, it seems like an absolute steal. And DainSlef even has the courtesy of offering a lifetime warranty on this bad boy too.

  13. 13. J&TOP Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller

    Pros:
    • Most of the same features as the DualShock 4.
    • Under $30.
    • 12 month warranty.
    • Compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC.
    Cons:
    • Lacking the DualShock 4’s EXT port.
    • Overstylized Square, Triangle, Circle, and X buttons.
    • No built-in speaker.

    This Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller from J&TOP is one of the cheapest models on our list at under $30. Yet there’s little skimping of features in order to hit that price point. It sports mostly the same features as the DualShock 4. Though J&TOP admits they’ve omitted the built-in speaker because few games use it.

    The controller promises enhanced analog sticks and triggers though. And the bottom of the two handles are textured to ensure a solid grip during intense gaming sessions. It’s also compatible across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC, so you can use it on the majority of your gaming systems.

Custom PS4 Controller

Getting a custom PS4 controller can set you apart from your competition in the gaming landscape. And luckily we have a few options here for you to choose from. This Sades PS4 Controller gives customization options that will ensure comfortability during your gameplay sessions. As is the Controller Customizer PlayStation 4 Pro Rapid-Fire Modded Wireless Controller which ensures you always get the drop on your enemies. 

PS4 Controller Cheap

Sony's first-party offering can be pretty expensive. So if you need a controller on the cheap, we got you! There are numerous options on our list that can get you one of the best PS4 controllers shipped to your home for under thirty bucks. And there's also this Kogoda Wireless PlayStation 4 Controller Bundle that gives you two controllers for a reasonable price. 

PS4 Controller Charger

As is common these days, essentially all of the options on our Best PS4 Controllers list come with cables that enable them to be recharged once their battery dies on you. Luckily for us all, the constant need for AA batteries may just be a thing of the past. 

PS4 Controller Wired

In a competitive setting, wired controllers give a definitive advantage over their wireless counterparts. There's a small bit of lag in Bluetooth that can be a factor when playing against the best of the best. Luckily, we have a few options to suit your wired needs.

The Nacon Revolution Pro is an awesome option across the board and is wired for competitive play. But there are wired PS4 controllers too that are ideal for fighting fans in the Hori Fighting Edge Arcade Fighting Stick, the Hori Fighting Commander PlayStation 4 Wired Controller, and the Hori Light and Small Wired PlayStation 4 Controller.

Heavy's list of the best PS4 controllers puts together the elite options outside of Sony's DualShock 4 for new gamepads to rock with your PlayStation 4.