The Best PS5 Controllers from 2024: A Gamer’s Guide
Picking the perfect PS5 controller is more than just grabbing the one that came with your console—it’s about enhancing your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive pro, the right controller can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the top contenders for the best PS5 controllers in 2024, breaking down their features, performance, and value to help you find the ideal match for your gaming style.
Level Select
- 1. Sony DualSense: The Gold Standard
- Why It’s the Best
- Build Quality and Usability
- 2. Sony DualSense Edge: The Pro Choice
- Features Tailored for Competitive Play
- Customisation and Durability
- 3. Victrix Pro BFG: A Customisation Dream
- Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility
- Drawbacks to Consider
- 4. Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless: Battery Champion
- Designed for Longevity
- Practical Features
- 5. Scuf Reflex Pro: For Aesthetic Enthusiasts
- A Stylish Alternative
- Where It Shines
- Final Verdict
1. Sony DualSense: The Gold Standard
Why It’s the Best
The DualSense isn’t just another default controller—it’s a next-gen marvel. Packed with groundbreaking features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, it offers an immersive gaming experience that’s hard to beat. These adaptive triggers adjust resistance in real-time based on gameplay, whether you’re drawing a bowstring or revving up a car engine. Meanwhile, the haptics let you feel every explosion, rumble, and texture, pulling you deeper into the action.
Build Quality and Usability
Sony nailed the design, with smooth button travel and a premium feel that screams quality. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions. However, the battery life leaves something to be desired, often clocking in at just 12-15 hours on a single charge. Despite this minor drawback, its compatibility with PC and even Steam Deck adds bonus points to its versatility.
Pros:
- Immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
- Premium build quality.
- Affordable price for an official controller.
Cons:
- Limited battery life.
- Stick drift issues may arise over time.
2. Sony DualSense Edge: The Pro Choice
Features Tailored for Competitive Play
The DualSense Edge takes everything great about the standard DualSense and dials it up for the competitive crowd. With customisable buttons, swappable analog stick caps, and rear paddles, this controller is built for gamers who need precision and personalisation. The adjustable trigger lengths make it ideal for fast-paced shooters or intricate platformers.
Customisation and Durability
You can remap every button and fine-tune stick deadzones to your liking. What’s more, Sony’s clever design allows you to swap out analog stick modules, ensuring you’re not doomed by stick drift. However, the biggest downside is its battery life—it’s even shorter than the original DualSense, averaging around 10 hours.
Pros:
- Fully customizable buttons and profiles.
- Replaceable analog stick modules.
- Superior build quality with added features.
Cons:
- Subpar battery life.
- Premium price tag.
3. Victrix Pro BFG: A Customisation Dream
Modular Design for Maximum Flexibility
The Victrix Pro BFG isn’t just a controller—it’s a toolkit for gamers who love tinkering. Its modular design lets you rearrange button layouts, switch between PlayStation and Xbox-style analog stick positions, or even replace the right side with a fight pad for competitive fighters. With five trigger adjustment levels and four re-mappable back buttons, the customization possibilities are endless.
Drawbacks to Consider
While it’s perfect for competitive players, the Victrix Pro BFG isn’t a true next-gen controller. It lacks adaptive triggers and any form of haptic feedback, which might be a dealbreaker for those looking to maximize their PS5’s features.
Pros:
- Highly customizable modular design.
- Excellent for competitive gaming.
- Durable build quality.
Cons:
- No adaptive triggers or haptic feedback.
- Pricey for what it offers.
4. Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Wireless: Battery Champion
Designed for Longevity
The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro might not win any beauty contests with its bulky rectangular design, but it excels where it counts—battery life. This controller lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, making it the best choice for marathon gaming sessions. Turn off the RGB lighting effects, and you’ll eke out even more playtime.
Practical Features
This controller offers two additional bumpers alongside the standard shoulder buttons and four rear paddles, all of which can be remapped. It also boasts a handy microphone mute button on the front. However, it forgoes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, making it less ideal for fans of Sony’s immersive games.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life.
- Remappable buttons and paddles.
- Durable build.
Cons:
- Bulky design.
- No haptic feedback or adaptive triggers.
5. Scuf Reflex Pro: For Aesthetic Enthusiasts
A Stylish Alternative
The Scuf Reflex Pro is essentially a souped-up DualSense with a splash of flair. It features four rear paddles and a variety of eye-catching skins, making it a solid choice for gamers who value aesthetics. Unfortunately, it falls short on features like adjustable triggers and replaceable analog sticks, making it hard to justify its higher price compared to the DualSense Edge.
Where It Shines
Its standout feature is the four rear paddles, which are well-placed and easy to use. If customization and extra paddles are your priorities, this controller fits the bill—but for most, the DualSense Edge offers better value.
Pros:
- Four rear paddles for added functionality.
- Wide range of custom skins and designs.
- Comfortable and solid build quality.
Cons:
- Overpriced for limited features.
- No haptic feedback or adjustable triggers.
Final Verdict
The best PS5 controller ultimately depends on your gaming style. For most players, the standard DualSense is unbeatable for its blend of performance, features, and affordability. Competitive gamers will appreciate the DualSense Edge’s advanced customization, while those looking for endless battery life might prefer the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro. The Victrix Pro BFG is a dream for customizers, and the Scuf Reflex Pro serves style-conscious gamers well—but the latter two lack key next-gen features. Choose wisely, and happy gaming!