Best PS4 Controllers 2020: Top Pick for Smarter Gaming

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• Best PS4 Controllers 2020: Top Pick for Smarter Gaming

Looking for the best PS4 controller? As is often the case with consoles, the official controller is very hard to beat. However, there are reasons to steer clear of the powerful Sony DualShock 4. Prefer the thicker feel of an Xbox One pad? Or do you need a controller that young hands can comfortably hold? We have the best PS4 controllers that fit the requirements below. The latest news from the gamepad world is that PS4 pads will work with the PS5. Kind of. You won't be able to use a PS4 controller when playing PS5 games because they will use the new DualSense keyboard features. But backward compatible PS4 games will work just fine with a DualShock 4 or other officially licensed pad. Several of these controllers are officially licensed by Sony. That way you know they are designed to work well. But all of the options on this list are what we would happily use with our game setup.

Sony DualShock 4 wireless controller (Image credit: Sony)

1. Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

Great look and feel Built-in speaker Very responsive motion detectors Feels a little too light at times Trackpad is flawed The trusty DualShock 4 is always our first recommendation when asked about replacing PS4 controllers. The DualShock 4 is perfect for its purpose: sleek, small, and wireless. Not to mention the built-in speaker, variable light bar colors, touchpad, and motion detection that enhance playback. Nor should it be a waiver option. You don't have to settle for the old black style that came with the console. Liven things up a bit with a red, blue, gold or green camo DualShock 4. You can also easily connect a headset or gaming headset to the controller (as opposed to the Xbox One pad). However, the battery life can be annoying. The controller holds a charge for approximately four to eight hours. Frequent recharges are required. We think it's better to have two DualShock 4s and always keep a charge, or invest in a charging station so you can charge both at the same time. Find out more about the official Sony charging station in our list of the best PS4 accessories. We found the DualShock 4 to be a great PS4 controller for someone who just wants to keep gaming and doesn't mind the customization available on some of the third-party pads below. Check out our full DualShock 4 controller review.

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller (Image credit: Nacon)

2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller

Customization for the serious gamer Truly ergonomic Lots of customization options High-quality construction Button mapping is not obvious Can't edit profiles on PS4 If you're a PS4 gamer, but prefer the Xbox One controller layout, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited controller Pro might be a better solution for you. Like the Vantage Controller, the Revolution Pro is designed for gamers (more specifically, esports) with a directional pad that can move in eight directions, instead of four, along with four shortcut buttons. However, its operation is not as complicated as the Vantage, nor as expensive. If you want a PS4 controller with a few extra bells and whistles, but not an overwhelming amount, and you'd prefer a larger, slightly sturdier controller, the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller might be for you. Check out our full review of the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller.

SCUF Vantage controller (Image credit: SCUF)

3. SCUF Vantage Controller

An especially advantageous (and expensive) modular PS4 controller Feels good to hold Modular elements work well Audio touchpad adds convenience Customizable aesthetics Analog sticks can get stuck Cross d-pad is too stiff Dicey R1 and L1 Saxophone buttons can be hard to push If you want your PS4 controller to pack a bit more punch and be more specific about your controller's performance, the SCUF Vantage Controller is a great option. Designed for gamers, this fully customizable PS4 controller offers enhanced grip, remappable paddles on the back, side action buttons, and an audio touch bar. These rear paddles are similar to the ones on the Xbox Elite controller. You program them with a switch at the bottom and play them with your index finger extended. It's a different way to play, but it offers something the DualShock 4 doesn't. Essentially, the Vantage Controller is designed to let you game more comfortably for longer. But unless you know how to optimize its capabilities, you'd be best off sticking with a simpler PS4 controller. Mainly because the Vantage Controller is much more expensive than the average DualShock 4. Check out our full review of the SCUF Vantage controller.

Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller (Image credit: Razer)

4. Razer Raiju Ultimate PS4 Wireless Controller

Incredibly tough and durable Responsive mechanical buttons Reliable wired connectivity Chroma lighting integration Annoying latency D-pad options look cheap Limited availability The Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller is best suited for gamers and seasoned pros, allowing for advanced customization through from the Razer mobile app, including remapping and sensitivity adjustment. It's one of the smartest PS4 gamepads out there. If customization isn't enough for you, you can also use interchangeable controllers, the built-in quick control panel, and hair trigger mode, keeping you happier than ever. Like the other pro controllers on this list, the Raiju Ultimate is larger than the DualShock, making it better suited for those who prefer the Xbox One controller style. When it was first released, the controller had an issue. latency when used wirelessly. This has been improved, if not fully fixed, with a firmware update. The Raiju Ultimate is a fantastic PS4 controller, but it's not exactly cheap. Be sure to use advanced customizations before investing, but if you take advantage of the controller's capabilities, your gaming experience will be much smoother. Check out our full review of the Razer Raiju Ultimate.

Wired mini gamepad (Image credit: Sony)

5. Wired mini gamepad

It's not exactly a DualShock, but it's cheaper 40% smaller than the DualShock 4 Great for kids Limited number of games it's compatible with Looking for a PS4 controller for a kid in your house? The Hori Mini Wired Controller is perfect for little hands. The Mini Wired looks like a retro controller. It's plug-and-play with a 10-foot cable (without removing the console from the stand) and is 40% smaller than the DualShock 4. So grip is minimal, but it's a good fit if you want a small pad. to keep in a bag. There's no light bar, stereo headphone jack, speaker, dual motor, or motion sensor, though; it's a much more streamlined alternative to the DualShock 4. And that means some games won't. it won't work with him. According to Sony, the wired mini controller is compatible with "most" PS4 games. We read this as the least complicated, so don't launch Assassin's Creed Odyssey and hope the controller can hack it, not that kids should be playing it anyway. The wired mini gamepad costs $30 (about $23 / AU$38) at Sony affiliated retailers.

(Image credit: Nacon)

6. Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller

For those who prefer Xbox One controller Suitable for those who prefer Xbox controllers Works on PS4 and PC Comfortable and well built USB Bluetooth receiver required for wireless connection No motion sensor or built-in speaker Slight lag The Nacon Asymmetrical Wireless Controller is a comfortable controller that brings the Xbox One gamepad experience to PS4 (and PC) gamers. It's sturdy and well-made, with a chunkier design than the DualShock 4. Its name tells you its main selling point: The Nacon Asymmetrical Wireless Controller has offset analog sticks, just like an Xbox One controller. This may be a better option for those who have dexterity issues or simply prefer a larger controller due to its larger buttons and triggers. However, there are some performance issues that you should be aware of. We noticed a delay during the review and there are no motion sensors inside. Also missing are the light bar and speaker, important features for some games. This is a good option if you want to use a second pad for some specific dual-stick titles. Check out our full review of the Nacon Asymmetrical Wireless Controller. Today's Best Deals Overview NACON Esports Controller ... Razer Raiju Ultimate 2019, ... Wired Mini Controller for Kids -...