The best PS4 controllers are able to provide extra functionality on the console for those looking for an enhanced play experience. With Sony's previous-generation system now well over a decade old (yep, we feel old too), the upside to this is that third-party controllers are becoming more affordable and plentiful.
Even many of the best PS5 controllers and best PS5 racing wheels are compatible with PS4. And we've got great news; Black Friday PS5 deals are right around the corner, which means you'll most likely be able to score a PS4-compatible controller on the cheap.
Despite the PS4's relative age, it still has a massive install base to this day and support from developers is ongoing. While the system's pack-in DualShock 4 controller is arguably one of Sony's best ever, the console is also compatible with many of the best PC controllers. That's a great thing for those wanting features like trigger stops, extra programmable buttons, and other Pro-level functionality. Read on, then, to learn all about our picks for the best PS4 controllers you can buy today.
The quick list
The best overall PS4 controller
Sony's official PS4 pad impresses with ergonomic grip, an innovative touchpad and quality-of-life features such as the Share and Home buttons.
The best premium PS4 controller
Nacon's premium Revolution pad works as excellently on PS4 as it does the current generation of consoles.
The best modular PS4 controller
Fully compatible with the PS4, the Victrix Pro BFG is our go to choice if you want the customizability of a modular design.
The best PS4 controller for Xbox converts
Coming over from Xbox, but not a fan of the DualShock's symmetrical sticks? Nacon's fantastic asymmetrical pad was designed with you in mind.
The best PS4 controller for kids
If you've got a little one or two running around, then the Hori Mini is perfectly suited for smaller hands.
Best PS4 controllers in 2024
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The best PS4 controller overall
✅ You want a high-quality, official gamepad: The DualShock 4 isn't exactly premium, but does everything you'd want from a pack-in controller.
❌ You want extra battery life: Lasting no longer than 8-10 hours on a full charge, the DualShock 4's battery life is quite poor.
It shouldn't be a surprise that Sony's official DualShock 4 tops our list of the best PS4 controllers. The DualShock 4 is one of Sony's best controllers to date. It's sleeker and more ergonomic than its previous pads. And on top of that, excellent features like the touchpad, lighting, and built-in speakers give the controller a lovely premium touch.
The DualShock 4 is pretty middle-of-the-road in terms of price. In 2024, expect to pay $59.99 / £54.99 for a brand new controller. While that does sound a touch pricey for a decade-old pad, it's one of the most reliable PS4 controllers around, and has some top-notch features you won't find on competing units.
Those include the brilliant touchpad - great for ancillary inputs and navigation - as well as the convenient share button and those gorgeous, reactive side lights. The one area where the DualShock 4 is let down, though, much like the PS5's DualSense wireless controller, is in its pretty meager battery life.
- Read more: DualShock 4 controller review
The best premium PS4 controller
✅ You want an 'as good as it gets' PS4 controller: Nacon's latest controller builds upon its history to provide a truly premium controller for both PS5 and PS4 with plenty of additional features.
❌ You want something cheaper: As one of the pricier PS4 controllers around, Nacon's premium offering may turn the budget-conscious among you elsewhere.
Nacon's back at it again with another superb premium controller that's excellent on both PS4 and the current-gen PS5. Sporting superb build quality and excellent features, it's a highly customizable gamepad that's well worth the price of admission.
Developed in tandem with Nathan 'Mister Crimson' Massol, a professional Street Fighter 6 player, the Revolution 5 Pro was created with high-end play and online multiplayer in mind. To that end, expect fantastic build quality and a range of ancillary features you won't find on other gamepads.
The full premium works are here, from a set of remappable back buttons and trigger stops to on-board mic control and profile switching. A customizable LED that circles around the right analog stick is a lovely extra touch, too. And if you're going wireless, there's even battery indicator LEDs situated just under the touchpad.
- Read more: Nacon Revolution 5 Pro controller review
The best modular PS4 controller
✅ You want unparalleled customization: The modular design of the Victrix Pro BFG gives you a level of customization that you simply won't find on other PS4 controllers.
❌ You don't want to break the bank: The Victrix Pro BFG is a modern controller bursting with high-end features, meaning that it comes at a pretty premium price.
The Victrix Pro BFG is easily the most versatile PS4 controller on this list thanks to its unique modular design. Almost everything about the controller can be tweaked, swapping out the buttons and thumbsticks for various alternate modules. This includes a tactile fighting game pad, which is perfect for those eager to dive into the likes of Street Fighter 6. The positions of each module can also be tweaked to your liking, including the option to play using an asymmetrical layout.
Aside from the modularity, we also appreciate the eye-catching design that blends more traditional black plastic with purple highlights. Considering its features, the controller is surprisingly lightweight too which helps keep it comfortable in the hands throughout lengthy gaming sessions.
Although this controller was made primarily for the more recent PS5, it is fully compatible with the PS4. It can also be used with a PC, giving it plenty of versatility. Such a varied set of features does mean that the Victrix Pro BFG costs more than most, however, and you can currently get your hands on it for $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$269.
- Read more: Victrix Pro BFG review
The best PS4 controller for Xbox converts
✅ You prefer an asymmetrical stick layout: Nacon's asymmetrical controller is a fantastic fit for players used to Xbox's controller layout.
❌ You're more used to symmetrical sticks: If you're primarily a PlayStation gamer, those asymmetrical analog sticks may prove irksome.
Nacon's at it again with the Asymmetric Wireless Controller. A comfortable gamepad that brings the Xbox One controller experience to PS4 (and PC) players. It's robust and well-made, with a chunkier design than the DualShock 4, which makes it more comfortable to hold across longer gaming sessions.
At £49.99 (around $59.99) the controller's price is just about on par with the DualShock 4, meaning you won't be spending an arm and a leg for an alternative stick setup. However, its availability is spotty in the US, meaning those of you buying there may have better luck with other third-party controllers.
Its name clues you in on the USP: the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller has offset analog sticks, just like Xbox's controllers. We found this to be a better choice for those who have dexterity issues or those who simply prefer the offset design as opposed to Sony's tradition of applying symmetrical sticks to its official pads. However, there are a few performance issues to take into account.
We noticed some grating lag during testing, and there are no motion-sensing features. The light bar and speaker are missing, too, an important feature for some games. It's a good choice if you want a second pad to use for some specific dual-stick titles, but it likely won't replace your DualShock 4 unless you greatly prefer the asymmetry of its analog sticks.
- Read more: Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller review
The best PS4 controller for kids
✅ You need spare pads for the kids: If you have particularly young children in your household, Hori's pad is perfect for smaller hands.
❌ You're not a child: It's hard to recommend this controller to adults, unless you really like the petite form factor.
The Hori Mini Wired Gamepad is a good fit for smaller hands. Whether you find regular PS4 gamepads too big or want an option for your kids, this controller will do the trick nicely. The Hori Mini Wired has a pleasingly retro look and feel. The wired pad has a 10ft cable and it’s roughly 40 percent smaller than the DualShock 4. The grip is minimal as a result but makes it great for portability. It's also well suited to simple arcade titles.
At $29.99 / £28.99, it's an affordable option if you need a cheap and cheerful controller for a child, making it an ideal gift for the youngsters in your family.
Because this PS4 pad is so small, though, you're lacking a light bar, stereo headset jack, speaker, dual motors, and a motion sensor. Think of it as a streamlined alternative to the DualShock 4. As such, a few games won't work with this controller, but more arcade-like titles or fighting games could benefit from its use.
Best PS4 controller - FAQs
Is the DualShock 4 the best PS4 Controller?
Although the DualShock 4 is one of the best controllers available for the console, that doesn't mean it's the only high-quality controller worth having in your setup. There are a number of notable companies creating products for the console so whatever budget you're working with you're guaranteed a decent product outside of exclusively the DualShock.
Can you connect a PS4 controller to a PS5?
The DualShock 4 controller will connect to a PS5, but you'll be limited to playing PS4 games exclusively. Since the DualSense controller for the PS5 offers new features that the DualShock lacks, you'll need to use the accompanying accessory to enjoy games on the PS5. As for third-party PS4 controllers, you won't be able to connect them to the PS5.
Are third-party PS4 controllers worth it?
If you're operating with a smaller budget when shopping for PS4 accessories, third-party alternatives are always cheaper than official offerings, and that doesn't mean they are any lower quality than your standard DualShock. There's a lot to love about third-party controllers, especially since there's more space to tailor your product to any preferences you might have in a gamepad, making them worth considering whenever you're shopping.
