DualSense vs DualSense Edge: which PS5 controller should you buy?

DualSense vs DualSense Edge wireless controllers
(Image credit: Future)

There's a few notable differences when it comes to the DualSense vs DualSense Edge. The former is the PlayStation 5's stock pad, featuring industry-leading haptics and adaptive triggers. Meanwhile, the latter is a premium variant, with slightly nicer build quality and additions like two Function buttons and customizable rear paddles.

Both are naturally among the best PS5 controllers, but we also consider them to be top contenders in our best PC controllers guide, too. Read on to learn more about the differences between the DualSense vs DualSense Edge, and whether or not it's worth stumping up the premium price tag for Sony's luxurious gamepad.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: price and availability

When you buy a PS5 console, you’re getting a DualSense out of the box. Though, if you want to buy one individually, say as a spare or for play on PC, that’ll run you $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.95. You can pick up a DualSense either from Sony directly or at most major online retailers.

The DualSense Edge, which released in early 2023, sees a significant leap in terms of price. Sony’s premium pad launches at $199.99 / £209.99 / AU$339.95. It’s expensive no matter how you slice it, so you'll want to make absolutely sure you want to own the Edge before committing to its high cost. The rest of our guide below will help you decide whether or not to take the plunge on the premium controller.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: design

DualSense Edge vs

(Image credit: Future)

Both the DualSense and the DualSense Edge might have near-identical silhouettes, but there are enough differences to set each pad apart in terms of design. For starters, the Edge is aesthetically unique, sporting black coloration in several areas in place of the DualSense’s blanket white colorway.

The Edge’s D-pad, face buttons, and touchpad all feature a slick black finish. The latter of which, alongside the triggers, stands out that much more thanks to a textured surface. The Edge also features improved build quality, meaning that overall, the premium pad looks and feels like it has more depth than its admittedly flatter counterpart.

Button, stick, and trigger placement are roughly identical on both controllers, and thus both are similar in quality when it comes to how each pad feels in the hands. The Edge’s build quality improvements are nice, but certainly not as wholly transformative as the gulf in quality between the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: features

DualSense Edge

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to features, the DualSense Edge has a clear, erm, edge. But once again, it doesn’t wholly pull away from the standard pad in terms of quality here. Both the Edge and the DualSense share identical haptic feedback and adaptive trigger strength; the Edge features little to no improvements in this department.

Where the DualSense Edge shines, though, is in its customizability, and the settings you can adjust that are non-existent on the PS5’s pack-in controller. Namely, these are trigger lock switches, swappable thumbstick modules, rear paddle buttons, and a suite of controller customization options like vibration strength, analog stick sensitivity, and trigger dead zones.

That level of customization is supported by a pair of new Function buttons that rest just below the analog sticks. By holding one in, you’ll have access to a quick menu wherein you can switch between custom button profiles, hop into the customization menu and adjust the volume and chat balance of a connected headset.

The DualSense Edge also packs some ancillary items out of the box. You’re getting a sturdy carry case, along with two sets of rear buttons (a stubbier pair along with more traditional paddle-like buttons), some swappable thumbstick caps and a lock for the included USB-C cable if you’re planning on going fully wired.

The Edge is the clear winner in the features department, then, sporting several extras that just aren’t present on the original DualSense. Though, this is a huge contributor to the Edge’s high price tag. The standard pad is still a solid option, features-wise, thanks to that strong haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: performance and battery life

DualSense Edge

(Image credit: Future)

This is perhaps the area where both controllers are astonishingly similar. In terms of performance, there’s very little difference between the DualSense and its Edge counterpart. 

Yes, the Edge has a slight advantage in terms of build quality. But the DualSense’s standout features – namely its haptics, adaptive triggers and lightbar – are virtually identical on both pads. If there’s any differences here, they’re microscopic.

The same goes for battery life, and that’s to the Edge’s detriment. Our biggest complaint with the DualSense is its poor battery life, with the controller often struggling to survive more than six hours of playtime. 

This hasn’t been improved with the Edge. In our testing, the premium pad lasted just over seven hours before running out of juice. Charge time is roughly the same on both controllers, too, at around two to three hours with the DualSense Charging Station.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: Verdict

Both the DualSense and the DualSense Edge are excellent controllers. Now more than three years since its launch, the standard DualSense remains one of the best gaming controllers around, and it’s relatively affordable for the features you get.

The DualSense Edge is technically an improvement on all fronts. Better build quality, smart upgrades to the touchpad and triggers, and an excellent customization suite that allows you to really fine-tune your gaming experience. However, the Edge remains identical to its predecessor in several areas, rendering it to be a touch overpriced in our eyes.

The Edge is undoubtedly brilliant, but if you’re even slightly hesitant about meeting its sky-high price tag, then we’d recommend sticking to the standard DualSense, which is still a phenomenal pad to this day.

DualSense vs DualSense Edge: FAQs

Will there be a Midnight Black DualSense Edge?

In excellent news, yes, Sony has confirmed a Midnight Black variant of the DualSense Edge and it will launch in February 2025. At the time of writing, January 2025, pre-orders are open now.

Is the DualSense Edge worth it?

Whether or not the premium-facing DualSense Edge controller is for you will be a very subjective thing to decide, but there are some key factors that might help you out. In brief, if you'd benefit from extra buttons on the back for extra customisation, different trigger depths on the R2 and L2 buttons, and generally want to map your controller differently for games you play, then the Edge is likely to be a good match for you.

You might also like...

TOPICS
Rhys Wood
Hardware Editor

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.

Read more
Best PS5 controllers DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controllers in 2025
Best PS4 controllers
The best PS4 controllers in 2025: our favorites from Sony, Victrix and more
DualSense Edge Controller
I always thought the DualSense Edge was too expensive to recommend, and now Sony has permanently dropped its price in the UK
Best PC controllers
Best PC controllers in 2025: top gamepads from GameSir, Thrustmaster and more
Best PS5 accessories
Best PS5 accessories in 2025: fill out your setup with some top extras
Racing wheels vs controllers
Racing wheel vs controller: which is best?
Latest in PS5
Astro Bot PS5 bundle
Sony officially announces new Astro Bot PS5 bundles and they're available from PlayStation Direct right now for bargain prices we can barely believe
The artwork for The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller
Where to pre-order and buy The Last of Us Limited Edition DualSense controller today - UK pre-orders are live but stock has sold out already
PS5 Midnight Black Collection
PS5 Midnight Black collection pre-orders are live now - stock readily available
The Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense artwork showing off the controller
Where to buy the Helldivers 2 Limited Edition DualSense: stock is now live in the US and the UK
PS5 console deal
Hurry! UK shoppers can still get a discounted PS5 at PlayStation Direct, but there's only a few hours left of the sale
A PS5 console on a green background with black and purple cyber monday deals text.
The Cyber Monday PS5 deals are officially over, but there are a bunch of my favorite discounts still running on PS5 and PS5 Pro games and gear
Latest in Versus
woman listening to computer
AWS vs Azure: choosing the right platform to maximize your company's investment
Amazfit Helio Ring vs Ultrahuman Ring Air
Amazfit Helio Ring vs Ultrahuman Ring Air: Which smart ring is best for you?
Autonomous finance
Quickbooks vs Quicken: what are the main strengths and weaknesses for your business
finance
Quickbooks vs Xero: which is the best for your business?
Group of people meeting
Zoom vs Google Meet: which is the best video conferencing tool for your business?
Fingers typing on a computer keyboard.
Microsoft 365 Personal vs Microsoft 365 Family: are there any real differences?