The best PS4 controllers in 2023

The best PS4 controllers are designed to ensure you’re making the most of your legacy Sony setup without necessarily breaking the bank for its accessories. Since the console is approaching a decade on the market, multiple previously expensive DualShock 4 alternatives have dropped to more affordable prices.

The core function of the best PS4 controllers is to make going back to some of the best PS4 games an even more enjoyable experience. Even though the console has been succeeded by the PS5, there are still plenty of cross-gen titles and exclusives, such as God of War Ragnarok, to play through. 

So for a player who is yet to upgrade their console to the next-gen, there is still a lot of life left in the PS4, and the best PS4 controllers will help you make the most of your time left with the last-gen console. 

Best PS4 controllers in 2023

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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.

But this isn’t just an easy, offhand recommendation. There’s a huge variety of color options to consider when buying a DualShock 4. Spice things up a bit with a red, blue, gold, or perhaps even a green camo DualShock 4. There are options to suit gamers of all kinds here.

You can also attach one of the best PC gaming headsets or headphones to the controller easily, too, thanks to the 3.5mm headphone jack on the controller. However, much like the succeeding DualSense on PS5, battery life is comparatively lacking. You’ll get anywhere from four to eight hours on a single charge. 

The DualShock 4 is a thoroughly enjoyable PS4 controller to play with, it has a nice balance and works like a charm

DualShock 4 review

Frequent top-ups are required, then, so you might a charging dock, particularly as they use micro-USB charging. Alternatively, you may want a wired controller, eliminating the need to charge your pad entirely. Many have already moved onto USB-C for our phones, so there’ll likely be fewer suitable cables lying about.

We find the DualShock 4 is a great PS4 controller for someone who simply wants to get on with playing, someone who isn’t fussed about the customization available in some of the third-party pads below. And as a pad that’s included with the console, it does its job remarkably well. It’s also worth noting that while the DualShock 4 does work with PS5, it can only be used to play the top on the console.

• Read more: DualShock 4 controller

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2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller

The best premium PS4 controller

Our expert review:

Specifications

Connectivity:

Bluetooth, USB

Customization options?:

Yes

Color:

Black

Weight:

700g

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Reasons to buy

+

Truly ergonomic

+

Plentiful customization options

+

High-quality build

Reasons to avoid

–

Button mapping not obvious

–

Can’t amend profiles on PS4

If you have a PS4 but like the design of the Xbox One gamepad, then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller is for you. Design-wise, Nacon usually doesn’t mess around, and that continues to be the case with this truly ergonomic pad. You’ll find a sleek black/gray finish, and a lot of options for button mapping and customization, too.  

The Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller is a treat to use

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro review

Developed by Nacon, a company that specializes in gaming accessories with eSports in mind, the Unlimited Pro is compatible with PlayStation 4 consoles as well as PCs. And the best part? The Revolution Unlimited Pro is officially licensed by Sony. 

That’s a trusted seal of approval that should give wary buyers peace of mind. If you want a PS4 controller with a few extra bells and whistles that don’t overwhelm and prefer a more resilient gamepad, then we can’t recommend Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller enough.

We found the best part of this gamepad to be how much you can do with it, as the sticks can be swapped out as well as the restriction bands. This means you can get exactly the right feel from the controller, which can vary between different genres of games you may play. It was particularly effective for shooters, so if you’re someone who wants a competitive edge in games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, this could be the one for you. 

• Read more: Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro Controller review

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3. Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller

The best wired PS4 controller

Our expert review:

Specifications

Connectivity:

Wireless, USB

Customization options?:

Yes

Color:

Black

Weight:

370g

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Reasons to buy

+

Incredibly sturdy and durable

+

Responsive mechanical buttons

+

Reliable wired connectivity

+

Chroma lighting integration

Reasons to avoid

–

Annoying latency

–

D-pad options feel cheap

–

Limited availability

The Razer Raiju Ultimate Wireless PS4 Controller is one of the smartest PS4 pads around and is well-suited for seasoned gamers looking for a more involving controller. It allows advanced customization via the Razer mobile app, which includes remapping, adjusting sensitivity, and creating your own bespoke RGB light show.

As a wired controller, the Raiju Ultimate is relatively tough to beat

Razer Raiju Ultimate review

If that’s not enough customization, you can also make use of interchangeable thumbsticks, the built-in quick control panel, and Hair Trigger Mode. If you harness the controller’s capabilities, you’ll find your gameplay experience all that much smoother across a wide range of genres.

Much like the other pro controllers on this list, the Raiju Ultimate is a bit chunkier than the DualShock 4, making it more suitable for those who prefer the larger style of the Xbox One controller. The Raiju Ultimate is a fantastic PS4 controller, but it’s not cheap. As such, we can only recommend a buy if you’re planning on making use of those advanced features. Or if you just really like RGB lighting.

• Read more: Razer Raiju Ultimate review

(Image credit: Nacon)

4. Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller

The best PS4 controller for Xbox converts

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:

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☆

☆

☆

☆

☆

Specifications

Connectivity:

Bluetooth, USB

Customization options?:

No

Color:

Black

Weight:

390g

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Reasons to buy

+

Suited to those who prefer Xbox controllers

+

Works on PS4 and PC

+

Comfortable and well built

Reasons to avoid

–

USB Bluetooth receiver needed for wireless

–

No motion sensor or built-in speaker

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.

The Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller is a comfortable controller that brings the Xbox one gamepad experience to PS4 players

Nacon Asymmetric Wireless review

Its name clues you in on the USP: the Nacon Asymmetric Wireless Controller has offset analog sticks, just like the Xbox One pad. 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

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(Image credit: Hori)

5. Hori Mini Wired Gamepad

The best PS4 controller for kids

Specifications

Connectivity:

Wired

Customization options?:

No

Color:

Black, Blue, Red

Weight:

230g

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Reasons to buy

+

40% smaller than the DualShock 4

+

Great option for kids and smaller hands

Reasons to avoid

–

Limited amount of games it’s compatible with

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.

Because this PS4 pad is so small, 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 – Frequently asked questions

What is the best quality PS4 Controller?

Regarding the best quality PS4 controller, there’s no faulting that the DualShock 4 is one of the highest-quality PS4 controllers on the market. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only controller with incredible quality. Companies like Razer presenting the Raiju Ultimate Wireless controller guarantee a high-quality product due to their respected name in gaming hardware and electronics.  

Do PS4 Controllers work with PS5?

It’s essential to know that the DualShock 4 controller will connect to a PS5, but you won’t be able to play any PS5 games. The controller can connect to play PS4 games on the platform, but there are drawbacks the other way around. This is due to the DualSense 5 hosting new features that the DualShock 4 lacks, which would hinder the experience with PS5 titles. Additionally, third-party PS4 controllers will not connect to the platform at all.  

Are cheaper PS4 Controllers worth it?

 Cheaper PS4 controllers are worth buying and perform just as well as any licensed product, so if you’re working with a smaller budget and need a quick fix, then they are a great alternative without sacrificing any of the performance of a DualShock 4. One of the main things to look out for when shopping for a cheaper alternative is battery life. Generally speaking, the battery life of a more affordable controller is shorter than a licensed product, but it’s reflected in the price.