Confession: I play ludicrous amounts of games every day, both for work and when I’m just kicking back, so I’ve gotten to know the PS5 controller inside out. When Sony dropped the PlayStation 5 back in late 2020, it came with the fresh DualSense controller, shaking up the classic look and feel. It kept the familiar parallel sticks and buttons but added clever stuff like Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers that really pull you into the action. For a while, if you wanted to game on PS5, the DualSense was your only call.
Fast forward five years, and the scene’s a lot busier. You’ve got heaps of third-party controllers to choose from, plus the new PS5 Pro console. These alternatives bring different layouts, deeper customisation, and pro-level features to the table. Here’s the full lowdown on the best PS5 controllers you can grab in 2025.
TL;DR: These Are the Best PS5 Controllers
This guide contains contributions by Matthew Adler.
1. PlayStation DualSense
Best Overall PS5 Controller
If you’re after a solid PS5 controller, the DualSense is the one to beat. It’s packed with features that really boost immersion. Adaptive triggers give you real tension for things like firing guns or drawing bows while haptic feedback lets you feel subtle details like raindrops or crunching snow underfoot.
Designed with social play in mind, it includes an improved Create button for snapping screenshots and capturing clips easily. The built-in mic is handy for quick chats, though it won’t replace a dedicated headset. Plus, there’s a speaker for in-game sounds and a standard headphone jack for wired audio.
Battery life usually sits between six and 12 hours but can drain faster with heavy use. Stick drift is another downside and fixing it often means buying a new controller.
All up, the DualSense still stands out as the best PS5 controller. Sony has also released plenty of colour options and special editions if you want something different.
2. Sony DualSense Edge
Best Pro-Style PS5 Controller
Sony’s DualSense Edge is their answer to the Xbox Elite Controller, offering pro-level features and plenty of customisation to up your game. It keeps all the core perks of the standard DualSense, like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, but adds a whole new level of control.
You get three types of thumbstick caps that you can swap depending on what feels best or suits the game. There are two rear buttons that can be mapped to any input for quick access to your go-to actions. The thumbstick modules are user-replaceable too, so if stick drift shows up, you only need to swap the module instead of the whole controller.
New Function buttons sit below each thumbstick, letting you remap controls on the fly through a slick interface. You can save up to four profiles and switch between them easily depending on the game.
The only downside is battery life. It usually runs for about five to six hours on a single charge, which is less than the regular DualSense.
3. Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Best Thumbsticks on a PS5 Controller
If you’ve dealt with stick drift before, you know how annoying it can be, often making your controller almost unusable and forcing you to buy a new one. That can get pricey if it happens more than once. Luckily, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro I checked out uses Hall effect sensors in its thumbsticks, which pretty much wipes out the risk of drift.
The Revolution 5 Pro is also a tinkerer's dream. Inside its carrying case, you get a mini toolbox with extra bits like three sets of interchangeable thumbstick caps that change shape and height, plus guards that reduce stick travel for quicker responses.
One standout feature is the set of weights you can add to the controller stems, giving it a bit more heft and better balance. While the default feel is already comfy, these options make it feel truly premium.
Another cool perk is built-in Bluetooth 5.2, which lets you connect headphones directly to the controller, dodging the PS5’s usual Bluetooth limits. You can even control headphone volume straight from the controller.
4. Victrix Pro BFG
Best Customizable PS5 Controller
The Victrix Pro BFG is a super-flexible controller built with a modular design so you can set it up exactly how you want. It has a reversible left module letting you switch between the classic PS5 parallel thumbstick layout and the offset Xbox style, so it suits all kinds of players.
On the right side, you can swap out the usual thumbstick and buttons for a fightpad-style setup with dedicated R1 and R2 buttons, perfect for fighting games. The controller also comes with interchangeable thumbsticks and gates plus three different D-pads for extra customisation. Four back buttons can be remapped on the fly, and a profile button on the back lets you switch between three saved profiles quickly. It doesn’t have adaptive triggers or haptic feedback, but it’s still a powerful choice for competitive gamers across various genres.
5. Hori Fighting Commander OCTA
Best PS5 Fightpad
If you love fighting games but don’t want to lug around a big arcade stick, the Hori Fighting Commander OCTA could be just the thing. It packs the essentials of a fight stick into a smaller, gamepad-style layout that feels comfortable to hold.
Officially licensed by Sony, it works with the PS5, plus PS4 and PC via a wired USB connection to keep input lag to a minimum. What really makes it stand out is the short-throw analog stick with an octagonal gate, which helps with cleaner combo inputs. There’s also an adjustable circular D-pad for fans of classic 2D fighters. On the right side, you get six tactile face buttons and two shoulder buttons, all built for fast, responsive action when the match heats up.
6. Victrix Pro FS
Best PS5 Fight Stick
While PlayStation’s first official fight stick isn’t due until 2026, the Pro Arcade FS currently holds the crown as the best on the market. Victrix has gone all out, delivering a tournament-ready stick with zero input lag. Its eight face buttons use Sanwa Denshi parts, beloved by fight stick fans for their crisp, responsive action and that classic clicky feel. There’s also an ergonomic wrist rest to help ease fatigue during marathon sessions and a built-in foam pad to keep the stick steady and comfy on your lap.
If you’re into modding, the bottom panel opens up for easy swapping of switches and joysticks. Even fresh out of the box, the Pro Arcade FS is a top-tier controller designed just for PS5, packing all the DualSense buttons including Touchpad, Menu, and Create, so you won’t miss any system functions.
7. PlayStation Access Controller
Best PS5 Controller for Accessibility
Sony’s 2023 PlayStation Access Controller aims to make gaming more accessible and comfortable for players with disabilities. Its 360-degree layout is fully customisable through hardware adjustments and software settings. Included are various stick and button caps in different shapes and sizes to cater to different physical needs, plus four expansion ports for extra buttons or specialised triggers.
Users can create up to 30 control profiles on the PS5, with three saved directly on the controller for quick switching using a dedicated button. This makes it easy to change setups depending on the game or situation. The packaging is thoughtfully designed to open with one hand and features pull loops that reveal organised compartments for all the controller’s components.
How to Choose a PS5 Controller
When it comes to picking a PS5 controller, it really depends on what kind of player you are. Keen on top tier features and full custom control, or just after something solid that won’t drain your wallet?
Most third party options throw in some competitive flair like back buttons you can remap, swappable sticks, grippy textures and different ways to connect. Battery life is also worth thinking about. The standard DualSense doesn’t last forever, so a wired option or something with a meatier battery might suit better.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the regular DualSense still punches well above its weight. You’re getting adaptive triggers, sharp haptics and a built in mic for well under 80 bucks, especially when it’s on sale.
And hey, don’t forget there’s more out there than just controllers. A proper racing wheel, fight stick or flight stick can seriously level up the experience in specific genres.
How I Personally Selected the Best PS5 Controllers
I was one of the first Aussie critics to get hands on with the PS5 before it launched and I've rarely put the DualSense down since. That said, and a few clear standout alternatives to that controller have emerged. This list comes from testing heaps of options and looking at the stuff that really matters: comfort, features, battery life, accessibility and how well they hold up in actual play.
The stock DualSense is a solid bit of kit and will suit plenty of players, but if you're chasing extra control or a more personalised feel, these other controllers bring some proper upgrades. We’re talking back buttons, swappable sticks and other bells and whistles that can give you an edge or just feel way better in the hand.
PlayStation 5 Controller FAQ
What PlayStation 5 controller doesn’t drift?
Most PS5 controllers can cop stick drift, since they use old-school potentiometers in the sticks that wear down over time. Some premium controllers dodge the issue by using magnetic Hall effect sensors instead, which are tougher and longer lasting. The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is one of those, basically wiping out drift thanks to the Hall tech inside.
How do I fix stick drift on PS5?
If your controller’s got stick drift, it’s usually down to worn-out parts inside the thumbsticks from regular use or a dodgy batch out of the factory. There’s not heaps you can do yourself, but if your DualSense is still under its one- or two-year warranty (depends where you live), it’s worth hitting up Sony for a repair or replacement. Sometimes it’s just gunk causing grief, so give the base of the stick a gentle clean and see if that sorts it.
Does the PS5 controller have a headphone jack?
Yep, the DualSense controller has a 3.5mm audio jack built in, so you can plug in a gaming headset or regular headphones straight into the base. Most third-party PS5 controllers come with one too.
When do PS5 controllers go on sale?
PS5 consoles don't get discounted all that often or massively, but the good news is DualSense controllers go on sale pretty regularly. Your best bet for grabbing both at a decent price is during major sales like Prime Day in July or the Black Friday run in November. That’s when you’ll usually see the lowest prices going. The annual Days of Play sale is also worth keeping an eye on, as PlayStation tends to chuck in controller deals there too.
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