Best PS4 Controller 2023

A black Razer PS4 controller leaning against a black PS4 with a headset featuring blue branding hanging over the top.
Credit: Razer

A black Razer PS4 controller leaning against a black PS4 with a headset featuring blue branding hanging over the top.
Credit: Razer

Adding the best PS4 controller to your setup can give you a serious competitive edge when it comes to online gameplay. However, finding the perfect gamepad isn't always easy.

Fortunately, selected our top picks based on specs, price, and reviews to kick off your search for an amazing PS4 controller in the best way possible. With an abundance of sports games available right now though, and with the likes of EA FC 24 on the horizon, we've made sure to cover a range of different options to suit your favourite sports and video game titles.

In terms of what features to look for, we'd recommend going for something with a few extra buttons plus adjustable joysticks to give you more control and precision in-game.

A controller with hair-trigger stops can also come in handy, particularly for games like Call of Duty where having quick reaction times are essential for winning gun fights.

With this in mind, whether you're searching for something for fast-paced, competitive gaming, like this Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro, or something a little cheaper, like this CZN PS4 device, then we've got you covered.

Don't fret if you find yourself with any queries; we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions concerning controllers, which should help you comprehend the nuances that make these gamepads so special. Before that though, here's our list of the best PS4 controllers available now...

Best PS4 controller

  1. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
  2. Razer Raiju Tournament Edition
  3. HexGaming HEX Edge
  4. PlayStation DualShock 4
  5. CZN PS4 Controller
Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro product image of a pro PS4 controller.
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Credit: Nacon

1. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro

Best all-round PS4 controller

Brand: Nacon | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: PC, PS4

We've previously featured the Revolution Unlimited Pro in our list of the best controllers for Fortnite as we feel there's a lot to like about this gamepad for competitive gaming.

For example, it comes with 4 remappable shortcut buttons on the handles which you can assign to some of your most-used controls like switching players on FIFA 22 for instance.

Read More: Best controllers for FIFA

Moreover, it features adjustable and interchangeable thumbsticks with a 30/38/46 amplitude depending on your preference and what delivers the most precision and accuracy in-game, plus an ergonomic grip for added comfort.

On the whole, we feel this Nacon device is well worth considering if you're after an all-rounder for the PS4.

Razer Raiju Tournament Edition product image of a black gamepad in the Xbox layout with PlayStation buttons.
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Razer

2. Razer Raiju Tournament Edition

Best PS4 controller for competitive gameplay

Brand: Razer | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: PC, PS4

Razer is one of the leading manufacturers of gaming accessories around, and, as the name suggests, its Raiju Tournament Edition controller looks to be a great pick for competitive action, from the likes of Warzone to Rocket League.

What we like about this device is that it features 4 remappable multi-purpose buttons for more advanced gaming options, and Razer's mecha-tactile material on the action buttons which should be both soft and responsive when pressed.

Read More: Best controllers for Warzone

For FPS games, in particular, you get hair-trigger stops on the back bumpers, designed to reduce the distance required to fire your weapon, thus giving you a few milliseconds advantage against your opponents in the heat of the battle.

All in all, this high-end gamepad looks to be a great option to consider if you're serious about your gaming and are looking to take your skills to the next level.

HexGaming HEX Edge product image of a red and gold gamepad.
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HexGaming

3. HexGaming HEX Edge

Best premium PS4 controller

Brand: HexGaming | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: PC, PS4

HexGaming is a controller modding company that takes genuine DualShock devices and adapts them to suit competitive gaming.

Its HEX Edge controller is its PS4 device which features 14 buttons in total, with 4 additional buttons on the back which you can assign to whichever controls you want to access quickest.

Read More: Best controllers for WWE 2K23

Additionally, HexGaming provides 6 interchangeable thumbsticks, including 3 different heights and 2 different ergonomic thumb grips, providing you with more flexibility to help you capture targets faster and improve your accuracy.

Ultimately, if you've got the budget to spend a little extra on a top controller, then we feel it's hard to look past this HEX device.

PlayStation DualShock 4 product image of an official camo DualShock controller.
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PlayStation

4. PlayStation DualShock 4

Best mid-range PS4 controller

Brand: PlayStation | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5 for PS4 games

When it comes to mid-range devices, we feel an official DualShock 4 controller could be the best option to consider.

PlayStation boats that its controller is a big upgrade on its previous device, featuring an improved feel, shape, and better sensitivity with the analog sticks and back bumpers.

Read More: Best laptops for Warzone

Moreover, this controller comes with built-in speakers and a stereo headset jack, making several new audio options available to you whilst gaming.

For many, the classic DualShock 4 controller is still the gamepad of choice and is arguably one of the best mid-range options to consider for the PS4.

CZN PS4 Controller product image of a grey PS4 controller.
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CZN

5. CZN PS4 Controller

Best budget PS4 controller

Brand: CZN | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB | Compatibility: PC, PS4

Based on this price and reviews, this CZN device looks to be a great pick if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive bit of kit.

CZN boasts its gamepad features a 600mAh long battery life which can last up to 13 hours on a single charge which is ideal for extended gaming sessions.

Read More: Best laptops for WWE 2K23

Moreover, it comes with a non-slip surface for improved grip and comparable built-in speakers, LEDs, dual-motors, and headphone jack as the official PS4 device.

On the whole, if you're after a controller that won't break the bank, we feel this CZN device could be your answer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When it comes to finding the right controller for gaming, there are usually a few questions that pop up, but we’re here to answer some of the more common queries.

What should you look for from a PS4 controller?

There's no definitive answer to this question as what you're looking for will be different from someone else depending on which titles you play.

For games like FIFA, a standard configuration controller may suffice as you won't necessarily need all the additional features for this specific style of game

However, if you're looking for a top controller for Warzone, for instance, you may find something with trigger-stops beneficial to reduce the distance required to fire along with adjustable analog sticks for added precision, and additional buttons to assign to some of your most-used controls for quicker access.

How much should you spend on a PS4 controller?

This will vary depending on your budget and the type of games you're looking to play.

Mid-range options like the DualShock 4 are great for casual gaming, but won't necessarily come with additional features for more competitive gaming

If you do decide to spend a little extra, you may find you get remappable buttons and perhaps adjustable joysticks which you can alter to suit your preference to take your skills to the next level, especially on FPS titles.

Are PS4 controllers compatible with PC?

PS4 controllers typically require additional third-party software in order to deliver a plug-in-and-play experience.

However, you can connect a PlayStation device through Steam by going to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and selecting PlayStation configuration when you plug in your device.

How can you tell when a PS4 controller is fully charged?

There are a few ways to tell whether your PS4 controller is charged, the first being that when the controller is charging in rest mode, the LEDs on the back will slowly blink orange. When fully charged, the light bar turns off.

Another way you can find out is by pressing and holding the PS button. You should notice a little controller icon in the top right of your screen with a graphic to tell you its current battery life.

It's also worth noting that the PlayStation manual states that it takes approximately 2 hours to charge a PS4 controller when the battery has no remaining energy. This should also give a good indication as to whether your controller is charged or not.