Best PS5 controller 2023

A white and black controller shot from the front and back in front of a dark blue background.
Credit: Sony

A white and black controller shot from the front and back in front of a dark blue background.
Credit: Sony

The best PS5 controller can help bring your skills in-game up to a whole new level, helping you crush your competition as a result.

With so many options for the PS5 out there though, it can be hard to know where to look, or even what to look for. After all, all PS5 accessories claim they're the best thing going.

Initially, we were left wanting, as it appeared that both Sony and other leading manufacturers were taking their time to provide an 'elite' style controller for more competitive gamers.

However, times have now changed and we finally have a few more options to choose from, including the highly-anticipated DualSense Edge, which is available to buy if you have the cash for it.

With adjustable thumbsticks and hair-trigger stops, the DualSense Edge has plenty of customisable options to personalise the device to you and whatever game you're playing. It's not the only gamepad with these features though, but you'll have to read on to find out more...

Best PS5 controllers

  1. PS5 DualSense
  2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro
  3. Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro
  4. DualShock 4
  5. DualSense Edge
PS5 DualSense product image of a white and black controller with a blue light around the touchpad.
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Credit: Sony

1. PS5 DualSense

Best official PS5 controller

Sony has really gone all out with the DualSense wireless controller, the official PS5 pad is no minor upgrade over the PS4’s DualShock 4, it’s a complete reinvention. 

This controller is truly bursting with innovative tech, from haptic feedback that goes way beyond simple rumble, to adaptive triggers that will give you an unprecedented level of control over the way you play. 

The built-in microphone is a nice additional touch, and we’re glad that Sony is adopting USB-C charging for this gen as well. 

Plus, you can now order the PS5 DualSense in colours like Starlight Blue, Nova Pink, and Galactic Purple, and nab one of the new PS5 console faceplates to change the look of your setup.

Read More: Best controllers for Warzone

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro product image of a black controller shot from the front and back, with a red light around the thumbstick.
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Credit: Nacon

2. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro

Best premium PS5 controller

Sony has confirmed that the PS5 is backward compatible with almost the entire PS4 library - that’s more than 4000 titles available to play on the system from day one.

With the redesigned DualSense omitting some features utilised in PlayStation 4 games, Sony recommends that you play backward-compatible games on PS5 using a PS4 controller for the best experience.

So if you’re in the market for a top PS4 controller to use on your PS5 then look no further than the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro, which certainly lives up to its name thanks to a wealth of customisation options including programmable back buttons and swappable thumbsticks.

Read More: Best PS5 headsets

Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro product image of a black and blue custom PS5 controller
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Credit: Scuf

3. Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro

Best custom PS5 controller

For those wanting to customise their PS5 controller, then the Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro looks like an incredible choice.

What the Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro offers up are some removable and remappable paddles which should save you valuable time for inputs when you're in the heat of battle. Alongside this, expect to find some textured thumbsticks that should be comfortable and help you be more accurate.

Like the official DualSense controller, this Scuf offering also utilises adaptive triggers which can suit themselves to any kind of game and respective inputs, be it whether you're firing a gun or driving a car.

There are also plenty of customisable faceplates and thumbstick colours available so you can personalise the Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro for your tastes and colour preferences.

A weight of 300 grams or so also keeps the Scuf Gaming Reflex Pro light. Plus, its dual wired and wireless connectivity also keeps things mighty easy.

Read More: Best controllers for Rocket League

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DualShock 4 product image of a black gamepad.
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Credit: Sony

4. DualShock 4

Best PS5 controller for PlayStation VR

If you’re a PS VR enthusiast, then you need to make sure you’ve got a DualShock 4 controller in order to use the virtual reality headset on the PS5.

This is due to the DualSense controller not featuring a lightbar on the back which is required for the motion-tracking features of the PS VR - thankfully the official PS4 DualShock controller still works a treat. 

Available in a wide array of colours, the DualShock 4 remains a premium controller that feels good to play with - plus it’s frequently on sale these days, and the price is only likely to plummet further as we get deeper into next-gen.

Read More: Best TVs for PS5

DualSense Edge product image of a white and black controller.
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Credit: Sony

5. DualSense Edge

Best elite PS5 controller

Described as ultra-customisable, the DualSense Edge is Sony's newest elite controller for their very own PS5 console.

There's been plenty of buzz surrounding it for a while now and its high-performance capabilities and numerous features make it an extremely popular choice for gamers.

It comes with customisable options, swappable components, an on-controller user interface, and more. It's a really comfortable controller too, and will definitely have you gaining new ground when gaming.

Who knows, you might even end up using the new DualSense Edge on the much-rumoured PS5 Pro once that turns up. Even still, it's a great controller to use on the PS5.

Read More: Best PS5 monitors

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