Which PS4 or PS5 controller should you buy to get the most out of your games? We have tested and selected the best models for you by category, regardless of whether you are a casual gamer, looking for versatility, with your family or as a real special competitor.
Summary
- Preamble for PS4, PS5 and PC compatibility
- Sony models
- The essentials on PS5: The DualSense
- A safe bet on PS4: The DualShock 4
- Alternative and versatile models
- Getting started with Xbox on PS4: Horis Onyx
- The top of the PS4: the Razer Raiju Ultimate
- The controller for children: Horis Mini Gamepad
- Competition and eSports
- Performance and Control: Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller
- Finally
Preamble for PS4, PS5 and PC compatibility
With the release of the PlayStation 5, things got a little more complex in terms of controller compatibility. Nothing bad, but there are a few rules you need to follow before buying so as not to be disappointed:
- Currently theThe only controller compatible with PS5 games is the Sony DualSense.
- The DualSense is compatible with PS5, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, but not with PS4.
- PS4 compatible controllers (from Sony or third party manufacturers) are PS5 compatible, but only for backward compatible PS4 games, not PS5 games.
Sony models
The essentials on PS5: The DualSense
This is important as it is actually the only controller that is fully compatible with the PS5. The only one that allows you to play all PS5 games on this platform, but also PS4 and others. At the same time, we shouldn’t sulk our pleasure because What it has to offer is simply unparalleled in terms of sensations with resistive triggers to better feel the action, haptic vibrations to feel the surroundings and of course all the features Sony has already got us used to: touchpad, motion detection, two analog sticks, etc.
In addition, there is a fairly complete sound management system with, on the one hand, a microphone / headphone connection in a 3.5 mm 4-pin mini jack and, on the other hand, a microphone and loudspeaker integrated in the controller. Enough to communicate with your friends without adding any accessories. On the battery side, it’s a little more disappointing with a controller struggling to get 10 hours of gameplay
Read the full review of DualSense for PlayStation 5
Most
- Incredible sensations
- Convenient and full of features
The landlords
- The included battery is a bit light
Buy Sony’s DualSense for $ 69.99 on Amazon
A safe bet on PS4: The DualShock 4
After 7 years, the Sony DualShock 4 remains the benchmark for the PlayStation 4, a versatile, comfortable model that offers a wide range of functions and ensures compatibility with the entire machine catalog. Thanks to its Bluetooth connection, it works both wirelessly and wired and also on other platforms. It can therefore be used on PC, Mac, but also iOS and Android in g ames that support the use of a controller. Like its younger sister, the DualSense, the DualShock 4 fishes a bit on its battery life, which is limited to around 8 hours when you use the dedicated port to add an audio headset. Incidentally, the manufacturing quality and the precision of the controls are there.
Read the full review of the DualShock 4 for PlayStation 4
Most
- A model for comfort and versatility
- Broad compatibility
The landlords
- The included battery is a bit light
Buy Sony’s red Dualshock 4 for $ 59.99 on Amazon
Buy Sony’s black Dualshock 4 for $ 59.99 on Amazon
Alternative and versatile models
Getting started with Xbox on PS4: Horis Onyx
Because some gamers prefer to position the analog sticks asymmetrically, Hori created the Onyx model, a controller that is directly identical to Microsoft’s Xbox One model but works on PS4. We really appreciate this grip, especially since the directional cross, the sticks and the triggers are extremely comfortable to play. On the battery side, you’re entitled to almost 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, much more than with the DualShock 4. On the other hand, this difference is justified by the lack of functions on the side of the Onyx that offer neither a headset jack nor motion detection.
Read the full review from Horis Onyx for PlayStation 4
Most
- Comfort corresponds to the Xbox One controller
- 20 hours of autonomy
The landlords
- No motion detection or headphone jack
Buy Hori’s Onyx for $ 46.43 on Amazon
The top of the PS4: the Razer Raiju Ultimate
The Razer Raiju Ultimate is the benchmark premium model for PS4. A very wide handle (not suitable for the youngest), very dry and fast buttons, large analog sticks with interchangeable caps and additional buttons under and on the back of the controller. The controller has a smartphone app for remapping buttons and customizing sticks, a USB cable for wired games and a protective and transport bag. We particularly appreciate the ability to access certain settings and profiles directly from the controller on the front.
Read the full review of Razer’s Raiju Ultimate for PlayStation 4
Most
- The 4 additional buttons
- Modifiable stick and crosses
The landlords
- Not compatible with VR on PS4
Buy Razer’s Raiju Ultimate for $ 189.99 on Amazon
The controller for children: Horis Mini Gamepad
On PlayStation 4, kids have found their reference controller with the Hori Mini Wired Controller, a model that is heavily inspired by the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con but offers all the controls of the DualShock 4. It is the small gap that makes the directional cross, sticks and buttons more accessible to the youngest hands. In contrast to Nintendo controllers, however, we stay in proportions that do not make control difficult for adult hands, with particularly high-quality elements that come close to those of Sony controllers. Note that this controller is wired, but that with its 3 meter cable you can play at a good distance from the screen.
Read the full review of Horis Mini-Gamepad for PlayStation 4
Most
- A handle adapted to children
- Controls that remain normal in size
The landlords
- No touchpad or motion controls
Buy Horis Mini Gamepad for $ 29.99 on Amazon
Competition and eSports
Performance and Control: Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller
If you want to beat the clock, increase the rate of fire, and tweak your turns, the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro can come in handy. In fact, this wired controller has been designed to adapt to you and your practice, not only giving you the ability to change the position of the sticks and cross at will, but most importantly, giving you access to a complete remapping of the Buttons allows. with precise management of dead zones and curves for sticks and triggers as well as shortening the stroke of the triggers to make them simple buttons.
With the management of different profiles through its application, eSwap therefore makes it possible to create multiple physical and software configurations. and offers record response times on the front or rear buttons. It’s clearly a model for victory and who knows how to be comfortable for quieter sessions.
Read the full review of the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro controller for PlayStation 4
Most
- Everything is configurable
- Highly efficient controls in the game
The landlords
Buy the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller for $ 169.99 on Amazon
Finally
If the PS5 today limits the choices to the single DualSense, the PS4 now offers a wide range of controller models of all sizes with all kinds of more or less useful features to suit your own needs. At Sony, the official models are already very qualitativeThis is already a good thing, while other manufacturers such as Razer, Hori, Thrustmaster or Nacon offer more distinctive, more specialized alternatives with a high level of quality. We strongly advise you to stay within these brands to avoid disappointment.
frequently asked Questions
What is the best controller for PS5?
The best controller that can play all games on PS5 today is the Sony DualSense. This controller has many features, motion games, haptic vibrations, or resistance triggers that are only available on the latest Sony machine. The controller is still compatible with many other platforms.
What’s the best controller on PS4?
If you’re a regular gamer and you’re fairly open to the style of play, the DualShock 4 remains a top choice. Other models may also be suitable according to your specifics or your taste. The Hori Onyx offers an Xbox handle, the mini gamepad adapts easily to children’s hands and the Thrustmaster eSwap Pro Controller offers eSport-oriented functions.
Are the PS4 and PS5 controllers compatible with Windows PC, Mac, iOS and Android?
In most cases, yes. Sony’s controllers, DualSense and DualShock 4, are well recognized by all of these computers, while the alternative models generally offer XInput, D-Input or driver compatibility. However, watch out for exceptions.
How do I connect a new PS4 or PS5 controller?
Official models must be wired when first assigned to a console. Plug in the USB cable, press the PlayStation button, and voila. From there you can use your controller wirelessly. The method of connecting third party controllers to PS4 and PS5 may be different. The exact procedure can be found in the relevant manual.
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