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.
Best Overall PS5 Controller
Best Pro-Style PS5 Controller
Best Thumbsticks on a PS5 Controller
Best Customizable PS5 Controller
Best PS5 Fightpad
Best PS5 Fight Stick
Best PS5 Controller for Accessibility
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.
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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