One of my favorite things to do when I'm not working is to kick back and relax with my PlayStation 5 Slim. I was a little late to the PS5 party and only got my Slim back in December 2023 — my PS4 had run its course, sadly, and I desperately wanted to play Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Baldur's Gate 3. There's no better console for me, really.
I also love the Dualsense. I think the haptics and adaptive triggers are absolutely fantastic, and the controller doesn't give me much to complain about (except for that 5-hour battery life). As a reviews writer and lover of video games, I'm also very lucky that I get to test the best controllers — and when they're designed for the PS5, oh it's a glorious day.
Having tested and used my fair share of gamepads, I'd like to share my top six picks with you. Whether you're looking for a second controller for the player two in your life, or you want a Hall Effect one for competitive gaming, I've got you covered.
How do I choose the best PS5 controller for myself?
It's no secret that you're spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best PS5 controller. But which type of controller is really right for you?
The first thing you need to consider is your budget. PS5 controllers aren't always cheap but if you're on a tight budget, you do have a few options. You could pick up a second Dualsense, or grab the Backbone One PlayStation Edition. The latter is primarily designed for mobile gaming using PS Remote Play, and it works seamlessly.
Next, think about the use case for the controller you're going to buy. Do you want a no-frills gamepad? The Dualsense Edge is a fantastic choice, and its metallic back buttons feel like a game-changer.
Are you a competitive player who wants peerless performance? There are two options here: the Razer Raiju V3 Pro and the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Both pro-level controllers feature Hall Effect triggers, and each gamepad's triggers are adjustable, so you can opt for either clicky or long presses. The Raiju V3 Pro has an ace up its sleeve, and that's the TMR tech fitted into its thumbsticks for enhanced precision.
I use the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded as my second controller and it's excellent in every way, shape and form. Both the Raiju V3 Pro and the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded earned 4.5-stars, so I can personally vouch for them.
As you can see, there's no dearth of options. All of the six aforementioned controllers are outstanding in their own right. Regardless of the one you end up choosing, rest assured that you'll be getting bang for your buck.
More from Tom's Guide
- I’ve finally found a PS5 controller that’s better than the DualSense — and no, it's not the DualSense Edge
- Steam Controller reviews are in: 'I can’t imagine playing my PC games with anything else'
- Razer just made my dream PS5 controller and it blows the DualSense Edge out of the water — but there's a catch
