The Best Gaming Controllers Under $50 for 2023

While top-tier gaming controllers continue to hone their designs closer to perfection, plenty of players just want a gamepad that works well. It’s relatively easy to find gaming controllers under $100, but there’s no need to be thrifty to find an excellent controller for under $50. Budget-savvy gamers can thread the needle between absolute budget options and high-end devices to find an affordable controller outfitted with all the bells and whistles they need to compete.

When choosing a gaming controller under $50, consider these factors:

• Wired vs. Wireless: Cutting the cord is a top priority for many gamers, though plenty of others prefer to never worry about battery life. Wired controllers also tend to be more affordable than wireless ones.
• Extra Buttons: Trigger stops and reprogrammable buttons on the back of a controller are quickly becoming the norm, as players continue to prefer quick access to functions ranging from basic movement to special character abilities.
• Design: There are only a few different controller shapes on the market right now, but players definitely have preferences towards or against them. For the most part, PC players get the pick of the litter, while console players are more often locked into standard gamepad or Xbox-style controllers.
• Compatibility: Only some controllers are compatible with multiple devices, though most are compatible with PCs. Bluetooth controllers are often the most versatile, while dongle-based wireless and USB-based wired controllers offer a similar experience, though less consistently than Bluetooth ones.
• Style: Choosing a controller to match a certain vibe often leaves players looking at wired controllers, regardless of whether they want a simple design or vibrant RGB lighting. Some wireless controllers offer unique designs but typically come with a higher price tag.

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Game Rant’s picks for the Best Gaming Controllers under $50

The Gamesir G7 controller is one of the newest Xbox gaming controllers on the market and the only one to offer advanced Hall Effect joysticks, making it the best gaming controller under $50 in 2023. Additionally, by implementing Hall Effect technology, this design eliminates friction-based wear and tear by utilizing magnetic sensors. Even the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller doesn’t offer stick drift protection through Hall Effect stick sensors.

This wired gaming controller is supremely comfortable too, offering a lightweight build and plenty of grippy textures throughout the design. Gamesir’s G7 controller is also extremely customizable, with a simple app ready to change just about every setting and a magnetic faceplate ripe for artistic application. Coming in at just under $45, the price beats out most Xbox controllers while providing players with more advanced functionality and durability than any other option.

Find out more about why the Gamesir G7 wired controller is one of the absolute best by reading Game Rant’s recent review.

One of the newest and most vibrant Xbox gaming controllers variants now has a much more affordable counterpart available. The W&O wireless controller comes in electric volt green and cuts costs by using a wireless dongle for its connectivity. Perfect for players who stick to just their Xbox or just their PC, the main difference between this controller and the Microsoft one is the slight delay when powering on the controller. Once it’s connected, however, things run smoothly.

The gaming controller under $50 is slightly lighter and feels somewhat cheaper, but the shape and textures of the controller are nearly identical, offering a comfortable grip. Looking at the functionality, this wireless controller is just as capable as the Microsoft one, featuring dual rumble packs, a 3.5mm headset jack, and the standard button array (including the share and home buttons). Considering that W&O’s version is nearly half as much as the Xbox core controller, the lighter weight and slightly lower quality shell is well worth the savings.

PowerA is a fan-favorite gaming controller brand and for good reason: they make excellent controllers at an affordable price. The PowerA Spectra is one of the best RGB controllers on the market overall, offering players bright backlighting with five shades per color that are ready to be displayed across three distinct zones.

Since this gaming controller under $50 is wired, there’s no need to worry about batteries being run down by the customizable RGB. Plus, the wired connection is compatible with PC and either Xbox or Nintendo Switch, depending on which version gamers pick. Both versions feature a 3.5mm headset jack and two remappable buttons on the back, while the Xbox version additionally offers built-in mic control. The smooth shell and all-around high-quality build ensure lasting durability to support players for years to come.

The PXN wireless pro gaming controller may be one of the most surprising options for the Switch. One of the most affordable options, this PXN is also currently the best wireless Switch controller overall. This controller is stylish and capable, giving Switch gamers everything they need for less than $35.

There are eight different color schemes to choose from, and the design uses the standard, comfortable controller shape with textured thumbsticks. Despite it missing extra back buttons, nearly every other important feature is included, such as motion controls, dual vibration, and even an NFC reader for Amiibo.

This gaming controller under $50 can be fully charged in under three hours and provides up to 20 hours of gameplay. Plus, with the 40-inch Type-C cable, players can keep gaming while charging their controller. With all of these features and compatibility with PC and iOS 16, the PXN wireless pro controller is one of the best value controllers on the market.

Razer’s foray into mobile gaming is going well, with their Kishi V2 making a splash among fans. For Android users who aren’t in a rush to get the latest and greatest version of the gaming controller, the original Kishi is nearly as good and just about half the cost of the V2.

The expandable controller is compact enough to be carried almost anywhere, yet stretches to fit most Android phones. The USB-C connection is easy to use and allows for pass-through charging, preventing surprise interruptions during gameplay. Although the handles aren’t as curvy as the V2, they still provide a fairly comfortable grip, especially given the intuitive button and joystick array.

This versatile mobile gaming controller for under $50 is completely compatible with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Amazon Luna, GeForce NOW, and Steam Link, along with independent mobile games such as Fortnite and Minecraft. Using the Razer Kishi, mobile gamers can save without making many sacrifices to performance.

Related: Razer Edge vs Logitech G Cloud: Which Android Gaming Handheld is Better?

There are plenty of ways to customize a gaming experience and changing up a controller is one of the most effective. The PDP Rematch wired controller offers players customizability both inside and out. First and foremost, players can choose between wired and wireless options, compatibility with Switch or Xbox, and over two dozen stylish designs to get exactly the type of controller they want.

Beyond those basics, PDP’s app allows players to customize the internal settings, such as the sensitivity of the triggers, sticks, and rumble packs. Two extra buttons on the back offer even more customization options. Although the wireless version is often listed at just over $50, the wired options are all available for less than $40. For players who love to customize their gamepads, the PDP Rematch is an excellent choice.

More: The Best Budget Gaming Keyboards Under $50

FAQ

Q: How much is a good gaming controller?

Typical prices for a good gaming controller range from around $40 to around $70.

Q: Which controller has the least stick drift?

Controllers with Hall Effect joysticks have the least amount of stick drift, but they can be hard to track down. In general, controllers with higher durability will have the least stick drift.

Q: Are generic controllers worth it?

Generic or third-party brand controllers can be a worthwhile investment, depending on what a player is looking for. Budget-wise, they often can’t be beat, but typically one or more performance aspects are sacrificed to lower the overall cost.

Q: Are controllers better for FPS games?

While controllers are much more comfortable to use for FPS gaming, most professional players prefer to use a mouse and keyboard setup in order to have as much precise control as possible.