The Best Wireless Controllers in 2023

As gaming continues to be an ever-growing industry with thousands of new gamers joining into the fun every day, good controllers simply are the need of the day for most gamers. They can be easy to learn but difficult to master with different controllers catering to different needs and player demands. The overwhelming majority of these are wireless as technology continues to make advances over time and as we get improvements such as better battery life, higher polling rates, and low-latency input, as well as more compatibility.

Before buying a wireless controller, consider these factors:

• Layout: What controller layout is best?
• Compatibility: What devices should the controller support?
• Features: What special features would be nice to have? (Examples: Turbo button, customizable buttons, etc.)
• Color: What color should the controller be?

How To Choose The Best Wireless Controller

• Layout: The layout of a controller is one of the main factors changing how gamers interact with the controller. If it is in a style that gamers are comfortable with and enjoy using, then they should probably feel better playing games with that layout than a controller layout that is not comfortable for their hands.
• Compatibility: Speaking of compatibility, it is tied to the most important thing to look for in a wireless controller besides the layout. Knowing that one definitely wants a wireless controller makes the search easier, but it is essential that it works with all the devices one wants it to work with. For gamers who are trying to stick to a budget, looking at controllers that are compatible with multiple devices will give them a wider range of options to use one controller instead of buying a controller for each console or gaming device.
• Special Features: Some special features that gamers should keep an eye out for are things like extra shoulder buttons or things like Hall Effect joysticks. Not everyone needs extra buttons on their controller, but for gamers who like programmable buttons, having those buttons on the back can make the controller more appealing. Plus, a lot of the time, shopping for controllers with these special features feels a lot more fun.
• Aesthetics: After the features and layout are decided, then comes the aesthetic. A lot of the controllers on this list come in multiple colorways that allow gamers to get a controller that matches their style. But if gamers just want a controller that gets them playing games, and they don’t really care what it looks like, they don’t have to worry about it.

Game Rant’s picks for the Best Wireless Controllers

The Xbox Elite Series 2 compromises between high-end, competition-quality gamepads and affordable but unremarkable budget-friendly controllers, making it the best overall wireless controller. The Elite Series 2 controller is similar to the Xbox Core wireless controller in that it offers the same 40-hour battery life alongside recognizable and responsive buttons on the face. There are significant differences that place it squarely in premium territory, though.

Rechargeable without needing any extra accessories, the Elite Series 2 features highly responsive impulse triggers and rumble motors. The sensitivity can be customized through the Xbox controller app, allowing players to adjust the vibration and button mapping, while manually adjusting the thumbstick tension is just as easy.

In fact, the Elite controller encourages customization, coming complete with four back paddles, a variety of thumbstick tops, and an alternate D-pad. Plus, those who don’t care much for extra buttons can opt for the bare-bones core Elite controller and save themselves a decent chunk of change. Despite not being compatible with Nintendo Switch or PlayStation consoles, the Elite Series 2 controller from Microsoft is one of the best options for players looking to grab a wireless controller that has more than the bare minimum but doesn’t go overboard in unnecessary competitive features or overall cost.

Players who just want to grab a controller on a dime and get gaming can end their search with the W&O wireless Xbox controller. Available in an electric green color similar to Microsoft’s own Volt Green, this stylish controller has almost all the same functionality as the core Xbox controller. The main difference is that it relies on a wireless dongle, which is likely not an issue for most gamers.

Although the design is clearly mimicking Microsoft’s controller, it’s well-executed and comes at an amazing price. The haptic feedback is on full display with W&O’s budget controller, with decent texture along the sides and a decent battery life supporting players who want to save on their peripherals.

The PDP Victrix Pro BFG is the most customizable wireless controller on Game Rant’s list. It features the ability to completely hot-swap the entire layout of either side of the controller, changing layouts on the left to button configurations such as a fight pad on the right. It also boasts the ability to work with a PS5, PS4, or PC out of the box in both wired and wireless modes.

The Victrix Pro BFG is a worthy contender from PDP because of the lower price point it retails at versus Sony’s own DualSense Edge. It’s one of the best controllers for PS5, thanks to its improved better battery life and more customizability. However, it remains to be seen how it holds up over time. Given the vast amount of experience PDP has as a controller maker for a variety of devices, it should hold up considerably well.

The Scuf Instinct Pro is a controller gamers would not find easily on most shopping lists. This is because it is prohibitively expensive for general-purpose users as it strives to offer more value to those users who want to play competitively or have as close to a pro-grade experience as possible.

It does however come with its perks. The Scuf Instinct Pro is miles better than even the Elite Series 2 when it comes to certain situations. For one, unlike the Elite Series 2 or the Elite Series 2 Core, it is based on the new Xbox Series X|S controller lineup which means it fits better in one’s hands out of the box. It also can be completely customized in terms of aesthetics, featuring magnetic custom faceplates as well as replacement colored thumbsticks for users looking to change things up.

The Instinct Pro also offers a mute button and instant triggers. This means that PC players can have the best of both worlds with the advantage of using a controller that offers fine-grained mouse-button-like control. It is a tradeoff that is acceptable for most PC players even if they must throw AA batteries into the mix, rechargeable or otherwise, in order to remain wire-free.

PXN’s wireless controller is a surprising contender for the absolute best Nintendo controller, but despite commanding a price under $30, this controller has a lot to offer. The PXN wireless controller features the dual rumble packs and motion controls that Switch players expect, but what’s impressive is that the controller also throws in an NFC reader, something most Pro controllers lack.

There aren’t any programmable extra buttons, but there is a fun turbo mode button available, perfect for retro gamers. The controller is lightweight and feels comfortable to hold, lasting up to 20 hours on just a couple of hours of charging. Available in a variety of colors and compatible with PC, Switch, and iOS 16, this controller is ideal for a wide range of gamers.

The Xbox core wireless controller may not be as shiny and new as its competitors, but why change what works? And work it does, continuously topping lists for Xbox and Windows accessories. Plus, with the Xbox Design Lab and dozens of special editions available, it’s not too far-fetched to dream of a shiny controller or some other standout design.

The 40-hour battery life is one of the best in the business, paired with one of the most comfortable controller designs in decades to allow players to enjoy their games for as long as they like. The low latency of the Xbox controller is likewise renowned, with a wireless dongle improving reliability for more competitive gaming. Meanwhile, this impressive package is available at a lower price than the PS5 DualSense and the Switch’s Joy-Cons. Affordable, dependable, and overall easy to use, the Xbox core wireless controller is the best option for Xbox fans.

The Scuf Reflex Pro is another controller from Scuf that makes it on Game Rant’s list. Unlike its Xbox variant, the controller enjoys a rechargeable battery that is essentially equivalent to a DualSense but superior to that of the DualSense Edge. That should hardly be a surprise, given that it is essentially a rebuilt DualSense Edge.

It does offer more remappable buttons, a variety of colors and customization possibilities, and (quite surprisingly) the ability to use a DualSense charge station. However, it manages to do all of this while costing more than a standard DualSense Edge. While the latter is currently only available on Sony’s website directly for the most part, it has begun popping up on other retailers such as Amazon. It should be the de facto pick for consumers who simply want a better, more streamlined experience.

For those who do not seek anything less than the absolute best for their competitive journeys, the Scuf Reflex Pro is a slightly better, albeit pricier, option to consider.

Nothing screams premium more than the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, which commands a larger-than-life presence when it comes to controllers. It sadly also comes with a price to honor said aesthetic, clocking in at a recommended retail price of $250. However, if the price is not a concern, it is simply the best controller that money can buy.

It holds its own versus both Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 and Sony’s DualSense Edge. It sacrifices vibration and adaptive triggers – two features that Razer states are unnecessary for pro-grade controllers and gameplay – and uses the saved space in its chassis to push a huge battery that trumps both the DualSense and the DualSense Edge while offering the same level of customizability as the latter.

All in all, it is an expensive proposition, but it easily competes with the best of the best controllers thanks to app-based customizability, battery life, and six extra programmable buttons. This gives it an edge in terms of customization as well as a true wireless experience without having to reach for a wire time and time again.

FAQ

Q: Are wireless controllers as good as wired?

Wireless controllers used to trade off latency for greater freedom in the past. Now, with much better underlying tech, they tend to be nearly as fast as wired controllers which is why we see so many professional players going for them as part of their go-to solutions for competitive gaming

Q: What is the best Gaming Controller I can get under $100?

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is easily the best controller you can get under $100 that combines value for money with excellent features.

Q: What is the best Gaming Controller I can get right now?

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is our candidate for the best Gaming Controller money can buy. It is also the most premium game controller on the list.

Q: What is the best Gaming Controller I can get under $150?

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core makes the list easily on this one. It is essentially an Elite Series 2 sans the extras. And you can get them later down the road if you need them.