When sitting down for some relaxing gaming time, corded peripherals can become a real drag on an otherwise enjoyable experience. Keyboard and mice normally stay on gaming desks, but when gaming on larger monitors and TVs, sometimes it's preferable to use a wireless controller from a distance. The Core controller that ships with the Xbox Series X/S is the current wireless controller of choice for many PC gamers. However, it's far from the option for buyers searching for the best PC controller with an alternate button layout or more customization potential.

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The number of wireless controllers now available is enough to overwhelm anyone on the hunt for a new piece of gaming gear. The decision ultimately comes down to what controller feels the most comfortable for a particular user. Since most controllers originate from the popular Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles, candidates based on those devices dominate the marketplace. Even so, there is a huge range of asking prices among them, as well as differences in wireless connectivity. Whether a wireless controller allows for simple button remapping or replacing d-pads and analog sticks with custom components, there is an ideal wireless controller for any gamer among the following.

Microsoft’s official controllers are the entire package. Ergonomic comfort, competitive internal specs, reliable hardware, and a variety of styles are available to players on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and of course, PC. While the Xbox Core wireless controller isn’t Microsoft’s most powerful model, it packs enough of a punch for most competitive players, with the added bonus of not costing well over $100 like the Elite Series 2. The familiar design features some of the most dependable analog sticks in the industry along with a standard array of responsive buttons and triggers.

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The wireless connection is simple to set up and rarely introduces issues, letting gamers dominate the competition no matter where they play. Unless a player simply doesn’t like Xbox controllers for some reason, there aren’t really any downsides to this controller. Sure, there’s room for improvement, but not at this price point. The Xbox Core wireless controller is the best PC controller for gamers looking for a reliable device offering widespread compatibility with titles. Comfortable and responsive, chic and affordable; players just can’t lose with Microsoft’s standard controller.

One of the most popular controllers of all time, the Xbox 360 controller design is finally beginning to feel its age. However, that just means they’re now available for dirt cheap, despite being super comfortable and totally capable devices.

ASTARRY’s version comes with a wireless dongle, so players don’t have to worry about disconnecting at all. It might not seem like much, but that bare-bones design means this remote is extremely affordable at around $20! That’s not a sale price either! While wireless controllers have become a bit more approachable in price, this model falls well below the average.

There isn’t much customization or remapping buttons, but it’s reliable enough for the price and there are still three colors to choose from. This controller can get any job done without any annoying wires at an insanely low price, making it ideal for bare-bones players who just want to hop into a match and have fun. The ASTARRY is also the best wireless PC controller for any gamer who has already invested too much money in a new gaming rig.

While the PS5 console was previously difficult to find in stock, the new DualSense controllers remained readily available for PC gamers. This controller is quickly establishing itself as one of the best console controllers overall with powerful specs, intuitive feedback, and improved connectivity.

With some slight improvements that offer players a softer, more comfortable grip during games, much of what players look for can be found with this controller. There are plenty of new features though, like easy USB-C charging, stronger wireless connectivity, impressive haptic feedback, and a new motion sensor. Not all of these features are compatible with every PC title but support through Steam or natively in games is improving every month.

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Intuitively designed, haptic feedback and the motion sensor further immerse gamers in every world. The vibrations can represent a wide swath of actions, from slaying a monster to sliding toward goalposts. The motion sensor relies on a powerful, internal gyroscope and accelerator, allowing for unique responsiveness during gameplay.

It’s a bit more expensive than the comparable Xbox core controller, but there are just as many style options and for some players, and there’s no beating the PlayStation controller design. Now those players can get ahead of the game and pick up Sony’s newest controller to own the battlefield on PC!

The SCUF Instinct Pro wireless controller for Xbox and PC pulls out all the stops to give players everything they could ever want in a controller. This attention to build quality and performance comes at a high price, but for pro-level gamers, the investment is well worth it.

Everything players love about Microsoft’s Xbox controller has been improved in one way or another. The ergonomic design is supplemented by a hex-grid rubber grip on the back of each handle, while the thumb sticks can be swapped out to perfectly match hand sizes. All the buttons are remappable, including the four additional buttons on the back, and players can save up to three layout profiles.

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In addition to this, there are a ton of other customization options, from choosing a color at checkout to using custom thumbsticks, faceplates, and skins. The SCUF Instinct Pro wireless PC controller is perfect for players looking for an elevated gaming experience. Yes, it’s really expensive compared to other wireless controllers, but the specs and design are legitimately better than everyone else’s, so players get what they pay for.

With the increasing popularity of RGB-enabled keyboards, mice, and headsets from companies like Razer and Corsair, controllers often lack that same bit of extra flair. The Chengdao wireless PC controller relies on industry-standard specs to deliver a game-playing experience that feels much more premium than the low price tag might suggest. While it’s true that the focus of this controller is surface-level customization options, that's exactly what gamers want in a cool RGB controller.

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For instance, the joystick sensitivity is manually adjustable. This sounds pretty nice, but typically that can be adjusted in-game. Then of course, players can adjust the brightness of the RGB lights, although they can’t change where the lights come on; it’s all or nothing.

Along with these aesthetic features, the controller has a super responsive D-pad and buttons. Plus, there are four remappable buttons on the back for even more customization. Gamers looking for a minimalist-style RGB controller that’s still bright, colorful, and has respectable specs would do well to pick up Chengdao’s wireless PC controller.

The PDP Victrix Pro BFG wireless PC controller aims to be the best peripheral for pro gamers through a quality design and powerful specs. This controller is compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5, making it a good option for anyone considering a new gaming platform. This also means that the controller has improved functionality compared to most wireless controllers. For instance, the audio has ultra-low latency and EQ profiles available, while the battery lasts an acceptable 20 hours.

The design is aimed at Esports players meaning there are options to swap out the buttons to suit FPS or fighting game matches. This modular design lets players swap out joysticks, button pads, and thumbstick bases, as well as adjust the trigger stops and remap back buttons.

While the price may cause some sticker shock, PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG wireless PC controller definitely earns its place as a high-end gaming accessory. For gamers looking to seriously compete, the Victrix is an excellent choice of weapon.

The nightmare of many gamers is to reach a critical gameplay moment, only to have a controller run out of power and disconnect. Unlike the Xbox Core Controller, the Xbox Elite Series 2 comes with an internal rechargeable battery, capable of lasting for up to 40 hours on a single charge. Typically, wireless controllers max out at 30 hours at best, so Microsoft's premium controller only has a rival with the equally durable Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless. The non-core version of the Xbox Elite Series 2 also ships with a charging dock if topping up its power with a PC or Xbox console is not an option.

Beyond its impressive battery life, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is also a far more customizable controller than the standard Xbox device that ships with consoles. Gamers can adjust button mapping in the Xbox Accessories app, but a physical profile button in the middle of the controller allows users to toggle between 3 custom profiles. However, customization with the Xbox Elite Series 2 goes well beyond software, since gamers can swap out thumbstick covers, paddles, and the D-pad. In the retail package, Microsoft includes 4 alternate medium or mini paddles that attach to the back of the controller as well as 4 thumbsticks that suit different grips and play styles. The back paddles allow gamers to quickly access commands without reaching toward the top of the device.

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The Xbox Core controller has proven itself as rather durable, but the Elite Series 2 claims to outlast most cheaper devices. The added weight of the Elite Series 2 is apparent when you first pick it up, but some of that is due to the generous internal battery. Should a thumbstick or d-pad fail, it's also nice to have the option of easily replacing them. Just as noticeable are the more extensive grips Microsoft has covered the handles in, making the controller more secure in hands regardless of how a gamer holds it.

For gamers who won't take advantage of the customization potential or back paddles on the Xbox Elite Series 2, the substantial battery life is the controller's strongest selling point. Considering its 40 hours of playtime often doubles what a gamer has using AA batteries in a Core controller, its longevity alone makes it the best PC controller for marathon gaming sessions.

Xbox gamers enjoy a wide selection of third-party controllers, but PlayStation fans often find themselves lacking alternatives to the standard Sony peripheral. The situation is even worse for PC gamers who prefer the layout of the DualSense controller but are searching for a more pro-grade option. Fortunately, the wireless SCUF Reflex Pro offers all the same features as the DualSense while allowing gamers to experience a higher degree of customization.

Going just by appearances, some buyers will find it difficult to distinguish the SCUF Reflex Pro from the DualSense controller. The two devices have a similar weight and feel, with the most apparent difference being the home button without a PlayStation logo sitting in the center of the Reflex Pro. However, on the back of the controller gamers will find 4 removable paddles as well as a profile button to switch between 3 stored profiles. Also, there is a textured grip extending from the bottom of the handles to the rear of the device that allows gamers to hold onto the controller even during intense gameplay.

RELATED: Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset ReviewIn order to keep a controller as light as possible, some manufacturers strip Esports devices of features like vibration. In this instance, SCUF keeps all the innovative features of the DualSense controller intact, including its rumble, adaptive triggers, and built-in speaker. What separates the Reflex Pro from the Sony controller is its modular nature. Gamers have the option to replace the thumbstick with alternatives that are either shorter or taller, to give users a different feeling of control depending on the game they are playing. The SCUF Reflex Pro is sold in 12 different designs, but when ordering, buyers can customize everything from the color of the faceplate to the appearance of the create/options buttons.

PC gamers will go through the same process to connect the Reflex Pro wired or wirelessly, with varying degrees of support for unique DualSense features. There is no SCUF software to configure buttons, but gamers can easily remap most commands to the back paddles by pressing the appropriate combination of buttons. Unfortunately, the L2 and R2 triggers are not customizable.

The SCUF Reflex Pro doesn't revolutionize the DualSense but offers enough button remapping and physical customizations to make it the best PC controller for PlayStation fans. Make sure to read our full review of the SCUF Reflex Pro for more about what it offers to justify its considerable price.

It may seem like an odd combination, but there are a surprising number of PC gamers whose console of choice is the Nintendo Switch. As a result, the prospect of using a Switch controller to meet all their gaming needs is appealing. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a necessary alternative to the Joy-Con controllers, which are even less practical for PC use. While not as feature-packed or customizable as the pro-style controllers for the Xbox and PlayStation, the Switch Pro has a substantial size and feels like a premium peripheral. Like with the PlayStation DualSense, PC gamers can use Steam to enable compatibility with many games, either through a wired or Bluetooth connection.

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The Switch Pro has a basic dark gray or black color scheme, but occasionally special editions with various designs will enter the marketplace. The faceplate has a semi-transparent appearance adding some distinctiveness to its overall look, and there are substantial grips around its handles. Thankfully, left and right analog sticks are easier to control than those on the Joy-Cons, and the standard face buttons, triggers, and buttons found on Xbox and PlayStation devices give satisfying responses.

PC gamers may struggle to find compatibility for the Switch Pro's motion controls and HD rumble features, but its 40-hour battery life is impressive on any platform. Loyal Nintendo Switch gamers who demand a more professional controller to master Mario Kart or Zelda titles shouldn't hesitate to give the Switch Pro a chance as one of the best wireless controller options for PC games.

The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud is not an ordinary wireless controller, which is apparent thanks to the optional phone mount attached to its top. PC gamers may or may not find much value in the controller's ability to accommodate cloud gaming devices, but it's a nice option to have when traveling. The Recon Cloud is truly a multi-platform device, with the ability to connect via Bluetooth or a USB cable to Android devices, Xbox consoles, or PCs. In most cases, Bluetooth is the necessary option for mobile gaming, the Xbox demands a wired connection, while PC gamers enjoy either Bluetooth wireless or USB connectivity.

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As with many wired or wireless PC controllers, the button configuration closely resembles the Xbox Core controller. Toward the top of the controller is where things get more interesting, with several options for selecting different button mappings, Pro-Aim Focus Mode which adjusts the sensitivity of the right analog stick, and a host of audio adjustments. Pressing on the mode and select buttons simultaneously allow gamers to remap commands to the 2 action paddles on the back of the controller.

One area where Turtle Beach Recon controllers separate themselves from their rivals is its audio enhancement features popular with its gaming headsets. Sadly, only PC gamers connected via a USB cable and attached headset can take advantage of Turtle Beach's Superhuman Hearing which enables players to hear the approach of enemies as soon as possible. There is also an EQ button for fine-tuning audio effects as well as adjustments for chat and game volume levels.

With a 30-hour battery life and plenty of functionality that the Xbox Core controller lacks, the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud is the best wireless PC controller for players who also dabble in mobile and cloud gaming.

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FAQ:

Q: What can you do with reprogrammable buttons?

A: Remappable buttons are very useful on any controller. You can use them to take screenshots, activate in-game prompts, or activate a program that performs a set of specific actions.

Q: What's the price range for a wireless PC controller?

A: PC wireless controllers have a great variety in price, making them suitable for any kind of budget. They can be as expensive as more than $100, or as cheap as less than $30.

Q: Are wireless controllers as good as wired?

A: 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.

FAQ

Q: What can you do with reprogrammable buttons?

Reprogrammable buttons are very useful on any controller. You can use them to take screenshots, activate in-game prompts, or activate a program that performs a set of specific actions.

Q: What's the price range for a wireless PC controller?

PC wireless controllers have a great variety in price, making them suitable for any kind of budget. They can be as expensive as more than $100, or as cheap as less than $30.

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