The best PS5 controllers (including PS5 pro controllers)

Product shots of the best PS5 controllers on a blue background
(Image credit: Future/Sony/HexGaming)

Investing in one of the best PS5 controllers will help you level up in no time and really get the most out of your PlayStation 5, offering advanced features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for more immersive gameplay.

Although the included DualSense controller is pretty great, there are lots of fantastic alternative Pro controllers and third-party options out there, including the elite DualSense Edge, for a fully customised experience adjusted to how you game.

Keep an eye on the best DualSense controller prices which we update regularly, and read our full PS5 review if you want to know why we love this console so much. We've also got guides to the best PS5 games, as well as the most anticipated games of 2023, and not forgetting the best SSD for PS5. But for now, let's check out the best PS5 controllers on the market right now. 

The best PS5 controllers: available now

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What does DualSense do, exactly?

The PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller is a high-spec gamepad that evolves the technology of previous PlayStation controllers. Inside you can find the below technology:

Haptic feedback: Instead of rumble, which means games can send vibrations around the pad to emote how on-screen action would 'feel'.

Adaptive triggers: These can be tailored to gameplay by developers, which means they can become 'tighter' the faster a car moves or loose when a gun runs out of ammo.

Touchpad: This can be used by players to interact with a game in new ways, to swipe across the pad to solve a puzzle, for example. This is similar to the rear touchpad on the old PS Vita.

Speaker: This brings games to life with unique audio and voice acting coming directly from the controller. Used with the above tech the PS5 DualSense controller can make you feel rain drops and hear them hit the pad.

Are there special editions of the DualSense?

Yes, for some time now Sony has been releasing special editions of its DualSense, like the God of War limited edition pad that can be bought directly from PlayStation.

As well as game specific controllers and the original White variant you can also now choose from a number of unique colours, these are: Cosmic Red, Midnight Black, Nova Pink, Starlight Blue, Galactic Purple and Grey Camoflage.

If you want to design your own PS5 controller you can visit sites such as Custom Controllers and create your own gamepad.

Is there a new PS5 controller?

Yes, Sony has announced its first pro controller for the PS5, called the DualSense Edge. This controller is aimed at gamers who play for longer and need to customise the gamepad to their way of playing as well as to different games. You can replace face buttons and sticks, swap through controller profiles and it features rear paddles, ideal for shooters. 

The DualSense Edge is a wireless controller and features a USB braided cable, two standard caps, two high dome caps, two low dome caps, two half dome back buttons, lever back buttons, connector housing and a carrying case. You can find the link for the pad above.

Can I use my PS5 DualSense controller on a PS4?

No. Because the best PS5 controllers, such as the DualSense Wireless controller, have been created to make use of 'next-gen games' with high-spec features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, these controllers won't work on old consoles. 

You can however use a PlayStation 4 controller with your PS5, but the catch is that it can only be used to play PS4 games and won't work on PS5 titles.

Josephine Watson
Managing Editor for Lifestyle

Josephine Watson (@JosieWatson) is an experienced tech journalist with experience writing on a variety of topics from pop culture to gaming and even the energy industry. She is the Managing Editor of Lifestyle on CreativeBloq's sister site, TechRadar, overseeing the Lifestyle vertical (Cameras, Home and Wellness) and How-To's, where she can be found writing across multiple channels including computing, software, homes and gaming.

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