Best gaming controllers for PC: Logitech, Xbox, Sony and more

A true PC gamer will swear by a mouse and keyboard combo, but there are certain game genres that work better with a gamepad or controller. Sports games like FIFA, racing titles such Forza Horizon and fighter games like Mortal Kombat feel a lot more intuitive when played using a controller. Today it doesn’t matter if you are a budget gamer, or like to indulge in the most premium peripherals. One can easily find a solid controller that suits their setup and style of gaming.

We have listed some of the best ones on the market if you are on the lookout for a new gaming controller for PC gaming.

List of best gaming controllers for PC in India 2022

Ant Esports GP100

Starting with the more affordable options, Ant Esports offers the GP100 which is a simple plug and play USB wired gamepad. It features two textured analogue sticks, a D-Pad, ABXY buttons and shoulder buttons (L1,L2/R1, R2). There are also a bunch of extra buttons in the middle for additional functionality. While the overall construction of the controller is decent, the grips have a rubberised texture finish and it offers excellent ergonomics. The company also notes some additional features including vibration feedback, multi-mode support for Xinput/DirectInput /Android, JD-Switch Function, that can exchange the functions of D-pad and left-stick in Xinput mode and Turbo function, which can set the button to realize automatic rapid repeating-hitting function.

Ant Esports GP100 review

The Ant Esports GP100 has standard controller layout with decent rubberised texture grips. The form factor of this controller is suitable for long gaming sessions and its inbuilt vibration motors will offer haptic feedback in various games. However, you might face some driver issues while using Ant Esports GP100 controller, which could be fixed easily by reinstalling the driver.

Pros:
-Multiple input support
-Textured rubber grips
-Vibration motors

Cons:
-Susceptible to driver issues
-Sleep mode cannot be switched off

Buy: Amazon | Ant Esports

Logitech F310

Logitech is a reliable name when it comes to PC peripherals. The F310 gamepad is almost a legacy product, but continues to be the choice of many budget gamers who are looking for a trustworthy controller. It has a very standard layout with two analogue sticks next to each other, a D-Pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, and a quick toggle switch at the back for XInput/DirectInput modes. The controller feels solid in the hand despite the basic plastic finish, and additionally offers support for Steam Big Picture and can be used with an Android TV.

Logitech F310 review

The Logitech F310 controller has an outdated design that may not be appreciated by many players. The button layout is pretty standard, with an additional toggle switch for input modes. The build quality may not look as appealing at first, but it does feel good while playing games. That being said, the Logitech F310 does not inbuilt vibration motors, so you won’t get haptic feedback in games.

Pros:

-Dedicated XInput/DirectInput switch
-Fairly comfortable to use

Cons:
-Dated design language
-No vibration feedback

Buy: Amazon

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller

A highly recommended alternative for the Xbox Controller, the PowerA Enhanced is a fairly well priced wired controller for PC gaming. In fact, it looks and feels very similar to the standard Xbox Series X controller with the addition of a removable USB cable, volume controls, and two additional programmable trigger buttons at the back. Available in a variety of colours, the PowerA Enhanced is an excellent choice for someone looking for a solid wired controller that offers the same functionality of an Xbox controller.

PowerA Enhanced wired controller review

The PowerA Enhanced wired controller feels like you are buying an affordable Xbox controller. The controller looks and feels pretty much the same as the new Xbox Series X|S controller, with volume control and two more programmable triggers at the back. Unlike the Xbox controller, the PowerA Enhanced controller doesn’t support Bluetooth connection.

Pros:

-Nearly all functions as an Xbox controller
-Additional programmable triggers
-Variety of colour options

Cons:
-Cheap plastic feel
-Volume control limited to wired headsets plugged into the controller

Buy: Amazon

Logitech F710

The Logitech F710 comes with an old-school design which is basically similar to the F310, but with 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. Just like the F310, it supports Windows, Steam and Android TV devices, and comes with a nano-USB dongle. This one can also switch between XInput or DirectInput modes along with an inbuilt dual-vibration feedback motors. If you are looking for a no-fuss wireless gaming controller, then this just might be it.

Logitech F710 review

The Logitech F710 controller has an unorthodox design that may not suitable for everyone. What’s great about the controller is that it supports 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for Windows, Steam, and Android TV, allowing you to connect the controller to various devices. The Logitech F710 controller also comes with dual-vibration feedback motors, which will be great for haptic feedback in games.

Pros:
-Long lasting battery
-Good button feedback
-Variety of colour options

Cons:
-Connectivity is dodgy
-Not the most comfortable controller

Buy: Amazon | Flipkart

Microsoft Xbox Series Controller

The Xbox One controller was succeeded by the Xbox Series controller with the launch of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. There isn’t a lot of difference between the two, with only a few added features on the Series controller. At the same time it is our recommendation for the best wireless controllers for PC gaming. It is fully compatible with Windows and offers excellent performance for all types of gaming genres. Apart from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the controller can be connected using the bundled USB Type-C cable or using the Xbox Wireless Adapter, which is sold separately. Expect a premium design, and a responsive vibration motor for an immersive gaming experience.

Microsoft Xbox Series controller review

The Xbox Series controller is pretty similar to the Xbox One controller. The Xbox Series controller offers great wireless and wired connectivity for PC as well as mobile phones. The inbuilt vibration motor is awesome for playing games with haptic feedback. However, the controller comes with regular AAA batteries and you would need to buy rechargeable batteries separately.

Pros:

-Textured finish grips and analogue sticks
-Range of connectivity options
-Premium look and feel

Cons:
-No rechargeable battery in box
-Not a major update from previous version

Buy: Amazon | Microsoft

Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

Sony’s next-gen controller for its new PlayStation 5 offers the same connectivity options as its predecessor. Essentially what that means is that the new DualSense Wireless controller can be used with a PC. Apart from the slick revamped design, the controller comes with enhanced haptic feedback while the new adaptive triggers are truly game changing, although there is limited game support. The controller can be connected to your PC via Bluetooth or using a USB-C cable for wired connection. While the controller can be configured with Steam, there might be instances where certain games are not supported. Hence, it is best that you do a bit of research for workarounds before purchasing this controller.

Sony DualSense controller review

Sony’s PS5 DualSense controller is another great option for PC gaming. The controller has amazing adaptive triggers, which are expected to get more game support in the future. The DualSense controller can be connected to PC via Bluetooth as well as USB type-C. That being said, the battery life be an issue during long gaming sessions.

Pros:
-Haptics and adaptive triggers are game changing
-Futuristic design
-Comfortable grips

Cons:
-Limited adaptive trigger functionality on PC
-Battery life isn’t the best

Buy: Amazon | Reliance Digital

8Bitdo SF30 Pro

This one is for all you retro gaming fans out there. 8Bitdo has been making some really interesting controllers with the SF30 Pro offering a nostalgic design with a modern twist. The wireless controller offers support for Windows, MacOS, Steam, Android, Raspberry Pie and Nintendo Switch. According to the company the SN30 Pro is the world’s first, fully featured retro controller featuring a full button set with clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screen shot buttons, and a USB-C connector. Basically, this is one of the best multi-platform controllers on the market today.

8Bitdo SF30 Pro review

The 8Bitdo SF30 Pro controller has retro design that reminds you of the SNES controller. The controller is great for players who play games on multiple devices as 8Bitdo SF30 Pro offers wireless and wired connectivity for multiple platforms. Besides these, the controller has rumble vibration support for haptic feedback and a dedicated screenshot buttons for quickly taking screenshots of memorable moments from games.

Pros:
-Multi-platform support
-Solid retro design with analogue sticks

Cons:
-Occasional misreads on the D-Pad
-Not the best grip design

Buy: Amazon

Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition

One just cannot ignore Razer when talking about gaming peripherals. The Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition is a premium game controller that has all the bells and whistles including the company’s signature Chroma RGB lighting. The controller has a high-quality design and build with 4 additional remappable buttons that can be done using Razer’s own software. It also comes with trigger stops for rapid-fire an ergonomic non-slip rubber grip, a 3.5 mm audio jack for audio output and microphone input and a quick-release USB cable with a 10-ft braided fiber cable. Apart from that Razer has also focused on the vibration motors, and giving precise sensitivity control to gamers for greater aiming precision or speedy response.

Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition review

The Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition is a premium controller that looks like an Xbox controller with RGB lighting and 4 additional programmable buttons. The controller has great sensitivity control that can be useful in FPS games for precise aiming. The build quality of the Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition is great and it is quite comfortable to use for long gaming sessions.

Pros:

-Premium lightweight design
-Additional programmable buttons
-RGB lighting

Cons:
-Cable not easily replaceable due to unique shape
-Expensive

Buy: Amazon

Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Apart from the Xbox One and Series controllers, Microsoft also sells the more premium Elite Wireless controller. These are meant for gamers who want more ‘pro-level’ controls and feature adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks and re-engineered components for a more responsive experience. It also features a wrap-around rubberized grip for better handling and four paddle-based buttons at the back that are fully customizable along with the other buttons and triggers.

Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review

Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 controller is meant for players who need the most advanced gaming controller out there. The controller comes with great features like adjustable tension thumbsticks and shorter hair trigger locks for intuitive gaming experience. Besides these, the build quality is solid and additional customizable buttons can come handy in certain games.

Pros:

-Swappable analogue sticks
-Additional paddles
-Hair trigger locks
-More customization options
-Wireless charging

Cons:
-Limited stocks
-Expensive

Buy: Microsoft | Flipkart

8BitDo Arcade Stick

A 90’s kid like me would definitely remember the good old gaming parlors where you could whack those arcade sticks and tap hard on the round clicky buttons. You can relive those days with the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. Using the dedicated software one can control over everything on the deck including the ability to customize button mapping and create macros with any button combination.It also comes with two dedicated macro buttons and offers the ability to create controller profiles that can be quickly switched at any time. Best of all, this arcade stick can be connected using a USB cable, or wirelessly via Bluetooth or using a 2.4GHz dongle.

8BitDo Arcade Stick review

The 8BitDo Arcade Stick has a retro arcade gaming parlour design with customizable buttons for input. You can create different profiles for various games based on the customized buttons. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick offers wired as well as wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle, which is great for connecting the controller to multiple devices. That being said, this controller is not meant for everyone as many players would just want to connect the controller and play games without mapping various buttons.

Pros:

-Great aesthetics
-Customisation options
-Wired and wireless connectivity
-Responsive performance

Cons:
-Only good for casual gamers

Buy: Amazon

These are some of the best gaming controllers that you can use for PC gaming. Additionally, do check out our list of the best gaming laptops for 2022.