I love my PS5 more than any other gadget I own, and these 6 controllers take my gaming to the next level

A collection of PS5 controllers — (Image credit: Razer / Sony / Turtle Beach / Nacon / Edited with Gemini)

One of my favorite things to do when I'm not working is to kick back and relax with my PlayStation 5 Slim. I was a little late to the PS5 party and only got my Slim back in December 2023 — my PS4 had run its course, sadly, and I desperately wanted to play Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Baldur's Gate 3. There's no better console for me, really.

I also love the Dualsense. I think the haptics and adaptive triggers are absolutely fantastic, and the controller doesn't give me much to complain about (except for that 5-hour battery life). As a reviews writer and lover of video games, I'm also very lucky that I get to test the best controllers — and when they're designed for the PS5, oh it's a glorious day.

How do I choose the best PS5 controller for myself?

A white Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded controller for the PS5 — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

It's no secret that you're spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the best PS5 controller. But which type of controller is really right for you?

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. PS5 controllers aren't always cheap but if you're on a tight budget, you do have a few options. You could pick up a second Dualsense, or grab the Backbone One PlayStation Edition. The latter is primarily designed for mobile gaming using PS Remote Play, and it works seamlessly.

Next, think about the use case for the controller you're going to buy. Do you want a no-frills gamepad? The Dualsense Edge is a fantastic choice, and its metallic back buttons feel like a game-changer.

A black Razer Raiju V3 Pro controller for the PS5 — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Are you a competitive player who wants peerless performance? There are two options here: the Razer Raiju V3 Pro and the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Both pro-level controllers feature Hall Effect triggers, and each gamepad's triggers are adjustable, so you can opt for either clicky or long presses. The Raiju V3 Pro has an ace up its sleeve, and that's the TMR tech fitted into its thumbsticks for enhanced precision.

I use the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded as my second controller and it's excellent in every way, shape and form. Both the Raiju V3 Pro and the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded earned 4.5-stars, so I can personally vouch for them.

As you can see, there's no dearth of options. All of the six aforementioned controllers are outstanding in their own right. Regardless of the one you end up choosing, rest assured that you'll be getting bang for your buck.

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Nikita is a Senior Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, flying a drone (she's a licensed drone pilot), at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro. You can follow her photography account on Instagram here.