The Best PC Gamepads & Standard Controllers
We compared five controllers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The GameSir G7 Pro is our top pick for its precision and customizability.
Updated
The bottom line
The GameSir G7 Pro is our top pick for its 8000Hz polling rate, TMR joysticks, and Hall Effect triggers, making it highly responsive and durable. Priced at $89.99, it's a strong choice for competitive gamers. The GameSir Tarantula is a close runner-up at $69.99, with similar high-performance features. For a budget option, the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller at $29.99 provides good value with its 1000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect joysticks.
GameSir G7 Pro $89.99
Best overall for competitive gaming
The GameSir G7 Pro has an 8000Hz polling rate and TMR joysticks for ultra-responsive inputs. Priced at $89.99, it's a premium choice for serious gamers. The tradeoff is its lack of Xbox compatibility and internal battery.
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GameSir Tarantula $69.99
High-performance at a lower price
The GameSir Tarantula has Gen-2 TMR sticks and an 8000Hz polling rate for $69.99. It's a strong choice for those seeking a competitive edge without the top-tier price. Some users find the buttons and paddles feel small.
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8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller $29.99
Affordable with good performance
The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller has a 1000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect joysticks for $29.99. It's a good budget choice with easy pairing and low input lag. The tradeoff is occasional connectivity issues reported by some users.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- GameSir G7 Pro Best for precision and customizability 10.0/10 $89.99 Amazon
- GameSir Tarantula High-performance at a lower price 9.0/10 $69.99 Amazon
- 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller Good value for the price 8.0/10 $29.99 Amazon
- 8BitDo Ultimate C Wireless Controller Reliable wireless with long battery life 7.0/10 $59.99 Amazon
- GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller Versatile but with some build quality issues 6.0/10 $44.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
Competitive gamers looking for the best performance should opt for the GameSir G7 Pro or Tarantula. Casual gamers or those on a budget will find the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller to be a good balance of price and performance. The GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller is versatile but has some reported build quality issues, making it a riskier choice.
Common complaints
Owners of the GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller have reported issues with button feel and initial malfunctions. The GameSir Tarantula has received some feedback about small buttons and low paddles. The 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Controller has occasional connectivity issues, though these are less frequent.
Also-rans
The 8BitDo Ultimate C Wireless Controller, while reliable, lacks the advanced features of the top picks and is priced higher than the budget option. The GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller, despite its versatility, has too many reported issues to recommend over the top picks.