Gaming on a budget isn’t too tough for most players who prefer a controller, even with the ever-increasing spread of high-end gamepads available. Finding a controller for cheap has always been a bit easy, with some brands dedicated to lower-priced peripherals, but the real trick is finding a controller that’s compatible with your platform and won’t need to be replaced in a month.
Compromises have to be made if you want a gaming controller for less than $25, but with most controllers now priced at around the $60 mark, finding more affordable options doesn’t often come with many caveats. Hall effect joysticks, remappable buttons, and multiple connectivity options are features that can be had on controllers under $50, if you know where to look. Game Rant has reviewed a number of excellent gaming controllers, and these stand out as some of the best controllers for gamers looking to save.
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PXN P50L Wireless Switch Pro Controller
Best Overall Budget Gaming Controller
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EasySMX Wired Gaming Controller
Best Budget Wired Gaming Controller
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8Bitdo Ultimate C Wireless Controller
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Controller
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VOYEE Switch Controller
Best Budget Nintendo Gaming Controller
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PDP Rematch Advanced Controller
Best Budget Gaming Controller for Xbox
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Updated on October XX, 2024 by Megan Miranda Reyes: These budget controllers continue to make waves in their respective categories. New updates and more balanced evaluations have been added to this article to better help you find the right cheap controller.
Game Rant’s Best Budget Gaming Controllers for 2024
The PXN P50L is the overall pick for the best budget gaming controller due to its many extra features and the fact that it’s one of the few wireless controllers under $20. Despite being available for a measly $13, the controller offers a comfortable grip and easy wireless connectivity. Compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices, including iOS. The controller doesn’t stay synced with PCs, but it connects quickly enough that this downside is a fair trade for the price to most users.
The PXN P50L boasts back buttons that can be remapped to basically any input, and they’re easy to customize, too. The controller app for the PXN P50L is simple and a cinch to use for customization. Gamers can adjust the vibration frequency and much more with the app. The controller additionally comes with a six-axis gyroscope for more immersive gameplay.
The controller’s battery life is fairly competitive, with the manufacturer promising that 2 hours of charging will allow gamers to play for up to 20 hours. The controller has a turbo function available, which is great for retro players, but this can reduce the battery life to as short as 12 hours. Regardless, in light of all the other features that come with the PXN P50L, a $13 price tag is unbelievable, and perfect for gamers looking for an affordable, yet capable, controller.
Wired controllers still get a lot of love due to their ability to enjoy relatively lower input lag compared to wireless controllers. The EasySMX 9100 may not be the best looking controller, but what it lacks in style, it makes up for in ergonomic design. Featuring a classic asymmetric button layout, this controller uses anti-slip pads around the handles to offer a good grip and help facilitate cooling during matches. The grip areas employed by EasySMX consist of a thick layer of laser-cut soft rubber to deliver a relaxed grip for long periods of gaming.
This is a plug-and-play controller, which means upon connecting to the 9100, the driver gets installed instantly. Compatible with PC, Android, and even PS3, it’s perfect for playing a quick, cozy game online, or booting up a retro title. There’s a turbo function for gamers who want to win battles in less time, too. To switch between modes, players can take advantage of a Switch button found between the LED. Plus, users are guaranteed a great deal of responsiveness from this controller thanks to dual-vibration motors.
The 9100 comes with a 2.1-meter cable, giving console gamers and players with large TVs plenty of room. Another perk of this controller is that it supports many platforms, like the Switch, PC (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11), Android phones, tablets, the Steam Deck, PlayStation 3, and even a Tesla electric vehicle. The 9100 controller noticeably skips on compatibility with Xbox consoles and newer PlayStation consoles. There are also complaints about the build quality, with some users claiming the plastic used to make the controller feels cheap. However, being less than $20, this controller doesn’t hide the fact that it’s designed for budget gaming, and wired controller fans won’t be able to find much cheaper options than the EasySMX 9100.
Compatible with several platforms, including Windows, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi, the 8Bitdo Ultimate C is a controller with exciting features. 8Bitdo designed the Ultimate C to be a less expensive variant of its Ultimate controller. It retains the Ultimate’s superior build quality and enhanced grip. This controller should take older gamers on a trip down memory lane as the Ultimate C’s D-pad was designed to look and feel like classic controllers. A modern wireless 2.4G connection aims to deliver ultra-low latency gameplay at all times though.
Equipped with a 480 mAh Li-on battery, the controller offers a playing time of up to 25 hours with two hours of charging time. Gamers get to experience an all-new meaning of immersion thanks to the Ultimate C’s rumble function. Unfortunately, this feature is limited to Windows. Although this controller was modeled after the Ultimate, it skips on support for the 8BitDo Ultimate software. This prevents players from customizing their controller’s settings. Despite these shortcomings, it is still a competent controller that’s available at an affordable price.
The Voyee Switch Controller is a simple device that manages to pack in a few extras that most Switch gamers will enjoy. This Voyee controller comes with dual-motor vibration, offering four levels of feedback for a truly impressive experience. Plus, there’s motion controls included for gamers who really like to twist and turn with their Switch games.
The controller has a fairly standard design and shape, with some ergonomic texture wrapped around the handles to prevent slipping during gameplay. Although the controller is only available in black, it does come with RGB lighting for a stylish touch. Somewhat surprising for a controller under $20, the Voyee Switch Controller has three vibrant RGB lighting modes and nine total colors. Users can choose one of three modes: Strobe, Breathing, and Static. For a few bucks more, you can also opt for the much more aesthetic Voyee Star Controller, which is a dark blue with customizable RGB starlights.
Unfortunately, the RGB element highlights the controllers main shortcoming: battery life. The tiny 800 mAh battery pack can only support a maximum of 15 hours of gameplay before needing a charge, and using RGB or Turbo mode can reduce that to as little as 10 hours. But, even with that this is an incredible deal. Along with the Switch, this controller is compatible with Android, iOS, and PC, though PC users will have to rely on a wired connection. At the end of the day, Switch and mobile users can get everything they want and need from the Voyee Switch Controller, all for less than $20.
PDP is well-known for their affordable and unique controllers, particularly because they are one of the few brands that are licensed by Xbox officially. Not only is the PDP Rematch Advanced compatible with recent Xbox consoles like the Series X and S, but various customizable options are available as well. Buyers get to pick from different artistic color styles like Glitch Black, Purple Fade, and Blue Tide, all of which look amazing with their vibrant and glossy finishes.
The Rematch Advanced comes with laser-etched textured triggers, which fit perfectly and are more durable than standard triggers, ultimately allowing players to take more accurate shots. Gamers can also remap the back buttons to handle most commands, such as jump, crouch, and reload, using the PDP Control Hub app. What’s more, the app opens up a world of customizations for triggers, dead zones, and more.
Built for budget gamers, it naturally provides plenty of audio settings to adjust any 3.5mm headset. Users can pair the D-pad to their headset and modify volume settings, as well as mute the mic with just a double-tap. Alternatively, the D-pad can also be used to program the back buttons on the fly. A dedicated Share button allows players to easily share videos and pictures of proud gaming moments with friends. Although the PDP Rematch Advanced is most ideal for Xbox gamers, it’s also compatible the Switch and PC, making it a great choice for multi-platform players too!
Best Budget PlayStation Gaming Controller
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
$74 $80 Save $6
The DualSense wireless controller for PS5 offers immersive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone. In addition, the built battery should get gamers through the longest gaming sessions at 1560 mAH.
This controller is built with high performance and personalization in mind while retaining all the immersive features of the DualSense wireless controller. The built-in microphone and headphone jack make it simple to connect headsets for multiplayer chatting or headphones for more immersive audio.
- Number of Colors
- 6
- Compatible Systems
- PS5, PC, Mobile
- Brand
- Sony
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Battery
- 8 hours
- Offers better haptic feedback than most rumble features
- Built-in microphone and earphone jack
- Very advanced specs
There aren’t many controllers available for the PS5, especially since PS4 controllers are only compatible with PS4 titles. For Playstation fans, none of the other options offer as much value as the DualSense Wireless Controller, despite its somewhat high asking price. However, that $70 tag comes with a lot of bonuses, the first of which is the DualSense’s game-changing haptic feedback. Unlike many other rumble motors, the Dual Sense’s haptic feedback introduces dual actuators that deliver physically responsible feedback to certain in-game actions. Adaptive triggers allow gamers to feel connected to the gameplay as they ensure players experience different levels of force during certain moments of the game.
The Dual Sense controller is available in diverse color styles, including Galactic Purple, Gray Camouflage, and Midnight Blue. Using the iconic Playstation-style symmetrical joystick layout, the controller shape is comfortable and accessible. Fans of heavily textured controllers might want something different, but those who enjoy a smooth grip will appreciate the velvety finish on the handles of the DualSense.
A built-in microphone and headset jack allow users to chat with friends online either through the microphone or a wired headset. While the controller is compatible with PCs, it unfortunately doesn’t work with the PS4 console directly. For those happy to forgo the ease of Plug and Play, PS Remote Play is an alternative for using this controller with the PS4. It also supports certain versions of the MacBook, iPad, and Apple TV.
The Logitech F310’s appearance among the best budget wired controllers is no mistake. This is a gamepad that offers incredible value for money. Available for less than $20 on Amazon, it comes with support for PC and Android TV. Equipped with extensive game support, this controller seeks to impress every PC gamer who decides to take a chance on it. Logitech claims it can play both the current hits and retro games ported from consoles. Gamers can also decide to either play games using the native-style controller settings or use a different position. This is possible thanks to the input standards XInput and DirectInput.
The controller gets a console-style layout to help gamers feel more comfortable playing. Users can access various customization options using the Logitech software. Feel free to tweak buttons and controls, and even imitate the keyboard and mouse commands. A major downside of this controller is that it doesn’t come with the microphone feature that’s associated with more premium gamepads. Unfortunately, there’s no rumble feature either.
Retro gaming is making a comeback, with players, especially adults, looking to jump back into the world of classic titles that they grew up in. Finding the right controller to pair with one’s favorite retro game is important. For retro gamer enthusiasts undecided about which controller to get, the SN30 is a great choice. The SN30 Pro’s design is reminiscent of the Nintendo SNES gamepad. Although both look alike, the SN30 dares to be different by incorporating many modern features.
The SN30 Pro features contemporary gamepad offerings like rumble vibration which makes players feel involved in the action, a USB-C port to charge the controller, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, a button to screenshot in-game scenes, and more. A 500 mAh battery makes this controller perfect for long gaming sessions following a single charge. The SN30 also offers wide compatibility, with platforms like Apple, Switch, Steam Deck, and PC fully supported. It’s hard to ignore the fact that Xbox and PlayStation aren’t supported. Also, some user reviews have implied that this controller may be a bit too small for large hands.
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Although the EasySMX X15 is traditionally a PC gaming controller, it is compatible with multiple devices, including handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Aside from the freedom from having to sit near the screen like wired controller users do, the X15 offers a suite of exciting features designed to transform your gameplay. You can customize the controller’s appearance to match your taste thanks to the magnetic swappable faceplate which lets you change from one to the other. Two programmable back buttons can be set to perform any in-game function you desire. Equipped with hall effect sensors, players can aim accurately at targets and move seamlessly within an in-game environment thanks to improved sensitivity to the triggers and joysticks.
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a wireless controller. Fortunately, the X15 doesn’t disappoint as it offers up to 40 hours of playing time using its 1000mAh battery. Charging this controller should take around 3 and a half hours. You can also enhance your customization experience by using the manufacturer’s mobile application, which lets you assign controls to the various buttons. Some user reviews have complained about the customization app excluding iPhone users from usage. There are also a couple of reviews that claim the controller’s back buttons stopped registering commands after a few weeks of usage.
For PC gamers who love RGB lighting, the EasySMX X15 is a terrific controller equipped with two light modes and seven different colors to match your desired setting. Compatible with platforms such as PC, Android TV, macOS, and Steam Deck, feel free to immerse yourself in a field of captivating colors. It features four hall effect sensors that offer improved input detection, allowing players to move seamlessly within the various in-game worlds. You also get two programmable back buttons which can be assigned any in-game function you desire.
Many RGB controllers struggle with delivering a long-lasting battery due to their lighting effects, which consume lots of power. The X15 is said to last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. A major downside is that this controller doesn’t support popular platforms such as Xbox, Luna, and Nvidia GeForce. Users have also noted that the controller’s battery life is pretty terrible, and unless players turn off the lighting modes, it’s difficult to get more than five hours out of this controller on a single charge.
How to Choose the Best Budget Controller for Gaming
Choosing a great controller while on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep these factors in mind when browsing controllers:
Compatibility
This will always be a key factor for choosing gaming controllers, whether expensive or pocketbook-friendly. Many controllers support multiple platforms, while some are limited to one or two. If buyers are playing on multiple platforms, getting a gamepad compatible with those devices makes sense. It’s also important to make sure the controller is compatible with your wired headset, as not every option will come with a 3.5mm port.
Build Quality
Another critical factor worth considering is the build quality of a controller. A controller may have a flashy design, but can it take a beating? Consider this when shopping by looking at the materials used, the details provided on the internal specs, and user reviews.
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Wired or Wireless
While both connection types are competent in their ways, wired controllers are typically much cheaper than wireless ones. However, wireless gaming is more convenient and gives players great flexibility. This guide comprises both types, so weigh the pros and cons of wired and wireless gamepads before purchasing. At this price point, there is no noticeable difference in latency between wired and wireless controllers.
Features
Third-party controller manufacturers are known for including additional features like touchscreens, LED lighting, haptic feedback, and a six-axis gyroscope. These additions make gameplay feel more immersive. If these sound exciting, consider getting a controller with two or more of these features. However, keep in mind that most extra features will drain the battery faster.
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FAQ
Q: Are cheap Xbox controllers any good?
Definitely. There are some budget Xbox controllers that offer players a decent performance along with a good build quality.
Q: What is a good cheap PC controller?
The Logitech F310 is an excellent budget PC controller that can play many current and retro titles quite well. It also comes with 10 programmable buttons and costs less than $20 on Amazon.
Q: Are wired controllers better?
Wired and wireless controllers have pros and cons that gamers should know before making a decision. While wired controllers rarely have input lag, they don’t allow users to sit at far distances to play. Wireless controllers allow users to sit a few feet from the TV but have been known to experience high input lag. Also, not everyone appreciates the idea of charging a controller.