Bluetooth controller for pc games

The best Bluetooth gaming controllers for Android, PC, and more!

Some games play better on a controller, even if you’re a PC or mobile gamer. While a mouse and keyboard might be more accurate, they’re usually cumbersome when there’s limited space or you’re sitting on a sofa. Bluetooth controllers hit a sweet spot, yet not all Bluetooth controllers are created equal. Some are designed specifically for Android devices, while others work across all platforms. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best Bluetooth controllers for Android and PC gaming.

Buying the best Bluetooth controller

Bluetooth has more or less become the standard when it comes to controllers. You get a reasonable balance of reliability, latency, and power consumption without being tethered.

When picking the best Bluetooth controller for yourself, your first consideration should be the device(s) you’ll be using it with. A common controller like the Xbox Core or Sony DualSense, for instance, is fine not just with Microsoft or Sony consoles but with a PC. You get all the features you need, and they’re industry standards on which other gamepads are modeled — especially the Xbox layout.

If you’re getting a Bluetooth controller for your Android phone, portability and battery life are going to follow close behind. There are some interesting form factors for mobile-focused controllers, most notably ones that sandwich your phone as if you were using a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.

Charging is another factor to consider. Some controllers have an integrated battery, and charge via USB or a dock. Others use standard AA batteries. If a product does use the AA format, it’s best to pick up some rechargeables such as Eneloops.

The best Bluetooth game controllers

Editor’s note: We will regularly update this list of the best Bluetooth game controllers as new devices launch.

8Bitdo Pro 2

8Bitdo has been making cross-compatible Bluetooth controllers for years, and the Pro 2 is no different. Compatible with Switch, mobile devices, Steam, Raspberry Pi, macOS, and PC, this controller might become your go-to everywhere you play.

The 8Bitdo Pro 2 has a full button set, including R3 and L3 buttons, and has companion software for firmware updates and button customizations. The controller even has a couple of extra buttons in the back of the handles, which are entirely programmable. Other perks include USB-C recharging and a 1,000mAh battery for extended play sessions.

8Bitdo’s design is tried and true. It feels great in your hands with side grips, excellent control sticks, and responsive triggers. The D-pad is made to feel like a retro D-pad, such as on an NES controller, so it’s ideal for retro games or fighting games.

Xbox Core

The Xbox Core controller is what you get with the Xbox Series X and Series S. The great news is that it also works on other platforms.

At first glance, it’s reminiscent of the previous Xbox controller, but small changes have the potential to make a huge difference. For starters, the D-pad is now rounded and more agile. It should offer a better response than the simple four-direction pad it replaced.

Microsoft has also revamped bumpers and triggers, adding a stippled texture for a better grip in the heat of the action. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, and there’s an all-new share button. After all, gaming is more connected than ever, so you have to show off your highlights.

Those looking for a more advanced experience should look at the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. It comes with customizable accessories, programmable handle buttons in the back, longer battery life, and a premium design.

Sony DualSense

Sony’s DualSense controller is built for the PlayStation 5. It keeps some of the same design cues as Sony’s past controllers, but looks more like a spaceship than anything else.

More importantly, it’s rocking an adaptive haptic trigger setup, which means you’ll feel different responses as you interact with different parts of your environment. The effect is uncanny when game developers choose to exploit it.

The DualSense has a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as a built-in microphone for voice chat. A “create” button is present to help you share content and go live on streaming platforms. For better or worse, you won’t be able to replace AA batteries and keep playing — the controller charges exclusively via USB-C.

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Best PC controllers in 2023

Grab one of the best PC controllers for when your keyboard and mouse simply won’t do.

The best PC controller is the perfect gaming counterpoint to the classic mouse and keyboard combo. While the latter is the most accurate setup for shooters, there are plenty of games out there designed primarily with controllers in mind. You can bet the best gaming mouse and best gaming keyboard will win out in pretty much every PC exclusive ever made, but add a great controller to your inventory and it’ll keep you covered where they fall short.

It’s been a tough one, but the best PC controller today is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It’ll see you through when you’re confronted with Elden Ring’s half-assed mouse and keyboard controls. Similarly to the rest of those we’ve rigorously and ranked below, it’ll keep up with driving games too. Since most keyboards don’t offer pressure-sensitive key switches, an analog stick is your best bet for accurate movement. Console ports end up with frustratingly confusing control systems, so joining the best gamepad club is our best advice.

Many will begrudge the fact, but the truth remains: controllers are sometimes the best tool for the job. This is true even for games held to be PC classics. The Witcher 3, for example, actually has a far more straightforward control system when played with the best PC controller, as opposed to a mouse and keyboard.

Just think, with the best PC controller, you don’t have to hunch over your gaming keyboard. Instead of ruining your posture, you can get into a laid-back gaming session. It’s also a great option if you need pressure sensitive triggers, which your mouse can’t deliver. We’ve tested boatloads of today’s top console controllers and PC controllers to find out which ones are worth cheating on your trusty keyboard and mouse with.

Best PC controller

Our experienced team dedicates many hours to every review, to really get to the heart of what matters most to you. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.

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RS Recommends: These Bluetooth Controllers Turn Your PC Into a Game Console

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Gaming on a PC has a lot of upsides: better graphics, more control over settings, and a wider catalogue of games to play, but you’re stuck using a mouse and keyboard for controls. That’s fine if you’re playing a first person shooter at your desk (a mouse offers unparalleled control in this situation), but not if you want to kick back on the couch.

In that case you’ll want a Bluetooth controller, which lets you control your PC games like you would a console. Reliable wireless controllers used to be hard to come by, but they’ve gotten a lot better over the past few years. Issues like lag and operating system compatibility have largely been eliminated, especially with the rise of Bluetooth. You no longer need to plug a wireless adapter into your computer, install software, and hope for the best.

If you want to play the latest games in their highest possible fidelity, or revisit some classic titles that haven’t made it to console, a Bluetooth controller can make the experience a lot smoother.

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What Are the Best Bluetooth Game Controllers For PC?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best Bluetooth Game Controllers For PC; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.

Ergonomics: Holding a game controller for multi-hour gaming sessions can cause hand cramps, but we’ve chosen Bluetooth controllers with curved edges and ample spacing for buttons. You should still take a short break after every hour you play games.

Size and Weight: Two factors that contribute to ergonomics and comfort are the size and weight of the controller. All of our picks weigh a pound or less, which means they’ll feel solid in your hand without being too heavy.

Battery Life: Most of the Bluetooth game controllers we’re recommending run on rechargeable batteries that last about 20 hours per charge.

Compatibility: All of the controllers in this guide will work with a PC, but many of them can also be connected to game consoles.

1. Xbox Wireless Controller

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The most reliable controller out there is the Xbox Wireless. It’s available in a multitude of colors and features a textured grip for a more comfortable gaming session — even when your hands start to get sweaty.

The D-Pad (directional pad) has been upgraded from its predecessors and is easy to use, especially during fast-paced fighter or racing games. The console also has a designated share button so you can easily share your favorite moments from your game with your followers.

The wireless is great as well — I’ve been using this controller for over four months and never faced any lag or drop of Bluetooth connectivity. The battery life clocks in at about 40 hours which makes it a strong option for serious gamers that stream on Twitch all day.

Plus it’s compatible with your new Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and certain smartphone devices.

Overall, it’s also hard to beat Microsoft’s Wireless Controller if you want to play new PC titles from the comfort of your couch. Pairing it to your computer is simple, and you’ll get premium performance from the moment you turn it on to the second you turn it off.

2. 8BitDo SN30 Pro

If you want to use your PC to play retro games, 8bitDo’s SN30 Pro is your best bet.

This Bluetooth controller is modeled after the one used for the Super Nintendo, with a nearly identical layout. The difference is the SN30 Pro has a pair of analog sticks on the bottom, which allows you to play modern games, too.

While we haven’t tried the SN30 Pro, the other 8bitDo controllers we’ve tested have felt great in the hand. Many consider the Super Nintendo controller to be one of the best game accessories of all time, and the SN30 Pro is a no-brainer if you fall into that camp. You can use this controller with a PC, Mac, Android device, NES or SNES Classic (with an adapter), or the Nintendo Switch.

The first thing we noticed when trying 8bitDo’s other controllers were the quality of the buttons, including the directional pad. There was never a dropped input or delay while using this hardware. 8bitDo says the SN30 Pro lasts about 18 hours per charge, and needs to be plugged in for about two hours once it’s depleted.

If you’d like to use your computer to relive some old memories from the 8, 16, 32, or 64-bit game console days, 8bitDo’s SN30 Pro is the right controller.

3. SteelSeries Stratus Duo

SteelSeries made a name for itself by making the best controller for playing games on an iPhone, but its Stratus Duo also works with PCs and Macs.

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