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The Best Budget Gaming Controllers in 2024

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High-quality gaming controllers are continuing to flood the market, packed with customization options, ergonomics, additional buttons, and impressive build quality. Whether it’s from the OEM or a third-party company, buyers have more diverse options when shopping for a new controller. However, not everyone is looking to spend over $100 on a gamepad.



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  • PXN P50L Wireless Switch Pro Controller

    Best Overall Budget Gaming Controller

  • best game controller console deals
    EasySMX Wired Gaming Controller

    Best Budget Wired Gaming Controller

  • 8Bitdo Ultimate C Wireless Controller

    Best Budget Wireless Gaming Controller

  • VOYEE Switch Controller

    Best Budget Nintendo Gaming Controller

  • PDP Rematch Advanced Controller

    Best Budget Gaming Controller for Xbox

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Fortunately, that’s where budget controllers enter the picture, offering a much-needed balance between affordability and performance. There are quite a few of them, making it tricky for shoppers to pick the one that matches their needs. To help narrow the search, Game Rant has selected some of the best budget gaming controllers that deliver great value for money.


Updated on June 17, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since its last publication, two new controllers from EasySMX have been added, offering top-tier customization and RGB lighting at an affordable price.


Game Rant’s Best Budget Gaming Controllers for 2024

Game Rant selected the PXN P50L as its overall pick for the best budget gaming controller for several reasons. Despite selling below $20, the build quality is surprisingly solid, with most users praising the controller’s premium feel. Buyers can also pick from multiple color options, including Oatmeal Coffee, Cardamom Green, and Camellia White. Although advertised as a wireless controller, it also supports a wired connection. It’s compatible with the Nintendo Switch, OLED, and Lite versions. Plus, iPhone users looking to turn their phone into a mini gaming station should also check out this controller.

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The PXB P50L supports PC gamers as well, though a downside to this platform is that it has to be reconnected via Bluetooth whenever it goes asleep. It gets a six-axis gyroscope, which offers somatosensory assistance for more immersive gameplay when tilted. For instance, players of FPS titles can easily aim at targets using this feature.


The controller’s battery life is quite decent, with the manufacturer promising that 2 hours of charging will allow gamers to play for up to 20 hours. There’s also a dedicated mobile application that allows users to configure the PXN P50L’s settings. Gamers can adjust the vibration frequency and much more with the app. Simply put, the PXN P50L is a wide-ranging controller with so many features that most gamers will be shocked by the low price tag.

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 has an ergonomic design that features an asymmetric button layout and an anti-slip design. Regarding the anti-slip design, EasySMX coated the grip area with one 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. There’s a turbo function for gamers who want to win battles in less time. 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, allowing gamers to sit a bit far from the screen without any trouble. 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.

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 comes with dual-motor vibration, offering four levels of feedback for a truly impressive experience. Playing for long periods should be hassle-free, and that’s why this controller comes with redesigned grips to ensure that your hands don’t get tired. Do you get sweaty palms? No worries. An anti-slip design ensures the gamepad won’t slide during gameplay. A ten-meter range allows players to sit farther from the screen without worrying about losing the connection. As expected, this controller supports all the Nintendo Switch variants with additional compatibility with PC, iOS, and Android. PC gamers should note that a cable is required for connection.


To add a bit more color to one’s gaming setup, this controller offers three vibrant RGB lighting modes. Housed in between the joysticks, the lighting is a combination of nine colors. Users can choose one of three modes: Strobe, Breathing, and Static. Unfortunately, the existence of RGB lighting on this controller translates into an underwhelming battery life. Even with a whopping 800 mAh battery pack, Voyee claims this gamepad only lasts between 10 and 15 hours.

Not only is the PDP Rematch Advanced compatible with recent Xbox consoles like the Series X and S, but various customizable options are available. Buyers get to pick from different artistic color styles like Glitch Black, Purple Fade, and Blue Tide. An official Xbox license adds more credibility to this product while also avoiding Microsoft’s restriction on third-party controllers.


The Rematch Advanced comes with laser-etched textured triggers, which allow players to take more accurate shots. Gamers can also program the back buttons to handle commands like 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.

When paired with the D-pad, the function button can be used to modify volume settings and program the back buttons. Interestingly, it also acts as a mic mute button when tapped twice. A dedicated Share button allows players to easily share videos and pictures of proud gaming moments with friends. Plus, even with an official Xbox license, this controller supports gaming on PC.

Best Budget PlayStation Gaming Controller

PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller

$70 $80 Save $10

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

While there are many controllers available for the PlayStation, none offer as much value at an affordable price as the DualSense Wireless Controller. The DualSense comes with 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.


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.

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.


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.

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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.

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.

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The Best Wired Gaming Controllers Under $75

These wired gaming controllers not only save gamers money but also offer cutting-edge features that make their wireless counterparts envious.

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.

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