The stock controller for the PlayStation 4 is very good, but it's not for everyone. Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there that offer a different experience and cater to different markets. Whether you're a competitive gamer, have kids who want to play, or just want to sharpen up your experience, a good controller is important. Pick up one of these options if you're looking for something to change up your play.
Familiar form
Scuf Impact
Scuf controllers are used by a large portion of the pro-gamers who play on console, and the Impact is the company's latest and greatest effort for the PS4. The basic shape is the same as the regular PlayStation DualShock 4, but the grips are longer and the whole thing is less angular.
Best in class
Razer Raiju Ultimate
Razer doesn't mess around when it comes to making gaming peripherals and the Raiju is no exception. With the new and improved Raiju Ultimate model, only available in Europe at the moment, the controller is now wireless thanks to Bluetooth technology. Around the back, you've got a couple additional triggers and two more buttons on top next to the bumpers.
The forefather
Sony DualShock 4
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? The DualShock 4 is the standard controller that comes in the box and therefore, comes with the design we've come to expect.If you like it already but wish it were a little more interesting, Sony has a range of different colors available. The red one here is pretty hot, but new variants keep appearing all the time.
Asymmetrical goodness
Nacon Revolution
Some folks love PS4 but wish the controller was more like the Xbox One's with it's offset analog sticks. Many find this layout more ergonomic, which makes the Nacon Revolution a great option to try. It's wired, so you can't sit too far away from the console, but the shape and layout are pretty similar to what you'd find with the Xbox.
Nintendo nostalgia
Hori Mini Wired Gamepad
Need a solid controller for younger, smaller hands that doesn't cost a lot? Or maybe you're a traveling PS4 gamer that needs something compact. That's where the excellent Hori Mini Wired Gamepad comes in. As the name implies, this is a wired controller. The touchpad is missing, which is OK, but there's a button in place for when you might need it.
Hello Xbox layout
Hori Onyx
If you're a PS4 gamer but you've always prefered the style and feel of an Xbox controller, I have great news for you. The Hori Onyx controller gives you all the same functionality of a PS4 controller in a different form. You get a wider and beefier grip with offset analog sticks, so you get the same sensation playing on your PS4 as you would on your Xbox.
Updated September 2018: We've updated this post with the new Razer Raiju Ultimate model.