After Valorant joined consoles back in 2024 and mobile more recently in China, the game's player base and skill level have never been higher. Nowadays, you need to be incredibly quick and precise with your in-game actions to avoid defeat, and while training your skills can help you get better, your FPS ability is only going to be hampered if you don't own one of the best controllers for Valorant.
Typically, keyboard and mouse reign supreme for shooters, but this combo isn't always a console option, nor is it always preferred for PC players. Some simply like the familiarity of a traditional gamepad, but luckily for you, if you are one of those people, that doesn't have to result in slower reactions and inaccuracy that'll cost you that competitive edge.
This guide covers five of the best gamepads I've used (or our wider team has used) for each gaming platform you can play Valorant on. Plus, the list covers one budget-friendly choice in the PXN P5, just in case you're looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Best Controllers for Valorant: PS5, Xbox, PC, and More
- Best PS5 controller for Valorant — NACON Revolution 5 Pro
- Best Xbox controller for Valorant — NACON Revolution X Unlimited
- Best PC controller for Valorant — PowerA OPS V3 Pro
- Best budget controller for Valorant — PXN P5
- Best mobile controller for Valorant — Gamesir G8 Galileo
Specs:
- Compatibility — PS5, PS4, PC
- Connectivity — Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C/USB-A)
- Battery Life — 10+ hours
- Weight — 988 grams
Why we chose the NACON Revolution Pro 5
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is easily one of the best controllers our team has tried for competitive games like Valorant or even Rainbow Six Siege, as this website is known for.
Its asymmetrical thumbstick layout (very Xbox-like, but with a PlayStation shape) makes it feel instantly natural in the hands, and the concave, premium rubber sticks manage to balance both the precision needed for Valorant with the ease of quick flicks.
The triggers and shoulder buttons are another highlight, with optional trigger stops for lightning-fast inputs. Plus, it features four rear buttons that create easy access to extra actions without lifting your thumbs.
It’s also highly customizable. You can swap sticks, add weights, and fine-tune sensitivity through the companion app, letting you build the exact feel you want. This is important for staying comfortable as well as competitive during longer Valorant sessions.
The lack of PS5 haptics and native connection is a drawback for console gameplay, but on PC, the Revolution 5 Pro is simply outstanding. That said, it's also great for serious competitive play on PS5, with it arguably one of the best FPS controllers you can buy.
Specs:
- Compatibility — Xbox, PC
- Connectivity — Wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz), Wired
- Battery Life — 10+ hours
- Weight — 327 grams
Why we chose the NACON Revolution X Unlimited
The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited (RXU) is one of the best Xbox controllers I’ve personally tested for Valorant, thanks to its precision, customization options, and competitive-focused features.
First and foremost, it features Hall Effect Magnetic sticks and triggers that make a massive difference. I experienced no stick drift, ultra-smooth control, and pinpoint accuracy, which is exactly what you need when holding tight angles or making micro-adjustments mid-duel.
Moreover, it boasts pretty rapid Instant Triggers (switching to a mouse-like click with a simple toggle), thus helping you shave off those crucial milliseconds that can turn a fight in your favor.
Customization is another big win. Between the swappable sticks, D-pads, and weights, plus the on-controller LCD screen for quick profile changes, you can tailor the RXU to your exact playstyle without ever leaving the game. Meanwhile, the low-latency wired and wireless modes (down to 1ms) also keep inputs sharp, ensuring you’re never left blaming your controller in a clutch round.
It’s not perfect, like the bulky shape and shorter battery life won’t suit everyone, but in terms of raw performance, this controller feels unrivalled for competitive play, especially in a shooter like Valorant when paired with a top-tier monitor that can keep up.
Specs:
- Compatibility — PC, Cloud Gaming
- Connectivity — Wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz), Wired
- Battery Life — 30+ hours
- Weight — 274 grams
Why we chose the PowerA OPS V3 Pro
On PC, the PowerA OPS V3 Pro is arguably the best gamepad I've come across for shooters, including Valorant.
It's got a lot of the usual customizable features, including adjustable triggers and unique, in this case, twistable thumbsticks. Being able to shorten trigger travel gave me noticeably quicker shots in close fights, while raising the right stick’s height improved fine aiming control for those pixel-perfect headshots. Combined with Hall Effect sticks that reduce drift, its precision is truly next-level.
The mecha tactile buttons also add a snappy responsiveness that makes inputs feel instant, and the four remappable back buttons let you assign commonly used controls to quicker access areas.
The low-latency wireless connection felt as sharp as wired, which is huge for competitive play, and the ability to tweak deadzones and profiles in the PowerA PC HQ app made dialing in settings for Valorant seamless.
Although the back buttons are a little awkwardly placed for me personally, in terms of raw performance, this is one of the strongest PC-first controllers I’ve used for Valorant, and should be on your radar as Act 5 comes to an end.
Specs:
- Compatibility — PC, iOS, Android, Switch
- Connectivity — Wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz), Wired
- Battery Life — 20+ hours
- Weight — under 250 grams
Why we chose the PXN P5
The PXN P5 Wireless Controller is easily one of the best budget-friendly gamepads I've ever used, and at just $29.99 (at the time of writing), it seriously overdelivers.
Despite its low price, it packs in premium features like 1,000 Hz Hall Effect joysticks, two-step adjustable hair triggers, and four remappable back buttons — all things you’d normally expect from far pricier controllers.
The Hall Effect sticks, in particular, impressed me with their sharp responsiveness and zero drift, which is crucial for consistent crosshair placement in Valorant.
The adjustable triggers are another standout. Switching them to the shortest setting gave me near-instant shots, which felt like a real edge during quick duels. Meanwhile, mapping reload or crouch to the back buttons means you can keep your thumbs locked on the sticks, helping you stay precise when you're in tricky one-on-one duals.
While the P5 is super lightweight (which at first felt cheap), it actually made longer sessions more comfortable compared to heavier controllers as well.
Sure, the D-pad could use a little more tactility, but that's a very minor gripe considering the price. For under $30, the PXN P5 is a rock-solid controller that proves you don’t need to spend big to compete in Valorant.
Specs:
- Compatibility — iOS, Android
- Connectivity — Wired (USB-C)
- Battery Life — N/A
- Weight — 546 grams (252 grams = net weight)
Why we chose the Gamesir G8 Galileo
Although mobile Valorant is restricted to certain regions, it already has quite a few players, particularly as there are workarounds to hop on if it's not available in your country. If you're one of these mobile players, make sure you consider the Gamesir G8 Galileo.
It ditches the flimsy, Joy-Con–style feel of many phone controllers in favor of proper grips, making it comfortable to hold for hours, as it's more like a full-size gamepad than a mobile accessory.
Additionally, it boasts Hall Effect sticks that are the real highlight here: smooth, resistant, and drift-free, they give you the precision needed for headshots and quick flicks, which is a huge upgrade over touch controls.
Our team also loves the tactile buttons and responsive triggers, which feel far more satisfying than tapping a screen. Plus, two rear buttons add some flexibility for competitive play, while the adjustable USB-C connector means it works seamlessly with larger smartphones.
It isn't the most portable mobile controller, but for me, that's a small price to pay for greatness everywhere else. So, if you care about comfort, responsive controls, and stick precision above all else, the G8 Galileo makes mobile Valorant feel far closer to a proper PC or console experience.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Controller for Valorant
Although not all of these factors are essential, these are some key considerations to keep in mind when upgrading your gamepad:
- Responsive Thumbsticks – Precise, low-dead zone sticks for better aiming.
- Paddle Buttons – Extra back buttons for faster movement and actions.
- Adjustable Triggers and Bumpers – Hair triggers for quicker shooting and more.
- Grip and Comfort – Ergonomic design for more comfortable Valorant gameplay during long sessions.
- Low Input Lag – Wired or high-quality wireless for faster response times.
- Customization Options – Remappable buttons, swappable sticks, and trigger sensitivity adjustments.
- Strong Battery Life – Make sure your wireless controller will last a good few hours, and make sure it's rechargeable, if possible.