While some gamers swear by a racing wheel for a game like F1 25, many Formula One fans still go for one of the best controllers to dominate theretrack. If you’re more of a casual gamer than a serious sim racer, nothing beats the familiarity and ease of use that a traditional controller offers, especially if you nail the settings.
With hundreds of controllers on the market, finding the right upgrade can be overwhelming at first. Fortunately, we've highlighted five of the very best controllers for F1 25 to help out, with each one carefully chosen based on price, features like back buttons and adjustable triggers, and most importantly, our hands-on experience with each one playing F1 25 itself.
What is the Best Controller for F1 25
The best controller depends on your gaming platform and budget. Top contenders include the DualSense Edge for PS5 and the Nacon RXU for Xbox, along with several other standout options detailed below.
- Best PS5 controller for F1 25 — DualSense Edge
- Best Xbox controller for F1 25 — Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
- Best PC controller for F1 25 — PowerA OPS v3 Pro
- Best budget controller for F1 25 — PXN P5
- Best mid-range controller for F1 25 — PowerA Advantage with Lumectra
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
For PlayStation, the DualSense Edge is hard to deny as one of the best controllers on the market. Although a tad pricey, it's the ultimate tool to elevate console gameplay across all genres, not just racing.
Key Features:
- Remappable Buttons & Back Paddles: Give an in-game edge, once you're use to them, as you can bind things like ERS activation to these for quicker access without taking your thumbs off the sticks.
- Adjustable Trigger & Stick Sensitivity: Fine-tune throttle and brake response or steer sensitivity to match your driving style—one of Gfinity, and our own, favorite features.
- Quick-Swap Control Profiles: Instantly switch between saved setups—perfect if you race across multiple modes like time trial, wet conditions, or different car setups in career and online.
- Haptic Feedback: If you turn this up to the highest setting, you can really feel things like grip loss, kerbs, and braking pressure in your hands.
- Slip-Resistant Inner Grips: Helps maintain control during long race sessions—think 50% or more races.
- On-the-Fly Customization Menu: Quickly adjust control settings mid-race via Fn + Options.
Being an official Sony controller, too, gives the Edge, well, an edge over third-party alternatives. Its compatibility with the PS5 is second to none, and its features, as outlined above, are more than capable of taking your racing skills to the next level, whether that's in Japan, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere.
Why we chose the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Having tested this one myself, I can safely say the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is one of the most advanced, feature-rich Xbox controllers on the market. Officially licensed by Microsoft, it is, in many ways, the long-overdue successor to the Xbox Elite Series 2 that many gamers have been waiting for.
Key Features:
- Hall Effect Magnetic Joysticks & Triggers: These are ultra-precise and durable, having experienced no stick drift myself, which is ideal for consistent steering and throttle control lap after lap.
- Instant Triggers with Flip-Switch Activation: Instantly switch to fast, mouse-click-style actuation if, for example, you want rapid gear shifting or brake modulation.
- LCD On-Controller Customization: You can adjust settings like your button mapping or audio output directly from the controller, rather than going into complicated in-app menus.
- Swappable Sticks, D-Pads & Weights: Customize physical feel to match your driving style. For example, I use taller sticks for smoother steering, and you can also adjust weight for more balanced handling during long stints.
- Low-Latency Performance Modes (1ms Wired / 2ms Wireless): Pretty much guarantees instant responses, which is vital for nailing braking points, reacting to dynamic weather, or battling wheel-to-wheel in competitive online play.
- Four Vibration Motors (Handles & Triggers): Offers immersive feedback tuned via app.
So, while we all eagerly await the Elite Series 3, why not try the Revolution X Unlimited if you're a controller over a racing wheel F1 25 player? It's got everything you need and more to consistently hit podium finishes.
Why we chose the PowerA OPS v3 Pro
The PowerA OPS v3 Pro is a PC-focused controller that really can keep up with pesky keyboard and mouse gamers, though in this case, racing wheel players. Though it has a few cons, it's still one of the best PC controllers around.
Key Features:
- Hall Effect Thumbsticks and Triggers: Driving feels smooth and precise, with stick drift essentially non-existent once you get the settings right.
- 3-Way Trigger Locks: Shortening the activation distance means quicker braking and throttle sensitivity, albeit with less control over the amount of force you deliver. The beauty is that you can choose what works for you.
- Quick-Twist Adjustable Thumbsticks: Instantly change stick height by twisting, which means you can go shorter for quick reactions in tight corners, or taller for precise steering.
- Six Mappable Gaming Buttons: You can easily assign functions like DRS, ERS, or camera toggle to extra buttons on the back for quick access.
- Tactile Mechanical Buttons: Crisp, responsive inputs, which are ideal in a fast-paced race where any slight delays in a button press could be costly.
- Dual Rumble Motors: You really feel the curbs, collisions, and grip changes, which help to nstinctively react to the car’s behavior.
The OPS v3 Pro is actually my go-to controller on PC at the moment, and it does a great job of delivering the consistency and precision needed for racing. With this in mind, and all of the above features, it's hard to ignore this particular controller for this list—just make sure you get your PC settings right to perform at your best.
Why we chose the PXN P5
Although known for racing wheels—the V99 and V9 GEN2, to name a few—the PXN P5 is a huge success for PXN and its foray into the controller world. That's because the P5 is an extremely budget-friendly device that punches well above its price tag.
Key Features:
- 1,000 Hz Hall Effect Joysticks: This delivers ultra-smooth, accurate steering with no stick drift.
- 256-Level Hall Effect Triggers: Enables highly detailed throttle and brake modulation.
- Two-Step Adjustable Hair Triggers: Instantly switch between full-range and rapid-fire modes. You'll want to use full travel for analog control in racing, and switch to hair triggers for faster reactions in menus or pit strategies.
- Four Rear Macro Buttons: Map commonly used commands to easily accessible paddles to speed up response times.
- Lightweight, Comfortable Build: I found there was less fatigue using this one in long sessions, like full-race weekends in Career Mode.
- NEXUS App Customization: Adjust dead zones, trigger response, and vibration via the app.
In my full review, I describe the P5 as "one of the best budget controllers around", which I stand by to this day. Honestly, you can't go too far wrong with it, especially considering its features and how well-suited they are for a game like F1 25.
Why we chose the PowerA Advantage with Lumectra
If your budget extends beyond the budget-friendly bracket, but below the premium price range, then make sure you consider the PowerA Advantage for F1 25 if you're an Xbox or PC gamer. Put simply, its features outmatch its inexpensive price tag.
Key Features:
- 3-Way Trigger Locks: Again, you can adjust trigger depth for throttle and brake activation, depending on what you need for the race.
- Two Advanced Gaming Buttons: Keep your fingers on the sticks while you access important in-game commands from the back buttons.
- Dual Rumble Motors & Impulse Triggers: Brings an added sense of immersion while helping with reaction times when faced with tricky corners.
- Ergonomic Design with Textured Grips: These remain comfortable and steady through full-length Grand Prix or long qualifying stints.
- Precision Analog Sticks with Anti-Friction Rings: Smooth, responsive steering with reduced resistance.
While it's not perfect, it's not a million miles away, and with features like its trigger locks and additional gaming buttons, it's very well set up to help you bring home championship after championship in F1 25.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Controller for F1 25
- Compatibility: Ensure it's fully compatible with your platform (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S).
- Analog Stick Precision: Look for responsive sticks with low dead zones for accurate steering.
- Trigger Sensitivity: Progressive triggers help with smooth throttle and braking control.
- Ergonomics: Comfortable grip and button layout for long racing sessions.
- Build Quality: Durable materials and good construction for long-term use.
- Customization Options: Mappable buttons, trigger stops, or adjustable stick tension to set up your device to your preference.
- Wireless vs. Wired: Wired offers lower latency; wireless offers convenience.
- Price vs. Performance: Balance premium features with your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions to help you choose the best controller setup for F1 25.
Is a controller or a wheel better for F1 25?
A wheel provides the most realism and control, while a controller is more convenient and accessible.
More often than not, a racing wheel offers a far more immersive and realistic experience, with precise steering, force feedback, and pedal control that closely mimics real-world driving. For a game as intense and fast-paced as F1 25, this can be a real difference-maker, helping to shave valuable milliseconds off your lap times and deepening the simulation feel.
On the other hand, a controller is more accessible, affordable, and convenient. While a wheel excels in precision, modern controllers feature highly responsive analog sticks and triggers, making them perfectly capable for fast lap times, even in competitive play. They also require less space and setup time, ideal for casual players or those who value simplicity.
Ultimately, the best option is the one that fits your preferences, budget, and setup. Whether you favor realism or convenience, both options can enhance your F1 25 experience.
Is a wired or a wireless controller better for F1 25?
Wired controllers offer lower latency and more reliability, while wireless controllers provide greater freedom and convenience.
This decision comes down to latency, convenience, and personal preference. A wired controller typically has lower input lag, which can be crucial for precise steering and quick reactions in a racing game like F1 25. Plus, they don’t require charging, making them dependable for long play sessions.
Wireless controllers, on the other hand, offer freedom of movement and a cleaner setup. Modern wireless tech has greatly reduced latency, so for most players, the difference is hardly noticeable. However, occasional connection drops or battery concerns could be a factor during intense races.
If you’re focused on competitive performance, a wired controller is the safer bet. But for relaxed or casual play, a wireless controller may be the more comfortable choice.
Final Thoughts
Whichever controller you choose, the key is finding one that feels natural and enhances your racing experience in F1 25. With the right gear in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle every corner and cross the finish line faster than ever.