F1 24 has arrived, which means it's a good time to start thinking about your setup and if it's poised for consistent podium finishes. With that in mind, we've put together a list of the best controllers for F1 24 to help out any gamepad enthusiasts looking to upgrade their device for this year's game.
Each of our picks offers an alternative to some of the best wheels for F1 24, providing things like adjustable trigger lengths and additional buttons to allow for complete customization to ensure your reactions and access to important in-game commands are as quick and as easy as possible.
As a result, these are some of the best controllers for racing games in general, let alone for F1 24, so stick around if you're in desperate need of a new gamepad for this year's game.
Best controllers for F1 24
- DualSense Edge - best for PS5 users
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - top pick for Xbox
- Razer Wolverine V2 - an excellent option for PC racing
- Nacon Revolution 5 Pro - a great choice for old-gen consoles
- PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced - best budget pick for F1
DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controller for F1 24
- Amazon - $186.07 / Ā£199.00
- PlayStation Direct - $199.99 / Ā£209.99
- Best Buy - $199.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
The highly-rated DualSense Edge, Sonyās premium gamepad for the PS5, is packed with advanced features designed to give you a competitive edge when racing. With three types of customizable thumbsticksāhigh, low, and half-domeāyou can tailor your controller for maximum comfort without sacrificing grip, improving your precision in games like F1 with finer control over your movements.
Mappable back buttons allow quick access to your most-used in-game controls, while multiple profile slots make switching between game setups effortless. Whether youāre playing shooters or racing games, this controller adapts seamlessly to your play style.
For racing fans, the standout feature is the adjustable trigger lengths, letting you manually set the travel distance for quicker throttle or brake response. Because of this, and the DualSense Edge's precision and responsiveness, it stands out as a top choice for games like F1 24, helping you master the track with ease.
Reasons to buy in short:
- Highly rated by our friends at Gfinity
- Stick modules and the joysticks themselves are customizable
- It features adjustable trigger lengths to help reduce reaction times
Read More: Best sim racing deals
Xbox Elite Series 2
Best Xbox controller for F1 24
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Elite Series 2
The Elite Series 2 is Microsoft's answer to the DualSense Edge for Xbox, boasting some of the most advanced controller technology available. An example of this is the customizable back bumpers that allow you to adjust pressure resistance to reduce response times for braking and accelerating. This feature could give you an edge in racing, enabling later braking into corners and faster acceleration on exitsāperfect for chasing a podium finish.
The controller also offers adjustable thumbstick tension, which enhances precision in FPS games and improves control on challenging tracks like Monaco. With the included tool, you can fine-tune your experience for maximum accuracy.
Additional features like a comfortable rubberized grip, 40-hour battery life, and three customizable profiles make the Elite Series 2 a top-tier option for gaming as well as racing. Its adaptability and long-lasting performance make it a strong contender for games like F1 24.
Reasons to buy in short:
- Until the Elite Series 3 arrives, this is the best Xbox controller you can get
- You can adjust the trigger lengths to help with your reaction times
- It has an impressive 40-hour battery life
Read More: Best racing game deals
Razer Wolverine V2
Best PC controller for F1 24
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Wolverine V2
If you prefer racing at a desk and game on a PC, the well-reviewed Razer Wolverine V2 is a top choice. Its wired connection eliminates any latency concerns, crucial when quick reactions matter most on the start line. Plus, youāll never need to worry about battery life, allowing you to race for hours uninterrupted.
The Wolverine V2 also features Razer's Mecha Tactile buttons and D-pad for enhanced grip, along with two mappable back buttons for easy access to in-game controls. Adjustable trigger lengths add to the appeal, allowing for precise, quick braking and fast acceleration, giving you an edge in races.
Weighing just 274 g and equipped with a 3.5 mm analog audio port for any headset you may use, this lightweight controller has everything you need for a seamless racing experience.
Reasons to buy in short:
- It boasts a latency-free wired connection
- It has mappable back bumpers and adjustable trigger lengths
- Easy to set up with a Windows PC
Read More: Best gaming chair for racing games
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Best PS4 controller for F1 24
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Revolution 5 Pro
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a fantastic alternative to the DualSense Edge, especially for PS4 users playing F1 24. Compatible with the PS5 too, it offers adjustable triggers and a range of customizable components, including three sets of weights, stick sizes, and heads. Its asymmetric layout boosts performance, while the magnetic Hall effect technology eliminates stick drift, delivering precise control.
Equipped with two vibration motors, the Revolution 5 Pro provides immersive feedback for PS4 games, enhancing your racing experience even without full force feedback. Itās subtle but effective and a great alternative to a racing wheel at the end of the day.
You can also save up to four profiles per platform, making it easy to switch between games without losing your preferred settings. With these features, the Revolution 5 Pro offers a fluid, responsive experience that's perfect for racing and beyond.
Reasons to buy in short:
- Its asymmetric layout is designed to improve game performance
- Equipped with two vibration motors that can feedback from your driving
- You can save multiple profiles to make switching settings easy
Read More: Best headsets for racing games
PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced
Best budget controller for F1 24
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Spectra Infinity Enhanced
Compared to most gamepads out there, the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced is far more budget-friendly, especially if you catch it while it's on sale. Despite being cheaper, however, this thing is still capable of giving you an edge on the track.
As per the fashion it seems, this controller features two mappable back bumpers that can be assigned to commands like shifting gear to help make each change quicker and easier. It also has three trigger heights which, when set at their shortest, can make braking and accelerating incredibly snappy.
The controller is wired, so you'd need to sit fairly close to your console to use it, although you then benefit from zero latency and never having to charge it. It also features programmable LEDs that might not help you win races, but they look cool, and that definitely counts for something in our eyes...
Reasons to buy in short:
- Three different trigger heights to choose from
- Two mappable back buttons for quick access to in-game commands
- You get to enjoy thousands of color combinations from the LEDs
Read More: Best budget racing setup equipment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There's no need to panic if you've had a few questions reading this guide. We've answered some commonly asked queries below.
What are the best controller settings for F1 24?
While the default controller settings are suitable to hop in and play the game, there are a few adjustments we'd recommend making to better your lap times:
- Steering Rate: Changing it to something close to the 160% maximum will increase the car's steering speed and make it more responsive.
- Steering Linearity: Dropping this to around 30% will reduce the steering sensitivity, helping with minor analog stick movements.
- Braking Linearity: What works for one person won't work for another here, but we'd recommend setting this to around 30% and experimenting until you find the most comfortable setting.
- Wheel Rotation: Again, this one's subjective. However, dropping this down to around 320 degrees should make the steering more responsive on a controller, making it easier to navigate tight turns.
Those are the key settings we'd recommend playing around with and changing from their default. All of the vibration and feedback settings can be adjusted too, but those all come down to personal preference once again.
For more information on the best F1 controller settings, check out our in-depth guide here.
What features should you look for from a controller for F1 24?
When selecting a controller for F1 24, it's essential to consider features that enhance precision, responsiveness, and immersion. Key features to look for include analog sticks that offer fine control over your steering. If these are customizable, then you can alter things like the stiffness of the analog stick or the shape of them to your liking so you can be more precise with your steering on the track.
Controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback can provide a more realistic driving experience by simulating the sensations of the road and car mechanics. Customizable trigger activation points are also great because you can reduce how far you need to press before hitting the brakes or the accelerator.
An ergonomic design is also crucial for comfort during long gaming sessions, ensuring that the controller feels natural in your hands and reduces fatigue. Plus, any controller with additional buttons can help speed up access to common in-game commands, helping you react quicker and achieve consistent podium finishes.
Is a controller better for playing F1 24 than a racing wheel?
In our opinion, a racing wheel offers a more immersive and precise experience for F1 24 compared to a controller, especially once you become accustomed to its mechanics.
The primary advantage of using a wheel lies in the enhanced control and realism it provides. With features like force feedback or direct drive, a racing wheel can simulate the physical sensations of driving, giving you a more authentic racing experience. Additionally, these advanced simulation techniques offer a wealth of information, helping you to better understand and react to the in-game dynamics.
However, it's worth noting that a controller offers greater versatility beyond racing games. If you're a more casual sim gamer or enjoy a variety of gaming genres, a high-quality gamepad might be a more practical choice for you. Some people simply prefer using a controller too, although that all comes down to personal preference.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your gaming preferences and how dedicated you are to the racing simulation experience in F1 24.