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 the track. 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
Specs:
- Compatibility — PS5, PC
- Connectivity — Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
- Battery Life — Around 6 hours
- Weight — 335 grams
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
The DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s top-end controller, offering a wealth of features that make it a standout choice for serious racers and gamers, in general. While it carries a higher price tag, the precision, customization, and comfort it provides are hard to match.
Its remappable buttons and back paddles allow for quicker in-game actions without taking your thumbs off the sticks, ideal for binding functions like ERS activation or gear shifts. Also, it has adjustable trigger and stick sensitivity that lets you fine-tune throttle, brake, and steering response to perfectly match your driving style.
You can also switch between saved control profiles on the fly, making it easy to adapt to different cars, weather conditions, or race modes. The on-the-fly customization menu provides quick mid-race adjustments, and slip-resistant inner grips ensure consistent control during long sessions.
As an official Sony controller, the DualSense Edge offers unrivaled PS5 compatibility, combining premium build quality with deep customization options. So, for anyone serious about racing, it’s a controller that can genuinely enhance performance and immersion, whether that's in Japan, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere.
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 is one of the most advanced and feature-packed Xbox controllers available, offering a true next-level experience for serious racers. Officially licensed by Microsoft, it feels like the long-awaited successor to the Xbox Elite Series 2, delivering precision, customization, and responsiveness that few controllers can match.
Its Hall Effect magnetic joysticks and triggers provide ultra-precise, drift-free input, ensuring consistent control for steering, throttle, and braking, while the instant triggers with flip-switch activation allow rapid, mouse-style actuation.
Onboard LCD customization makes adjusting button mapping, audio, and profiles simple without diving into menus, and the swappable sticks, D-pads, and adjustable weights give a deeper level of customization you won't find in the software. You can tailor the controller itself to suit whatever feels most comfortable and, ultimately, whatever's best for racing.
With low-latency modes — 1ms wired and 2ms wireless — the controller also guarantees near-instant responses, ideal for hitting braking points or reacting to sudden track events. Plus, four vibration motors in the handles and triggers deliver immersive feedback tuned via the companion app, adding to the realism of each lap.
For Xbox and PC racers who favor a controller over a wheel, the Revolution X Unlimited combines precision, customization, and comfort into a single package, making it a powerful tool for consistent performance and podium finishes.
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
The PowerA OPS v3 Pro is a PC-focused controller built to keep up with even the most demanding racing setups, delivering precision and responsiveness that rival keyboards, mice, and even racing wheels.
Its Hall Effect thumbsticks and triggers offer smooth, drift-free input, giving you consistent control over steering, throttle, and braking. Meanwhile, its 3-way trigger locks let you shorten activation distance for faster response, or leave them longer for more nuanced control, allowing you to tailor performance to your driving style.
The controller also features quick-twist adjustable thumbsticks, so you can switch between shorter sticks for tight, reactive maneuvers and taller sticks for precise steering. Six mappable gaming buttons provide easy access to functions like DRS, ERS, or camera toggles, while tactile mechanical buttons ensure crisp, responsive inputs.
If all of that wasn't enough, the dual rumble motors really do enhance immersion, letting you feel curbs, collisions, and grip changes for more instinctive car control.
While getting your PC settings right is the key to unlocking its full potential, this controller still offers a compelling combination of features and performance for competitive racing.
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
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.
Its 1,000 Hz Hall Effect joysticks provide smooth, precise input with no stick drift, which is true to its word, having tried it myself. Plus, the 256-level Hall Effect triggers give detailed throttle and brake modulation, essential for nuanced control in racing games.
For added versatility, the P5 includes two-step adjustable hair triggers, letting you switch between full-range analog control and rapid-fire activation for quicker reactions in menus or pit strategies. Additionally, it has four rear macro buttons that allow you to assign commonly used commands to easily accessible paddles, improving response times without moving your thumbs from the sticks.
The controller is also lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long sessions like full-race weekends in Career Mode, and the NEXUS app enables customization of dead zones, trigger sensitivity, and vibration feedback.
Overall, the PXN P5 delivers exceptional value for its price, offering features and performance that make it one of the best budget controllers available, particularly well-suited for games like F1 25.
Specs:
- Compatibility — Xbox, PC
- Connectivity — Wired (USB-C)
- Battery Life — N/A
- Weight — 365 grams
Why we chose the PowerA Advantage
The PowerA Advantage is a mid-range controller that punches well above its price, making it an excellent choice for F1 25 on Xbox or PC. Designed with both performance and comfort in mind, it bridges the gap between budget-friendly and premium controllers, offering features that enhance precision and responsiveness on the track.
Starting with the 3-way trigger locks, letting you adjust throttle and brake activation depth for more control over acceleration and braking depending on your driving style. Two advanced back buttons provide quick access to key in-game commands without removing your fingers from the sticks, while dual rumble motors and impulse triggers add immersive feedback, helping you sense curbs, collisions, and tricky corners.
The controller also prioritizes comfort, with an ergonomic design and textured grips that stay secure during long Grand Prix sessions or qualifying stints. Also, its precision analog sticks with anti-friction rings ensure smooth, responsive steering, reducing resistance for accurate inputs.
While not perfect, the PowerA Advantage delivers a combination of customization, comfort, and performance that makes it ideal for competitive racing 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 of 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.
Are back paddles or remappable buttons useful for F1 25?
Yes, back paddles and remappable buttons can be very useful in F1 25, especially for improving reaction times and comfort during long races.
While F1 25 is typically played with a racing wheel and pedals, many players still use controllers. In that case, having back paddles or remappable buttons means you can shift gears, adjust ERS, or activate DRS without taking your thumbs off the analog sticks.
The result of this tends to be smoother cornering and quicker reactions during intense moments. It’s particularly helpful in manual gear setups or for managing multiple functions mid-race. So while not essential, they offer a real advantage for more competitive or experienced players.
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.