Master F1 25 with the perfect controller.
Published: Jun 04, 2025, 7:07 am Updated: Jun 04, 2025, 7:07 am
While some gamers swear by a racing wheel for a game like F1 25, many Formula One fans still aspire to own the best controller for the game. 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.
That said, with hundreds of controllers on the market, finding the right upgrade can be overwhelming, as most of them are not worth your time. This list, however, is worth your time, as it highlights five of the very best controllers for F1 25, carefully chosen based on price, features like back buttons and adjustable triggers, and most importantly, our hands-on experience with each one.
Customizable controls, adjustable sensitivity, quick profile swaps, haptic feedback, slip-resistant grips, and mid-race on-the-fly settings for precision racing.
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.
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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.
Precise Hall Effect controls, on-controller customization, swappable parts, low-latency response, and immersive vibration feedback for next-level F1 racing.
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.
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So, while we all eagerly await the Elite Series 3, why not try the Revolution X Unlimited if you're a controller over racing wheel F1 25 player? It's got everything you need and more to consistently hit podium finishes.
Hall Effect controls, adjustable triggers and thumbsticks, six mappable buttons, tactile mechanical inputs, and dual rumble motors for immersive racing.
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.
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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.
High-precision Hall Effect controls, adjustable hair triggers, four rear macro buttons, lightweight design, and customizable settings via companion app.
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.
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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.
Advanced back buttons, immersive rumble, ergonomic grips, and precision analog sticks provide comfort, control, and responsiveness for long racing sessions.
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.
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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.
Here are answers to some common questions to help you choose the best controller setup for F1 25.
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 as fast-paced as F1 25, this can be a real difference-maker, as it can help to shave valuable milliseconds off your lap times if you're comfortable with a wheel and create a more immersive experience overall.
On the other hand, a controller is more accessible, affordable, and convenient. Yes, a wheel offers precise steering, but modern controllers have excellent analog stick precision and trigger sensitivity, making them perfectly capable of delivering fast lap times, even at a high level of competition. They also require less space and setup time, making them a better choice for casual players or those who value convenience.
Ultimately, the best option is the one that fits your preferences, budget, and gaming setup. Whether you prefer the realism of a wheel or the simplicity of a controller, both can improve your F1 25 skills and experience, provided you buy the right device for your needs.
This decision comes down to latency, convenience, and personal preference. Part of that is because a wired controller generally offers lower input lag, providing more immediate response times, which is crucial for competitive racing. They also don’t require charging, making them more reliable for long sessions.
Wireless controllers, on the other hand, offer greater freedom of movement and a cleaner setup. Modern wireless technology has significantly reduced latency, so for most players, the difference is minimal. However, there's always a slight risk of input delay or connection drops during intense races.
If you’re playing competitively or aiming for peak performance, a wired controller is the safer choice. But for casual or couch gaming, wireless may offer more comfort and flexibility.
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.