At HLPLANET, we’ve put 25 gaming controllers through their paces this year. To celebrate the best of the best, we’re launching our subjective Controller of the Year Awards for 2025.
Note: These awards are based on the hands-on testing of our editors. Most featured gear was tested by one or two specialists to provide a deep-dive perspective. Here are the winners!
🥇Best Controller of The Year 2025: Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
Winner: Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
This was a razor-thin margin between the GameSir G7 Pro and the Flydigi Apex 5, but for controllers under $100, the Vader 5 Pro takes the crown.
Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
Gamesir G7 Pro
8BitDo Pro 3
Best Budget Controller: Gamesir Nova 2 Lite
Winner: GameSir Nova 2 Lite The budget market is more competitive than ever. While the Nova 2 Lite wins for its overall balance, the GuliKit and 8BitDo alternatives are nearly equal contenders. Mojhon Aether deserves a honorable mention here.
Best Premium Controller of 2025: Flydigi Apex 5
Winner: Flydigi Apex 5
Another close call, this time between ZD Ultimate Legend and Flydigi Apex 5. Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K is third and it’s also an excellent premium controller.
Specialist Excellence Awards
Celebrating the controllers that mastered a specific niche.
Now let’s move on to a few exclusive categories where we only feature one controller in each one.
8BitDo Ultimate 2
Gulikit ES Pro
8BitDo Pro 3
Gamesir G7 Pro Wuchang
EasySMX S10
Mobapad Huben 2
Check out our controller reviews from 2025:
- Beitong Kunpeng 20
- Machenike G5 Pro V2
- Gulikit KK2 T
- EasySMX X20
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless
- Mojhon Aether
- Gulikit Elves 2 Pro
- Palmlab M001
- ZD O+ Excellence (+part 2)
- Gamesir Nova 2 Lite
- 8BitDo Ultimate 2C
- Mobapad Huben 2
- EasySMX D10
- Gulikit ES Pro
- Fantech Nova II WGP16
- Evofox Elite X2 Pro
- Cosmic Byte Starforge
- Gamesir G7 Pro
- Flydigi Vader 5 Pro
- ZD Ultimate Legend
- 8BitDo Pro 3
- EasySMX X05Pro
- EasySMX D05
- Mobapad N1 HD
- Flydigi Apex 5
What did we miss? We haven’t had the chance to review the Beitong KP70 or Mojhon Rainbow 3 yet, but we’ve heard great things. Stay tuned for 2026!
Fang’s Choice: The Editor’s Top 3
A personal look at the gear that defined the year from HLPlanet Editor, Fang who also makes videos on his Youtube channel.
Best Controller of 2025: Flydigi Apex 5
“The Apex 5 stands at the apex of controllers. It is packed with rare features like adaptive triggers, a customizable screen, and tension adjustment of the sticks. From the mechanical buttons to the custom Hall Effect sticks, everything is right up my alley in the most perfect way.”
Most Versatile: 8BitDo Ultimate 2
“Compatible with almost every platform—Xbox, PC, Switch, Android, and iOS. With TMR sticks that feel incredible and the best membrane ABXY buttons I’ve used, it deserves a spot in my top 3 even without considering its versatility and unique special editions.”
Best Budget: GameSir Nova 2 Lite
“Excellent value and a plethora of desirable features in a $30 package, such as a mechanical dpad, back buttons, and trigger stops. It features a top-class D-pad—which is extremely difficult to nail—and performs on par with controllers that cost significantly more.”
I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
