Table of Contents
In the wake of Facebook’s ambitious commitment to the Metaverse concept, there has been a notable surge in the interest and demand for cutting-edge VR hardware, particularly the best VR controllers and headsets. Projections for the year 2023 indicate that the number of VR headsets sold will exceed an impressive 11.2 million units. Evidently, multiple tech giants are actively engaged in the development of VR devices, all with the common goal of providing users with an immersive gateway to the limitless possibilities of the virtual realm. These best VR controller systems empower users to seamlessly navigate AI-crafted environments, offering an array of experiences that encompass gaming, interactive engagement with their digital surroundings, and the exploration of diverse virtual universes.
With the rise of the Metaverse, there has also been a lot of interest in VR/AR technology. Big brands like Prada, Nike, and Gucci are working on using VR to connect with their customers. This piece gives a list of the top 5 VR controllers and explains what each one has to offer. You can use these controls to play virtual games on your computer, explore virtual worlds, and do a lot more.
Best VR Controllers Comparison Table
Product Name | Features/Description |
---|---|
Oculus Touch | Motion-tracked controllers with analog sticks, buttons, and triggers, designed for use with Oculus VR headsets. |
HTC Vive Controller | Motion-tracked controllers with touchpads, buttons, and triggers, designed for use with HTC Vive VR headsets. |
PlayStation Move VR Controller | Motion-tracked controllers with buttons and triggers, designed for use with PlayStation VR headsets. |
Samsung Gear VR Controller | Wireless handheld controller with buttons and touchpad, designed for use with Samsung Gear VR headsets. |
Original Rift Touch Controllers | Motion-tracked controllers with analog sticks, buttons, and triggers, designed for use with the original Oculus Rift VR headset. |
Valve Index Controller | Advanced motion-tracked controllers with finger-tracking technology and numerous buttons and triggers, designed for use with Valve Index VR headsets. |
Oculus Quest 2 Controllers | Motion-tracked controllers with analog sticks, buttons, and triggers, designed for use with Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. |
Oculus Touch

Product Name | Oculus Touch |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Thumbsticks, Triggers, Buttons, Capacitive Sensors |
The original Oculus Touch had a big impact on virtual reality, but it has since been replaced by better and more futuristic options, like the great Valve Index “Knuckle” controllers. But with the 2020 update, which came with the new Oculus Quest 2 headset, the Oculus Touch is once again safely at the top of the VR controller pile.
A lot of this is because of how versatile it is and how well-rounded it looks. The Oculus Touch controller is sturdy enough to handle any accidental bumps that are bound to happen when you own a VR system, but it’s still light enough and comfortable enough to hold for hours. It is definitely on the bigger side because of how thick the tracking ring is, but this is a good trade-off for stability.
The Good
- Ergonomic design makes it easy and natural for your hands to move.
- Tracking that is accurate and quick to respond for accurate virtual interactions
- Simple arrangement of buttons for easy control
- works with a number of Oculus VR headsets
The Bad
- Batteries need to be changed often.
- Not very compatible with VR systems other than Oculus
HTC Vive Controller

Product Name | HTC Vive Controller |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | HTC Vive, HTC Vive Pro, Valve Index |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Touchpad, Trigger, Buttons |
The HTC Vive Controller is yet another formidable competitor in the race for the market share of virtual reality (VR) game controllers. It is fair to say that this controller is not the most modern or cutting-edge one available, but because of its relative age, you can frequently find it for a price that is significantly lower than that of more contemporary options.
In contrast to the Touch controller, the HTC Vive Controller consists of a trackpad that may do multiple functions rather than a combination of thumbsticks and buttons. The trackpad can be used as a thumbstick, a scroll wheel, and a button. It provides a fluid experience in all of its functions, whether it’s gliding across the pad or giving rewarding strategic feedback with each press.
The Good
- Immersive experiences need tracking that is precise and accurate.
- Easy to hold and understand where the buttons are
- Touchpad gives you many ways to enter information.
- It works with a number of VR systems.
The Bad
- Design is heavy and bulky, which can make it hard to play for long periods of time.
- Batteries need to be changed often.
PlayStation Move VR Controller

Product Name | PlayStation Move VR Controller |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | PlayStation VR |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Trigger, Buttons |
PlayStation has already made a big splash in virtual reality gaming, and their PlayStation Move is the best option for players. Even though it may not look the best, most gamers choose this VR controller over the others because it feels like the normal PlayStation buttons (triangle, square, and circle).
Even after playing for a long time, the tools are very easy to use. This VR controller has one of the most accurate tracking systems on the market and gives you a fantastic VR experience. The controller also gives you input that you can feel, which makes the whole experience feel more real.
The Good
- Easy to use and light enough for long play sessions
- Accurate tracking for natural interactions in virtual worlds
- Suitable for a number of PlayStation VR games
The Bad
- Not as compatible with VR systems other than PlayStation
- Compared to other motion controllers, this one has less buttons and input options.
Samsung Gear VR Controller

Product Name | Samsung Gear VR Controller |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | Samsung Gear VR |
Tracking | 3DoF |
Input | Touchpad, Trigger, Back Button |
This virtual reality controller is primarily intended for usage on mobile devices. Individuals who are interested in trying virtual reality for the first time will find that the Gear VR headgear and controllers are available at fantastic price points, making this product enticing.
The user manipulates their experience within the virtual world with the help of the Samsung Gear VR Controller and by sliding their phone into the headset itself. The controller does not provide any specialized capability; but, due to its straightforward design, it is very simple to operate and is available at a very reasonable cost.
The Good
- For easy use, the design is small and light.
- Touchpad gives you many ways to enter information.
- Samsung Gear VR games can be played on it
The Bad
- Compared to other motion controllers, it has less accurate tracking.
Original Rift Touch Controllers

Product Name | Original Rift Touch Controllers |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | Oculus Rift |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Thumbsticks, Triggers, Buttons, Capacitive Sensors |
When the first Oculus Rift came out, this tool was the best thing ever. The HTC Vive came with its original controls, but they weren’t as good as the virtual hands that Oculus was making. Three years ago, it was easy to pick a winner because these Touch devices had grip buttons, joysticks that were easy to use, and triggers that were in the right place. But that was a long time ago, and since then we’ve used a lot of different controls. Let’s compare them to models from today and see how they do.
If you used the original Touch controllers right after using a new controller from another VR company, you were probably pretty upset by how they felt. This has nothing to do with how the devices are being tracked. The Rift sensors are great, but these Touch controls just don’t do a good job of showing what your hands would look like in a virtual world. They don’t do well in Beat Saber, which is a pretty big deal. They don’t do well in any game.
The Good
- Comfortable and well-made so that your hands can move naturally
- Tracking that is accurate and quick for immersive experiences
- The layout of the buttons makes it easy to control.
- Compatible with the VR headset Oculus Rift
The Bad
- Batteries need to be changed often.
Valve Index Controller

Product Name | Valve Index Controller |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | Valve Index |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Thumbsticks, Trackpad, Triggers, Buttons |
The Valve Index headgear was less anticipated than the controllers in the months leading up to its introduction. The controls worked despite many doubters. They’re alright—some of the best VR controllers on the market, if not the best.
I’ll never forget my first Valve controller encounter. I was Cinderella with a video game controller. It fit perfectly. VR glove-like. After the demo, I was ready for Beat Saber to evaluate tracking and motion controller sensation. Amazing experience. Beat Saber, the best VR gaming experience, was used to test this gadget and all others.;
The Good
- Natural virtual interactions require tracking that is accurate and quick to respond.
- Flexible ways to control the game with thumbsticks and a trackpad
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to play for long periods of time.
- Valve Index VR headset compatible
The Bad
- Compared to other motion controllers, the price is pretty high.
Oculus Quest 2 Controllers

Product Name | Oculus Quest 2 Controllers |
---|---|
Type | Motion Controllers |
Compatibility | Oculus Quest 2 |
Tracking | 6DoF |
Input | Thumbsticks, Triggers, Buttons, Capacitive Sensors |
It wouldn’t be fair to compare the Oculus Quest 2 controllers to other high-end choices because they were made with the same idea as the Oculus Quest 2 headset as a whole: to be cheap, easy to use, and not tied down.
When we understand how they think, we can see their best and worst parts. As their main feature, Oculus controls have the best battery life in the industry. Valve Index knuckles need to be charged every 7 hours or so, but Oculus controls can be used for more than 60 hours before the two AA batteries they use need to be replaced or charged.
The Good
- Ergonomic design makes it easy and natural for your hands to move.
- Tracking that is accurate and quick to respond for accurate virtual interactions
- Simple arrangement of buttons for easy control
- No need for sensors or wires from the outside
- Compatible with the stand-alone Oculus Quest 2 VR headset
The Bad
- Batteries need to be changed often.
- Not very compatible with VR systems other than Oculus
FAQs
A: VR controllers are handheld devices that are used to interact with virtual reality environments. They typically feature motion tracking sensors, buttons, and triggers to enable users to interact with objects and navigate virtual worlds.
A: Some types of VR controllers include handheld motion controllers, gamepad-style controllers, and wearable gesture-based controllers.
A: Some popular VR controllers include the Oculus Touch controllers, the Valve Index controllers, the PlayStation Move controllers, and the HTC Vive controllers.