Best VR Controllers (2025): Quest Touch Pro vs Touch Plus, PS VR2 Sense, Valve Index & More
Great VR lives or dies on input. If your controllers are laggy, uncomfortable, or poorly tracked, immersion breaks instantly. This guide explains what to look for, then ranks the best VR controllers you can buy in 2025—plus smart upgrade tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
New to VR? Start with our primer what is virtual reality and our current best VR headsets. Already own a headset? See best VR grips & hand straps for comfort and retention upgrades.
Quick Picks
- Best overall premium (Quest): Meta Quest Touch Pro — self-tracking, great haptics, rechargeable dock.
- Best value (Quest 3/2): Meta Quest Touch Plus — compact, no rings, reliable tracking via headset.
- Best for PS5: PlayStation VR2 Sense — adaptive triggers, haptics, finger touch detection.
- Best for SteamVR finger tracking: Valve Index “Knuckles” — per-finger sensing, secure strap for open-hand interactions.
- Best for Vive XR Elite / Focus 3: HTC Vive XR/Focus Series — solid inside-out tracking with comfortable wands.
Skip: legacy phone-VR controllers (Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream). Mobile VR is discontinued and not recommended in 2025.
Before You Buy: What Actually Matters
1) Compatibility
Controllers are rarely cross-ecosystem. Quest uses Meta Touch; PS VR2 uses Sense; SteamVR/Lighthouse headsets (Valve Index, Pimax, Bigscreen Beyond, many Vives) use Index/Vive controllers. Verify support before you buy.
2) Tracking method
- Inside-out (headset-tracked): LEDs on the controller are seen by the headset’s cameras (Quest Touch Plus, PS VR2 Sense). Simple setup; occasional occlusion behind your body.
- Self-tracked controllers: Cameras on the controller track its pose (Meta Touch Pro). Excellent 360° coverage; fewer occlusion issues.
- Lighthouse/SteamVR: External base stations sweep the room (Valve Index controllers, classic Vive). Gold standard for precise PC-VR tracking; needs base stations and setup.
3) Ergonomics & grip
Weight balance, button placement, and straps matter for long sessions. Add knuckle straps or grips (see our grip picks) to reduce hand fatigue and drops.
4) Haptics & triggers
Richer haptics (rumble variety, trigger resistance) boost immersion. PS VR2 Sense adds adaptive triggers; Meta’s recent Touch models add refined haptics for rhythm/fitness titles.
5) Power & charging
- AA batteries: Easy to swap mid-session (Quest Touch Plus).
- Rechargeable docks/packs: Cleaner setup, but remember to dock (Meta Touch Pro, many third-party kits).
6) Availability & support
Controllers often sell out during holidays. Buy from official stores or top retailers, and consider a spare set if you play competitively or stream.
Best VR Controllers of 2025 (Hands-On Picks)
1) Meta Quest Touch Pro — Best Overall Premium (Quest)
Version 1.0.0
Why it’s great: Each controller has onboard cameras for self-tracking, so occlusion is dramatically reduced. Excellent haptics, a comfy palm strap, and a rechargeable dock make them the upgrade for Quest 3/Quest 2 owners.
- Highlights: Self-tracking 6DoF, refined haptics, rechargeable dock, stylus tip for drawing.
- Works with: Quest 3 and Quest 2 (firmware-dependent).
- Considerations: Pricey; heavier than Touch Plus; still best on Quest headsets.
Official product page • Upgrade comfort with grips/straps
2) Meta Quest Touch Plus — Best Value (Quest 3/2)
Why it’s great: Compact design without tracking rings, improved haptics, and excellent headset-based tracking make these the sensible default for most Quest 3 owners.
- Highlights: Light, well-balanced, headset-tracked; AA battery per controller for quick swaps.
- Considerations: Not self-tracked; occasional occlusion at extreme angles.
Specs & accessories • See our Quest 3 overview
3) PlayStation VR2 Sense — Best for PS5
Why it’s great: Built for PS5 with adaptive triggers, nuanced haptics (in controllers and headset), and capacitive touch to sense finger presence. Tracked via LEDs by the PS VR2 headset.
- Highlights: Great ergonomics, deep integration with PS5 exclusives, USB-C charging.
- Considerations: PS5 and PS VR2 required; not for PC outside new adapter paths.
Official PS VR2 page • Pair with our grip picks for longer sessions.
4) Valve Index “Knuckles” — Best for SteamVR Finger Tracking
Why it’s great: Per-finger capacitive sensing and a secure hand strap enable natural open-hand interactions (throwing, climbing) without dropping your controller. Lighthouse tracking is still elite for PC-VR precision.
- Highlights: Full finger sensing, robust build, USB-C charging.
- Works with: SteamVR/Lighthouse setups (Index, Pimax, Beyond, many Vives).
- Considerations: Requires base stations; learning curve for strap fit; premium price.
Valve Index store • Comfort tips: add a sweat-resistant cover/strap
5) HTC Vive (XR Elite / Focus series) Controllers — Best for Vive XR Elite & Focus 3
Why it’s great: Solid inside-out tracking with intuitive layouts; good option if you’re in HTC’s standalone ecosystem or tether the XR Elite for PC-VR.
- Highlights: Comfortable wands, reliable tracking, USB-C charging.
- Considerations: Smaller content ecosystem than Quest; different feel than thumb-stick-centric pads.
How VR Controllers Work (Fast Primer)
Controllers send their position (6DoF pose) and inputs (buttons, triggers, thumb sticks, capacitive sensors) to the headset or PC/console. Tracking approaches:
- Inside-out (headset-tracked): Headset cameras see IR LEDs/patterns on the controllers (Quest Touch Plus, PS VR2 Sense). Simple setup; may occlude behind your body.
- Self-tracked controllers: On-controller cameras locate themselves relative to the room and headset (Touch Pro). Excellent coverage with fewer blind spots.
- Lighthouse (SteamVR): External base stations sweep the room; sensors on the controllers calculate precise pose (Index/older Vive). Most precise; requires dedicated space.
Haptics, adaptive triggers, and per-finger capacitive sensing translate in-game events into tactile feedback for immersion.
The Future of VR Input
Two directions are accelerating:
- Controller-free hand tracking: Headsets interpret your hands with cameras/AI. Great for casual apps today; still improving for fast action.
- Wrist/EMG & haptics: Neural and muscle-signal interfaces (e.g., Meta/CTRL-labs research) plus mid-air haptics could reduce reliance on traditional controllers while adding tactile feedback.
FAQ
Why do some controllers still have rings?
Rings house LEDs/sensors that the headset cameras can easily see. Newer designs (Quest Touch Plus) shrink/remove rings thanks to better tracking.
Can I use VR controllers without a headset?
Generally no for their intended purpose. SteamVR/Index controllers require Lighthouse tracking and are meant for headsets. Some dev tools can read inputs, but for gaming you’ll need the matching headset.
Can I use VR on PS5?
Yes—with PlayStation VR2 (Sense controllers included). Some PS4 PS VR titles run via backward compatibility but require the proper camera/adapter; check Sony’s support pages for specifics.
Conclusion & Next Steps
If you’re in the Meta ecosystem, Touch Pro is the top upgrade; for value, stick with Touch Plus. PS5 players should use PS VR2 Sense. For top-tier PC-VR finger tracking, Valve Index controllers still rule with Lighthouse precision.
Level up comfort and control next: best VR grips & hand straps. Or, if you’re still choosing a headset, head to best VR headsets.
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