Best VR Controllers (2025): Quest Touch Pro vs Touch Plus, PS VR2 Sense, Valve Index and More
Updated October 2025
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, with hands-on notes and real user feedback from communities like Reddit and Discord. You will also find smart comfort upgrades and pitfalls to avoid.
Quick picks
- Best overall premium (Quest): Meta Quest Touch Pro — self-tracking, strong haptics, rechargeable dock.
- Best value (Quest 3/2): Meta Quest Touch Plus — compact, no rings, reliable inside-out tracking.
- Best for PS5: PlayStation VR2 Sense — adaptive triggers, nuanced haptics, finger touch detection.
- Best for SteamVR finger tracking: Valve Index “Knuckles” — per-finger sensing, secure strap for open-hand moves.
- Best for Vive XR Elite / Focus 3: HTC Vive XR/Focus Series — solid inside-out tracking and comfortable wands.
Skip: legacy phone-VR controllers like Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream. Mobile VR is discontinued in 2025.
Top 5 compared
| Controller | Tracking | Haptics & Triggers | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Quest Touch Pro | Self-tracked (on-controller cameras) | Refined haptics; stylus tip option | Rechargeable with dock | Quest power users, creators |
| Meta Quest Touch Plus | Inside-out via headset | Improved rumble | AA batteries | Value and simplicity |
| PS VR2 Sense | Inside-out via headset LEDs | Adaptive triggers; nuanced haptics | Rechargeable via USB-C | PS5 exclusives and hybrids |
| Valve Index “Knuckles” | Lighthouse (base stations) | Per-finger sensing; solid rumble | Rechargeable via USB-C | PCVR precision and modding |
| HTC Vive XR/Focus Series | Inside-out | Good rumble; classic layout | Rechargeable via USB-C | Vive XR Elite and Focus users |
If you are still choosing a headset, check our Best VR Headsets in 2025 first. Room layout and lighting matter too. See How To Set Up a VR Room for occlusion-reducing placement.
How to choose
Compatibility
Controllers are not cross-ecosystem. Quest uses Meta Touch. PS VR2 uses Sense. SteamVR headsets like Index, Pimax, and Beyond use Lighthouse controllers. Verify compatibility first.
Tracking method
- Inside-out (headset-tracked): Headset cameras see controller LEDs or patterns. Simple setup, minor occlusion behind the body.
- Self-tracked: Cameras on the controller track its pose. Coverage is more consistent during spins and high-speed rhythm games.
- Lighthouse: External base stations sweep the room for sub-millimeter accuracy that PCVR builders love.
Ergonomics and grip
Balance, button reach, and strap design decide whether you can relax your hands. Add knuckle straps or full grips to cut fatigue. We have a complete guide: Best VR Controller Grips & Knuckle Straps.
Haptics and triggers
Stronger and more nuanced haptics help you “feel” edges in rhythm games and recoil cues. PS VR2’s adaptive triggers add a distinctive pull in shooters and racing titles.
Power and charging
- AA cells: Fast swaps end battery anxiety for marathon play.
- Rechargeable: Cleaner desk with docks. Build the habit to dock after sessions.
Hands on picks
1) Meta Quest Touch Pro — Best overall premium for Quest
Self-tracked controllers with on-board cameras reduce occlusion during spins and behind-the-back throws. The dock keeps them topped up and the palm strap lets you open your hand without dropping the controller.
Pros
- Self-tracked 6DoF covers tough angles
- Comfortable palm strap for open-hand actions
- Rechargeable dock keeps charging simple
- Stylus tip for drawing and UI taps
Cons
- Heavier than Touch Plus
- Premium price
Hands-on and community notes: In rhythm games and PCVR sword titles, self-tracking handles behind-the-back moves better than inside-out. Several users note fewer momentary losses when blocking at extreme angles. The palm strap reduces grip tension over 30 to 60 minute sessions.
2) Meta Quest Touch Plus — Best value for Quest 3 and Quest 2
Compact design without tracking rings, lighter weight, and solid headset-based tracking. AA power makes long sessions easy with quick swaps.
Pros
- Light and well balanced
- No rings to clash in close moves
- AA cells avoid downtime
- Great default pick for Quest 3
Cons
- Inside-out occludes at extreme angles
Hands-on and community notes: The lighter frame makes a difference in fitness apps. Inside-out can still hiccup during full spins. Most users reduce this by adding one soft lamp for stable room lighting and avoiding reflective posters in view.
3) PlayStation VR2 Sense — Best for PS5
Deep PS5 integration, adaptive triggers, and nuanced haptics in both the headset and the controllers. Ideal for exclusives and hybrid titles that use trigger tension creatively.
Pros
- Adaptive triggers change feel per weapon or tool
- Excellent ergonomics
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Requires PS5 and PS VR2
- PC support needs special adapters
Hands-on and community notes: The adaptive trigger pull is a fan favorite for shooters and racing. Players mention improved immersion when devs map resistance to bow draw weight or throttle travel.
4) Valve Index “Knuckles” — Best for SteamVR finger tracking
Per-finger capacitive sensing unlocks natural open-hand interactions for climbing, throwing, and gesturing. Lighthouse tracking remains the precision benchmark for PCVR.
Pros
- True open-hand support with strap
- Per-finger sensing improves gesture fidelity
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Needs base stations and setup space
- Strap fit has a short learning curve
Hands-on and community notes: Builders praise sub-millimeter fidelity for VR development and sim rigs. Long sessions benefit from a sweat-resistant strap cover to prevent hotspots on the dorsal hand.
5) HTC Vive (XR Elite / Focus series) controllers — Best for Vive XR Elite and Focus 3
Comfortable wand-style layout with reliable inside-out tracking. A strong default if you live in the Vive standalone ecosystem or tether XR Elite for PCVR.
Pros
- Comfortable and intuitive layout
- USB-C charging
- Solid tracking for most room layouts
Cons
- Smaller content ecosystem than Quest
- Thumb-stick-centric users may prefer other shapes
Hands-on and community notes: Most call the layout predictable and friendly for media apps and productivity. When tethered for PCVR, users suggest a stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi link or USB-C cable to limit added latency.
Setup and integration
Tracking quality depends on lighting, reflectivity, and playspace. Soft, even lighting helps cameras pick up controller LEDs and features. Highly reflective posters can cause jitter. For SteamVR, place base stations high and aimed down at 30 to 45 degrees. Our VR room setup guide covers placement patterns that reduce blind spots.
Comfort upgrades matter. Grips prevent slips in sweaty sessions and spread contact pressure. See our grips and knuckle straps guide. If you experience queasiness, try the settings and techniques in VR Sickness Fixes.
Trending T-shirt for VR fans
Loaded the Real World in Low Resolution T-Shirt
A fan-favorite tee for VR folks who love a good render joke. Soft cotton blend and a pixel-city print that nods to simulated vibes without shouting.
Common problems and quick fixes
- Jitter or drift on inside-out tracking
Improve soft, even room lighting and avoid bright windows behind you. Remove highly reflective posters or glass in the camera view. See VR room setup tips. - Momentary loss during full spins
Self-tracked controllers reduce blind spots. If you use inside-out, add a low glare lamp and keep hands slightly forward during complex moves. - Slips during sweaty sessions
Add grips or knuckle straps to relax hand tension and keep hold during open-hand gestures. See our grips guide. - Thumb stick or trigger misreads
Recalibrate in the device settings and check for firmware updates. Clean around the stick and trigger with a dry microfiber cloth. - Tracking drops after an update
Power cycle the headset and controllers, then redo room guardian or chaperone. Verify no new reflective items entered the playspace. - Motion queasiness after input changes
Lower artificial turn speed, enable vignette, and shorten session length until you adapt. Use the steps in VR sickness fixes.
How VR controllers work
Controllers report pose and input. Pose uses IMUs and visual signals to compute 6DoF. Inputs include thumb sticks, triggers, buttons, and capacitive touch. Inside-out relies on cameras reading LEDs or features. Self-tracking puts the cameras on the controller. Lighthouse uses base stations that sweep the room so on-device sensors can compute precise location.
FAQ
Why do some controllers keep the ring?
The ring houses LEDs or sensor arrays that cameras can see clearly. Newer inside-out designs have reduced or removed rings as tracking pipelines improved.
Can I mix platforms?
Usually no. PS VR2 works with PS5. Quest controllers pair with Quest headsets. Index controllers require SteamVR and base stations. Adapters exist for niche cases but are not mainstream.
How can I reduce drift and jitter?
Improve lighting for inside-out, remove very reflective decor, and ensure no bright windows behind you. For SteamVR, tighten mounts and avoid vibration. Keep firmware current.
Which controllers are best for small rooms?
Inside-out or self-tracked options are easiest since they do not need base stations. Touch Plus or Touch Pro are strong picks if you have limited mounting options.
Conclusion
If you use a Meta headset, Touch Pro is the premium pick for reliable coverage. For value, Touch Plus is light and dependable. PS5 owners should stick with PS VR2 Sense. PCVR builders who want finger sensing and mod-friendly precision continue to favor Valve Index controllers. To push comfort further, add grips and refine room layout with our grips guide and VR room setup.
