Best PC Joystick 2024 - IGN (2024)

The best PC joysticks allow you to take complete control of your gameplay, putting you in the driver’s seat, or rather, the cockpit. Instead of using a gaming keyboard, PC controller, or gaming mouse, you can comfortably invest in a PC joystick that suits your play style.

TL;DR – These are the Best PC Joysticks

• Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog PC
• Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
• Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Edition
• Virpil VPC Constellation ALPHA Prime
• Thrustmaster T16000M FCS
• Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Yoke
• Asus ROG Chakram X
• ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse
• Mad Catz Ego
• Razer Tartarus Pro
• Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck

From simple PC joysticks to HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) configurations, you can choose something you’re comfortable with. Heck, you might even get multiple joysticks to cover a wide range of games.

Take to the skies or explore outer space with the best PC joysticks around.

1. Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog PC

Best PC Joystick

Pros:

• Solid build (metal construction)
• Real-life feel

Cons:

• Expensive

For the ultimate flight simulation, you need the ultimate flight stick. That happens to be Thrustmaster's Hotas Warthog PC joystick. You won't find any cheap plastic or fake buttons added to give it an authentic look. Instead, you're getting a joystick with almost a complete metal construction and weighing 14 pounds. This thing is a beast, and as far as authenticity goes, the Hotas Warthog PC joystick is perhaps predictably modeled after the A-10C Warthog and officially licensed by the US Airforce. But just like that military aircraft, this joystick may take a bit of time to master.

The Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog PC’s joystick and two-throttle system feature 55 action buttons and controls split up between switches, hats, and triggers. All of those controls not only look like those found on the A-10C Warthog but feel like them — the pressure used to work the buttons and triggers on the joystick is actually identical. And each of those 55 controls is programmable, so you can get your flight setup tweaked just how you like. Finally, when it comes to the actual flying, you'll get fine control through the joystick's magnetic HallEffect sensor with 16-bit precision and the throttle's realistic push and pull system with a disengageable afterburner. So, if you want to rule the skies, this is a worthy ally.

2. Logitech Extreme 3D Pro

Best Budget Joystick

Pros:

• Compatible with PC and Mac
• Simple to use

Cons:

• No force feedback

Not everyone needs an authentic flight stick, especially if you just want to jump in the cockpit and start flying without mastering dozens of controls. Logitech’s Extreme 3D Pro is just what the doctor ordered in that sense and will only set you back around $30. This joystick is perfect for novice flyers or those on a budget and is comfortable to hold for hours while you’re in the air. Sure, you aren’t going to have as realistic of an experience as you would with the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog PC, but it sure beats using a traditional controller or mouse/keyboard combo.

The focus here is on simplicity though Logitech’s Extreme 3D Pro still offers a dozen programmable buttons and an eight-way hat for controlling your ship without resorting to the keyboard. The trigger features a rapid-fire mode to capture even your slightest movements and ground your enemies, while the z-axis rotation delivers simple rudder control. And as you’re immersed in the game's action, the controller sits firmly on a wide base to prevent tipping and sliding.

3. Thrustmaster TCA Airbus Edition

Best Flight Sim Joystick

Pros:

• Officially licensed
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Lightweight construction

If you've got a bit of wiggle room in your budget, you can move up to the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition. This joystick has it all, and that's because it's practically the real thing. Thrustmaster has modeled this after the sidestick and quadrant in the Airbus A320. It's a 1:1 scale replica and is officially licensed by Airbus, making it perfect if you're looking to go deep into Microsoft Flight Simulator. The joystick is insanely realistic and precise, while the dual thrusts on the quadrant put you right in the cockpit of a commercial airliner.

Between the joystick and quadrant, you're getting a ton of control. The joystick features 17 buttons and controls, while the quadrant has 16, with most being programmable. That means you can map out a ton of functions to be easily within reach and cater them perfectly to your flying style. You can also swap out a number of the head buttons on the joystick to suit your needs. The joystick uses a long-lasting magnetic Hall Effect sensor system for more nuance and a better feel while in the air. You also get rudder control thanks to the joystick's ability to twist and lock. And the quadrant offers a reverse thrust mechanism. Though this joystick is a little pricey at slightly under $200, you really are getting a lot for your money with this pick.

4. Virpil VPC Constellation ALPHA Prime

Best Flight Stick for Space Sims

Pros:

• Sturdy grip
• Multiple hats

Cons:

• Less versatile

When you’re sick of Earth and are ready to explore other planets and galaxies, the best flight stick for the job is the VPC Constellation ALPHA Prime. It’s designed specifically for space sims, like Elite Dangerous or Outer Wilds, but can work for most almost anyone looking to take it to the skies. The sturdy metal grip—with left and right-handed options—is sure to hold up to all the action and is comfortable to hold, while the addition of a twist axis means you get simple, more natural control of your ship without the need for pedals. The twist grip also comes with a lockout for less z-axis movement.

That’s just the start of what’s on offer with the VPC Constellation ALPHA Prime, as you’ll enjoy a wide range of controls, including multiple hats, an analog stick, buttons, and triggers that are all well-built and responsive, with most being easy to reach. There’s even a scroll encoder that works similarly to one you’d find on a gaming mouse. Virpil doesn’t forget to add a healthy dose of RGB lighting to round out this top-tier flight stick that’s ready to explore other worlds.

5. Thrustmaster T16000M FCS

Best Joystick for Lefties

• See it at Amazon (Stick Only)

Pros:

• Suitable for lefties
• Ergonomic and accurate

Cons:

• Bundled software isn't straightforward

The Thrustmaster T16000M FCS is another solid budget-priced joystick made from the same DNA as Logitech’s Extreme 3D Pro. Only with this model you get Hall Effect magnetic sensors for precision and durability. However, the best feature is a gift to left-handed gamers. The joystick is fully ambidextrous; by swapping around three components, you can play it with either the left or right hand.

The ergonomic joystick of the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS features 16 buttons, an eight-way hat switch, and z-axis rotation. You even get an ergonomic trigger to shoot down your opponents with ease. If you want a more authentic flight experience, you can also grab the throttle, which offers 14 additional buttons and an eight-way hat switch. A sliding mechanism on the throttle offers further precision, and friction can be adjusted using tightening screws. Now, that’s a lot of control.

6. Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Yoke

Best Flight Yoke

Pros:

• Developed by pilots and aerospace engineers
• Decent resistance

Cons:

• A little pricey

You don’t have to feel like you’re flying a fighter jet or starship if you don’t want to. The Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Yoke gets you geared up for a bit more realistic flying experience. Actual pilots and aerospace engineers developed it and even used aerospace-grade internal components in its production. The design mimics that of actual aircraft, so you’ll get a feel for flying large commercial or smaller private planes, while the yoke-based controls are meant for use with FAA-approved sims.

The Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Yoke centers around a yoke sitting on a steel shaft with dual linear ball bearings. It features a 180-degree turn radius that self-centers for good resistance, consistent sensitivity, and smooth control. You also get 13 different switches and buttons, all of which are customizable, so it’s possible to set those controls up for multi-engine control or have it operate flaps or propeller pitch. Another unique feature is the adjustable cockpit backlighting, which immerses you in the atmosphere of a flight. The system is also hefty enough, so you won’t need to worry about screwing it down before getting up in the air, but it comes with clamps if you’re concerned about the yoke moving around.

7. Asus ROG Chakram X

Best Mouse Joystick

Pros:

• Plenty of buttons
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Not suitable for smaller hands

The Asus Chakram X is there for you when you need some of the control of an analog joystick while still demanding the precise control offered by a mouse. The unique thumb joystick gives you controller-like movement or aim — perhaps while flying a jet. You can also set it up to work for macros or button assignments. Just be prepared for the joystick to be slightly awkward to use at first.

If you’re worried about losing typical gaming mouse abilities with the Asus Chakram X, don’t be. It works and looks just like the best of them, offering flashy RGB lighting, a 36,000 DPI sensor, and programable buttons. It’s even possible to swap out the switches while multiple connectivity options ensure you can connect to almost any of your devices.

8. ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse

Best Vertical Gaming Mouse Joystick

Pros:

• RGB lighting is a nice touch
• Programmable buttons

Cons:

• Wired

You don’t usually see a joystick on a gaming mouse, let alone on an already more unique vertical mouse, but the ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse makes good use of its stick. However, the joystick on this peripheral is more of a four-way toggle than a true joystick. Sure, you can set each of the cardinal directions as WASD, but you won’t get the diagonal movement control of a typical joystick. Still, you can use it in your PC games for quickly swapping weapons, activating character abilities, and inputting other commands.

Joystick aside, the vertical tower design in the ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse reduces stress on your wrist and fingers and improves reaction time while eliminating fatigue. Despite being easy on the budget, the ZLOT mouse uses a Pixart PMW3325 IR sensor with five adjustable resolution settings from 1,500 to 10,000 DPI and includes 11 programmable, macro-capable buttons (including the thumbstick), with the settings stored in the mouse’s internal memory. That means you can cruise through the action of a game using a peripheral perfectly catered to it. And of course, in true gamer fashion, this wired mouse has some fun RGB lighting to round it out.

9. Mad Catz Ego

Best Fight Stick

Pros:

• Solid performance
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Must have the console's controller

Sure, your regular gamepad or keyboard may work fine with fighting games like Mortal Kombat, but you’ll have the best possible experience when you play these games using a fight stick. The Mad Catz Ego is a phenomenal option that gives you an edge over your opponents. You can hook it up to your PC via a USB, but it also works for the Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch. All you need to do is plug the respective controller of that platform into the Ego. We love that this fight stick breaks through the absurd platform-compatibility divide while standing out with quality parts and being geared up for gamers to tinker with at their leisure.

The Mad Catz Ego offers a solid, compact build with easy access inside to mod out the fight stick with your own customizations — it even comes with a screwdriver to easily open it up. But you already get a reliable Sanwa Denshi eight-way ball-top joystick and eight responsive action buttons, giving you a leg up on opponents and making fighting a breeze. So, if you’re looking for a competitive-grade fight stick that’s ready to go at a fairly affordable price, this is one of your best options.

10. Razer Tartarus Pro

Best Gaming Keypad

Pros:

• Adjustable actuation
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Some keys are hard to reach

The Razer Tartarus was already a pretty nifty accessory. It provided you with some dedicated keys for gaming while also giving you a handy directional pad for your thumb. Now with the Razer Tartarus Pro, the capabilities go even further, letting you get closer to joystick-like control. That’s because this time around, those keys have analog optical switches that can detect how far they've been pressed rather than the typical binary input you get from keyboards.

On the Razer Tartarus Pro, you get a set of 20 keyboard-style buttons with per-key RGB backlighting. In addition to the pressure-sensitive response, the keys can even be set to register at different actuation points or have two actuation points that each trigger a different action. In total, there are 32 customizable inputs. Besides the keys, the Razer Tartarus Pro includes a clickable scroll wheel and an eight-way direction pad, giving your thumb a lot more to do than just jump. You also get a detachable magnetic wrist pad which can come in handy, as this peripheral can be a bit awkward and uncomfortable to handle at first.

11. Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck

Best Joystick for Enthusiasts

Pros:

• Interactive yoke
• Strong build quality

Cons:

• Not compatible with Xbox

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck features a whopping 139 programmable buttons, making this a very advanced HOTAS. If you have a headset with a 3.5mm jack, you can easily connect it to this flight stick and enjoy the onboard audio enhancements. Alongside a strong and sturdy build, the Turtle Beach features multi-zone RGB lighting which can be adjusted in the Flight Hangar desktop app.

Advanced flight sticks aren’t always a walk in the park, especially for the price you pay. But the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck comes with everything you need for an immersive flight sim experience, and more. For some, this might be overkill. But for enthusiasts, it’s hard not to love what’s on offer here, like the OLED HUD and youch display.

Once you’re in the (virtual) cockpit, you can customize your own haptic throttle detent response to suit your play style. Compared to the VeolocityOne Flightstick, you’re getting over 100 more programmable buttons, double the number of axes and a touchpad display. However, it is limited to PC compatibility.

How To Pick the Best PC Joystick

Choosing the best PC joystick really depends on what your requirements are. Since many people opt to ditch the use of a controller or keyboard/mouse combo in favor of a joystick, you need to decide whether you want a full-blown simulation kit, or something a little simpler. Having your hands on both throttle and stick can feel authentic and significantly increase your immersion.

There are a range of different joysticks available, including flight sticks, gamepad-style joysticks, yokes, etc. Some are compatible with both PC and console, whereas others are only suitable for one or the other.

Similarly, not all joysticks work with all games. Some games will not support joystick input, so this is something else to consider before spending your hard-earned cash on something that might not be compatible.

The quantity and configuration of buttons are also critical; more controls add up to more realism and fewer reasons to ever touch the keyboard in-game. But 30 buttons with three programmable modes each can mean 100 or more different commands, which may be a lot more than you have the patience to learn as a casual gamer. If that sounds intimidating, you might be happy with a simple keyboard with a dozen buttons and switches.

Some joysticks twist from side to side – this is referred to as “z-axis rotation” and lets you easily apply rudder or yaw. As a general rule, you’ll want this, particularly in flight and space simulators. And don’t forget that in the heat of combat, it’s good to have a joystick that stays put. Some joysticks ensure stability through sheer mass. Others have suction cups, clamps, or screws to keep them from sliding.

FAQs

What Are Computer Joysticks Used For?

PC joysticks offer handheld input to control the movement of an object on a computer screen. Joysticks are commonly used for flight simulation games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Why Should You Use a Joystick?

Joysticks are really useful if you’re looking for a better and more immersive experience. Typically, joysticks are used for flying and racing games, but they do have more of a learning curve when compared to a standard controller.

Are Joysticks Customizable?

Many joysticks are customizable, allowing you to change settings like button assignments, sensitivity, etc. Depending on the game you’re playing, you might want to customize your joystick to make the controls more suitable.

Where to Get the Best PC Joystick in the UK

Are you still marvelling at the brilliance of Microsoft Flight Simulator? Well, maybe it's time to up your game and invest in a brand new joystick for the PC. There are plenty of brilliant options to choose from, with our favorites including the lovely mid-priced Hori HOTAS Flight Stick, or the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition.

Dave Johnson has been writing about gaming and tech since the days of the Palm Pilot. See him shout into the Twitter void @davejoh.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.