Best Joysticks in 2020 with Reviews

Video games are extremely popular across the world.  Some of the games, especially computer games, require more technology to give the player a better and more enjoyable experience.

The most popular things that people buy are joysticks, as they find that it improves the movement of characters and objects in various games, especially on computers.

The best joysticks can be bought after reading this joystick reviews.  Here are our top picks.

These are our top 10 choices. Click to see current pricing, pictures and user reviews.

Best Joystick

Extreme 3D Pro Joystick

The number one joystick is the Extreme 3D Pro Joystick for Windows, made by Logitech.  The price, features, durability, ease of use, and flexibility with a variety of games.  Although this product says that it’s made specifically for Windows, people with Apple products have had no issues making it work with their products.

At two and a half pounds, the joystick is extremely light.  It attaches to the computers via a USB cord and the joystick comes with CD filled with gaming software.  Besides the actual joystick, there are twelve buttons that are programmable to various games, there is also an eight way rubber hat switch that can be personalized to taste.

Consumers enjoy the sheer control that this joystick gives them. They don’t find that there any blank spots in games caused by the joystick, and enjoy the twisting ability that this product offers.  A majority of buyers ignore the CD, and merely plug it into their computers and let it go from there, especially people with Apple products.

Because of its ease of use and ability to work with a variety of games, this is our top rated product. Also, the quality of construction makes it durable and work extremely well, there are almost no complaints about the movements of the joysticks, as it is very smooth and fluid.

Joystick Reviews

While our top pick should work for several consumers, if you’re still interested in looking at other products, here are more high quality joystick reviews for you to consider.

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas

Although this joystick is extremely popular and is extremely good for games, there are issues with it working with simulators.

Some consumers complain about a large dead zone in the middle of the controller, finding that small movements are impossible to make.

Occasionally, there are also sticky zones, but a majority of consumers are willing to forgive the issues for the price.

Qanba Q1 PS3 & PC Joystick

Qanba Q1 PS3 & PC Joystick

For people who enjoy playing arcade fighting games, this is the controller for you.  It works with both the PlayStation and PCs, but is designed for an extremely specific purpose.

A majority of consumers really enjoy the product, finding that it works well, although the buttons can be a little bit sticky.  Besides the table clamps, the controller can be sat and played on a table or on a person’s lap.

Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X

Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X

In order to use this with your games, all you need to do is plug it into a USB port and let it run.  This controller is specifically designed for flight simulator games, especially those designed for PCs and for PlayStation, having default controls for each of them.

There are twelve buttons and the joystick itself runs off of four axes, all of which are individually programmable.

Mad Catz V.1 Stick for PC

Mad Catz V.1 Stick for PC

This joystick falls on the cheaper end.  Several people enjoy the product, but accept a lot of the short comings because of its price.

It is specifically designed for PC gaming, particularly with flight simulators.  There’s a pinkie button that works with the other buttons to give an extra boost or to act like a shift button and give the player even more options to program into the controller.

Saitek ST290 Programmable Joystick with Throttle

For its price, this is an extremely good, but basic joystick.  There are six buttons that can be programmed to what you need them to do.

Weighing in at just over one pound, the joystick is made of basic black plastic and has handle adjustment in three positions and has an adjustable palm rest to make it comfortable for people to use.

Logitech Attack 3 Joystick

Logitech Attack 3 Joystick

There are eleven programmable buttons for users to set to their likings with some RAM in order to keep track of your selections.

With a USB port, it’s easy to attach to a computer, and works well with most Windows computers.  A majority of consumers like the joystick, but find it to be a little clunky for the price and to be a little basic for more advanced flight simulator games that may require dogfighting.

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller

Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller

This is a two handed joystick.  One hand has the actual joystick, while the other has an LCD display with a throttle to work with a specific game.

With a PC, you can create a variety of profiles on different flight simulators to set each one to your need.  This joystick is specific for flight simulators, so if you want this to play a game that isn’t a flight simulator, it may not work like you need it to.

Saitek Pro Flight X-55

Saitek Pro Flight X-55

Built specifically to use with flight simulators, this also comes with dual controllers, one hand with the joystick and the other controlling the throttle.

Falling on the pricey end of the controllers, a majority of consumers find that the quality of the product is extremely poor.  Often, players need to open up the controller and lubricate the ring around the joystick, among other issues that have arisen from the build of the product.

Saitek X52 Flight Control System

Saitek X52 Flight Control System

This product comes with multiple light up buttons that can be programmed to your liking.  Both controllers, one joystick and one throttle, have resistance adjustment to make each controller set to your liking.

Besides the resistance, there are several other adjustments that you can make for the controller to be made comfortable for your usage.  The pricing of this joystick is average, and most consumer don’t mind the pricing as they find that the controller meets their expectations.

You’ve now seen the reviews for joysticks, so you can make the best choice for the controller that suits your needs.  We’re sure you’ll find the best joystick from the above list for your next gaming session, either on a PC, PlayStation, or a Mac.