Gamepad recommendations?

The basic Xbox 360 Controller is probably the best and most compatible controller for Windows.

I have 2 controllers (both from Logitech) and one of them is F310. It's quite good and it survived many hours of gaming without any sign of damage.
I never had any experience with the rest, but I heard controller for Xbox 360 is pretty good too. You should also consider the fact that some games don't support other controllers than the X360 one and you need additional programs to get them working (using things like x360ce for example).

steam controller is quite good and with all that valve have invested in it you can feel safe knowing its only going to get better and more supported

I got Logitech F510 (it's main difference to F310 is in vibration 'engines', I think, which also is weight).
It's cool. Durable. Although I had a problem with one of buttons after some time (wasn't clickable) so I get to send it to seller to fix it.
Yet, depending on the #kinds of game# you're looking forward to play, you must ask yourself:

• if you will use mainly both analogs or one. Cause if both analogs, it seems for me to better go for Xbox pads.
• If you're looking for reaaaaally precise pad, go for Xbox pads.
• if you will play for long periods (Logitech is not convenient for very long sessions)
• if you want to play games that aren't designed for pad, using pad, you might want to choose Logitech as they have a software for 'redefining buttons' (Although there is application JoyToKey)
• if you like vibrations a lot and will use it - then definitely Logitech F510
• if you want to use pad on other gaming sources (consoles). Logitech F510 doesn't work on Xbox, but works on PS3 (without vibrations I think)
• if you will use D-pad a lot, cause the one in Logitech sucks

And of course, don't buy any cheap crap. Ever. Unless you want analogs that works in 3 something like states (0, half, 1) and 16 directions... so if you would to play NES-emulator games, it's only situation to use them.
Edit: Logitech has 2 modes, one is detected as Xbox pad (but doesn't work on Xbox 360, reminder), other as Logitech.

xbox 360 usb controller 0% problems all games will run whit that controller, whit other controllers you will have problems later or soon. never buy another controller than xbox 360 for a PC. easy and simple. don't want problems xbox360, want problems? buy any other controller for PC

I'm using PS2 controller and almost work with every game, but i think you should get Xbox 360. It's maybe the safest bet.

It depends on what games you want to play. The D-pad on the 360 controller is terrible, so if you're into games where it sees a lot of use (like 2D platformers), then don't get a 360 controller. It does have nice sticks though. The Logitech controller has a far better d-pad than the 360 controller

I just recently got the XEOX PRO ANALOG GAMEPAD - USB, what makes this gamepad cool is that it has the build and button layout of a xbox controller, but also has a switch at the back to switch between XBox and Dualshock controller, so you can play any game with this controller :)

Just bought yesterday Xbox One controller for windows, can't wait till I get it! :) (I bought wired one, as it's cheaper and weights less + I have small room, so whatever xD)
I read a looooot and I mean here hundreds of opinions and the only acceptable options were:

• Xbox 360 controller
• Xbox One controller
• Logitech F310 or F510 (main difference is vibration)
• Logitech F710

The main difference between Logitech and Xbox is, that Logitech is more for console gamers as it has the same set of buttons.

Some people says that Xbox 360 controller has an awful Dpad

Also here is one of the theards that you may find useful:
http://www.steamgifts.com/discussion/P2tdB/decent-controller-ga-inside

PS3/Arcade stick xD

I have a wireless Xbox 360 Controller. Works with every game. Add 20$ more and get it.

Xbox One controller. I use the Elite controller myself, although that's unfortunately way over your budget.

Also voted for Xbox 360 but i also use the steam controller.

Defiantly a clear result :P

Xbox one.
All you need to make it wired is to plug it simply with microusb-usb cable.

For over 5 years I use a Logitech F710, but a lower model is also ok (I'd recommend F510 instead of F310 though, the rumble is worth it). It survived Devil May Cry 3 & 4 and Tomb Raider Anniversary and several other games, recently I'm using it with OllieOllie and that finally is getting to it (the rubber on the analogue sticks is rubbing off, but hey - after 5 years of gaming).

It fits really good in my hands, which I can't say about the xbox gamepad (too bulky, not ergonomic enough) or the playstation ones (they feel like childs toys - so small). Plus it has the analogue sticks in the proper places. When it finally dies I'm going to buy another one, I used several different controllers in my life, but Logitech always makes the ones that I'm satisfied the most with.

Oh, yeah the xinput/directinput switch is also superb, not to mention the d-pad. If you like any hardcore games then there really isn't any other option - the d-pad is the killer feature of Logitech gamepads.

Dual Shock 3 with bluetooth usb dongle + Scarlet.Crush drivers (works as a 360 controller, wireless or wired via usb cable, but less expensive).

The Steam Controller has 70-100 hours of battery life on two AA batteries... so I wouldn't worry too much about loosing power mid match. It's a rare occurrence.

It's the cheapest wireless controller you can get. I've really been enjoying it, takes some getting used to but it's great when you do. It also works for more games than any other controller, even fully mouse driven games such as Cities: Skylines or Civilization works perfectly on it. Something the other entries on the list just can't do.

If non-standard-gamepad games and wireless really isen't something you care about though, you can't go wrong with the 360 controller. It's cheap, solid and works plug-n-play with every new game out there.

Logitech F710 if you are Play Station player, XBOX controller if you are XBOX players.