I have a DS3, because of the PS3, so i'm using that for pc as well, isn't officially supported, but there is a driver that works perfectly (even wireless, but it's a bit tricky if you want to use it with the built-in Bluetooth, no problems with a BT Dongle), if you like the PS style, you can buy it safely, the driver tricks Windows, and for it, it will be like a normal X360 controller, works with every game, and has a better d-pad too, and fine analogs (i think the DS4 is generally better, but didn't have a PS4, just tried a couple of times).
If you want the simple way, just buy the X360 pad, i hate the XOne's RB/LT "clicky" buttons.
P.S. The PS driver name is "SCPToolkit" by Nefarius (NOT motioninjoy, gives BSoD), just google it, i'm not sure if i can put the link here.

I have a cheapo speedlink controller and use it with x360ce. Not really ideal and wouldn't recommend it. xbox 360 controller is probably the safest bet in terms of compability

Logitech F510 , its much better becoz it support both X and D mods : Wichtig dabei ist, auf der Unterseite des Gamepads den Schieberegler auf „X“, und nicht auf „D“ stehen zu haben. Letztere Konfiguration, „DirectInput“ eignet sich speziell für ältere Games, die den neuen XInput-Eingabemodus noch nicht unterstützen

I have the Xbox 360 controller for at least 3 years. It's running exactly as it did in day one. No issues whatsoever. Also, after using the xpadder software ... i decided to buy the Controller Companion from Steam. Best choices i've made regarding a peripheral acquisition and software.

Oh, and by the way, if you purchase a Xbox One controller and use it wirelessly, or a Steam controller; Steam Big Picture shows the current level of their batteries by going into Settings > Add/Test Controller at any time.

personally hate throwing $ at microsoft so i went with Steelseries Stratus XL works the same as the xbox 360 controller, dxinputs just fine to anything and everything the xbox controller would and same level of plug and play as it as well.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller

Steam controller is the best one

you can also use a psp as a controller,does well with the Neptunia series for example

Generally I would recommend a Logitech F310 since I HATE the 360 feel, but the 360 is the single most compatible gamepad you can get. Even the XBone gamepad isn;t as compatible due to issues with a lot of games.

I have two wireless 360 controllers I used with my HTPC and one wired one I sometimes used with my laptop (plus another wireless one used for the 360). They work well, and allow me to purchase most 360 games on the PC instead. I have no experience with other controllers.

I love the 360 pad for most stuff, but I've been getting into the Steam Controller too. The analogue stick is fantastic. Not really used the D-pad yet, and I can see the giant footprint making it a bit weird for some games. But I guess like most Steam Controller stuff it probably takes some getting used to :)

I can recommed the Xbox One controller. I have been using it for a little over 2 years and i am happy with it. It's robust, the buttons feel great when pressing them and the d-pad is great. It's a bit on the heavier side, but even then it's comfortable to use for longer gaming sessions.

The X360 controller is also a good and cheap choice. My only gripe with it is the abysmal d-pad, otherwise the controller is nice.

I hope my input helped in deciding what to get. :3

So far, I've only used Logitech controller and XBox controller.

At first, I bought F710 Logitech, as I thought that it has Xinput and smallest USB receiver. But then, as the game progress, I feel that it's a little clunky, and the shoulder button feels a bit harder to push. Especially when I used it for racing games or aiming on action games, my hand will be tired for sometime.
Then, I bought XBox controller wireless, actually I don't like the receiver, but the feels, the control, the buttons on the controller are so much different.

Downside is, Logitech F710 have so much better battery life than the XBox counterpart.

I have been using a wired XBOX 360 controller for 2 or 3 years now. I have had no problems with the controller. Don't really know anything about other controllers. Have heard good things about the Steam controller but can't say anything for sure. Not much experience with controllers, all I can recommend is a XBOX 360 controller because it was recommended to me, and it's the only one I've used.

Hope you find a good controller. Good Luck. :)

You might find XBOX 360 pad cheaper now as the XBOX ONE is out and it's a really awesome pad, plug and play with every device.
Howerver, the XBOX ONE pad is a level above it, might be a bit more expensive but worth it.

I have both and I feel the XBOX ONE pad more confy.

I don't know if there's better or not, but Xbox 360 one is still a solid choice. Works nicely, strong (in case of drops), pleasant to hold and everything worked with it so far.

bump!
Just saying, I am using 360 controller.
Other guys say description better.

Mostly happy with the Logitech 310/710, but I'm not terribly picky (yet).
I like the DInput/XInput switchability and not having to rely on x360ce anymore (which worked great 99% of the time with my older off-brand controller).

I'm using the Nacon GC-100XF. It's very similar to the official Xbox 360 controller, however it has a better quality and you can switch between DirectInput and XInput. It also looks better than the official Xbox 360 controller.

I picked up the steam controller in the last sale and I've been really happy with it thus far.

I use an X360 controller for my PC gaming, and I don't have an Xbox of any type. I would suggest getting and XB1 controller though since it is a bit more advanced (especially in gaming) and X360 controllers are becoming harder to find now that X360s are no longer being built.

Also, I would suggest getting a third-party controller since those are much less expensive for equal quality. I would suggest Rock Candy since it come in many colors and I have personally used them and they work great :)

Links to Walmart and Amazon for X360 and XB1 Rock Candy controllers below:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rock-Candy-Wired-Controller-for-Xbox-360-Blueberry-Boom-Xbox-360/40895640
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Performance-Designed-Products-Rock-Candy-Wired-Controller-for-Xbox-One-Lalalime/49029701
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=xbox+360+controller+rock+candy
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=xbox+one+controller+rock+candy&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Axbox+one+controller+rock+candy

The last two show a full listing of colors on Amazon in case the first two aren't good enough colors :)

Hope this helps.

The xbox 360 and xbox One controllers are really good for pc gaming, but if you want to go third party, I recommend Logitech.