Buying a controller by the end of this year. Which one to buy?

I personally bought a Thrustmaster GPX LightBack. Haven't had any issue with it so far, and you even have light indicators showing you how hard you're pressing the triggers which can be useful for games that require finesse.

The question depends on what games you intend to play. If you want a hassle-free experience, get a controller with Xinput support, which includes thinks like the later Logitech controllers and the 360/One controllers. If you intend to play a lot of 2D platformers and such avoid the 360 controller, it has a terrible D-pad, but if you intend to play a lot of 3D games with your controller, then a 360 controller will likely serve you better than a modern Logitech controller, as the sticks are a bit better.

I don't really have much experience with controllers, but out of the ones I've.used: PS4, Xbox, and Steam, I felt Steam controller was the easiest and most natural to use for a non-console gamer.

I love dualshock 3. But mine has a problem with d-pad and activates randomly.

So 2 weeks ago I bought a XBOX ONE Controller with WIFI adaptor (promo: 45€). Still getting used to it, but It's very solid. Seems really good to me. The only problem is that it uses batteries. But rechargable ones can be a good upgrade, or a chargeable battery.

I bought this because I already tried DS4 and didn't like it.

official 360 wired controller, plug and play simple as that.

I personally have a 360 controller.
Every review for it probably will tell you the same thing, the D-pad ain't great but that really isn't that much of an issue except if you want to play fighting games with that controller.
Of course, it's pretty handy that most of the time, it just works.
Also, I often see people praise the Logitech controllers but I couldn't compare them since I have only owned the 360.

KBM

Xbox 360 or xbox one are the best options, both are plug and play, easily recognized and every controller compatible game has button prompts for them. Got both of them and I'm satisfied with their performance/quality.

Logitech F710 is the best I played so far with. It is heavy weight, but very good.

I used a Dualshock until it broke which I found to work perfectly fine, now using a wired 360. Perfect for use at a desktop, go wireless only if you want to use your tv

Why not go for a Steam Controller?

wired usb xbox 360/pc gamepad-had it for years and never had any issue all games support it

Xbox One Controller, although it's not FULLY compatible with every game around. You can play it safe by buying a 360 one. Never heard anyone having a problem with it.

I prefer the PS4 controller over any Xbox controller but it's a much larger hassle so I would get a Xbox one controller.

The one that fits best with your hand. Wired 360 is a solid choice (if it fits your hand nicely). Just plug'n'play.
(This is subjective and might be biased) I've seen too many issue with the quality of DS4 and X1 controller.

Best Controller for PC with PRICE/QUALITY it's DEFENDER GAME RACER X7. It's have not high price and support Xinput and Dinput. Just buy one and you'll have very big joy!

Xbox One by far.
X360 is also okay.
Personally, I use both regulary.

I'll be picking up a pair of cheap wireless PS3 dual shocks soon. Personally I can't go past the grip, most feel too fat in teh hand... gotta have fingers that can snip snappity snap, nah mean

I've only used Xbox 360, DualShock 3 and some other controllers from Logitech, Xbox 360 is my favorite so far.

360 is the best if you ask me.
Survived hundrets of hours in racing games and Dark Souls (i didn't)

The Xbox One. It is compatible with every game that was compatible with the Xbox 360 controller and it is indeed much better than its predecesor.
While the Xbox One controllers are wireless, you can use ANY microUSB cable to use it on the PC.

If price's an issue, then just get a wired Xbox 360 controller instead.

I personally use a 360 controller. It works really well for about every game I want to play with it. And with the native support in windows, it's really easy to use as well. Just plug it in and start playing. I've seen some people here say that the D-pad is not good, but honestly, I have not seen any game yet that uses it a lot. Usually in games you have to press it occasionally to activate something or something like that and in those cases, it works just fine. I've not had any issues so far.