Report Rate Over Time
Hz, sampled every 250 msPress Start, then move a stick in circles until the test ends.
Polling Rate
Interval Stats
How We Measure Polling Rate
We time every new gamepad report seen by the page.
Gamepad API Mode
Works with any controller. Move a stick so every report contains new data.
WebHID Mode
For PlayStation pads, raw HID reports are counted directly — no movement needed.
Interval Statistics
Average, min, max and jitter (standard deviation) of report intervals.
How to Measure Controller Polling Rate
- 1
Connect the controller and press a button.
- 2
Spin one stick in fast, continuous circles. The pad only sends new reports when something changes.
- 3
Keep spinning for ten seconds and read the average and peak Hz.
- 4
Check the jitter value. Low jitter means reports arrive at even intervals.
- 5
Repeat over USB, 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth to compare connections.
Typical Polling Rates
Many controllers report at 125 Hz by default on Windows. The DualSense and DualShock 4 often reach about 250 Hz, and some pads go higher over USB.
Third-party "pro" pads may advertise 1000 Hz on a wired or dongle connection. Treat our reading as a lower bound, because browsers can sample more slowly than the hardware.
Does Polling Rate Matter?
At 125 Hz a new report arrives every 8 ms; at 1000 Hz, every 1 ms. The gain is real but small next to display and game latency.
Steady intervals matter as much as the peak number. High jitter can make aiming feel uneven even at a high average.
Getting a Reliable Reading
Move the stick constantly during the test. Pauses lower the average because no new reports arrive while nothing changes.
Close other tabs and apps that use the controller. Run the test two or three times and compare the results.
Typical Report Rates by Connection
Measured rates vary by controller, system and browser. Use these as rough expectations.
| Connection | Typical rate | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 125–250 Hz | 4–8 ms |
| USB (default) | 125–250 Hz | 4–8 ms |
| USB (high-rate pads) | up to 1000 Hz | about 1 ms |
| 2.4 GHz dongle | 250–1000 Hz | 1–4 ms |
Why Your Polling Rate Is Low
A low or unstable figure usually comes from the setup, not the pad.
Bluetooth limits
Bluetooth often caps controllers near 125–250 Hz. Use a cable for the highest rate.
Browser frame rate
Some browsers read pads once per screen refresh. A 60 Hz display can cap readings near 60 Hz.
Power saving
Laptops on battery may slow USB polling. Plug in the charger and set a performance power plan.
Overclocked polling
Tools that force higher USB polling can make some pads unstable. Return to the default if you see dropouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my result capped near 60 or 120 Hz?
Some browsers only refresh gamepad data once per display frame. Try Chrome or Edge, or use WebHID mode.
Wired or wireless — which is faster?
Wired USB is usually faster and more consistent; 2.4 GHz dongles come close; Bluetooth varies.
Does polling rate equal latency?
No, but a higher polling rate reduces the average wait before a press is reported.
Can I overclock my controller?
Some PC tools can, but at your own risk. Measure before and after here.
Why does the rate drop when I stop moving?
Controllers only send new data when an input changes. The page measures changes, so resting sticks show fewer reports.
Can I change my controller's polling rate?
Some pads have a setting in their companion app. Others can be overclocked with third-party tools, at your own risk.
Does a 144 Hz monitor raise the polling rate?
Not the controller's rate, but some browsers read pads once per frame, so a faster display can let the page see more reports.
Related guides
More tools you might need
Stick Drift Test
Find out if your controller has stick drift.
Open tool →Deadzone Test
Measure stick rest noise and preview inner and outer deadzones live.
Open tool →Circularity Test
Rotate your sticks to measure circularity error, outer range and quadrant accuracy.
Open tool →Input Latency Test
Measure how quickly your browser detects controller presses and test your reaction time with a five-round button challenge.
Open tool →