Best answer: No, you don’t need a remote. Though it’s not ideal in every situation, the DualShock 4 controller will get the job done when using apps, listening to music, streaming movies, or doing pretty much anything other than gaming. If you only use your PS4 exclusively for media watching, that’s when you should consider a media remote.
- Amazon: DualShock 4 controller ($45)
- Amazon: PDP Cloud Media Remote ($30)
What does a media remote do?
A media remote makes it easier to control and navigate various app interfaces while streaming movies or listening to music. Not only does it include your standard PS4 controller inputs like the action buttons, shoulder, and trigger buttons, but there are also dedicated buttons on a media remote that a controller doesn’t have, like the ability to pause, fast forward, and rewind. These additional buttons make navigation and control more intuitive, especially when you’re not playing games.
Why don’t I need a media remote?
The DualShock 4 can still control whichever app you are using on PS4 by itself, it just has fewer dedicated buttons do to so, thus creating more steps in order to do something. For example, instead of simply pressing the fast-forward button on a media remote, on a DualShock 4 controller you’d need to navigate to the app’s menu and then click fast forward.
The whole process is just a few more button presses, and this usually doesn’t justify paying for another separate remote.
What good is the DualShock 4 controller by itself?
As mentioned above, it can still control any of the apps you wish to use. What’s even better if that a controller is included with your PS4 console at purchase, and it can also be used for gaming. A media remote doesn’t do you any good when playing games.
Bottom line
A media remote isn’t necessary for most people since the DualShock 4 can still get the job done, albeit with a little more difficulty at times. If your PS4 is your media machine and you primarily use it for streaming movies and music, then you might want to think about grabbing a remote. But for everyone else, it’s probably a good idea to give it a pass.
Our pick
DualShock 4 controller
$45 at Amazon
Old reliable
The DualShock 4 makes navigation on certain apps slightly more frustrating, but it still gets the job done with the added bonus that it can be used for gaming as well.
Easier navigation
PDP Cloud Remote
$30 at Amazon
Modernized control
PDP’s Cloud Remote for PS4 is quite possibly the best PS4 media remote you can get. Its Cloud-assisted technology makes it easily programmable and its redesigned look modernizes it for today’s market. Unlike its Universal counterpart, it isn’t cluttered with too many buttons and can still control the volume on your television.
