Polling Rate Tester
Connect your controller, then move a stick or press buttons to measure your polling rate.
What Does the Polling Rate Tester Measure?
This tool measures how often your controller sends input data to your computer, expressed in Hz (updates per second). It uses the browser's Gamepad API to track changes in the gamepad timestamp value and count how many updates occur within each second. A higher polling rate means your controller is reporting its state more frequently, which directly affects input responsiveness and how accurately the game registers your actions. This is especially important in fast-paced competitive games where even a few milliseconds of input lag can affect your performance.
Supported Controllers
This polling rate tester works with any controller recognized by the browser's Gamepad API. That includes wired and wireless gamepads from brands like Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, 8BitDo, Razer, and PowerA. PS4 and PS5 DualSense controllers, Xbox Series controllers, Switch Pro controllers, and most generic USB HID gamepads are all compatible. The tool works across Chrome and Firefox on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Bluetooth controllers are supported but typically report lower Hz due to how wireless protocols handle data transmission frequency.
How To Use This Tool
Connect your controller to your computer via USB or Bluetooth and wait for the Connected badge to appear at the top of the tool. Once connected, move an analog stick continuously or hold down buttons to generate a steady stream of input updates. The tool will begin measuring within one second and display your current polling rate in Hz along with a rating. Keep moving the stick for at least five to ten seconds to collect enough measurements for an accurate average reading shown in the history chart.
Understanding Your Results
A result of 1000 Hz means your controller is sending 1000 input reports per second, which is ideal for wired USB connections. 500 Hz is excellent for wireless and indicates a high-performance gamepad. Most standard wireless controllers report around 125 Hz, which is acceptable for casual play but noticeable in competitive settings. Bluetooth connections typically fall around 60 Hz, which can introduce perceivable input delay. If your wired controller is reading unusually low, try a different USB port or check for driver issues affecting your device connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my controller not detected by the polling rate tester?
A: Most browsers require you to press a button on the controller after plugging it in before the Gamepad API recognizes it. Try pressing any button once and the Connected badge should appear.
Q: Why is my polling rate showing only 60 Hz when connected via USB?
A: This can happen because the browser's requestAnimationFrame loop is capped at your display's refresh rate. True hardware polling rates above 125 Hz may read lower in browser-based tools.
Q: Is 125 Hz polling rate good for gaming?
A: 125 Hz is the standard rate for most wireless controllers and is fine for casual and even semi-competitive gaming. For fast-paced shooters or fighting games, 500 Hz or higher gives a more responsive feel.
Q: Does polling rate affect input lag?
A: Yes. A higher polling rate means the controller reports its state more frequently, reducing the window between a physical button press and the game registering it, which lowers effective input latency.
Q: Why does my Bluetooth controller show a lower polling rate than USB?
A: Bluetooth has higher protocol overhead and typically transmits data at 60 to 125 Hz regardless of the controller's hardware capability. USB direct connections almost always achieve higher and more stable polling rates.
Q: Does this tool work on mobile browsers?
A: The Gamepad API is not supported on mobile browsers, so this tool requires a desktop browser such as Chrome or Firefox with a physical controller connected.
You Might Also Like
You might also like our Mouse Tester to verify all mouse buttons and scroll inputs, the Mouse DPI Calculator to find your true sensitivity, and the Refresh Rate Tester to confirm your monitor Hz in your browser.
Low polling rate hurting your performance? Read our full guide: How to Reduce Mouse Input Lag