I have a stack of Logitec F310 controllers, and I've never had them fail to work on any system (Windows, Linux, Android). They're not "pro gamer" or anything, fairly basic, but they've always responded smoothly for me even after many years of use. They're inexpensive, wired, and have an "XBox - DInput" switch on the back (at least mine do; that feature may have been removed by now).

The F310 (what I use) is wired and has no rumble feedback.

The F510 is wired and has rumble feedback, but I've never used one.

The F710 is wireless 2.4GHz (not Bluetooth) and has rumble feedback. I have two of these, and in my experience neither of them connects reliably, even under Windows with the official software installed.

As other people have mentioned, I'm going to recommend 8bitdo! They have quality controllers for super reasonable prices, include niceties like rear paddles for much cheaper than Microsoft or Sony include those, and you can get Xbox clone controllers with or without official branding. Those are both US$70, have bluetooth as well as a 2.4GHz adapter and include a nice looking charging dock for setting up on your TV unit or similar.

Their Pro 2 controller is also great, I've had one for three or four years now and can highly recommend it. Though it's just been replaced with the Pro 3 that like above includes a dock and 2.4GHz adapter. One thing I liked more about the Pro 2 is it has a removable battery pack that you can replace with a couple AA batteries.

I use an Xbox series controller on Linux, and it works great. I like the ergonomics and stick feel personally. 8bitdo also makes excellent third party controllers

I've got an 8BitDo and a Gulikit and they're both built well. My only complaint with the Gulikit is that I bought the white KingKong2 and the sticks yellowed after a couple of months sitting near a window, but otherwise the controller is fine. I've been able to connect at least the Gulikit to my laptop perfectly well over Bluetooth (I always use the 8BitDo wired on my desktop so I've never tried it wireless). Can't really go wrong with anything made by either of them

PlayStation DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers are great on Linux, and often reasonably priced during holiday sales.

I recommend 8bitdo. For some reason my computer gets really confused if I connect more than two Xbox or switch controllers.

I left the Xbox Elite 2 which is expensive and have hardware issues with time (like LB/RB buttons getting stuck).

Now I use an 8bitdo-something (the one with bluetooth and 2.4Ghz) and it is great. Cheap, hall effect sticks, no fancy stuff, works and has a nice choice of colors (mine is green, cause green is cool)

Xbox controllers have always been the best option for me. They are well built and last for fucking ages. Easy to take apart to replace things like thumbsticks if the rubber wears off or to clean out when they get a bit older.

I currently use an Xbox one controller and it cost me under £20 second hand, I have a second one that I got as a back up purely because it was about £5. They can be had for absolute bargains second hand!

I know another replier mentioned a dongle for wireless play which I believe is for the older controller as the "one" controller has Bluetooth which syncs up with my steam deck flawlessly and has just worked with no fucking about.

I've never had any trouble with any of the 8BitDo brand ones on Ubuntu or Arch, if that helps

We use xbox one controllers. Good quality, well supported. I don't know what you think is pricy but the controllers seem pretty good value to me. $50USD for a wireless one, less for wired but I do think wireless is worth it.

I have a wireless dongle and 3 controllers, haven't tried Bluetooth in this setup.

Xbox compatible controllers all support xinput, which works well on Linux, both wired and wireless. Third party PlayStation controllers on the other hand can be weird on wired connections, and may only work with Bluetooth.

I'm quite happy with 8bitdo controllers - they're sturdy, have hall effect sticks so they won't drift, and work out of the box. Cheaper controllers will work too, but may end up falling apart sooner than later.

Gulikit King Kong Pro 3.

I have the 2 and think it's amazing in general and for Linux. It's really high quality, the buttons can be swapped for different layouts, I believe the 3 has a 2.4ghz mode instead of only Bluetooth, and it's firmware based. You change the controller settings with different button combos and don't need software (that's never available on Linux, looking at you 8bitdo) and you can update the firmware on Linux too.

For fighting games and other arcade genres, I've got my own custom built stick using a GP2040-CE board. Great DIY project if you're into this sort of niche.

For everything else, 8BitDo Pro 2 is my ol' faithful.

I’m open to wired and wireless I just don’t want to end up with some cheap piece of shit that makes playing not fun.

I have found the $20 offbrand Xbox USB controllers to be perfectly cromulent. And I say that as someone who owns a $350 HOTAS setup.

I recently picked up a Gamesir Super Nova. Works great and not too pricey at $50.