We stay in a golden age of controllers. The gamepads available on the market now are of upper high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from even one console era in the past. For those who play video games on an Xbox Collection X or Collection S (or a Home windows PC), you may have the unenviable activity of selecting between a number of high-quality controllers from Microsoft in addition to a plethora of nice choices from the likes of 8BitDo, PowerA, Razer, Scuf, Nacon, and Turtle Seashore. A few of them have drift-proof Hall effect or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, but all of them are good for one motive or one other. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that appeared cool, however barely labored, are over.
We’ve spent a ton of time enjoying all types of video games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, and many others.) to check a large swath of Xbox controllers, and it might not be a shock that the usual, comparatively cheap Xbox Wireless Controller is the best choice for most folk. It makes for an incredible PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the suitable stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, however there are a number of options value contemplating.
$54
The official Xbox Wi-fi Controller has a devoted share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them on-line, Bluetooth assist, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.
$30
The brand new 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox consists of Corridor impact analog sticks and triggers, plus two rear buttons, customizable mapping and sensitivity, and compatibility with PC and cell units.
What we’re on the lookout for
We check Xbox controllers by enjoying with them for an prolonged time period throughout quite a lot of genres. Our check targets embrace team-based enviornment video games like Marvel Rivals, aggressive shooters like Name of Responsibility, fighters like Tekken 8, and role-playing titles like Elden Ring. When doing so, we pay shut consideration to how the entire elements really feel. Are the triggers satisfying to drag? Do the analog sticks provide the suitable stage of resistance? Are the D-pads and face buttons too mushy, or simply proper? If a controller consists of customization choices — comparable to adjustable set off stops and sensitivity, and / or remappable again buttons — we check how simple they’re to configure, then decide their influence on our gameplay expertise.
Is it wi-fi? Does it assist Bluetooth? Or is it wired solely? In that case, is the cable replaceable?
Does it really feel low cost or properly made? Any glitches or reliability points whereas testing?
Does it have useful extras, like remappable buttons or fancy triggers?
Are you able to remap buttons or tune it with {custom} software program profiles?
Is it priced affordably, about common, or does it come at a steep premium?
The most effective Xbox controller for most individuals
$54
The Good
- Unimaginable worth for Xbox Wi-fi assist
- Nice ergonomic design
- Satisfying buttons and triggers
The Dangerous
- Lacks customization
- Requires AA batteries (or an non-compulsory rechargeable cell)
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Energy: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable
Okay, I already know what you’re pondering. “The most effective controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That will look like a no brainer, however this commonplace controller actually does earn this title as the most effective. It lacks some extras discovered on pricier choices, however this controller is the distillation of all that has made the final 20 years of Xbox gamepads nice, and it reveals.
Due to Microsoft’s proprietary wi-fi protocol, that is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market. (Third-party wi-fi choices have been trickling out in recent times, however they’re principally on the excessive finish.) Whereas some hate the usual Xbox wi-fi controller for its use of AA batteries as a substitute of a built-in rechargeable cell, that additionally means it’s versatile, permitting for rechargeable AAs or a battery pack. And user-replaceable batteries imply you’re not caught with a controller that doesn’t maintain its cost after years of use. It additionally works over a USB-C wired connection.
However the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t simply nice due to its various connectivity. The {hardware} itself is great for the controller’s $65 (and sometimes much less) asking worth. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and the sunken dish-shaped D-pad all really feel impeccably tight, with the latter having a satisfying clickiness to it. For those who’re a hardcore combating sport fan, you’ll in all probability be finest served by a devoted battle stick or a controller geared towards that style — one with an outstanding D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Pro — however the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is in any other case a unprecedented jack-of-all-trades.
The one issues it actually lacks in comparison with pricier choices are additional, customizable buttons and software program tuning for issues like stick sensitivity (button remapping is obtainable), although Microsoft does provide beauty customization by its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the worth from $69.99 to $109.93 relying on the configuration. There’s quite a bit to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your individual or decide one from the numerous colours Microsoft gives.
The most effective low cost Xbox controller
$30
The Good
- Cheap
- Light-weight and comfy
- Satisfying buttons and Corridor impact elements
- Programmable again buttons are simple to press
Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Wired
The 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox is a improbable finances mannequin that usually retails for $44.99 however can usually be discovered for as little as $29.99. The form is paying homage to Nintendo’s Swap Professional Controller, solely a bit smaller, with hints of Xbox affect and a curvaceous design that feels nice to carry.
On the {hardware} entrance, the Final Wired Controller options Corridor impact sticks with satisfying pressure. It additionally makes use of Corridor impact triggers with devoted vibration motors, although it lacks set off stops, in contrast to our earlier finances decide, the PowerA Advantage Wired. Its D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers are good and clicky, too, regardless of being smaller than we’d usually like. It has two rear paddles, remappable buttons, and the flexibility to avoid wasting as much as three profiles, which you’ll be able to change between on the fly utilizing a devoted button. There’s even a built-in mute change for audio, which isn’t widespread on cheaper controllers. You may obtain the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X app on PC or Xbox to totally customise this controller.
The 8BitDo Final Wired works as a wired controller along with your PC, however for those who desire wi-fi connectivity, the corporate additionally makes a three-mode wireless version with assist for each Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi (through a dongle). The wi-fi model is a little more costly, nonetheless, and it’s nonetheless restricted to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
The most effective “professional” Xbox controller
$159
The Good
- Intensive modular customization
- Premium appear and feel
- Rechargeable battery lasts an unimaginable 40 hours
The Dangerous
- Dear
- Questionable high quality management
- No Corridor impact elements
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: As much as 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s fanciest controller, and it’s bought plenty of good extras, like higher construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a great deal of software program customization. The place the usual Xbox controller is constructed fully of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes larger high quality soft-touch plastic, rubberized grips, and metallic touches for a superior match and end. This makes it heftier than the inventory controller, and consequently, it simply feels nicer in your arms. It additionally comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, finishing a very nice bundle for $199.99 (or typically much less, if it’s on sale).
There’s additionally the stripped-down Elite Series 2 “Core” version with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons however is equally customizable. You should buy them individually in a $59.99 accessories pack, however you’ll find yourself paying extra that method, barring gross sales or reductions.
An expensive controller like an Xbox Elite is a little bit of a splurge buy. Most of us should not competing at e-sports ranges that require its high-end options. However, it’s enjoyable to make use of one thing that feels nicer, gives methods to custom-tailor it to your liking, and possibly provides you a slight aggressive edge because of options like hair triggers and detachable rear paddles. In principle, you might be able to get pictures off quicker in a web-based shooter with the hair triggers, and you may map the paddles to capabilities like soar, crouch, reload, and many others., whereas maintaining your thumb on the suitable stick. You may train your self claw grip to perform the latter with even an inexpensive wired controller, positive, however it simply gained’t really feel as cool or simple as when utilizing an Elite.
Whereas the Elite continues to be an incredible controller in 2025, it is best to needless to say it’s been round since 2019 and a Collection 3 revision is feeling lengthy overdue. The Collection 2 additionally has a little bit of a status for lackluster high quality management — with horror tales from customers about going by a number of replacements underneath guarantee. Microsoft extended the controller’s warranty from 90 days to a yr in late 2020 to assist tackle issues, however shopping for an Elite Collection 2 should really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. It additionally predates the current-gen implementation of a devoted Share button, and its potentiometer-based sticks run the danger of stick drift after long-term use (one thing third events are addressing with controllers that use drift-free Corridor impact sticks, in contrast to all three huge console producers).
Even so, the Elite 2 stays by far essentially the most well-rounded choice for a step-up Xbox controller — thanks largely to its spectacular construct and expansive software program expertise. If all these caveats offer you pause, although, there may be one other promising choice.
A formidable various to the Elite
$198
The Good
- Helps Xbox Wi-fi protocol
- Corridor impact sticks use replaceable tops
- 4 rear buttons neatly positioned for consolation
- Two additional shoulder buttons add distinctive versatility
- Set off stops and again buttons provide a satisfying mouse-like click on
The Dangerous
- Costly
- Requires a USB dongle
- Razer Synapse software program wants work
Connectivity: Wi-fi USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro controller is as costly (or extra, relying on obtainable offers) than the Elite Collection 2, however it’s value the price if you’d like a high-end controller with drift-free sticks. Not solely is the V3 Professional Razer’s first foray into utilizing Corridor impact sticks, it’s the corporate’s first absolutely wi-fi Xbox gamepad. It additionally sports activities a number of the finest hair-trigger lockouts round, yielding a mouse-like click on often discovered on even pricier Scuf controllers (a earlier high-ranking decide of ours).
Aside from that, the V3 Professional is just like the earlier V2 Professional, with six remappable buttons — 4 rear paddles in new, angled orientations and two additional shoulder buttons — and a few RGB lighting. The buttons and D-pad nonetheless have that satisfying micro-switch tactility and audible clickiness just like the previous-gen V2 Professional, however the RGB lighting is extra delicate this time round.
The Wolverine V3 Professional’s greatest shortcomings in comparison with Microsoft’s Elite Collection 2 are its extra primary software program customization, its lack of Bluetooth, and the truth that it wants a USB dongle to work wirelessly. The V3 Professional is in any other case the higher decide for those who can justify its excessive worth, which, in contrast to the Collection 2, is never subjected to reductions. Fortunately, for those who can’t, there’s additionally the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition that has a virtually an identical set of options in a wired configuration.
Different Xbox controllers we examined
- The Scuf Valor Pro is the corporate’s first Xbox controller with Corridor impact sticks, in addition to its least expensive at $109.99. It’s wired however in any other case builds admirably on the muse laid by the Scuf Instinct Pro, which retails for $229.99 and was as soon as our high third-party pro-style controller. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s profitable ergonomics whereas implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are detachable) and shoulder bumpers which might be extra comfy to succeed in. It additionally has set off stops that produce a satisfying click on with subsequent to no journey when pressed. The D-pad produces a equally satisfying click on, one we desire over the softer tactile really feel of the Intuition. The Valor Professional will not be essentially the most thrilling controller on paper, however it’s a strong choice for Scuf trustworthy or anybody who desires extra sturdy analog sticks. Read our hands-on impressions.
- For those who’re a fan of aggressive shooters, Turtle Seashore controllers just like the Recon ($59.99) and React-R ($39.99) have a number of audio options that may turn out to be useful. The corporate’s fanciest choice, the Stealth Ultra, is a $219.99 wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact sticks that’s a superb selection total. That being mentioned, we nonetheless desire the Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, because the built-in customization display on the Stealth Extremely is clunky to make use of and the ergonomics don’t really feel almost as good as that of the V3 Professional.
- Turtle Seashore additionally gives the Stealth Pivot ($139.99), which helps you to rapidly swap the analog sticks for additional face buttons by swiveling the plates round. It’s neat however in the end area of interest, because it’s primarily meant for combating video games and retro titles. That function necessitates a chassis that’s noticeably larger than most controllers, too, which can be a downer for those who already wrestle with wrapping your digits round standard-sized controllers.
- We just lately examined PowerA’s latest pro-style Xbox controllers, together with the Fusion Pro 4 Wired ($74.99) and PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless ($159.99). They’re commonplace fare for pro-style controllers today, with height-adjustable Corridor impact sticks, 4 remappable rear buttons, three-way set off locks, and onboard quantity controls. They’re related, however the Professional Wi-fi has 4 trippy Lumectra lighting zones that reply to your button presses. Each controllers are satisfying to make use of and a transparent step up from PowerA’s older merchandise by way of total high quality, however they in the end don’t stand out a lot at these worth factors.
- Nacon’s Revolution X ($25.90) stays one of the customizable wired controllers you will get (it even has detachable weights in its handles), and its software program is sort of as expansive as Microsoft’s first-party app.
- As talked about above, the Horipad Pro ($49.99) has probably the greatest D-pads round. It additionally gives plenty of software program customization at an inexpensive worth, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
- For those who’re the nostalgic sort, the Hyperkin Duke ($89.99), DuchesS ($49.99), and Xenon ($49.99) are trustworthy wired recreations of Xbox gamepads from Microsoft’s first two console generations. They’re sort of dumb however endearing (particularly the chunky Duke), however they’re distinctive collector items you may as well use on fashionable video games.
- The wired GameSir G7 SE is one other finances decide with drift-resistant Corridor impact sticks and USB-C connectivity, one that may usually be discovered for $44.99. Like 8BitDo’s controllers, it neglects set off stops, however it’s one of many solely choices with devoted switches for disabling the rear buttons. GameSir has additionally since launched the $49.99 G7 HE, which options extra sturdy buttons and a tactile change D-pad.
- The race to good Xbox controllers hasn’t but reached a conclusion. Producers proceed updating their lineup with newer, extra sturdy analog sticks and triggers, whereas some experiment with gimmicks. Living proof: the upcoming Hyperkin Competitor, introduced at CES in January and scheduled to reach later in 2025. The wired gamepad’s design is unashamedly impressed by the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers, full with glassy buttons and a non-contiguous D-pad.
- In April, Nacon launched the Revolution X Limitless, a $199.99 controller with Corridor impact sticks and triggers, a replaceable D-pad and joysticks, and as much as 10 hours of battery life. The gamepad connects to Xbox consoles utilizing a 2.4GHz wi-fi frequency (through a dongle), however it additionally helps Bluetooth when connecting to Android units. It additionally incorporates a built-in show, permitting you to simply remap buttons and different capabilities, in addition to the flexibility to connect with your console or Home windows PC with a USB cable.
Replace, July twenty third: Up to date to mirror present pricing / availability and a number of other new controllers, together with GameSir’s G7 HE and the Nacon Revolution X Limitless. Brandt Ranj additionally contributed to this submit.