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When you use a console like the Microsoft Xbox Series X|S, the quality of your game depends on how you use the controller. Even though the controller that comes with the Xbox is pretty good, it’s not the only one on the market. You can pick the best Xbox controllers for you from a wide range of options.
The best Xbox controllers give you a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you’re looking for the extra buttons of a pro controller or just a new set of analogue sticks that haven’t been worn down by years of use, the list below should have what you need.
Over time, the Xbox One has become a great console for fans of all kinds of games, from racing games to first-person shooters, and its controller is a big part of why. The best Xbox controllers is simple, easy to use, and looks great. It’s a great choice for almost any player.
Best Xbox Controllers
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Specifications
| Wireless | Yes |
| Powered by | Lithium-ion internal pack |
| Battery life | 30-40 hours |
| Product Name | Xbox Series X|S Controller |
| Product Brand | Microsoft |
The best Xbox controllers who play Xbox. Even though it doesn’t have all of the extra features we’ll talk about when we talk about premium options, this controller is the result of four generations and many first-party controllers that came before it, and it shows.
Some people may not like that it comes with AA batteries instead of a rechargeable cell built in, but that makes it flexible because you can use rechargeable AA batteries or a battery pack.
Pros
- USB-C port is better for long-term support
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Satisfying, clicky button responses
Cons
- Rechargeable battery is not included
- No other major improvements
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
Specifications
| Ergonomic non-slip rubber grip | No |
| Multi-Function Bumpers | 2 shoulder Hype response Multi-Function Bumpers |
| Multi-Function Triggers | 4 Multi-Function Triggers |
| Action Buttons | 4 Tactile Switch ABXY action buttons |
| Audio Input | Quick Control Panel |
| Wire Connection: | 3.5 mm audio port for stereo audio output and microphone input |
The Razer Wolverine Ultimate is a real rival to Microsoft’s excellent Series 2 Elite for the title of best Xbox One controller, and the extra M1/M2 shoulder buttons might make it even more customizable.
The four buttons on the back of the best Xbox controllers are less like paddles and more like extra triggers. They may be a bit further away, but we found them to be much less likely to be accidentally pressed than the paddles on the Elite, which stick out into your natural grip area.
Pros
- Solid build.
- Six programmable buttons.
- Chroma on a controller
- Clicky face buttons
Cons
- Can’t remap regular controls.
- No wireless support
Razer Wolverine V2
Specifications
| Weight | 270g |
| Dimensions (mm) | 162 x 106 x 65 (W x D x H) |
| Buttons | 21 (D-pad, action, analogue sticks, shoulder, underside, View, Menu, Share, Audio, Xbox) |
| Cable | 3m, USB Type-C |
| Extras | Interchangeable analogue sticks, RGB lighting |
The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller might have the most features and work well with the best Xbox controllers, but the Razer Wolverine V2 is a close second. If you choose the Razer Wolverine V2, you’ll save a little bit of money because it doesn’t have swappable parts or a wireless connection.
Instead, it has low-latency wired connections that make it harder to miss inputs and give you a competitive edge. Also, it’s nice that you won’t get a low-battery warning in the middle of a game, and it makes the controller lighter.
Pros
- Fantastic build and ergonomics
- Nice grip texture
- Sweet Mecha-tactile switches
Cons
- Non-detachable cable
SCUF Prestige
Specifications
| Item Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Scuf Gaming |
| Item model number | 502-178-01-045-000 |
| Package Dimensions | 8.62 x 7.28 x 3.7 inches; 9.49 Ounces |
If true customization is the most important thing to you, you should get a SCUF controller. There are so many best Xbox controllers with these modded versions of official Xbox pads that it’s almost hard to keep track.
You can choose colours and finishes for almost every part of the controller, as well as extra buttons and paddles, different grips and thumbsticks, and a lot more. The price goes up the more you add, but if we had an unlimited budget, we might get a SCUF controller with everything.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Several ways to tune the controller
- A ton of configurations
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Expensive
- No carry case
Xbox Core Controller
Specifications
| Brand | Xbox |
| Color | Lunar Shift |
| Edition | Lunar Shift Special Edition |
| Dimensions | 6 inches x 4 inches x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 6 inches x 4 inches x 2.4 inches |
The controller that comes with every Xbox One is also one of the best you can get for the system. This best Xbox controllers isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t have to be. The layout of the controller is similar to that of the Xbox 360 controller.
Since the first version of the controller came out, the bumpers/shoulder buttons on top have been made easier to press, and the triggers are big enough for hands of any size to pull. The standard Xbox One Wireless Controller is easy to use, but it gets the job done.
Pros
- Premium feel
- Long battery life
- Improved textures and geometry
Cons
- Rubberized grips may wear quickly
- Customization costs extra
Turtle Beach Recon Xbox Controller
Specifications
| Connections | USB-A Connection to Game Console or PC |
| Connectivity | Detachable 10ft / 3m cable with Type-C USB Connector |
| Audio Input/Output | 3.5mm audio port for stereo audio output & microphone input |
| Weight | 0.66 lbs. / 300 grams |
| Dimensions (Mm) | 180x183x73 |
| Compatibility: | Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10 PCs |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
The Turtle Beach Recon Xbox One Controller is a solid wired alternative to the best Xbox controllers. In exchange for having to plug it in, you get user profiles that you can change and quick-action buttons on the back, among other improvements.
If you plug a headset with a 3.5mm headphone jack into the Recon, you can use the onboard audio controls and audio presets to mix your sound. You can also use Turtle Beach’s competitive Superhuman hearing feature, which makes it easier to hear sounds like footsteps that are important to the game.
Pros
- Top-notch performance
- build quality
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Specifications
| Price | $130 |
| Connectivity | Detachable USB-C, Xbox wireless |
| Dimensions | 6 inches x 4 inches x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | .75 pounds |
| Battery | Built-in lithium-ion |
The default best Xbox controllers is a great gaming accessory for almost any player because it is comfortable and has a design that has won awards. But players who like to compete may be disappointed that it doesn’t have more features and isn’t as flexible as other games.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 builds on what fans love about the Xbox Wireless Controller by adding new features, making it easier to customize, and a lot more. If you have a lot of money to spend, the Elite Wireless Series 2 is the best controller you can get.
Pros
- Excellent button customization
- Adjustable thumbstick tension
- Extensive customization
Cons
- Customization costs extra
- Built-in battery
FAQs
Why the Xbox controller is the best?
But the standard Xbox pad is great for more than just being able to connect to the internet. Even though the controller costs $60, the hardware is very good. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and D-pad, which looks like a dish with a hole in it, all feel very tight, and the D-pad clicks in a satisfying way.
Are some Xbox controllers better?
If you just want to play wirelessly and don’t care about all the fancy customization options, the official controller is your best bet. It’s better than the Xbox One version in a lot of ways, like having a dedicated button for taking screenshots and video clips and having a better grip and feel.
How does Xbox controller work?
The wireless controller sends out waves in all directions, and the console picks up the properties of those waves like the dot, dash, or space in Morse code. This is a code that tells the console what you want to do.