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 technology in the past. In the event you play video games on an Xbox Collection X or Collection S (or a Home windows PC), you’ve the unenviable job 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, GameSir, Nacon, and Turtle Seaside. A few of them have drift-resistant Corridor impact or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, but all of them are good for one cause 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 every kind 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, Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the most suitable choice for most people. It makes for a terrific PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the best stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, however there are a number of options price contemplating.
$50
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 newest 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox contains 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 frame throughout a wide range of genres. Our check targets embody team-based area video games like Marvel Rivals, aggressive shooters like Name of Obligation, fighters like Tekken 8, and role-playing titles like Elden Ring. When doing so, we pay shut consideration to how the entire parts really feel. Are the triggers satisfying to tug? Do the analog sticks provide the best degree of resistance? Are the D-pads and face buttons too mushy, or simply proper? If a controller contains customization choices — equivalent to adjustable set off stops and sensitivity, and / or remappable again buttons — we check how straightforward they’re to configure, then decide their affect on our gameplay expertise.
Is it wi-fi? Does it assist Bluetooth? Or is it wired solely? If that’s the case, is the cable replaceable?
Does it really feel low-cost or properly made? Any glitches or reliability points whereas testing?
Does it have helpful 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?
One of the best Xbox controller for most individuals
$50
The Good
- Unbelievable worth for Xbox Wi-fi assist
- Nice ergonomic design
- Satisfying buttons and triggers
The Unhealthy
- Lacks customization
- Requires AA batteries (or an optionally available rechargeable cell)
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: 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. “One of the best controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” Which will appear to be a no brainer, however this normal controller really does earn this title as the very best. 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 reasonably priced wi-fi Xbox controller on the market. (Third-party wi-fi choices have been trickling out lately, however they’re largely on the excessive finish.) Whereas some hate the usual Xbox wi-fi controller for its use of AA batteries as an alternative 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 different connectivity. The {hardware} itself is great for the controller’s $65 (and infrequently 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. In the event you’re a hardcore preventing recreation fan, you’ll in all probability be greatest served by a devoted combat stick or a controller geared towards that style — one with an outstanding D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Professional — 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 accessible), although Microsoft does provide beauty customization by means of its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the value from $79.99 to $124.93 relying on the configuration. There’s so much to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your individual or choose one from the numerous colours that Microsoft presents.
One of the best low-cost Xbox controller
$30
The Good
- Cheap
- Light-weight and comfy
- Satisfying buttons and Corridor impact parts
- Programmable again buttons are straightforward to press
Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Wired
The 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox is a implausible funds mannequin that usually retails for $44.99 however can usually be discovered for as little as $29.99. The form is harking back to Nintendo’s Change 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 stress. It additionally makes use of Corridor impact triggers with devoted vibration motors, although it lacks set off stops, not like our earlier funds choose, the PowerA Benefit 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 save lots of as much as three profiles, which you’ll change between on the fly utilizing a devoted button. There’s even a built-in mute change for audio, which isn’t frequent on cheaper controllers. You’ll be able to obtain the 8BitDo Final Software program X app on PC or Xbox to completely customise this controller.
The 8BitDo Final Wired works as a wired controller together with your PC, however should you choose wi-fi connectivity, the corporate additionally makes a three-mode wi-fi model for $69.99 with assist for each Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi (by way of a dongle). The wi-fi model is a little more costly, nevertheless, and it’s nonetheless restricted to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
One of the best “professional” Xbox controller
$153
The Good
- Intensive modular customization
- Premium appear and feel
- Rechargeable battery lasts an unbelievable 40 hours
The Unhealthy
- Dear
- Questionable high quality management
- No Corridor impact parts
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: As much as 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
The Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 is Microsoft’s fanciest controller, and it’s received a whole lot 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 solely of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes increased 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 in consequence, 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 generally much less, if it’s on sale).
There’s additionally the stripped-down Elite Collection 2 “Core” model with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons however is equally customizable. You should buy them individually in a $59.99 equipment pack, however you’ll find yourself paying extra that manner, barring gross sales or reductions.
A dear controller like an Xbox Elite is a little bit of a splurge buy. Most of us usually are 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, presents methods to custom-tailor it to your liking, and possibly offers you a slight aggressive edge because of options like hair triggers and detachable rear paddles. In concept, you could possibly get pictures off quicker in a web based shooter with the hair triggers, and you’ll map the paddles to capabilities like leap, crouch, reload, and many others., whereas retaining your thumb on the best stick. You would educate your self claw grip to perform the latter with even an affordable wired controller, positive, nevertheless it simply gained’t really feel as cool or straightforward as when utilizing an Elite.
Whereas the Elite remains to be a terrific controller in 2025, it is best to take into account that 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 fame for lackluster high quality management — with horror tales from customers about going by means of a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a yr in late 2020 to assist deal with considerations, 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, not like all three large 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 provide you with pause, although, there’s one other promising choice.
A formidable various to the Elite
$200
The Good
- Helps Xbox Wi-fi protocol
- Corridor impact sticks use replaceable tops
- 4 rear buttons well positioned for consolation
- Two additional shoulder buttons add distinctive versatility
- Set off stops and again buttons provide a satisfying mouse-like click on
The Unhealthy
- Costly
- Requires a USB dongle
- Razer Synapse software program wants work
Connectivity: Wi-fi USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Professional controller is as costly (or extra, relying on obtainable offers) than the Elite Collection 2, nevertheless it’s price the price if you need 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 totally wi-fi Xbox gamepad. It additionally sports activities among the greatest hair-trigger lockouts round, yielding a mouse-like click on often discovered on even pricier Scuf controllers (a earlier high-ranking choose 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 refined this time round.
The Wolverine V3 Professional’s largest 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 choose should you can justify its excessive worth, which, not like the Collection 2, isn’t subjected to reductions. Fortunately, should you can’t, there’s additionally the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Professional Event Version that has a virtually equivalent set of options in a wired configuration.
An reasonably priced various to the Elite
$80
GameSir’s G7 Professional is a wired Xbox controller with remapable rear buttons, adjustable triggers, and TMR joysticks. It may also be linked wirelessly to a PC (by way of a 2.4Ghz dongle) or Android (by way of Bluetooth).
Connectivity: Wired (Xbox), wi-fi USB dongle (PC), Bluetooth (Android) / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
In the event you don’t thoughts utilizing a wired controller, GameSir’s G7 Professional presents some options of the splurge-worthy Xbox Elite Controller 2 for beneath $100. It has remappable buttons, smooth-feeling drift-resistant TMR management sticks, a satisfying weight, and textured grips that made it really feel comfy to carry even with sweaty palms.
The G7 Professional is definitely a battery-powered wi-fi controller, however its cable free connectivity is restricted to PC (by way of an included 2.4Ghz dongle) and Android (by way of Bluetooth). You’ll have to plug the controller into the Xbox with a cable, and GameSir supplies a prolonged USB-C to USB-A twine. The cable was lengthy sufficient that I may play video games from my sofa (roughly six ft away) with out feeling tethered.
I used to be impressed with the G7 Professional’s general construct high quality, particularly the triggers, which could possibly be locked by flipping switches on its again. GameSir contains three swappable path pads with the G7 Professional, which will be swapped by lifting the entrance of the controller’s shell and popping them out and in. Nevertheless, its face buttons felt noticeably cheaper than those on the Elite 2, which is smart given their worth distinction. Button really feel apart, the controller by no means dropped an enter, even after I mashed buttons to string collectively elaborate combos in Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater, or constantly forged spells, dodged, and healed in Diablo IV. If an motion was mistimed, it was on me.
What the controller lacks in face button high quality is greater than made up for in customizability. GameSir Nexus, a free app on the Xbox Retailer, allowed me to remap any button (together with the L4 and R4 buttons on its bottom), regulate the vibration depth of each triggers, allow two flavors of hair set off mode, and set the deadzone for every management stick. It can save you as much as 4 profiles with completely different settings, and shortly change between them by urgent the controller’s M button together with one of many face buttons. You by no means want to the touch these choices, and even obtain the GameSir Nexus app for the G7 Professional to work, however doing so will unlock its full potential.
The GameSir G7 Professional is a wonderful Xbox controller, particularly in its worth vary. I’d have appreciated the choice to make use of it wirelessly, however that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. That stated, it’s one thing to contemplate relying on how far-off you might be out of your Xbox when enjoying. In the event you’re a multi-platform gamer and desire a controller to make use of with each an Xbox and PC (or Android machine), it’s a fair better option.
Different Xbox controllers we examined
- The Scuf Valor Professional is the corporate’s first Xbox controller with Corridor impact sticks, in addition to its most cost-effective at $109.99. 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 choose over the softer tactile really feel of the Intuition. The Valor Professional is just not essentially the most thrilling controller on paper, nevertheless it’s a stable choice for Scuf devoted or anybody who needs extra sturdy analog sticks. Learn our hands-on impressions.
- We examined PowerA’s newest pro-style Xbox controllers, together with the Fusion Professional 4 Wired ($74.99) and PowerA Fusion Professional Wi-fi ($159.99). They’re normal fare for pro-style controllers nowadays, with height-adjustable Corridor impact sticks, 4 remappable rear buttons, three-way set off locks, and onboard quantity controls. They’re comparable, 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 general high quality, however they finally don’t stand out a lot at these worth factors.
- Nacon’s Revolution X ($25.90) stays one of the customizable wired controllers you may get (it even has detachable weights in its handles), and its software program is sort of as expansive as Microsoft’s first-party app.
- In the event you’re the nostalgic kind, the Hyperkin Duke ($89.99), DuchesS ($49.99), and Xenon ($49.99) are devoted 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 can too use on trendy video games.
- Hyperkin’s Competitor controller, which it introduced in January at CES, might be launched in October for $49.99. The wired gamepad seems virtually equivalent to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, with a pair of analog sticks subsequent to at least one one other on the backside of the controller, glassy buttons, and a non-contiguous D-pad. Hyperkin is providing the Competitor in 5 colours, however solely the black and white controllers might be obtainable within the US at launch.
Replace, September fifteenth: Up to date to replicate present pricing / availability, extra particulars about Hyperkin’s Competitor controller and added GameSir’s G7 Professional controller. Brandt Ranj additionally contributed to this put up.
