• The list in brief
1. Best overall
2. Best competitive/pro
3. Best wired
4. Best value
5. Best premium
6. Best adaptive
The Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S represent a new era in Xbox gaming, and to fully experience their potential, you need a top-notch controller. While the standard Xbox controller design has long been praised as one of the best, there are so many other options available from Microsoft and third parties to really match your gaming preferences. Whether you’re on a budget or seeking a controller with extra buttons, triggers, and advanced features, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a roundup of the best controllers for the Xbox Series X|S, catering to all types of gamers and budgets. Plus, since Xbox accessories are fully compatible with PCs, you can use any of these controllers for both native and cloud gaming on Windows too.
For the past two years at Windows Central, I've channeled my passion for gaming and all things Microsoft into my writing. Having been an Xbox enthusiast since the Xbox 360 era, I’ve put more controllers through their paces—and occasionally through the wringer—than I care to admit. I’ll buy controllers for their bold promises, or simply because they look cool, much to the frustration of family members who can't find a drawer not stuffed with Xbox gear. Whether a controller earns a spot in my setup, gets showcased, or ends up forgotten in a drawer depends on some rigorous testing. Here are my final recommendations.
The quick list
Simply the best
Whether you stick with the standard controller bundled with your console or opt for one of the many colorful variations, you can't go wrong with the original. Xbox nailed the ergonomics this generation, and if you want the best of the best, I recommend one from the Vapor range for its superior rubber rear grips.
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Best competitive controller
A controller so packed with features, you probably won't use half of them, but if you want a great controller with a competitive edge this is it. Hall effect sticks, microswitch buttons, adjustable deadzones and the Turtle Beach "Superhuman hearing" to boost in game footsteps all add up to a considerable advantage.
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Best wired
With 'mecha-tactile action buttons' and perfectly positioned rear remappable buttons, this isn't the cheapest wired option, but it's undeniably the best. The wired connection ensures the lowest latency and eliminates charging hassles. Keep an eye out for sales, or opt for the non-Chroma version to save some cash.
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Best value for money
GameSir has truly cornered the budget market, and this controller is a favorite among the Windows Central staff. Often available for under $40, it features hall-effect sticks and some of the best anti-friction rings we've tested.
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Best luxury feel
The premium feel of the official Xbox Elite Series is unmatched. Both the Series 2 and Core models deliver a luxurious experience in both weight and design, earning them a place among the best of all time. They're more durable than previous versions and boast a 40-hour battery life.
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Best adaptive controller
With large, programmable buttons, numerous ports for additional accessories, and peripherals, the Adaptive Controller lets you tailor your gaming setup to your exact needs. While there are limited options for players who benefit from controllers like this, the Xbox Adaptive Controller stands out as one of the best.
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The best Xbox controllers in 2024
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Below you'll find why I've chosen each product as the best in it's respective category, and some alternate options for most. Many of these have been reviewed either by myself or had hands on time with any one of the team here at Windows Central.
The best Xbox controller for most people
The standard Xbox Wireless Controller bundled with every Xbox Series X|S is a top-tier gaming accessory. It's comfortable, ergonomic, and an improvement over its Xbox One predecessor, with clicky buttons and a resilient D-pad that provide satisfying tactile feedback. The controller’s versatility is enhanced by its support for both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, allowing seamless switching between consoles and devices like phones, tablets, and PCs. This adaptability has made it the most popular controller on Steam, according to Valve.
For those wanting a personalized touch, Xbox Design Lab offers extensive customization options, letting users design their ideal controller but with a significant added cost, though its nice to have the option. The existing range of available designs and colors is vast as it is, with the Vapor range being a personal favorite of mine due to its additional value of rubber rear grips. The Dream Vapor design is my favorite option, though models like Stormcloud, Fire, and Nocturnal offer less feminine alternatives.
While the Xbox Wireless Controller is one of the best in gaming, some might find the reliance on AA batteries disappointing, as it requires an extra purchase for rechargeable capabilities. Those looking to ditch the batteries may want to check out our list of the best Xbox controller chargers.
The best competitive Xbox controller
As Microsoft released the reigns on its wireless technology last year, we've not had the overwhelming push to market from third parties I was expecting. There was the PowerA XP-Ultra, which really tried to do too much and was underwhelming in its efforts, and then this frankly nuts controller from Turtle Beach, which promised social notifications via an onboard screen. The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, despite its social gimmicks, is actually a fantastic controller and one that will appeal to many competitive players with its impressive rollcall of features.
Boasting mechanical buttons for a tactile and responsive feel, hall effect thumbstick for precise and durable control, and the famed Turtle Beach Superhuman hearing audio features, if you plug in a headset, you're already going to have a better performance in any shooter with this controller than your standard issue Xbox controller before you even start using it's pro-aim focus mode. You're also getting 4 rear remappable buttons with a stippled textured feel I wish all controllers considered. There's also room to customize the controller with 4 rubber thumbstick caps included, and a screen to switch on the fly between game profiles. All of this is packaged in a hard case for travel or storage, which allows for pass-through charging, and an included magnetic charging dock. So while it's not a cheap controller, you do get quite a bit bundled in the box.
There are a few minimal drawbacks; the Turtle Beach Control Centre software is still some of the most ugly and user-unfriendly customization software I've ever used. and you will need patience to get used to it. Also, the touted 30-hour battery life is only really achievable by turning off all the lights and screen features; for general day-to-day use, you're looking at 18 hours before needing a charge. Still respectable but worth mentioning.
If you're looking for something more modular, there's a new face in the mix that we haven't personally tested — the Victrix Pro BFG, which our friends over at Tech Radar enjoyed and could be a contender in this category.
Best wired Xbox controller
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 may firmly take the top spot as the "best premium" Xbox controller, but the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma gives the former peripheral some hefty competition in the space. The latest offering from Razer incorporates the company's infamous customizable Chroma RGB lighting alongside great build quality and a surprising number of features.
Like with other "pro" controllers, Razer's Wolverine V2 Chroma features back paddles, customizable button mapping, and generally fantastic action and feedback across its triggers, joysticks, and buttons. There's also the unique "sensitivity clutch" feature, which lets you manually slow down the joysticks with the press of a paddle in any game. Overall, the Wolverine V2 takes some of the best elements of a standard Xbox controller's design and injects a healthy blend of Razer goodness.
The only serious downside about the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma versus other options is how it is wired-only. This limits the device to input on Xbox and PC, and means you'll always be limited by the length of the cable you're using. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is also expensive, a downside further accentuated by the fact the completely wireless Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has been seen on sale multiple times for less than the Wolverine V2 Chroma.
Best value Xbox controller
When considering value or budget options for Xbox controllers, I debated including a category for truly budget-friendly options, like the PowerA Advantage controllers. These are fine if you’re looking for something cheap that gets the job done. However, I believe that spending just a bit more—around $10 extra—can significantly enhance your experience and get more bang for your buck. GameSir consistently packs impressive tech into their controllers, all while keeping the price under $50, and the GameSir G7 SE often drops below $40 during sales.
The GameSir G7 SE stands out for its hall effect sticks and triggers, which eliminate concerns about stick drift over time. Its design is comfortable and familiar, slightly smaller than a standard Xbox controller but still easy to use. Textured grips and anti-friction rings make the sticks exceptionally smooth, offering a premium experience at a budget price. Most of our gaming team swears by it.
The only real downside is the puzzling design choice to change from the micro-switch buttons found in the older model to standard membrane buttons. GameSir has a tendency to come close to giving us everything we want in a controller without fully delivering. Their GameSir Kaleid model for Xbox gets closer, featuring those desired microswitch buttons, but it’s also slightly more expensive, wired, and its transparent design can attract dust and pet hair.
Overall, for the best value, the GameSir G7 SE is the best value you can get when it's on sale, and it mostly is.
Best premium Xbox controller
The default Xbox Wireless Controller is a perfectly suitable gaming peripheral for almost any player, thanks to its award-winning design and comfort. However, competitive players may lament its general lack of additional features and versatility. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 takes what fans love about the Xbox Wireless Controller and massively improves upon them with new features, customizability, and much more. If you can afford to shell out a serious premium, there's no better controller than the Elite Wireless Series 2.
At a glance, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 looks very similar to its more standard counterpart, but upon further inspection, the refinements become markedly apparent. This premium controller features a durable design with improved grips, a denser metal-reinforced chassis, and a foundational focus on customization. Players can swap out the joysticks and D-pad for alternative covers, and take advantage of rear paddles and full button mapping (complete with a dedicated button for switching between modes) to get the most out of every single game.
The Series 2 also incorporates Bluetooth support in addition to Xbox Wireless, meaning it can seamlessly switch between multiple devices like phones, tablets, and Windows PCs. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 bests its little sibling once again by featuring a rechargeable battery via USB Type-C or the included dock, rather than relying on AA batteries, without an optional purchase. Unfortunately, these upgrades mean the Elite Controller Series 2 is far more expensive than most other controllers.
As an alternative, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core delivers the same premium controller at a slightly more approachable price. Unfortunately, the extra necessities included with the standard variant, like extra joysticks, a charging dock, and the carrying case, aren't included. If you're fine with charging via USB-C and using the default d-pad, this is a worthwhile option to consider.
Best adaptive controller for Xbox
The Xbox Adaptive Controller isn't going to be the best controller for everyone, but its incredible customization and wide range of compatible accessories make this peripheral the best possible controller for accessibility. Microsoft carefully designed the Adaptive Controller to fit the needs of millions of gamers with limited mobility in a package that's easy to use and tailored to your specific needs.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller features large, programmable buttons and switches and has many additional ports for connecting accessories and peripherals. Using the Adaptive Controller, you can customize your gaming setup in the most comfortable way for you.
Unfortunately, there are limited options for players who can take advantage of controllers like this, but the Xbox Adaptive Controller is absolutely among the best of them. Built with Xbox consoles and PC in mind, it's 100% compatible with Xbox Series X|S. It can become expensive to purchase optional accessories, however, and it may be time-consuming to set up the Adaptive Controller for your specific needs.
The bottom line
There’s an impressive array of controllers available for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, each tailored to different playstyles, genres, and budgets. With manufacturers incorporating new features like the handy Share button, finding the perfect controller is easier than ever.
If you're particularly into racing games, consider exploring our guide to the best racing wheels for PC and Xbox for a deeper dive into that specialized category.
Despite the many options available, the standard Xbox controller continues to be a top choice for many gamers. Its iconic design, comfort, affordability, and wide range of colors make it a standout that's tough to beat. The prevalence of third-party controllers mimicking Microsoft's design is a testament to its form factor and performance. With rumors of a new haptic feedback controller from Microsoft potentially on the horizon, there’s anticipation for something fresh in the next 12 months. However, even if that doesn’t materialize, the current lineup offers plenty of excellent choices to meet your needs.
