We reside in a golden age of gaming controllers. The gamepads in the marketplace now are increased high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from just some console generations in the past. In the event you play on an Xbox Sequence X or Sequence S (or a Home windows PC), you possibly can select 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 which have even began utilizing drift-proof Corridor impact sticks for improved longevity. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that seemed 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 so forth.) to check a large swath of Xbox controllers, and it might not be a shock that the usual Xbox Wireless Controller is the most suitable choice for most people. It makes an important PC controller, too.
However whereas the default Xbox gamepad strikes the best stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, there are a number of options value contemplating.
What we’re on the lookout for
As you may count on, we take a look at Xbox controllers by enjoying with them for an prolonged time period throughout a wide range of genres. Our take a look at targets embody 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 all the 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 — corresponding to adjustable set off stops, tunable sensitivity, or remappable again buttons — we additionally take a look at how straightforward they’re to configure and 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 there a enjoyable beauty aptitude to its design?
Is it priced affordably, about common, or does it come at a steep premium?
The most effective Xbox controller for most individuals
$39
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 optionally available 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 considering. “The most effective controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” Which will look like a no brainer, however this normal controller really does earn this title as the most effective all-rounder. It lacks some extras discovered on pricier choices, however this controller is the distillation of over 20 years of Xbox gamepads, and it exhibits.
Because of 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 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 connection.
However the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t simply nice due to its connectivity. The {hardware} itself is great for the controller’s $60 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 combating sport fan, it’s possible you’ll be higher served by a devoted combat 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 a rare jack-of-all-trades.
The one issues it actually lacks in comparison with pricier choices are further, customizable buttons and software program tuning for issues like stick sensitivity, although Microsoft does provide beauty customization by way of its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the value from $69.99 to $109.93 relying on the configuration. There’s so much to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your individual or decide one from the various colours Microsoft gives.
The most effective 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 sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: No / Energy: Wired
The 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox is a improbable price range mannequin that usually retails for $49.99 however can typically be discovered for as little as $29.99. The form is paying homage 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 and nice stress. It additionally makes use of Corridor impact triggers with devoted vibration motors, although it lacks set off stops, not like our earlier price range 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 power to avoid wasting as much as three profiles, which you’ll be able to swap between on the fly utilizing a devoted button. There’s even a built-in mute swap for audio, which isn’t widespread on cheaper controllers.
The 8BitDo Final Wired works as a wired controller along with your PC, however if you happen to want 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, nevertheless, and it’s nonetheless restricted to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
The most effective “professional” Xbox controller
$160
The Good
- Intensive modular customization
- Premium feel and appear
- Rechargeable battery lasts an unbelievable 40 hours
The Dangerous
- Expensive
- Questionable high quality management
- No Corridor impact parts
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 Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 is Microsoft’s fancy controller, and it’s received plenty of good extras, like higher construct high quality, further 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 completely 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 it simply feels good in your palms. It additionally comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, finishing a very nice package deal for $179.99. There’s additionally the stripped-down Elite Sequence 2 “Core” model with an MSRP of $129.99, which ditches the add-ons. You should buy them individually in a $59.99 accessories pack, however you’ll find yourself paying extra that means, barring gross sales or reductions.
A dear controller like an Xbox Elite is a little bit of an emotional buy. Most of us will not be competing at e-sports ranges, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to make use of one thing that feels nicer, gives methods to custom-tailor it to your likings, and perhaps offers you a slight aggressive edge due to options like hair triggers and detachable rear paddles. In concept, you might be able to get photographs off sooner in an internet shooter with the hair triggers, and you may map the paddles to capabilities like soar, crouch, reload, and so forth. whereas retaining your thumb on the best stick. You might educate your self claw grip to perform the latter with even an inexpensive wired controller, certain, nevertheless it simply gained’t really feel as cool as when utilizing an Elite. (And why attempt to get good or be taught one thing after I can purchase my means there as an alternative?)
Whereas the Elite continues to be an important controller in 2025, it’s best to take into account that it’s been round since 2019 and a Sequence 3 revision is feeling lengthy overdue. The Sequence 2 additionally has a little bit of a fame for lackluster high quality management — with horror tales from customers about going by way of a number of replacements underneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a yr in late 2020 to assist handle considerations, however shopping for an Elite Sequence 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 chance 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 huge console producers).
Even with these heaping mouthfuls of salt, the Elite 2 stays by far essentially the most well-rounded possibility 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 possibility.
Learn our Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 evaluation.
A formidable different to the Elite
$200
The Good
- Helps Xbox Wi-fi protocol
- Corridor impact sticks use replaceable tops
- 4 rear buttons neatly positioned for consolation
- Two further 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 much more costly than the Elite Sequence 2, nevertheless it’s well worth the added value 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 absolutely wi-fi Xbox gamepad. It additionally sports activities a few of the finest hair-trigger lockouts round, with 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 further 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 largest shortcomings in comparison with Microsoft’s Elite Sequence 2 are its extra primary software program customization, 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 if you happen to can justify its very excessive value. And if you happen to can’t, there’s additionally the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition that has an almost similar set of options in a wired model.
Different Xbox controllers we examined
- The Scuf Valor Pro is the corporate’s first Xbox controller with Corridor impact sticks (and its least expensive). It’s wired however in any other case builds admirably on the inspiration laid by the Scuf Intuition Professional, which was as soon as our high third-party pro-style controller. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s successful ergonomics whereas implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are detachable) and shoulder bumpers which might be extra snug to succeed in. It additionally has set off stops that produce a satisfying click on with no journey when pressed. The D-pad produces a equally satisfying click on, one we want over the softer tactile really feel of the Intuition. The Valor Professional just isn’t essentially the most thrilling controller on paper, nevertheless it’s a stable possibility for Scuf devoted or anybody who needs extra sturdy analog sticks. Learn our hands-on impressions.
- In the event you’re a fan of aggressive shooters, Turtle Seashore controllers just like the Recon and React-R have a number of audio options that may come in useful. The corporate’s fanciest possibility, the Stealth Ultra, is a $200 wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact sticks that’s a superb alternative general. That being mentioned, we nonetheless want the Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, because the built-in customization display screen 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 not too long ago launched the Stealth Pivot, which helps you to shortly swap the analog sticks for an additional face button by swiveling the plates round. It’s neat however finally area of interest, because it’s primarily meant for combating video games and retro titles. That characteristic necessitates a chassis that’s noticeably larger than most controllers, too, which can be a downer if you happen to already battle with normal controller sizes.
- We not too long ago examined PowerA’s latest pro-style Xbox controllers, together with the Fusion Pro 4 Wired ($69.99) and PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless ($149.99). They’re normal fare for pro-style controllers as of late, 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 general high quality, however they finally don’t stand out a lot.
- Nacon’s Revolution X is likely one of the most 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.
- Briefly talked about above, the Horipad Pro has top-of-the-line D-pads round. It additionally gives plenty of software program customization at an inexpensive worth, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
- In the event you’re the nostalgic sort, the Hyperkin Duke, DuchesS, and Xenon are devoted wired recreations of Xbox gamepads from Microsoft’s first two console generations. They’re form of dumb however endearing (particularly the chunky Duke), however they’re distinctive collector items you can even use on trendy video games.
- The wired GameSir G7 SE is one other price range decide with drift-resistant Corridor impact sticks and USB-C connectivity, one that may usually be discovered for around $40. Like 8BitDo’s controllers, it neglects set off stops, nevertheless it’s one of many solely choices with devoted switches for disabling the rear buttons.
The race to excellent Xbox controllers isn’t slowing down, it appears, as producers proceed updating their lineup with newer analog sticks and triggers, or experiment with novel gimmicks. Living proof: the upcoming Hyperkin Competitor, which was introduced at CES in January and is ready 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 noncontiguous D-pad.
Pictures by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Replace, March sixth: Up to date with present pricing and availability. We additionally added particulars on a number of of the brand new controllers we’ve examined, together with the 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox.