Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn’t consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
- More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
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Best Xbox wireless controller for basics
Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X and S
Best Xbox wired controller for basics
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
Best Xbox wired pro controller
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Best Xbox compact wired controller
RIG Nacon Pro Compact
Best Xbox wireless controller for customization
Scuf Instinct Pro
What’s the best Xbox controller?
Microsoft’s standard controller for the Xbox Series X and S is the best controller. This wireless controller has all the basic controls you need and a good weight and feel so you can game for hours without issue. It runs on AA-size batteries, but there are several third-party rechargeable battery pack options as well as other accessories to change the look and feel of the controller.
But if you want to move beyond the basic Microsoft controller for Xbox, we’ve tested many third-party controllers, most of which do double duty as PC gaming controllers as well. Some are wired and some are wireless. Wired non-Microsoft controllers can be a lot less expensive, and some gamers prefer wired connections for cutting down lag in competitive matches. (And you never have to worry about a dead battery.) The official controller, available in a wide variety of colors, might be our gold standard, but if you’re looking for your next favorite Xbox gaming controller, these are the best we’ve tested.
Read more: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Review: The Best Content Deal in Gaming Right Now
Best Xbox controllers for Series X and Series S
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If you just want a good standard wireless controller for the Xbox, start with the one that comes in the box. Available in multiple colors, Microsoft’s Xbox controller might not have a lot of features, but it is comfortable and can last for up to 40 hours on a couple of AA batteries. And if you’d rather have rechargeables, there are several options available — I’ve been using HyperX’s ChargePlay Duo that locks the controller into place for charging. There’s a 3.5mm jack on the front edge next to the expansion port for connecting accessories like a chat keyboard that fits between the grips or audio controls for your headset. You can also remap its buttons, flip the sticks and use other customizations with the Xbox Accessories app.
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Feature-packed is an understatement when it comes to the Wolverine V2 Chroma. The ABXY buttons and the D-pad all use Razer Mecha-Tactile switches. They feel amazing, with a crisp response and satisfying click similar to the clicks from a mouse. There are also six additional buttons: two top bumpers and four bottom triggers. The bottom triggers are especially nice because the design makes them feel like paddles you’d find on other pro controllers but with a sturdier design like the rear triggers. There are also lockouts for the rear RT/LT triggers. Slide the switches over and they cut the travel distance in half for quick shots.
The Razer Wolverine also includes a couple of additional thumbstick caps: one taller concave cap for accuracy, one domed cap for quicker movements. There are RGB lights, too, and you can use Razer’s Synapse app for Xbox or PC to change them and remap the controller’s buttons.
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This Xbox wireless controller has it all. It can be used wired or wireless. The thumbsticks can be swapped for greater precision or faster speed. Holding the controller, your fingers fall naturally between two pairs of remappable paddles. The controller stores three profile configurations for the paddles and it’s preset for FPS, sport and racing games; a button on the bottom lets you quickly switch between them. Remapping can be done on the fly, so there’s no need for an additional app. There are also switches for the triggers so you can change them from a long pull to a quick click.
And then there’s the look. You can choose everything from the color of the buttons to the style of the thumbsticks to whether you want rumble installed. Scuf also has a variety of faceplates in different colors and designs. The price is the only real drawback here, starting at $230 and going up from there depending on your customizations.
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