Although we deemed the Xbox Core Controller the best Xbox Series X controller overall, that doesn’t mean other great options aren’t available. You might prefer an alternative Xbox Series X controller – one you can customize, a budget-friendly choice or even a high-end gamepad well-suited for competitive gamers. That’s why our experts have spent countless hours testing a wide range of controllers for the Xbox Series X/S. Below are the five we deem worthy of your consideration.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Xbox Series X/S Controllers:
Responsive controls, easy access to all the buttons you need quickly, and a seamless connection to the Xbox are imperative to anyone looking for the best Xbox controller for the Series X/S. After nailing the basics, you can branch out and find something that will work with the way you like to play. Want to kick customizations up a notch? Grab the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. Take on action like the pros with the Scuf Instinct Pro. Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Turtle Beach Recon is a feature-rich, high quality pick that costs under $60.
Clearly, with so many Xbox Series X controllers available, you don’t just need to stick to the official Xbox controller that comes with your console. Plus, most of our picks work just as great with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. But if you spend a lot of time hitting the tracks, the best racing wheels for Xbox may be right up your alley, while those looking to get a KO fast may benefit from one of the best fight sticks.
1. Xbox Core Controller
Best Xbox Series X/S Controller
When you purchase an Xbox Series X, it comes as standard with the Xbox Core Controller we've reviewed. There’s nothing particularly fancy about it, but when something works, and it works well, it can be hard to beat. The comfortable and familiar design compliments most types of games, and with a few upgrades here and there, you’ll be able to enjoy enhanced grip, record gameplay, and remap the controller’s buttons with ease. There are also a ton of different controller colors to choose from.
Using Xbox Wireless, the Xbox Core Controller connects seamlessly with your Xbox, but will also work with your PC and phone thanks to built-in Bluetooth support. The only real downside here is that the controller uses AA batteries, which feels a bit out of touch in this day and age. Still, there is the option to connect a USB-C to the controller, but that does mean you forego the controller’s wireless capabilities.
Still, if you can look past the minor flaws, the Xbox Core Controller is a solid option for your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms. The textured grip is a real selling point, alongside the hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated (but slightly awkward) Share button.
Note that this is also our pick for the best PC controller to buy.
2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller
Our hands-on review of the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller revealed a ton of great features for a lower price. For around $50, this gamepad features all the traditional buttons, triggers, and sticks of an Xbox controller, plus two extra back buttons that let you activate controls without taking your thumbs off the analog sticks. You can configure those two rear buttons to do whatever you please, including tuning thumbstick sensitivity for better accuracy.
The Turtle Beach Recon offers a well-constructed, comfortable-in-hand wired controller with ergonomic grips to ensure a firm hold even in the heat of battle. However, audio customizations make it a standout. When connecting your gaming headset to the controller, you can play around with various EQ settings, like SuperHuman Hearing, to pick up on audio cues you may otherwise miss. And simple on-control adjustments to the game/chat mix should make communication with your teammates a breeze.
3. Xbox Elite Series 2
Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller
In out hands-on testing of the Xbox Elite Series 2, we found it to be a premium controller perfect for hardcore gamers with a higher budget. All the buttons can be completely re-mapped, while four extra rear paddles can change the function of the face buttons when held down or have their own actions within a game. The rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are even attached magnetically for easy swapping to get your best feel, and the Elite 2 is even more customizable thanks to Xbox Design Lab.
As a wireless option, the Xbox Elite Series 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours on one charge. So you won’t be hunting down AA batteries like the Core Controller. And in addition to Xbox Wireless, there’s Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C for a wired option, making it easy to use with your PC or gaming phone.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Best Tunable Xbox Series X/S Controller
If you want a controller ready to be tuned to your ideal settings, we reviewed Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and kicks cutomizations up a notch. Its reliable microswitch face buttons are remappable, and the four extra buttons on the rear can be assigned actions. There are hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks that you can dial in the performance of and come with interchangeable thumbsticks, while trigger stops to adjust actuation distance are ideal for FPS. Most of these settings can be modified using the controller’s companion app, but you may opt to use the rather unique on-gamepad “Connected Command Display.”
This compact, full-color screen directly on the Stealth Ultra displays phone notifications and allows you to make on-the-fly setting adjustments like swapping between ten different profiles, remapping buttons, fine-tuning the vibration intensity, and modifying RGB lighting. Given this is a wireless controller, you may think that the screen will significantly drain the battery, but Turtle Beach claims the battery lasts up to 30 hours, depending on the mode. It even comes with a handy quick charging dock so you can get back to the action in no time.
5. Scuf Instinct Pro
Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller
The best controller to give you a competitive edge is the Scuf Instinct Pro we've tested. It rocks a look similar to the Core controller but includes some extras like four easy-to-use, customizable paddles. A switch near the triggers makes them actuate like a mouse click for a faster response time, which is a boon in shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks also let you find the best feel when annihilating your opponents.
The overall design of the Scuf Instinct Pro is something to marvel at, starting with the lightweight, ergonomic build, so even the longest gaming sessions won’t leave you fatigued. The grips on the rear of the handles also keep your hands firmly in place. However, when using the controller wirelessly, you’ll rely on those pesky AA batteries.
Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK
What to look for in a Xbox Series X/S controller
There’s plenty to seek out in an Xbox controller. Here are some important specs to pay attention to when buying this type of Xbox accessory.
Connectivity is essential when it comes to your gamepad. If you’re looking to have the lowest latency when gaming, a wired option is your best bet. A wireless dongle is another solid connection option. Some of our picks even offer Xbox’s own wireless protocol that provides less latency and fewer mispresses. And with Bluetooth connectivity on some of our picks, you can easily use it as a PC controller or phone controller. Take a look at our guide on how to pair an Xbox controller with PC for more ways to connect.
Another important factor to consider is how customizable a controller can be. If you want to remap some buttons or literally change the placement of a D-pad or thumbstick, some of our picks have the ability to do that. There are also options that offer additional buttons, like ones on the backside to provide shortcuts. Or, there might be added switches to lock triggers, allowing you to perform actions quicker. The possibilities are truly endless with some of these gamepads, and you can make them truly your own to annihilate the competition.
Xbox Controller FAQ
Can you connect a PS5 controller to an Xbox Series X?
If you really like the look atnd feel of the PS5 Dualsense controller and want to use it on an Xbox console, it is actually possible to do so. You will, however, need to purchase an adapter to do so. The Brooks Wingman Converter allows you to connect either a PS5 controller or a Switch Pro controller to your Xbox console.
Can you connect a mouse and keyboard to Xbox?
If you'd rather use your gaming mouse and gaming keyboard on your Xbox instead of one of the best controllers, you certainly can. All you need to do is plug in your mouse and keyboard into one of the extra USB ports on the console and you'll be connected. Not all Xbox Series X games have mouse and keyboard support, however.
Leana Hafer is an avid PC gamer. Talk action-RPGs, strategy games, and more with her on Twitter at @TilFolkvang.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.
