Although we deemed the Xbox Core Controller the best Xbox Series X|S 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 and Xbox Series S. Below are the six 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
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wireless
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery
AA
PROS
Works well across many devices
Impulse trigger
CONS
Awkward share button
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
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wired
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
No
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows
Battery
N/A
PROS
Great access to voice and audio options
Solid build quality
CONS
Wired only
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
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wired
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery
Rechargeable (40 hours)
PROS
Wireless charging
Comfortable grip
CONS
Expensive
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
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wireless
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android
Battery
Rechargeable (30 hours)
PROS
RGB lighting
Color display
CONS
No swappable thumbsticks
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
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wireless
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery
Rechargeable
PROS
Feels comfortable
Lots of customization
CONS
AA batteries
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.
6. Xbox Adaptive Controller
Best Xbox Series X|S Accessible Controller
Product Specifications
Connectivity
Wired, wireless
Customizable Buttons
Yes
Bluetooth
No
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows
Battery
Rechargeable (25 hours)
PROS
High customizability and modularity
19 3.5mm jacks for foot pedals, switches, joysticks, and other other adaptability aids
A few helpful built-in controls
Supports third-party peripherals
CONS
High cost for controller and necessary peripherals
Certain simultaneous inputs may not be supported
The Xbox Adaptive Controller was a major milestone in accessible gaming when it came out, and it remains the best controller option for Xbox Series X|S. Rather than being a full-on “controller,” it’s more of an input hub offering 19 3.5mm jacks that correspond with all the standard controller inputs. Everything from bumpers and triggers to A, B, X, Y buttons, and more can have switches, joysticks, foot pedals, and other adaptability aids assigned to them.
While the Xbox Adaptive Controller's primary purpose is to add peripherals to enhance accessibility, it also offers a few built-in controls. The rectangular, modular design is reminiscent of a fight stick, and on the face are two large, remappable buttons, a D-pad, a view button, and a home button. We’d also recommend grabbing the Xbox Adaptive Joystick to pair with it. The joystick includes the stick, four buttons, and a mounting thread. Although it costs an additional $30, the buttons can be remapped, ergonomics are solid, and 3D-printable thumbstick toppers are supported. It can even plug into a standard Xbox controller instead.
There’s a whole lot to love about this inclusive and innovative device, but the $100 price tag is steep, especially when considering the peripherals required to make this a functional device. Luckily, most third-party peripherals are supported. Given the extra input devices, expect a fairly steep learning curve when mastering the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Users have also noted that some simultaneous inputs aren’t supported, leading to limitations in some games. Still, for the most part, gamers have found that this controller allows them to play titles that weren’t always an option.
What to look for in a Xbox Series X|S controller
There’s plenty to seek out in an Xbox Series X|S controller. Below are some key specifications to consider when purchasing these essential Xbox accessories.
Wired/Wireless
Great connectivity is a non-negotiable, and 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 with minimal lag. Some of our picks even offer Xbox’s own wireless protocol, Xbox Wireless, which provides less latency for fewer mispresses and quicker reactions on screen. While Bluetooth connectivity is available on many of our wireless picks, we’d only opt for it when using the gamepad as a PC or phone controller. Take a look at our guide on how to pair an Xbox controller with a PC for more ways to connect.
With wireless controllers, you also have to take battery life into account, especially when using them for marathon gaming sessions. Wired controls, on the other hand, leave you tethered to your Xbox, limiting your freedom of movement and adding to cable clutter.
Ergonomics
If your controller isn’t comfortable to hold, you won’t be using it for long. Finding an option with a design that fits well in your hand, isn’t too heavy, and remains well-balanced is essential, or you risk fatigue during longer gaming sessions. All buttons and controls should also be easy to reach without straining. Grips are more important than you’d think, and not just on the back of the handles, but the triggers and bumpers, too, as you’ll have more control over the gamepad.
Customizability/Features
If you just want to remap some buttons or literally change the placement of a D-pad or thumbstick, all of our picks offer a degree of customizability — with some offering more than others. Seeking out options with additional buttons or paddles, like ones on the backside of the controller for shortcuts that allow you to keep your thumbs on the sticks while simultaneously performing other actions, can be a boon. Switches to lock triggers are beneficial in FPS where speed is essential. Adjustable stick sensitivity can improve aim and control. The possibilities are truly endless with some of these gamepads, and you can make them your own to annihilate the competition.
Other features to consider include vibration feedback and RGB lighting, helping the controller become even more immersive. If longevity is a concern, seek options that have Hall-effect sensors to prevent drifting and buttons with reliable switches. While not all these features are essential, they can enhance the gaming experience.
Controller Type
The type of controller you grab can also depend on the types of games you play most often. For FPS, adjustable triggers and tighter sticks allow for better control and faster reactions. Racing games and flight simulators require reliable analog sticks and precise triggers, while platformers and fighting games can benefit from a super-responsive D-pad and face buttons. But if you have the budget, you might want to consider grabbing specified controllers for certain genres, like racing wheels and fightsticks.
Price
The Xbox Core Controller is an awesome low-cost controller option for the average Xbox Series X|S user, and you can find some other solid budget controller options for Xbox between $30 and $60. Upping your budget to around $60-$120 will bring even more features, and oftentimes better comfort and durability. Anything above $120 is a high-end controller, and with the cost should come a high degree of customizability, along with a quality build and ergonomic design. Only serious competitive games will require a high-end controller. Casual gamers will get by just fine with budget and mid-range options.
Xbox Series X|S Controller FAQ
Can you connect a PS5 controller to an Xbox Series X|S?
If you really like the look and feel of the best PlayStation 5 controller, the PlayStation DualSense, and want to use it on an Xbox console, it’s actually possible to do so. However, you’ll want to purchase an adapter. The Brooks Wingman XB 3 Converter allows you to connect either a PS5 controller or a Switch Pro controller to your Xbox console via a wired connection or wirelessly using a controller’s dongle or Bluetooth.
While this converter seems great in theory, it’s definitely not perfect. There’s always the possibility of connection drops, lag, and update issues with the firmware. You also won’t get all the features that come with the DualSense. The gyroscope isn’t supported, and don’t expect full haptic feedback either. Turbo works, but only on certain buttons, while remapping and vibration are available to some degree.
Sure, the DualSense is great, but if you’re just after the general feel, grabbing a third-party alternative with a similar design to the DualSense, like soon-to-be-released Hyperkin The Competitor or the modular Victrix Pro BFG, might be a better option.
Can you connect a mouse and keyboard to the Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, it’s possible to use a great gaming mouse and gaming keyboard on your Xbox instead of a controller. Actually, the process of connecting the peripherals to the console is fairly straightforward. All you need to do is plug in your mouse and keyboard into the extra USB ports on the console using either a wired connection or the wireless USB dongle that comes with the mouse/keyboard. After that, you’ll be connected. Just note that Bluetooth is not supported.
Once connected, the peripherals, for the most part, should work seamlessly with the Xbox’s main user interface. However, not all keyboards/mice will always be reliable, and latency can come into play. Also, keep in mind that not all Xbox Series X|S titles even have native mouse and keyboard support. While some adapters and converters are available to bring that support to certain games, the experience will vary.
What controller comes with the Xbox Series X|S?
Both the Xbox Series X and Series S come with the Xbox Core Controller in the box. It’s great that our top Xbox controller is included with the console. You’re in for a comfortable, familiar design, reliable controls, low-latency wireless connectivity, and more. However, if you want to play with friends or are after more customizability, grabbing an additional controller is a must.
Beyond the controller, the Xbox Series X|S consoles both include AA batteries to power the controller. Yes, in the year 2025, the controller doesn’t have a rechargeable battery. There’s also a high-speed HDMI and power cord in the box.
Can I use Xbox One controllers with the Xbox Series X|S?
If you’re still holding on to older but still great Xbox One controllers, they will work seamlessly with the Xbox Series X|S. The newer consoles were designed to be completely backward compatible, so all Xbox One controllers and the majority of other Xbox-certified accessories for Xbox One should be supported. Using the controllers will be as simple as plugging them in or connecting wirelessly (where supported), and you won’t need to worry about hunting down adapters.
All of the features of the Xbox One controllers, including impulse triggers and rumble motors, will work with Xbox Series X|S titles that support them. But these controllers will lack all the new upgrades that come with the newer controllers, like the share button or improved D-pad on the Xbox Series X Core Controller.
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.
