The Best Xbox Series X Controllers Worth Buying in 2025

While the Xbox Core Controller reigns supreme as our overall best Xbox Series X controller, the gaming world offers a diverse landscape of excellent alternatives. Perhaps you crave customization, a budget-friendly option, or a high-end gamepad perfect for competitive play. Our experts have rigorously tested numerous controllers for the Xbox Series X/S, presenting five exceptional choices below.

TL;DR – Top Xbox Series X/S Controllers:

Responsive controls, effortless button access, and seamless Xbox connectivity are crucial for any top-tier Xbox Series X/S controller. Beyond the fundamentals, discover a controller perfectly aligned with your playstyle. Desire advanced customization? The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra awaits. Embrace pro-level action with the Scuf Instinct Pro. Or, on a budget? The feature-rich Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional quality for under $60.

With numerous Xbox Series X controllers available, don't limit yourself to the standard console controller. Many of our picks seamlessly integrate with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. For racing enthusiasts, explore the best racing wheels for Xbox. Combat aficionados might prefer one of the best fight sticks.

For discounts on these controllers, check out our current best Xbox deals.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

Experience the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller boasting remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and extensive connectivity.

See it at Amazon See it at Target

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: Wireless
Customizable Buttons: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery: AA
PROS: Works well across many devices
CONS: Awkward share button

The Xbox Core Controller, included with the Xbox Series X, offers a comfortable and familiar design suitable for various games. Upgrades enhance grip, gameplay recording, and button remapping. Numerous color options are available. Using Xbox Wireless, it seamlessly connects to your Xbox, PC, and phone via Bluetooth. The downside? AA batteries. A USB-C connection is possible, but this disables wireless functionality. Despite minor flaws, it remains a solid choice for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms, thanks to its textured grip, hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated (though slightly awkward) Share button. Note: Also our top PC controller pick.

2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller - Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller

This wired gamepad offers a wealth of features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customizations, all at an affordable price.

See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

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 review highlighted the Turtle Beach Recon's impressive features at a low price. For around $50, it includes standard buttons, triggers, and sticks, plus two extra back buttons for controls without removing thumbs from analog sticks. These buttons are fully configurable, including thumbstick sensitivity adjustments. Ergonomic grips ensure a firm hold. Audio customization is a standout feature, allowing EQ adjustments (like SuperHuman Hearing) and on-controller game/chat mix adjustments for improved communication.

3. Xbox Elite Series 2 - Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller

This high-end controller offers extensive customization with swappable controls, tunable triggers, extra rear paddles, and fully remappable buttons.

See it at Amazon See it at Newegg

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: Wireless
Customizable Buttons: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery: Rechargeable (40 hours)
PROS: Wireless charging; Comfortable grip
CONS: Expensive

Our testing revealed the Xbox Elite Series 2 as a premium controller ideal for serious gamers with a larger budget. All buttons are fully remappable, with four extra rear paddles offering additional control options. Magnetically attached rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks allow for easy swapping. Further customization is available through Xbox Design Lab. It features a rechargeable battery lasting up to 40 hours, Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C wired option for PC or phone use.

4. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra - Best Tunable Xbox Series X/S Controller

This controller stands out with its adjustment and notification display, hall-effect sticks, tactile switches, and extra mappable buttons.

See it at Amazon See it at Turtle Beach See it at Best Buy

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

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra excels in tunability. Remappable microswitch face buttons and four extra rear buttons offer extensive control. Hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks with adjustable performance and trigger stops for faster actuation are ideal for FPS games. Settings are adjustable via the companion app or the unique on-gamepad "Connected Command Display," showing notifications and allowing on-the-fly adjustments. Despite the screen, the battery lasts up to 30 hours, and a quick-charging dock is included.

5. Scuf Instinct Pro - Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller

The Scuf Instinct Pro offers an ergonomic design with four rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers for a competitive edge.

See it at Scuf

Product Specifications:

Connectivity: Wireless
Customizable Buttons: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery: Rechargeable
PROS: Comfortable feel; Lots of customization
CONS: AA batteries

The Scuf Instinct Pro provides a competitive advantage with its design similar to the Core controller, but enhanced with four customizable paddles. A trigger switch enables faster response times, beneficial in shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks allow for personalized feel. The lightweight, ergonomic build ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions, and rear grips maintain a firm hold. Wireless use relies on AA batteries.

Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK

What to Look For in an Xbox Series X/S Controller

Consider these key specifications:

• Connectivity: Wired offers lowest latency; wireless dongles are a solid alternative; Bluetooth enables PC/phone use.
• Customization: Remappable buttons, interchangeable parts (D-pad, thumbsticks), additional buttons, trigger locks.

Xbox Controller FAQ

• Can you connect a PS5 controller to an Xbox Series X? Yes, with an adapter like the Brooks Wingman Converter.
• Can you connect a mouse and keyboard to Xbox? Yes, via USB ports (game support varies).