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, a world of other excellent options awaits. Perhaps you crave customization, a budget-friendly choice, or a high-end gamepad for competitive gaming. Our experts have rigorously tested numerous controllers for the Xbox Series X/S, and present five top contenders.

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

Xbox Core Controller
Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
Xbox Elite Series 2
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Scuf Instinct Pro

Responsive controls, effortless button access, and seamless Xbox connection are crucial for any Series X/S gamer. Beyond the basics, discover controllers tailored to your playstyle. For ultimate customization, choose the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. Dominate the competition with the Scuf Instinct Pro. Or, on a budget, the feature-rich Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional quality for under $60.

With a vast selection of Xbox Series X controllers, don't limit yourself to the console's standard offering. Many of our picks excel on gaming PCs, phones, and more. However, for racing enthusiasts, explore our best racing wheels for Xbox, while fighting game fans should check out our best fight sticks.

For controller discounts, see our current best Xbox deals.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

Enjoy the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller with remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and ample connectivity options.
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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

The Xbox Core Controller, included with the Xbox Series X, offers a comfortable and familiar design suitable for various games. Upgrades provide enhanced grip, gameplay recording, and easy button remapping. Numerous color options are available. Xbox Wireless ensures seamless Xbox connection, while built-in Bluetooth extends compatibility to PCs and phones. The use of AA batteries is a minor drawback, though a USB-C connection (disabling wireless) is an alternative. Despite minor flaws, the textured grip, hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated Share button make it a solid choice for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms. Note: Also our top PC controller pick.

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

This wired gamepad boasts numerous features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customization, all at an affordable price.
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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 highlights the Turtle Beach Recon's impressive features for its price. For around $50, it offers standard controls plus two extra back buttons, allowing control without removing thumbs from the analog sticks. These buttons are fully configurable, including thumbstick sensitivity adjustments. The ergonomic design and audio customization options, including SuperHuman Hearing and game/chat mix adjustments, stand out.

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

This high-end controller offers extensive customization with swappable components, tunable triggers, extra rear paddles, and fully remappable buttons.
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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 reveals the Xbox Elite Series 2 as a premium controller ideal for serious gamers with a larger budget. Complete button remapping, four extra rear paddles, and magnetically attached components (D-pad, thumbsticks) allow for extensive customization. Further customization is available via Xbox Design Lab. The rechargeable battery provides up to 40 hours of use, eliminating the need for AA batteries. Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C connections offer broad compatibility.

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

This controller features a display for adjustments and notifications, hall-effect sticks, tactile switches, and extra mappable buttons.
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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 buttons, four extra rear buttons, hall-effect thumbsticks with adjustable performance, and trigger stops for actuation distance make it highly customizable. A built-in color display shows notifications and allows on-the-fly setting changes (profiles, button remapping, vibration, RGB lighting). Despite the display, 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: Feels comfortable; 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 and trigger switches for faster response times. Interchangeable thumbsticks allow for personalized feel. The lightweight, ergonomic design and rear grips ensure comfort during extended play. However, wireless use requires AA batteries.

UK Pricing and Availability:

Xbox Core Controller: £54.99 at Currys PC World
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller: £34.99 at Amazon
Xbox Elite Series 2: £159.99 at Amazon
Razer Wolverine V2: £74.99 at Amazon
Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel: £249.95 at Amazon
Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One Flight Stick: £63.99 at Amazon
Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro Customizable Controller: £159.99 at Amazon

Xbox Series X/S Controller Considerations:

Connectivity (wired for lowest latency, wireless dongles, Bluetooth for PC/phone use), and customizability (button remapping, additional buttons, trigger locks) are key factors.

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, but not all games support this.