Xbox Series X|S

Xbox controller

When it comes to a console, everything depends on how to control the game. The only way to communicate with the game is your controller. When it comes to Xbox, fortunately we can choose our controller. The Xbox controller which comes with the Xbox console is quite good, but Microsoft’s controller isn’t alone in this town. Xbox players can choose from among plenty of alternatives to find the best Xbox controller.

Many of those alternatives Xbox controllers have their own unique features. Although the basic layout on almost all of the controllers remain the same offset along sticks and the AXBY face button format. Even a subtle change in Microsoft’s design can make a world of differences for the players. Some of them have extra pair of re-mappable buttons for example. Others have improvements in battery life or ergonomics.

Microsoft have released the best controllers since the Original Xbox in 2001. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Xbox controllers on the market, ranging from the budget picks to premium, so you can see what’s on offer and decide which controller is truly best for you.

1. Xbox Core Controller

Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

To be honest with you, it’s hard to beat the Xbox Core Controller. It doesn’t have any special gimmicks or fancy features but it is your best choice for Xbox Series X/S. Microsoft has stuck to the familiar design of Xbox One.

However, there are few slight tweaks to improve controller’s experience. This controller has a special button for recording gameplay and they are simulating share button of DualShocks.

Xbox D-Pad have been redesigned completely. Xbox Core controller also works great on PC and Phone and you can connect it to your system by built in Bluetooth support or by USB Type-C cable. Xbox Core Controller wireless connection is great and provide less latency and fewer miss presses.

I don’t know you like it or not, but Xbox Core Controller need AA batteries. It seems a bit archaic in 2022, but don’t worry. Xbox Core Controller have a USB-C plug to skip the battery hassle and you can buy a re-charchable pack of batteries.

2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller

Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller

If you’re looking for a controller which is not as expensive as premium prices, the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is for you. It has all of the traditional buttons of an Xbox Controller, plus two extra on the back allow you to activate controls without taking your thumbs off the analog sticks. You can configure those two rear buttons to do whatever you need.

The Turtle Beach Recon offers a well-made controller, which not only works perfectly on your Xbox but also on your gaming PC.

The biggest feature that sets in this gamepad apart from all of the rest is its audio customization. By connecting a gaming headset, you can enjoy multiple EQ settings, like Super Human Hearing to pick up on audio cues you may have otherwise missed.

PowerA enhanced Wired Controller

Best Ultra Cheap Xbox Series X/S Controller

Sometimes, it’s better to have a complete look at the available controllers when your friends call and ask you for a competition in FIFA 23. Instead of worrying about controller’s situation and not having enough controllers, you can buy a super affordable controller to ensure no one is going to miss playing on Xbox.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a perfect and cheap option which provide a sturdy build that can hold up anything. This controller looks and feels like the standard Series X option.

Controller’s layout is still identical though it is a bit lighter and it can solve all of your problems. It has a share button as well as the standard one and of course a mic mute button for noisy places. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a responsive controller which offers a great functionality and even can be used as your main controller.

Xbox Elite Series 2

Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller

Xbox Elite Series 2 is a premium controller for hardcore gamers and want the best quality of a controller and of course don’t have a problem with its price. Buttons of this controller is completely remappable and you can dedicate special buttons to your favorite actions.

It has four extra rear paddles to change the function of the buttons. The Elite 2 is even more customizable thanks to the Xbox Design Lab, which allows you almost full customization to all of the components.

 If you’re tired of charging your controller couple of times in a day and need a strong battery, I suggest you to buy Elite 2. Is has built in rechargeable batteries that can handle you until 40 hours and you don’t need to buy AA batteries every week. In addition of Xbox Wireless, there’s a Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C for a wired open to make it easy using Elite 2 on PC and smart phone.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Best adaptable Xbox Series X/S Controller

If you need a pro controller which can adapt to your ideal setting, Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is made for you. Customization is the greatest feature of this controller and you can tune it to your favorite till the tiniest details. You can re map all of the buttons to whatever you want and they perform your new orders, as quick as the light.

You can use hair-trigger mode for competitive online games, specially FPSs. In this mode LT and RT (back triggers) receive the signal with the slightest tap. If you’re a fan of Call of Duty Warzone, you can headshot your enemies in a millisecond before they even notice you.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a mini-keyboard and have enough buttons, so you won’t going to miss your noisy key-board. This controller has six additional mappable multifunction buttons, including two mini bumpers and four triggers.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired controller to reduce lag in transferring signals. You shouldn’t be worried about your distance to your console, because it has a 10 foots length wire and you can relax on sofa and play games.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a well-built gamepad and have an ergonomic design and feels different from the original controller. This pro controller has a RGB lighting and can fit to all of the setups.

Scuf Instinct Pro

Best competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller

Microsoft has the largest library of online games and many of their studious are the best in competitive games. Not only Microsoft games are good but also, we have Bethesda and Activison-Blizzard games which are selling in millions of copies.

The best controller for competitive games is Scuf Instinct Pro. It seems like the typical Core Controller but it has multiple options which help you a lot in online matches and tournaments. An additional switch next to the triggers is made for actuating them like a mouse and make spamming as easy as possible. Quicker response helps you a lot in battle-royal games, so be ready for victory royals!

Another incredible feature of this controller is its ergonomic shape and design which won’t get your fatigued if you play for multiple hours. Not only it helps you to play better and increase your play time, but also avoids arthrose in your fingers.

Like the Core Controller, you need to buy AA batteries for this controller. I recommend you to buy re-chargeable batteries and enjoy from this wonderful controller.

Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

Let’s be straight. (One of) The best game of Xbox Studios is Forza. Microsoft have invested a lot of time and money on this franchise and now without a doubt we can say Forza Horizon is the best racing franchise. Many of Xbox owners buy this console for playing Forza Horizon and Motorsport. It is nice to play Forza with controller but we can’t deny how cool it is to drift on deserts of Mexico with a racing wheel.

Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback have a reasonable price among components and can simulate driving wheel amazingly. It is so realistic! You can rotate this wheel up to 900 degree and your car is not going to vibrate on races. With Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback racing games feels more immersive and even more challenging than before.

Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback only has to pedals, so you’ll be shifting gears with the attached metal paddle shifters similar to those found in real high-performance cars. The buttons are designed like a racing car not a standard Xbox Controller. I suggest you not to miss this wonderful experience with Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback.

Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One

Best Xbox Series X/S Flight Stick

Microsoft not only have the best racing game and have simulate car races amazingly, but also released Microsoft Flight Simulator for who wants to be a pilot and fly on the Atlantic Ocean but instead of a flight license have a Xbox console.

The best flight stick for take off and land is Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One. This is an all-in-one flight stick and you can simply plug it in and start flying with your F16.

This flight stick has an amazing design and size and won’t occupy too much space in your room. You can turn the airplane very smoothly so it is completely like a real flight stick. This device has 15 separate buttons and switches so you will have buttons as much as a real pilot. This controller also has a share button for capturing views on your scenic flights.

In addition of all these features, Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One is reasonably priced and you can use it on both Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls XPC

Best Flight Slim Controller

If you want to fly all over the world and need a more immersive experience in the virtual air, you’d better have a look at Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls XPC. This controller can rotate 180 degrees very smooth so your flying experience is going to be complete.

You can customize this controller for a better flight in the air. There is also a spring loaded five position ignition switches along with a panel of master alternators and light switches on the base meant to mimic those on an actual airplane.