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 world of Xbox gaming offers a diverse range 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, and here are five exceptional choices.

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 connectivity are crucial for any gamer seeking the ultimate Xbox Series X/S experience. Once you've mastered the basics, explore controllers tailored to your playstyle. Desire advanced customization? The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra awaits. Embrace pro-level performance with the Scuf Instinct Pro. On a budget? The feature-rich Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional quality for under $60.

The variety of Xbox Series X controllers available means you're not limited to the standard controller bundled with your console. Many of our top picks seamlessly integrate with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. However, if racing or fighting games are your passion, consider exploring the best racing wheels or fight sticks for Xbox.

For the best deals on these controllers, check out 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. 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
Impulse trigger
CONS
Awkward share button

The Xbox Core Controller, included with the Xbox Series X, offers a comfortable and familiar design suitable for most games. Upgrades provide enhanced grip, gameplay recording, and easy button remapping. Numerous color options are available. Using Xbox Wireless, it seamlessly connects to your Xbox, PC, and phone via Bluetooth. The only drawback is its reliance on AA batteries, although a USB-C connection is possible (though this disables wireless functionality).

Despite minor flaws, the Xbox Core Controller is a solid choice for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms. The textured grip, hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated Share button (albeit slightly awkwardly placed) are significant selling points. Note: This is also our top pick for the best PC controller.

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 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 Wired Game Controller's impressive features at a low price. For around $50, it offers standard buttons, triggers, and sticks, plus two extra back buttons for convenient control without removing thumbs from the analog sticks. These rear buttons are fully configurable, including thumbstick sensitivity adjustments.

The Recon provides a well-built, ergonomic controller with comfortable grips. Its standout feature is its audio customization options. When connecting a gaming headset, you can adjust various EQ settings, such as Superhuman Hearing, and easily manage game/chat audio mix.

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, and four extra rear paddles offer additional control options. The rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are magnetically attached for easy swapping. The Elite 2's customization is further enhanced via Xbox Design Lab.

As a wireless controller, the Elite Series 2 boasts a rechargeable battery lasting up to 40 hours per charge. It offers Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity for use with PCs and gaming phones.

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

This controller features a display for adjustments and notifications, along with 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. Its remappable microswitch face buttons and four rear buttons offer extensive control. Hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks with adjustable performance and trigger stops for actuation distance are ideal for FPS games. Settings are adjustable via the companion app or the unique on-gamepad Connected Command Display.

This full-color display shows phone notifications and allows on-the-fly setting adjustments, including profile swapping, button remapping, vibration intensity, and RGB lighting. 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:
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. A trigger switch enables faster actuation, beneficial in shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks allow personalized feel. Its lightweight, ergonomic design and rear grips ensure comfortable gameplay even during extended sessions.

However, the wireless version uses AA batteries.

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

Consider connectivity (wired for lowest latency, wireless dongles, or Bluetooth for PC/phone use), and customization options (button remapping, additional buttons, trigger locks).