For many Xbox gamers, the choice of which controller to use is already made for them. The official Xbox Series X and S controller available in many custom designs and colors showcases subtle improvements and remains the best Xbox controller for the typical console user. The default Xbox controller is now more ergonomic with Dynamic Latency Input to combat delayed responses to button presses. Still, for console gamers who demand more customization or the reliability that only a wired controller can provide, there are more alternatives than ever.

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Some controllers have additional programmable buttons compared to the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller, giving users more commands at their disposal. The best controller for Esports competitors is modular with replaceable analog sticks and d-pads that provide improved responsiveness and tactile feel. Of course, budget is also a concern when shopping for an Xbox controller, especially for gamers who are looking to replace a broken peripheral and save some money in the process. The following controllers include options that are both cheaper and more costly than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, offering features and build quality worthy of their asking prices.

It’s not exactly surprising that Microsoft has one of the best controllers on the market for their own system, even if it is a little basic. It has all the functions a gamer needs from the quick share button to the hybrid d-pad to the 3.5 mm jack for wired headsets. The life of the controller can last as long as 30 hours on just two AA batteries, or players can simply plug in the controller with a USB-C cord to keep playing while the batteries are charging. Unfortunately, rechargeable battery packs for the Xbox Core Wireless Controller are a separate purchase.

To address critics claiming that the Xbox One controller was overly bulky, Microsoft downsized the triggers and buttons in the newer Xbox Series X and S controllers. The controller has an overall premium feel and is usually in stock at all times, in at least in some color choices. The Xbox Core Wireless Controller also has the advantage of doubling as a great PC controller using Bluetooth or a wireless USB dongle, benefiting from vast compatibility with Windows games. With its solid construction and simple plug-and-play connections to Xbox consoles, the Core Wireless Controller is the best Xbox controller on the market.

PowerA has been supplying high-quality controllers to console gamers for years, and their enhanced wired controllers for the Xbox are no different, even if they are some of the most affordable options on the market. First and foremost, there are dozens of styles to choose from, including themes from video games and TV shows. RELATED: HyperX Clutch Gladiate Enhanced Wired Controller Review

Secondly, this controller is built to serve almost every need for years. Constructed with durable materials similar to Microsoft’s controller, PowerA’s controllers are a bit lighter than their wireless counterparts but still offer great balance. It has all the standard buttons and a 3.5 mm jack, but it also adds four more buttons for gamers to love. In the bottom center is a convenient mute switch, reminiscent of previous iterations of Xbox controllers. On the back of the controller handles are R4 and L4 buttons, both remappable with the fourth added button, situated at the top of the back of the controller, completely out of the way.

If looking to step up from the official Xbox Controller or budget alternatives, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate provides some fairly extensive customization for not much more money. Originally designed for the Xbox One, the Wolverine Ultimate is a wired controller that works seamlessly with the Xbox Series S and X as well. While not quite as modular as the most expensive Xbox controllers, the Wolverine Ultimate allows gamers to replace the thumbstick and D-pad for components with various heights and grips. The front of the controller has 4 programmable multi-function buttons near the bottom that can adjust volume levels and chat/game audio mixes.

On the back of the controller are four triggers with adjustable resistance and two remapabble bumper buttons. Gamers can use the front multi-function buttons to change the commands associated with the programmable buttons or download the Razer Synapse app from the Xbox Store.

One drawback of the controller worth noting is the USB cable, which has a proprietary connection and requires a Razer-compatible cord if a replacement is required. Regardless, with its generous customization and top-tier response rates, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate is the best Xbox controller for demanding gamers and Esports competitors.

The SCUF Instinct Pro controller is available in a variety of stylish colors, plus plenty of custom faceplates that can easily replace the standard shell. The thumbsticks can also be swapped out for more stylish or custom options to really personalize the controller. The back of the controller is just as chic with a high-quality hex-pattern texture wrapped around the two handles for extra comfort.

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Even the four bonus buttons on the back are covered in a gray and black camo pattern, just to make sure flair can be found everywhere. These buttons aren’t just for show though! All the buttons can be remapped on the fly, and players can quickly switch between three profiles that are saved directly to the controller. Further customization is offered by the two manual switches on the back, which allow for partial and full locking of the triggers.

For all of these bells and whistles, the battery life is sacrificed a bit with a max of 30 hours, which is still pretty good considering that it can still be used with the USB-C cable even without batteries. On the other hand, despite having top-of-the-line specs and customization options, the Instinct Pro miraculously weighs only 9.6oz, making it lighter than all the other controllers on this list except for the budget PowerA wired option.

The RIG Nacon Revolution X is a fantastic Xbox controller for players who truly want to be in control of their game. Players can get the heft of the controller just right with the included three sets of weights, each weighing 10 grams, 14 grams and 16 grams. The joysticks can also be finely tuned, with adjustments to the height and width, whether the top is concave or convex, and even the angle the joysticks rest at.

The buttons are just as customizable, with the Revolution X app allowing players to remap up to four profiles of button layouts. The app is available on both the Xbox and PC, so regardless of which device a player is on, they can make their controller their own. On top of the standard buttons, there are four extra buttons on the back of the controller. Once it’s time to game, the controller is super responsive and swapping between profiles is a snap. Additionally, the Nacon Revolution X is fairly affordable. The only thing this controller is really lacking is some textured grip. Each handle does offer some texture, which does make for a fine consolation among the other impressive features.

As customizable as the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is, all that added flexibility comes with a steep asking price. Also, while many controllers allow gamers to swap thumbsticks and paddles, few allow them to completely change the look and feel of the entire device. The PowerA FUSION Pro provides a viable and more budget-friendly alternative to more expensive controllers while offering a choice of 2 swappable faceplates. The black option has a softer texture with enhanced rubber-coated grips, while the white faceplate has more of a matte-textured finish.

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Besides its interchangeable looks and grips, the PowerA FUSION Pro 2 includes a remappable Pro Pack with four paddles that are programmable without using software. The controller's 3 Way Triggers are adjustable to suit rapid-fire action in shooting games or racing games demanding a high degree of precision. The PowerA FUSION Pro 2 comes with a choice of convex or concave analog stick caps as well as a carrying case to carry all these parts to Esports competitions.

A few aspects of the controller could use some fine-tuning, like the dual-rumble vibration motors which sound a bit like a tractor when activated. Also, the customizable paddles have a tendency to slip or fall off during gameplay. Still, the PowerA FUSION Pro 2 offers a lot of features for a price not considerably more than the official Xbox controller.

Unlike the standard Xbox controller, the Elite Series 2 aims to be much more comfortable. Textured sides help maintain a steady grip and the thumbsticks have deeper indents that allow for stability during quick movements. It’s only about an ounce heavier than the standard controller, which is pretty impressive considering all the extras thrown in like Bluetooth compatibility and onboard memory profiles that can save specific button layouts.

Nothing is worse than grinding through a single-player campaign only to discover that a controller is out of juice, especially when there is no convenient place to recharge it. The Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 offers up to 40 hours of battery life with the included rechargeable battery which is superior to any other wireless Xbox controller available.

This controller is much more expensive than other Xbox controllers, but with the premium materials offering a comfortable grip, wide customizability of the layout, and lasting durability, the Elite Series 2 is the best Xbox Series X controller for marathon gamers. Need a multi-platform controller you can use for more than just an Xbox? Check out our list of the best overall gaming controllers to see if there's something that suits you better!

With RGB lighting popular in PC peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headsets, console gamers are too often excluded from the party. Although the Xbox Series X lacks the hardware or software to control elaborate lighting effects, the Powera Spectra Infinity Enhanced Wired Controller takes matters into its own hands. LED lights in 3 zones surround most of the front-facing buttons, analog stick, and d-pad. Although changing the lighting combinations requires a series of button presses, most gamers will enjoy the standard presets.

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The PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced is a close copy of the official Xbox wireless controller with more than acceptable build quality. Also, in addition to RGB lighting, it adds a few features lacking in Microsoft's more expensive wireless alternative. The two Advanced Gaming Buttons on the back of the controller are remappable to many of the basic commands on the front of the device. Unlike some other controllers, the two buttons are perfectly located, so they are accessible when needed but also won't interfere with typical hand grips. The PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced includes the same 3-way Trigger Locks as on many of its other controllers to adjust trigger sensitivity.

Sporting vibrant RGB effects that come alive in dark rooms, and more customization than available with some more expensive alternatives, the Powera Spectra Infinity Enhanced is the best controller for anyone who likes to game in style.

Hori Fighting Commander Octa Xbox Controller

Best Xbox Controller for Fighting Games

Many fighting game fanatics turn to other types of peripherals besides controllers like giant pads with joysticks reminiscent of 1980s arcades. Still, for most console gamers, it's far more practical to use a controller that can excel at many different types of games. Hori who has a long history making fighting-oriented controllers, steps into the ring with its multipurpose wired Fighting Commander Octa. Officially licensed by Microsoft, the controller is designed so that all buttons are instantly accessible and precise to accommodate rapid-fire commands in games like Street Fighter and Tekken.

The 6 main buttons on the front include RB and RT commands and are designed with micro switches producing satisfying clicks that prioritize response time. The Hori Fighting Commander Octa excludes a traditional right analog stick not commonly used in fighting titles. Instead, the left analog stick benefits from an 8-way gate providing gamers with more precise movements. D-pad sensitivity is adjustable, and users can program 4 different custom profiles with or without Hori's PC app.

It's not uncommon for a relatively inexpensive wired controller to feel lightweight, but the materials used in the Fighting Commander Octa lack a premium feel and look. Even so, the Hori Fighting Commander Octa is the best controller for fighting game enthusiasts, while still serving as a perfectly adequate controller for other types of games.

How To Choose The Best Xbox Controller

When choosing a new Xbox controller, the two most important factors are connectivity and cost. Xbox controllers can be wired or wireless, and while there are slight latency differences between them, they’re mostly the same for the average gamer. Wired controllers tend to be lighter too, while wireless controllers tend to be much more convenient to use, but each is typically chosen based on personal preference.

Cost is completely subjective, with each player working within their own budgets. Most gamers can get a decent controller for somewhere between $25 and $100, though there are outliers that are great for temporary replacements or pro-level competitive play.

Other than connectivity and cost, players should consider factors such as whether they want the controller to be compatible with other devices, whether they want their controller to be stylish, and whether they want any special features like adjustable joysticks or trigger stops.

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FAQ

Q: What's wrong with the official Xbox Wireless Controller?

The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller that ships with the Xbox Series X and S consoles is perfectly fine for most gamers. However, alternatives include wired controllers without limited battery life or controllers that are more customizable.

Q: What can you do with reprogrammable buttons?

Reprogrammable buttons are very useful on any controller. You can use them to take screenshots, activate in-game prompts, or activate a program that performs a set of specific actions.

Q: Are wireless controllers as good as wired?

Wireless controllers used to trade off latency for greater freedom in the past. Now, with much better underlying tech, they tend to be nearly as fast as wired controllers which is why we see so many professional Esports players selecting them as their weapons of choice.