Best Xbox Controller for 2025: Series X and Series S

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With prices going up everywhere, including Microsoft raising prices on its Xbox console and accessories, it’s more important than ever to spend your money in the right place. When it comes to getting a new Xbox controller, that means finding the best one for your play style and the types of games you play the most. There are dozens of great options with different features, designs and, most importantly, prices. I explored and tested as many of the best controllers as we could get our hands on when making this list to help you find the best one for you. And if you prefer to game on the go with Xbox Game Pass, we also found the best Xbox controller for cloud gaming.
Our Picks
Best Xbox wireless controller for basics
Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X and S
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Best overall pro controller
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2
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Best Xbox wired controller for basics
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
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Best Xbox wired pro controller
Razer Wolverine V3: Tournament Edition
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Best Xbox wireless controller for pro-level gaming
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
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Best Xbox controller for customized performance
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
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Best budget-friendly Xbox pro controller
GameSir G7 Pro
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Best Xbox pro controller with RGB lighting
PowerA Fusion Pro
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Best Xbox controller for different game types
PDP Victrix Pro
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What’s the best Xbox controller?
Microsoft’s standard controller for the Xbox Series X and S is the best overall controller for most people. Even though the price went up a bit, it still offers everything you need and is comfortable to hold if you’re playing for a few hours. It’s wireless and runs on AA batteries, so it’s easy to swap them out without too much trouble, but you can also get rechargeable battery packs for it. Best of all, it comes bundled with every new Xbox. Basically, it’s a safe bet for performance and design.
If you’re looking for something more advanced, cheaper or just different from the standard controller, I’ve tested a whole range of third-party controllers, many of which also double as PC controllers. I looked at both wired and wireless options as they have their own advantages. Wired controllers offer less lag and are often significantly more affordable, while wireless options give you more flexibility and range of motion. In the end, the standard Xbox controller is still the best option, but all the ones on this list are exceptional, and each has its own unique features.
Read more: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Review: The Best Content Deal in Gaming Right Now
Best Xbox controllers for Series X and Series S
Pros
Affordable
Solid build
Great ergonmics
Remappable buttons
Cons
No extra buttons
Basic features
The one in the box is pretty darn good.
What I like
If you just want a good standard wireless controller for the Xbox, start with the one that comes in the box. Available in multiple colors, Microsoft’s Xbox controller might not have a lot of features, but it is comfortable and can last for up to 40 hours on a couple of AA batteries. And if you’d rather have rechargeables, there are several options available. There’s a 3.5mm jack on the front edge next to the expansion port for connecting accessories like a chat keyboard that fits between the grips or audio controls for your headset. You can also remap its buttons, flip the sticks and use other customizations with the Xbox Accessories app.
Who it’s best for
The standard Xbox controller is already pretty great on its own for those who are just looking to have a good time without needing any extra features for competitive gameplay. It’s also great for those who prefer to stick with AA batteries.
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Pros
Great, familiar ergonomics
Solid button feel
Plenty of hardware and software customization
Affordable for a pro controller
Cons
Might be heavy for some
Microsoft’s Pro Controller gets so much right that it easily owns the spot as the best overall pro controller you can get for Xbox.
What I like
Even after more than five years, the hardware on the Elite 2 is some of the best in the industry. The ergonomics are great. Every button is clicky and responsive, including the back paddles, which can even be removed if you really don’t want them. Microsoft also includes different thumbsticks and D-pad options that can be quickly swapped out when switching games, and the adjustable joystick tension is a true game-changer. Plus, the software customization is genuinely good and doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Who it’s best for
The Elite 2 is truly best for those who want to experience what it’s like to play with a pro controller, but don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line pro features. It’ll raise your game while not breaking the bank in the process.
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Pros
Affordable
Solid build
Useful additional features
Cons
Wired
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics.
What we like
There are two extra buttons on the bottom of the controller that can be mapped on the fly, as well as a 3.5mm jack on the front for a headset. Just above the jack on top is a toggle for volume and a chat mute as well as a diamond texture to the bottom for better grip. Also, like many of PowerA’s controllers, it’s available in multiple colors, though prices jump around a bit between different variants.
Who it’s best for
The PowerA wired controller is a good, inexpensive option when you need an extra Xbox controller for guests or one to use while your wireless controller charges.
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Pros
Excellent hardware
Up to 1,000Hz polling rate
Granular customization
Cons
Pricey for a wired controller
If the fact that Razer specifically designed this controller for eSports tournaments doesn’t convince you it’s the best wired controller, maybe the fact that it’s the wired version of arguably the best wireless pro controller on the market, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, might seal the deal.
What we like
It retains the same Mecha-Tactile switches for the face buttons and D-pad from the V2 Chroma of last year (and the V3 Pro), along with the six additional programmable buttons: four back paddles and two top bumpers. My small hands aren’t well suited to the top bumpers, but those claw-grippers among us will be quite happy.
Razer listened to player feedback and moved the paddles from the very awkward middle of the controller to the more traditional spot farther down on the handles. They are still the same excellently sturdy triggers, just in a much better position. The triggers both have trigger stops for instant response time in high-speed games, and the Hall Effect joysticks are sturdy and precise. Plus, Razer gives you some extra caps, including a taller thumbstick and a domed option. Razer’s Synapse app is still one of the best ones around for remapping and calibration, and, naturally, there’s still Chroma RGB. It’s $100, which is a bit pricey considering the lack of wireless capability, but there really isn’t a better wired option.
Who it’s best for
If you happen to be a pro gamer or streamer who doesn’t get free gear from your sponsor, or you happen to compete in a lot of pro-level tournaments, the Wolverine V3 is the best wired controller you can get. Also, if you want a pro-level controller for the house, but don’t mind being plugged in, it’s by far the cheapest pro controller you can get.
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Pros
Best-in-class hardware
Excellent customization options
Solid app for Xbox and PC
Comfortable
Cons
No Bluetooth
Expensive
The Wolverine V3 Pro sets the bar for Xbox controllers. While nothing is perfect, we said it was