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 extends far beyond a single option. Perhaps you crave customization, a budget-friendly pick, or a high-end gamepad for competitive play. Our experts have rigorously tested a wide array of controllers for the Xbox Series X/S, and below are five exceptional choices worthy of your consideration.

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 play style. Desire advanced customization? The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra awaits. Aim for pro-level performance? The Scuf Instinct Pro is your weapon of choice. On a tighter budget? The feature-rich Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional quality for under $60.

With the vast selection of Xbox Series X controllers, don't limit yourself to the standard console controller. Many of our top picks seamlessly integrate with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. For racing enthusiasts, explore our best racing wheels for Xbox; fighting game fanatics might prefer one of the best fight sticks.

For the best deals on these controllers, check out our current best Xbox deals.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

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1. Xbox Core Controller: The Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

Experience the familiar Xbox layout with this ergonomic controller boasting remappable buttons, a responsive D-pad, and versatile connectivity.

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Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Wireless
• Customizable Buttons: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
• Battery: AA
• Pros: Works well across multiple devices; impulse triggers.
• Cons: Awkward share button.

The Xbox Core Controller, included with the Xbox Series X, offers a comfortable and familiar experience. Enhancements include improved grip, gameplay recording, and easy button remapping. A wide array of colors is also available. Xbox Wireless ensures seamless connection with your Xbox, while built-in Bluetooth extends compatibility to PCs and phones. The use of AA batteries is a minor drawback, although a USB-C connection is possible (disabling wireless functionality).

Despite minor flaws, the Xbox Core Controller remains 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 (despite its slightly awkward placement) are key selling points. Note: This is also our top pick for the best PC controller.

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

This wired gamepad boasts a wealth of features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customization, all at an affordable price point.

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Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Wired
• Customizable Buttons: Yes
• Bluetooth: No
• Compatibility: Xbox, Windows
• Battery: N/A
• Pros: Excellent voice and audio options; robust build quality.
• Cons: Wired only.

Our review of the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller highlighted its impressive feature set at a budget-friendly price. For around $50, it offers standard Xbox controls plus two additional back buttons, allowing for control without removing thumbs from the analog sticks. These buttons are fully customizable, including thumbstick sensitivity adjustments.

The Recon provides a well-built, comfortable wired controller with ergonomic grips. Audio customization is a standout feature, allowing for EQ adjustments (including SuperHuman Hearing) and on-controller game/chat mix adjustments.

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

This high-end controller offers extensive customization with swappable components, adjustable triggers, additional 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 hands-on testing revealed the Xbox Elite Series 2 as a premium controller ideal for serious gamers with a higher budget. Complete button remapping, four additional rear paddles, and magnetically attached components (D-pad, thumbsticks) provide unparalleled customization. Further customization is available via Xbox Design Lab.

The wireless Elite Series 2 boasts a rechargeable battery lasting up to 40 hours per charge, eliminating the need for AA batteries. Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity offer broad compatibility.

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

This controller stands out with its integrated 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 additional rear buttons, adjustable hall-effect thumbsticks, and trigger stops provide extensive customization. Settings are managed via a companion app or the unique on-controller "Connected Command Display".

This full-color display shows phone notifications and allows on-the-fly adjustments to profiles, button mapping, vibration intensity, and RGB lighting. Despite the display, the battery life is claimed to be up to 30 hours, and a quick-charge dock is included.

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5. Scuf Instinct Pro: Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller

The Scuf Instinct Pro pushes boundaries with its ergonomic design, four rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers.

See it at Scuf

Product Specifications:

• Connectivity: Wireless
• Customizable Buttons: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
• Battery: Rechargeable
• Pros: Comfortable feel; extensive customization.
• Cons: Uses AA batteries.

The Scuf Instinct Pro provides a competitive edge with its design similar to the Core controller, but enhanced with four customizable paddles and instant-trigger switches for faster response times. Interchangeable thumbsticks allow for personalized feel.

The lightweight, ergonomic design and rear grips ensure comfortable extended play. However, wireless use relies on AA batteries.

Where to Buy in the UK:

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

What to Look For:

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

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.