The Best Xbox Controller Of 2024
The list of great Xbox controllers keeps growing, and there is no shortage of awesome (and affordable) options--but which is the best?
Best Xbox controller
Best Premium Xbox Controller
Best Premium Xbox Controller - A Different Option
Best Competitive Xbox Controller
Best Pro-Style Budget Xbox Controller (Tie)
Look, we won't bury the lede--even after all these years, we still think the standard Xbox gamepad is the best Xbox controller available in 2024. It's been our top pick as far back as the Xbox One, and we don't see that changing anytime soon. It's likely many Xbox players agree. However, that doesn't mean it's the only controller we recommend. In fact, there are many great alternatives depending on what kind of controller you need, including Xbox's own premium pro-level pad, the Elite Series 2. There are also dozens of third-party options from brands like 8BitDo, HyperX, Razer, Turtle Beach, and more that vary in size, features, and price. So, we combed through them all to bring you our picks for the Xbox controllers available in 2024.
We've included picks for various controller categories, including niche considerations to make sure you find the best fit. For instance, if you prefer aligned joysticks or play a lot of games that work better with D-pad controls, the 8 BitDo Pro 2 is a better pick than Microsoft's controllers. If you are focused on competitive multiplayer, you may want to consider the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, which features ultra-quick actuation and other features aimed at improving multiplayer performance. Also, Xbox gamers might be nostalgic for the Duke--the ill-fated original Xbox controller that some folks fondly remember for some reason. Of course, Xbox is also home to the most inventive and important gaming controller of our time. The Xbox Adaptive Controller helps gamers with limited mobility enjoy more gaming experiences than ever before.
If you also own other platforms, we have roundups of the best controllers for PC, Nintendo Switch, and
PS5.
Best Xbox Controller
Specs:
Battery: 40 hours
Hall effect sticks: No
Headphone jack: Yes
Pro features: None
Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros:
One comes bundled with every Xbox console
Affordable
Extremely comfortable to use
Lots of color options
Cons:
No extra features
Runs slightly smaller than other controllers
No surprise here. The first-party Xbox Wireless Controller is the most obvious choice if you're looking for a new controller. Slightly revised when the Xbox Series X|S launched, the "Core" model has some nice improvements that make an already great controller even better. It's a tad smaller, has textured grips and triggers, and swaps the standard D-pad for an eight-way design that's has a bit more click to it. One of the most notable additions is the Share button, which gives Xbox players an easy way to quickly snap screenshots and record footage.
The Xbox Wireless Controller is available in a wide variety of colors. For the price, you can't beat it--and it's not uncommon for this controller to be on sale. The Xbox Wireless Controller remains one of the most comfortable and solid controllers in 2023--across all platforms. All Xbox owners already have at least one, but this is definitely a controller that players wind up owning multiple of. It's also a superb option for PC and mobile devices via Bluetooth.
Best Premium Xbox Controller
Battery: 40 hours
Hall effect sticks: No
Headphone jack: Yes
Pro features: Back paddles, swappable thumbstick and D-pad styles, more button mapping options, trigger locks
Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros:
Great pro-level features
Customizable button layouts and components
Comfortable design
Includes lots of accessories
Cons:
Expensive if you don't need the extras
Though the standard Xbox controller is the "best" due to performance and price, if you want the highest-performing controller with an ultra-premium build, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is the clear winner.
Made with sturdier materials and weighted just enough to give it an unparalleled feel, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is one of those controllers that's impressive before you even start gaming with it in your hands. It boasts textured hand and trigger grips as well as metal analog sticks and D-pads.
The analog stick caps and D-pads can be swapped on the fly with the included customization kit. Four additional stick caps (domed and different heights) are included in the hardshell carrying case. It comes with an eight-way D-pad and a standard cross model.
Other customization features on the actual controller itself include adjustable stick tension and trigger stops. An included tool lets you alter stick tension to your liking, and switches on the back of the controller allow you to lock triggers at three different pull distances.
Perhaps most importantly, the Elite Series 2 has four removable back paddles that easily snap into place. These are located in just the right spots to make them feel natural to press.
You can use the Xbox Accessories App to remap inputs and save up to three unique controller profiles that can be cycled through on the fly. You can also tinker with rumble intensity in the app and create custom "shift" keys to add even more control inputs.
The controller and all of the spare components are conveniently stored inside the included carrying case. It comes with a USB-C cable that gives the Elite Series 2 an impressive 40 hours of battery life on a full charge.
The Elite Series 2 is roughly three times as expensive as the standard Xbox controller. It may not be worth it unless you are serious about online multiplayer games, but it's arguably the best controller on the market today (for any platform).
Best Premium Xbox Controller - A Different Option
Battery: 40 hours
Hall effect sticks: No
Headphone jack: Yes
Pro features: button mapping options, trigger locks, upgraded D-pad, swappable thumbsticks
Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros:
More affordable than the full Elite Series 2
Can be upgraded with more parts and features
Cons:
Fewer accessories and customization options out of the box
The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller released last year as a "budget" alternative to the standard Elite Series 2. It's the same exact controller from a build perspective, but it does not come with the carrying case filled with swappable components.
What that means: no back paddles, extra analog sticks, or extra D-pad. However, it still has the built-in trigger stops and analog stick tension adjustment tool. The D-pad and included pair of sticks can be removed on the fly--just like the original Elite Series 2.
Essentially, this model will appeal to those who want the premium build of the Elite Series 2 without all of the customization.
Of course, you can buy all of the swappable accessories separately. Down the line, if you decide you want everything, you can pick up the Complete Component Pack for $60 to turn your Core controller into a standard Elite Series 2.
Alternatively--and this is probably the route to go for most users--you can pick and choose which accessories you want to buy and purchase them from third-party manufacturers. For instance, you can get Stuffs excellent back paddles for $20, or you can buy paddles that look pretty much exactly the same as the official ones for around $10.
The Elite Series 2 Core controller now comes in red, white, and blue.
Best Competitive Xbox Controller
Specs:
Battery: N/A
Hall effect sticks: No
Headphone jack: Yes
Pro features: Six additional buttons, trigger stop switches, swappable thumbstick caps
Connectivity: USB-C
Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros:
Lots of extra buttons
Great customization options via Razer's apps
RGB Chroma lighting
Comfortable ergonomics
Cons:
Extra buttons may be overkill if you don't need them
Wired-only connection
Razer's latest Xbox iteration of its Wolverine controller is the company's best yet. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a marked improvement in terms of form factor. The L-shaped chassis design makes it comfortable for long gaming sessions, and it's now easier than ever to manage the Wolverine's plethora of inputs.
The Wolverine V2 Chroma has four back paddles that resemble triggers as well as a pair of extra shoulder buttons. Essentially, the Wolverine V2 Chroma is the best Xbox controller for those who like to customize their inputs. One of the hallmarks of the Wolverine line continues with the V2 Chroma: Mecha-Tactile buttons. The face buttons and D-pad have feedback that's similar to clicking a mouse, and they also offer lightning quick response times.
The Wolverine V2 has interchangeable thumbsticks and comes dome-shaped and taller sticks. Additionally, it has trigger stops for the left and right triggers. Customizing your input layout and overall experience (creating profiles) is easy with Razer's proprietary software that's available on the Xbox and Windows Stores.
The only downside to the V2 Chroma is that it's wired-only, though thankfully, it comes with a lengthy, detachable USB-C cord. There is also a Wolverine V2 wireless model with Bluetooth support, but it's considerably more expensive and won't have the same low-latency inputs as the wired V2 Chroma. That said, if you're picking up an Xbox controller for competitive play, it makes sense to grab a wired controller when considering latency. We'd recommend the V2 Chroma for those who routinely play competitive multiplayer games.
Best Pro-Style Budget Xbox Controller (Tie)
Specs:
Battery: N/A
Hall effect sticks: Yes
Headphone jack: Yes
Pro features: Two extra rear buttons, custom button mapping, trigger/thumbstick sensitivity
Connectivity: USB-C
Supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Pros:
Affordable
Lots of pro-level features for the price
Anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks
Cons:
Wired-only connection
8 Bit Do makes some of the best controllers around, so it was great news when the manufacturer announced it would produce Xbox controllers. The 8 Bit Do Ultimate is a wired controller with a sleek look and excellent customization features. Its buttons, triggers, and sticks all feel great, and as of the most recent hardware revision, the sticks now feature Hall Effect sensors to prevent joystick drift. Best of all? It's available for under $50, which makes it a steal considering what you're getting here.
The 8 Bit Do Ultimate has two programmable back buttons and can store up to three custom profiles. You can download 8 Bit Do's Ultimate software on your Xbox, PC, or smartphone to tweak several settings to get the controller operating the way you like it. You can change thumbstick and trigger sensitivity and adjust the force of the rumble. All of the buttons can be remapped using the software, too. You can cycle through your trio of profiles whenever you want with the press of a button, which makes this wired controller awesome for those who play multiple online games regularly.
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