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 standouts 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 options 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 budget? The feature-rich, high-quality Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional value under $60.

The vast selection of Xbox Series X controllers means you’re not limited to the standard console controller. Many of our top picks seamlessly integrate with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. However, if racing is your passion, explore the best racing wheels for Xbox. For fighting game enthusiasts, consider one of the best fight sticks.

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

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

1. Xbox Core Controller – Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

Experience the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller with 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 many devices, impulse triggers.
CONS: Awkward share button

The Xbox Core Controller, included with the Xbox Series X, offers a comfortable and familiar design suitable for various games. Upgrades enhance grip, gameplay recording, and button remapping. A wide array of colors is available. Utilizing Xbox Wireless, it connects seamlessly to your Xbox, PC, and phone via Bluetooth. The only drawback is its reliance on AA batteries, 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 (though slightly awkwardly placed) are significant advantages. Note: This is also our top pick for the best PC controller.

Turtle Beach Recon Controller – Photos

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 customizable on-controller audio, all at an affordable price.

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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 budget-friendly price. For around $50, it includes standard buttons, triggers, and sticks, plus two extra back buttons for enhanced control without removing thumbs from the analog sticks. These buttons are fully customizable, including thumbstick sensitivity adjustments.

The controller offers a robust, comfortable design with ergonomic grips. Its standout feature is the customizable audio. When connected to a gaming headset, users can adjust various EQ settings, such as SuperHuman Hearing, and easily manage game/chat audio mix.

Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 Controller Review

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, extra 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. All buttons are fully remappable, and four extra rear paddles can modify face button functions or have independent actions. The rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are magnetically attached for easy swapping. Further customization is available through Xbox Design Lab.

As a wireless option, the Xbox Elite Series 2 boasts a rechargeable battery lasting up to 40 hours per charge, eliminating the need for AA batteries. In addition to Xbox Wireless, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C port for wired use with PCs or gaming phones.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra – Photos

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

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

This display shows phone notifications and allows on-the-fly setting changes, including profile swapping, button remapping, vibration intensity adjustments, and RGB lighting modifications. Despite the screen, the battery lasts up to 30 hours and includes a quick-charging dock.

Scuf Instinct Pro

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.

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Product Specifications:
Connectivity: Wireless
Customizable Buttons: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery: Rechargeable

PROS: Comfortable feel, extensive customization.
CONS: AA batteries

The Scuf Instinct Pro, designed for competitive gaming, features a similar look to the Core controller but includes four customizable paddles. A trigger switch enables faster response times, beneficial in shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks allow for personalized feel. The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort during long gaming sessions, enhanced by rear grips.

While wireless, it unfortunately uses AA batteries.

Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK

Best Xbox Series X|S Controller: Xbox Core Controller - £54.99 at Currys PC World
Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller - £34.99 at Amazon
Best High-End Xbox Series X|S Controller: Xbox Elite Series 2 - £159.99 at Amazon
Best Tunable Xbox Series X|S Controller: Razer Wolverine V2 - £74.99 at Amazon
Best Xbox Series X/S Racing Wheel: Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback - £249.95 at Amazon
Best Xbox Series X/S Flight Stick: Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One - £63.99 at Amazon
Best Customizable Xbox Series Controller: Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro - £159.99 at Amazon

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

Consider these key specifications when choosing an Xbox controller:

Connectivity: Wired offers lowest latency, wireless dongles are a good alternative, and Bluetooth enables PC or phone use.

Customizability: Remappable buttons, adjustable components, extra buttons, and trigger locks enhance control and personalization.

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 ports (game support varies).