Top Xbox Series X Controllers to Buy in 2025

While we consider the Xbox Core Controller as the top choice for Xbox Series X/S, the market offers a variety of other excellent controllers tailored to different needs. Whether you're seeking customization, budget options, or high-end features for competitive gaming, our experts have meticulously tested numerous controllers to recommend the best five for your Xbox Series X/S.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Xbox Series X/S Controllers:

Our Top Pick### Xbox Core Controller

1Experience the classic Xbox layout on a comfortable, ergonomic controller with remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and versatile connectivity options.
See it at Amazon
See it at Target### Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller

0A budget-friendly controller packed with features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customization.
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See it at Best Buy### Xbox Elite Series 2

1Elevate your gaming experience with this premium controller offering extensive customization options, including swappable components and fully remappable buttons.
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See it at Newegg### Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

0Take customization to the next level with a controller featuring a display for on-the-fly adjustments, hall-effect sticks, and tactile switches.
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See it at Turtle Beach
See it at Best Buy### Scuf Instinct Pro

1Gain a competitive edge with an ergonomic design, four rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers.
See it at Scuf

Responsive controls, quick access to buttons, and seamless connectivity are crucial for finding the best Xbox Series X/S controller. Once you've got the basics covered, you can explore options that match your playstyle. For those looking to enhance their customization, consider the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. If you aim to play like the pros, the Scuf Instinct Pro is ideal. Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the feature-rich Turtle Beach Recon, available for under $60.

With the wide array of Xbox Series X/S controllers, you're not limited to the standard Xbox controller. Many of our recommendations are also compatible with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. For racing enthusiasts, explore the best racing wheels for Xbox, and for fighting game fans, consider the best fight sticks.

For the best deals on these controllers, check out our curated list of the best Xbox deals currently available.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

9 Images1. Xbox Core Controller

Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

Our Top Pick### Xbox Core Controller

1The Xbox Core Controller offers the familiar Xbox layout in a comfortable, ergonomic design, complete with remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and multiple connectivity options.
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When you buy an Xbox Series X, the Xbox Core Controller we've reviewed comes included. It's not flashy, but its solid performance makes it a hard-to-beat choice. Its design is comfortable and versatile for various game types, and with a few upgrades, you can enjoy enhanced grip, record gameplay, and easily remap buttons. It's available in numerous colors to suit your style.

The Xbox Core Controller connects wirelessly to your Xbox via Xbox Wireless, and it's also compatible with PCs and phones thanks to built-in Bluetooth support. The only downside is its use of AA batteries, which feels outdated. However, you can connect it via USB-C, though this means sacrificing wireless functionality.

Despite its minor drawbacks, the Xbox Core Controller remains an excellent choice for your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms. Its textured grip, hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated Share button (though slightly awkward) make it a worthwhile investment.

Note that this is also our top pick for the best PC controller.

Turtle Beach Recon Controller – Photos

6 Images2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller

Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller

### Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller

0This affordable wired gamepad offers a wealth of features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customization.
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Our hands-on review of the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller revealed a host of great features at a budget-friendly price of around $50. It includes all the traditional buttons, triggers, and sticks of an Xbox controller, along with two extra back buttons that allow you to activate controls without removing your thumbs from the analog sticks. These buttons are fully configurable, enabling you to tune thumbstick sensitivity for improved accuracy.

The Turtle Beach Recon is a well-constructed, comfortable wired controller with ergonomic grips for a secure hold during intense gaming sessions. Its standout feature is its audio customization. When you connect your gaming headset to the controller, you can experiment with various EQ settings, including SuperHuman Hearing, to catch audio cues you might otherwise miss. On-controller adjustments for game/chat mix make communication with teammates seamless.

10 Images3. Xbox Elite Series 2

Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller

### Xbox Elite Series 2

1Experience unparalleled customization with this premium controller, featuring swappable components, tunable triggers, extra rear paddles, and fully remappable buttons.
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See it at Newegg

Our hands-on testing of the Xbox Elite Series 2 revealed it to be the perfect choice for hardcore gamers with a higher budget. All buttons can be completely remapped, and four extra rear paddles can change the function of the face buttons or perform their own actions within a game. The rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are magnetically attached for easy swapping to find your optimal setup. The Elite 2 is even more customizable thanks to Xbox Design Lab.

As a wireless option, the Xbox Elite Series 2 features a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge, eliminating the need for AA batteries. It supports Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C for wired use, making it versatile for PCs and gaming phones.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra – Photos

19 Images4. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

Best Tunable Xbox Series X/S Controller

### Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

0Enhance your gaming with a controller featuring a display for settings adjustments and notifications, hall-effect sticks, tactile switches, and extra mappable buttons.
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See it at Turtle Beach
See it at Best Buy

For gamers who want a controller that can be tuned to their ideal settings, our review of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra highlights its advanced customization options. The reliable microswitch face buttons are remappable, and four extra rear buttons can be assigned actions. Its hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks allow for performance adjustments and come with interchangeable thumbsticks. Trigger stops for adjusting actuation distance are perfect for FPS games. Most settings can be modified using the controller's companion app, or you can use the unique on-gamepad "Connected Command Display."

This compact, full-color screen on the Stealth Ultra displays phone notifications and allows for on-the-fly adjustments like profile swapping, button remapping, vibration intensity tuning, and RGB lighting modification. Despite being a wireless controller, Turtle Beach claims the battery lasts up to 30 hours, depending on the mode. It also includes a quick-charging dock for fast returns to gameplay.

Scuf Instinct Pro

13 Images5. Scuf Instinct Pro

Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller

### Scuf Instinct Pro

1Dominate the competition with this ergonomic controller, featuring four rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers.
See it at Scuf

The Scuf Instinct Pro we've tested is the ultimate controller for gaining a competitive edge. It resembles the Core controller but adds four customizable paddles and a switch near the triggers that makes them actuate like a mouse click for faster response times, ideal for shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks let you customize your feel for optimal performance.

The Scuf Instinct Pro's lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort during long gaming sessions, with rear grips to keep your hands in place. However, when used wirelessly, it relies on AA batteries.

Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK

### Best Xbox Series X|S Controller Xbox Core Controller

2£54.99 at Currys PC World### PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller

2Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller£34.99 at Amazon### Best High-End Xbox Series X|S Controller Xbox Elite Series 2

2£159.99 at Amazon### Best Tunable Xbox Series X|S Controller Razer Wolverine V2

2£74.99 at Amazon### Best Xbox Series X/S Racing Wheel Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

0£249.95 at Amazon### Best Xbox Series X/S Flight Stick Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One

0£63.99 at Amazon### Best Customizable Xbox Series Controller Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro

0£159.99 at Amazon

When choosing an Xbox Series X/S controller, consider these key factors:

**Connectivity** is crucial for your gamepad. For the lowest latency, opt for a wired connection. A wireless dongle is another reliable option, and some of our picks support Xbox's wireless protocol for reduced latency and fewer mispresses. Bluetooth connectivity allows for use with PCs and phones. Check our guide on how to pair an Xbox controller with PC for more connectivity options.

**Customization** is another important factor. Some controllers allow you to remap buttons or change the placement of the D-pad or thumbsticks. Additional back buttons can provide shortcuts, and trigger locks can enhance your reaction time. With these options, you can tailor your gamepad to your playstyle and gain a competitive advantage.

Xbox Controller FAQ

Can you connect a PS5 controller to an Xbox Series X?

If you prefer the PS5 Dualsense controller and want to use it on an Xbox console, it's possible with an adapter like the Brooks Wingman Converter, which allows you to connect either a PS5 controller or a Switch Pro controller to your Xbox.

Can you connect a mouse and keyboard to Xbox?

Yes, you can use your gaming mouse and keyboard on your Xbox by plugging them into the console's USB ports. However, not all Xbox Series X games support mouse and keyboard input.