With costs going up all over the place, together with Microsoft elevating costs on its Xbox console and equipment, it is extra vital than ever to spend your cash in the appropriate place. When it involves getting a brand new Xbox controller, meaning discovering the perfect one to your play fashion and the kinds of video games you play essentially the most. There are dozens of nice choices with completely different options, designs and, most significantly, costs. I explored and examined as lots of the greatest controllers as we might get our palms on when making this listing that will help you discover the perfect one for you. And when you want to sport on the go along with Xbox Game Pass, we additionally discovered the perfect Xbox controller for cloud gaming. What’s the perfect Xbox controller?Microsoft’s commonplace controller for the Xbox Series X and S is the perfect total controller for most individuals. Even although the worth went up a bit, it nonetheless affords all the pieces you want and is comfy to carry when you’re enjoying for just a few hours. It’s wi-fi and runs on AA batteries, so it is easy to swap them out with out an excessive amount of bother, however you too can get rechargeable battery packs for it. Best of all, it comes bundled with each new Xbox. Basically, it is a secure guess for efficiency and design. If you are on the lookout for one thing extra superior, cheaper or simply completely different from the usual controller, I’ve examined a complete vary of third-party controllers, a lot of which additionally double as PC controllers. I checked out each wired and wi-fi choices as they’ve their very own benefits. Wired controllers supply much less lag and are sometimes considerably extra reasonably priced, whereas wi-fi choices provide you with extra flexibility and vary of movement. In the top, the usual Xbox controller continues to be the best choice, however all those on this listing are distinctive, and every has its personal distinctive options. Read extra: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Review: The Best Content Deal in Gaming Right NowBest Xbox controllers for Series X and Series S Pros
Affordable
Solid construct
Great ergonmics
Remappable buttons
Cons
No further buttons
Basic options
The one within the field is fairly darn good.What I likeIf you simply need a good commonplace wi-fi controller for the Xbox, begin with the one which comes within the field. Available in a number of colours, Microsoft’s Xbox controller may not have lots of options, however it’s comfy and may final for as much as 40 hours on a few AA batteries. And when you’d somewhat have rechargeables, there are a number of choices obtainable. There’s a 3.5mm jack on the entrance edge subsequent to the enlargement port for connecting equipment like a chat keyboard that matches between the grips or audio controls to your headset. You can even remap its buttons, flip the sticks and use different customizations with the Xbox Accessories app.Who it is best forThe commonplace Xbox controller is already fairly nice by itself for many who are simply trying to have a very good time without having any further options for aggressive gameplay. It’s additionally nice for many who want to stay with AA batteries. Pros
Great, acquainted ergonomics
Solid button really feel
Plenty of {hardware} and software program customization
Affordable for a professional controller
Microsoft’s Pro Controller will get a lot proper that it simply owns the spot as the perfect total professional controller you will get for Xbox. What I likeEven after greater than 5 years, the {hardware} on the Elite 2 is a number of the greatest within the business. The ergonomics are nice. Every button is clicky and responsive, together with the again paddles, which may even be eliminated when you actually don’t desire them. Microsoft additionally contains completely different thumbsticks and D-pad choices that may be shortly swapped out when switching video games, and the adjustable joystick stress is a real game-changer. Plus, the software program customization is genuinely good and would not really feel like an afterthought. Who it is best forThe Elite 2 is really greatest for many who wish to expertise what it is wish to play with a professional controller, however do not want absolutely the top-of-the-line professional options. It’ll elevate your sport whereas not breaking the financial institution within the course of. Pros
Affordable
Solid construct
Useful further options
There’s nothing fallacious with sticking to the fundamentals.What we likeThere are two further buttons on the underside of the controller that may be mapped on the fly, in addition to a 3.5mm jack on the entrance for a headset. Just above the jack on high is a toggle for quantity and a chat mute in addition to a diamond texture to the underside for higher grip. Also, like a lot of PowerA’s controllers, it is obtainable in a number of colours, although costs leap round a bit between completely different variants. Who it is best forThe PowerA wired controller is an efficient, cheap choice while you want an additional Xbox controller for visitors or one to make use of whereas your wi-fi controller costs. Pros
Excellent {hardware}
Up to 1,000Hz polling fee
Granular customization
Cons
Pricey for a wired controller
If the truth that Razer particularly designed this controller for eSports tournaments would not persuade you it is the perfect wired controller, possibly the truth that it is the wired model of arguably the perfect wi-fi professional controller available on the market, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, may seal the deal. What we likeIt retains the identical Mecha-Tactile switches for the face buttons and D-pad from the V2 Chroma of final 12 months (and the V3 Pro), together with the six further programmable buttons: 4 again paddles and two high bumpers. My small palms aren’t properly suited to the highest bumpers, however these claw-grippers amongst us will probably be fairly joyful. Razer listened to participant suggestions and moved the paddles from the very awkward center of the controller to the extra conventional spot farther down on the handles. They are nonetheless the identical excellently sturdy triggers, simply in a significantly better place. The triggers each have set off stops for fast response time in high-speed video games, and the Hall Effect joysticks are sturdy and exact. Plus, Razer provides you some further caps, together with a taller thumbstick and a domed choice. Razer’s Synapse app continues to be probably the greatest ones round for remapping and calibration, and, naturally, there’s nonetheless Chroma RGB. It’s $100, which is a bit expensive contemplating the dearth of wi-fi functionality, however there actually is not a greater wired choice. Who it is best forIf you occur to be a professional gamer or streamer who would not get free gear out of your sponsor, otherwise you occur to compete in lots of pro-level tournaments, the Wolverine V3 is the perfect wired controller you will get. Also, if you need a pro-level controller for the home, however do not thoughts being plugged in, it is by far the most cost effective professional controller you will get. Pros
Best-in-class {hardware}
Excellent customization choices
Solid app for Xbox and PC
Comfortable
The Wolverine V3 Pro units the bar for Xbox controllers. While nothing is ideal, we mentioned it was “just about perfect” in our overview.What I likeIt’s packing practically each characteristic you would need, together with Hall Effect thumbsticks, adjustable set off stops and remappable buttons. Aside from the 4 further again paddles which have turn into commonplace throughout high-end controllers, there are two further bumpers up high for added customization or for these claw-gripped players. Razer additionally included its Mecha-Tactile face buttons, eight-way floating D-pad and Razer Chroma lighting for the brand. It additionally comes with a carrying case and two swappable thumbstick choices: a taller concave one and a shorter domed cap. As the identify suggests, it comes with a 2.4GHz wi-fi dongle, and PC players can make the most of Tournament mode on PC by plugging within the 10-foot cable and getting a 1,000Hz polling fee. Razer’s customization app for the V3 Pro can also be fairly good, which is unfortunately unusual as of late. Really, the one draw back of the V3 Pro is the worth: $200 is loads. Who it is best forIf you are able to spend no matter it takes to get probably the greatest pro-level controllers cash should buy, the Wolverine V3 Pro must be excessive in your listing. If you are additionally wanting one thing with a barely completely different design than only a rehashed Microsoft controller, the V3 Pro modifications issues up for the higher, not less than for me. Pros
Extremely customizable for fine-tuned efficiency
LCD display screen for software program customization
1ms wired latency
Cons
Expensive
Only is available in Black
Back paddles take a bit to get used to
The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller is essentially the most customizable controller I’ve ever used — and I imply each its {hardware} and software program. While it is costly, you do get loads for the cash. Why I prefer itAside from the D-pad and joystick caps which might be swappable on most professional controllers, Nacon additionally provides you further rings to regulate the thickness of the joysticks, and three units of weights that slot into the grips to provide the good weight within the hand. The software program customizations are additionally a number of the most granular I’ve ever seen, the place you possibly can regulate the curvature of the joystick and set off response instances. The Revolution X comes with 4 built-in profiles, however you possibly can create as many as you need (solely 4 lively at a time), and Nacon makes it simple to export and import them throughout your Nacon controllers. It feels nice to carry, too. I recognize the bigger, flatter design of the face buttons, and the included charging station is all the time a pleasant contact. The solely actual draw back is that it prices $200.Who it is best forFor anybody who actually likes to fine-tune their gear to create a tailor-made expertise, the Revolution X Unlimited is properly well worth the expense. Pros
Solid {hardware}
Great ergonomics
Plenty of professional options
Good equipment included
Cons
Basic software program app
Limited shade choices
No wi-fi Xbox help
I’ve examined a number of GameSir controllers, and the G7 Pro is definitely probably the greatest controllers the corporate has ever made. The {hardware} is improbable (although the D-Pad is a tad mushy), and ergonomically, it feels nearly precisely like an Xbox controller, which is an efficient factor.Why I prefer itThe G7 Pro affords fairly just a few professional options, reminiscent of TMR joysticks, Hall Effect triggers, micro-switch face buttons, remappable buttons and all the pieces else you’d count on from a professional controller. The two-tone white and grey shade scheme appears to be like nice, and GameSir even color-matched all of the included equipment, together with the cable, which is good to see. In addition to the cable, GameSir provides you a wi-fi dongle for PC gaming, two completely different D-pad layouts and a charging dock.The solely draw back is the dearth of Xbox wi-fi help, however the cable is a lot lengthy sufficient to not be an issue for most individuals. The better part is the worth: At $80, it is by far the perfect controller you will get for the cash. Who it is best forThe value-packed G7 Pro is a robust alternative for PC and Xbox players who need a pro-style controller at a cheaper price and do not thoughts utilizing it wired for the perfect efficiency and compatibility. Pros
Awesome RGB lighting
Solid buttons
Comfortable ergonomics
Cons
Back buttons are mushy
App could be complicated
I’m a sucker for some good RGB lights, and the Fusion Pro may simply be my favourite of all time. When activated, all the face of the controller lights up in a extremely superior sample, which could sound prefer it’d be distracting, however it’s in no way. Cool lights apart, it is also a strong controller. Why I prefer itFor starters, the Fusion A contains nearly all the pieces you’d count on from a high-end controller as of late. The face buttons are good and tactile, the joysticks have Hall Effect and the triggers have programmable digital lifeless zones you could retailer throughout three completely different presets, so you possibly can set them precisely the place you want them for every sport. You can even remap the buttons manually without having to make use of Power A’s app, which is an efficient factor as a result of the app is a tad complicated. Power A guarantees 30 hours of gameplay, which is not the most we have seen, however the included charging stand with magnetic charging puck helps hold it going. Also, the again buttons are a bit mushy, and sadly, Power A would not embody any swappable {hardware} with the Fusion Pro. To make up for that, the thumbsticks can twist up or down into three completely different heights so you possibly can nonetheless customise them. Honestly, I type of want that over having to manually swap them out, and I am unable to lose the caps that method. Who it is best forIf you’re keen on some nice RGB lights like I do, the Fusion A might be the best mild design you may discover on a controller. It’s simply superior. But you do not have to purchase it only for its lights: For anybody on the lookout for a pro-level wi-fi controller that is additionally reasonably priced, the Fusion A is a superb alternative. Pros
Swappable management modules
Exceptional ergonomics
Cons
Pricey
No wi-fi charging
Hall Effect sticks aren’t commonplace
PDP is a pro-level controller in each sense. With modular options and an total good design, the Victrix Pro has loads to supply (although it additionally has a price ticket that matches). Why I prefer itThe buttons and ergonomics are distinctive, delivering a class-leading really feel within the hand. The five-position set off stops allow you to fine-tune your headshots right down to an artwork type, and the remainder of the controller will also be remapped by way of software program, providing a number of the most superior customization obtainable on a controller. To high it off, you possibly can swap out all the left and proper aspect modules for a devoted combat pad or Hall Effect joysticks (bought individually), and even invert the left one if you wish to go PlayStation. PDP affords some extra superior {hardware} choices as properly, like joystick gates and an additional D-pad choice, so there is not something lacking. Battery life is respectable, and the included 10-foot cable enables you to hold going so long as you want to. I do want it had wi-fi charging, nonetheless, and it’s kind of expensive. Who it is best forThe swappable modules set it other than the opposite pro-style controllers on this listing. This further degree of customization makes it a sensible choice for many who play all kinds of video games and wish one controller to match their enjoying fashion. Yes. While most of them usually have an analogous appear and feel, they’ll fluctuate within the options they provide. The most simple controllers (reminiscent of those that include every Xbox) are usually effective for most individuals. They’re comfy to carry and have all of the options wanted to play each sport obtainable on Xbox and Windows video games that help controllers. More superior, pro-level controllers such because the Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro are particularly designed for extra superior and even skilled players. They’re additionally usually dearer, usually double the worth or extra of a fundamental controller. Not essentially. Wired controllers are solely higher in two circumstances: When you wish to get monetary savings, as they’re usually considerably extra reasonably priced than their wi-fi counterparts, or when you’re a aggressive gamer involved about lag. Most skilled gamers, significantly in skilled tournaments, will use wired controllers because the enter lag between urgent a button on the controller and the enter registering on display screen is lower than on a wi-fi controller. However, the distinction is so small that solely essentially the most aggressive players will discover. For most individuals, significantly extra informal players, wi-fi controllers are rather more widespread. Technically, sure. Due to the legal guidelines of physics, indicators will all the time journey extra slowly by way of wi-fi than by way of cable and are vulnerable to interference. It’s the identical purpose why an Ethernet cable will all the time provide you with quicker, extra dependable web than simply utilizing Wi-Fi. However, solely essentially the most seasoned players would ever discover the distinction. Even then, it solely makes a distinction in aggressive FPS video games. There’s additionally a distinction in enter lag between Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi connections. Again, the distinction is negligible for many players, however Bluetooth indicators journey extra slowly than 2.4GHz indicators, which have nearly no enter lag. That’s why many of the professional controllers will include a 2.4GHz wi-fi adapter you could plug into your Xbox if you need the comfort of wi-fi with out sacrificing enter velocity. This largely comes down to private desire. There will all the time be PC video games that require a keyboard and mouse to play, however most video games at present, significantly the extra widespread video games, supply help for controllers. At that time, it is largely right down to what’s extra comfy for you. If you are used to enjoying on Xbox, then nearly each controller on this listing will allow you to play in your PC simply effective. That being mentioned, many of the greatest gaming keyboards supply fairly granular customization choices for extra superior gameplay.