Best Xbox Wireless Controller
The best Xbox Wireless Controller is the standard edition of Microsoft’s planned-perfect controller. Familiar to console owners since the first generation of Xbox One consoles, the company has been refining its model over multiple hardware generations, and the latest one is comfortably chunky both to hold and press its buttons.
If you're looking to replace a broken controller or want one for another console, we have the best Xbox Wireless Controller options for you. Whether you want to take your Gaming experience to the next level or get a different color, there are several Xbox Wireless Controller options to choose from. Special editions, like the recent Starfield Limited Edition, are also available.
Xbox Wireless controllers work both wirelessly and wired, with reduced latency and a sleeker profile than their predecessor. You can even use Xbox Wireless Controllers without a TV using one of the many Xbox One HDMI switches available. If your wired Xbox Wireless Controller is fraying, we also have solutions on how to fix it once the rubber has gone using the AA battery trick.
Here are some of the best Xbox Wireless Controller alternatives:
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is a premium controller with luxurious build quality and the ability to customize just about every aspect of its functionality to suit your playing style. Whether you're playing shooters or adventure games, you can configure the thumbsticks, Qi data point, and buttons via the Xbox Accessories app. The charging base comes with an extra rechargeable battery pack, so you’ll never have to worry about controller battery during long gaming sessions.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
If you want the best controller without all of the extras the Xbox Elite controllers come with, the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core model is right for you. It costs more than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller but includes the same features and build quality, and even lets you customize certain aspects of the controller.
8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox
While wireless is the future of gaming, there are times when you just want a good old-fashioned wired controller, and that's it. If you're looking for the latter option, we highly recommend the 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox.
You can map the buttons or use it just like any other Xbox controller, but you also have the option to go fully custom with the face buttons, triggers, d-pad, shoulder buttons, and backlit colors, creating 16 million combinations. You also have the option of using the Xbox Accessories app to configure different functions for the d-pad, A and B buttons, and more. It’s a bit pricier than most but you’re getting a lot of controller for those extra dollars.
Turtle Beach Recon Controller
The Turtle Beach Recon Controller is unlike any other on this list due to the addition of some special sound options, with the ability to mix and match three presets for the four equalizer bands and five presets for the high, mid, and low foley levels. While those options are gimmicky for single-player games, they'll be a big help to live streamers and those who prefer multi-platform games, where some versions have one audio setting and others have another.
This wired controller can also be considered a budget option as it’ll save you as much as $40, but the perks of this controller end there. Since it’s wired only, it's a little clunkier than rival controllers, and the extra controls aren't all that customizable using the Xbox Accessories app.
Scuf Instinct Pro
The Scuf Instinct Pro is for those who live and die by their gaming. If you constantly push up and down on your thumbsticks to test out the indentation of your controller, it might be worth checking out this model. Why? Because Scuf sells swappable switches which can be placed on the thumbsticks to offer different levels of
