Home News The Best Xbox Series X Controllers Worth Buying in 2025

The Best Xbox Series X Controllers Worth Buying in 2025

Author : Amelia Update : Mar 18,2025

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, seek a budget-friendly option, or desire a high-end gamepad for competitive play. Our experts have rigorously tested numerous controllers for the Xbox Series X/S, and below are five exceptional choices.

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 connection are crucial for any top-tier Xbox Series X/S controller. Beyond the fundamentals, discover a controller perfectly aligned with your playstyle. Desire advanced customization? The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra awaits. Embrace pro-level action with the Scuf Instinct Pro. On a budget? The feature-rich, high-quality Turtle Beach Recon delivers exceptional value under $60.

The extensive selection of Xbox Series X controllers means you’re not limited to the console’s standard offering. Many of our top picks seamlessly integrate with gaming PCs, gaming phones, and more. However, for racing enthusiasts, the best racing wheels for Xbox are a worthy investment, while fighting game aficionados might prefer a top-tier fight stick.

For the best deals on these controllers, explore our current selection of top Xbox deals.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)

1. Xbox Core Controller: The Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

Experience the familiar Xbox layout on an ergonomic controller featuring remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and extensive connectivity options.

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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 also available. Using Xbox Wireless, it seamlessly connects to your Xbox, PC, and phone via Bluetooth. The only drawback is its reliance on AA batteries (though USB-C wired connection is possible).

Despite minor flaws, the Xbox Core Controller is a robust choice for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and other platforms. Its textured grip, hybrid D-pad, custom button mapping, and dedicated Share button (though slightly awkwardly placed) make it stand out. 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 numerous features, including two extra configurable back buttons and on-controller audio customization, 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 low price point. For around $50, it includes standard buttons, triggers, and sticks, plus two extra back buttons for enhanced control. These rear buttons are customizable, and thumbstick sensitivity is also adjustable.

The controller features an ergonomic design with comfortable grips, and its audio customization options are a standout. Adjust EQ settings, such as SuperHuman Hearing, and easily manage game/chat audio mix for seamless communication.

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, tunable 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 larger budget. All buttons are remappable, and four extra rear paddles offer additional control options. Magnetically attached components (rear paddles, D-pad, thumbsticks) allow for easy swapping and personalized feel. The Elite 2 offers even more customization via Xbox Design Lab.

As a wireless controller, the Xbox Elite Series 2 boasts a rechargeable battery lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge. It offers Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port for wired use, ensuring compatibility with PCs and gaming phones.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra – Photos

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

This controller features an integrated display for adjustments and notifications, along with 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 rear buttons offer extensive control options. Hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks with adjustable performance, and trigger stops for actuation distance adjustment, are ideal for FPS games. Settings are adjustable via a companion app or the unique on-controller "Connected Command Display."

This full-color screen displays phone notifications and allows on-the-fly setting adjustments, including profile swapping, button remapping, vibration intensity modification, and RGB lighting control. Despite the screen, the battery lasts up to 30 hours, and a quick-charging dock is included.

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, providing a competitive edge.

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Product Specifications: Connectivity: Wireless; Customizable Buttons: Yes; Bluetooth: Yes; Compatibility: Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS; Battery: Rechargeable; PROS: Feels comfortable; Lots of customization; CONS: AA batteries

The Scuf Instinct Pro, designed for competitive gaming, features a design similar to the Core controller but with added features like four customizable paddles and trigger switches for faster response times. Four interchangeable thumbsticks allow for personalized feel.

The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions, and rear grips provide a firm hold. However, wireless use relies on AA batteries.

Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK

Xbox Core Controller - £54.99 at Currys PC World

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller - £34.99 at Amazon

Xbox Elite Series 2 - £159.99 at Amazon

Razer Wolverine V2 - £74.99 at Amazon

Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel - £249.95 at Amazon

Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One Flight Stick - £63.99 at Amazon

Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro Customizable Controller - £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 options offer lowest latency. Wireless dongles are also excellent, and some controllers offer Xbox's wireless protocol or Bluetooth for PC/phone use.

Customization: Look for remappable buttons, interchangeable components (D-pad, thumbsticks), additional buttons, and trigger locks for enhanced control.