Best Xbox Gaming Controller
1. BEST WIRELESS CONTROLLER
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless Xbox Controller
PROS
- Sleek design and RGB lighting
- Controls with excellent tactility
- Color display makes customizing sound and lighting easy
CONS
- Underwhelming mobile companion app
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is the third-party best wireless controller for Xbox consoles. It delivers a perfect mixture of high-tech design with a built-in color display and customizable RGB lighting, an extensive set of customizable buttons with exceptional tactility, textured grip handles, immersive haptics, excellent battery life, and a rich retail package with plenty of bundled accessories.
Overall, the product is a fantastic alternative to the original Xbox Elite Series 2 controller that’s worthy of its epic name and hefty price tag.
Over weeks of testing, I really liked the controller’s clicky buttons and RGB lighting. The keys have a nicer feel than the standard Xbox controller buttons, while the lighting treated me to a nice sense of occasion during my gaming sessions. Impressively, the accessory’s lighting is customizable locally without the need for a software suite.
Available for Xbox and PC, the Turtle Beach Control Center makes customizing the controller’s buttons and lighting easy. An Android app is also available, and it includes the option to add instant messaging and social notifications to the controller’s display. I wouldn’t recommend this, as the setup process is cumbersome and the notifications potentially distracting.
2. BEST WIRED CONTROLLER
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Xbox Controller
PROS
- Buttons and thumb sticks have amazing tactility
- Plenty of customizable controls
- Cool RGB lighting
CONS
- Could use a swappable D-pad
Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma is the best wired third-party Xbox gaming controller. It has everything a great one should: an ergonomic design, tons of customizable buttons, and adjustable triggers. As its name suggests, the controller also rocks the gaming giant’s signature Chroma RGB lighting.
Sitting alongside its triggers and bumpers, the additional duo of buttons sets the controller apart from all rivals. The feature made a huge difference during fighting games by allowing me to access special moves by tapping the buttons instead of simultaneously pressing the X and Y keys.
I also really like the mech-tactile buttons and D-pad. The controls are not only super precise but also nicer to interact with than the standard Xbox controller buttons. You can order it with an Xbox-matching black or white housing. A cheaper version sans RGB lighting is also available.
3. MOST CUSTOMIZABLE
Scuf Instinct Pro Wireless Xbox Controller
PROS
- Highly adjustable buttons and triggers
- Stellar wireless performance
- Swappable faceplates make personalization a breeze
CONS
- No bundled storage case
The Instinct Pro is another solid alternative to the Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It has swappable faceplates for quick and easy customization. Though naturally, with that comes a higher cost. The product is the priciest on this list.
In addition, it has more robust grips and an extensive set of controls you can re-map. You can save and switch between up to three control configurations for different gaming titles.
A six-month warranty used to be an Instinct Pro downside, but not anymore. According to the manufacturer, the controller is now backed by a one-year warranty, which is more fitting for a product in its price range.
The retail package includes an extra set of thumb sticks, but replaceable faceplates cost $25 each. Scuff also offers a stylish storage case for an extra $15. Given the product’s price category, I feel that it could use a bundled storage case and a rechargeable battery like other premium Xbox controllers, rather than the AA batteries currently required.
4. BEST VALUE
PowerA Fusion Pro 3 Wired Xbox Controller
PROS
- Lots of customizable controls
- Ergonomic grips
CONS
- Could use more color options
The Fusion Pro 3 controller offers a set of customizable controls that rival those of the wireless Xbox Elite Series 2, just in a wired form with a much lower price tag. The officially licensed accessory also has comfy rubber grips and a convenient volume dial, to name a few extra features. It’s hands-down the most feature-packed Xbox gaming controller under $100.
I was particularly impressed by the highly adjustable trigger buttons of the Fusion Pro 3. Rather than offering only two sensitivity settings like most rivals, the accessory has three, just like the original Xbox Elite Series 2 gamepad that costs more than twice as much. The accessory’s mappable buttons are also comfier and more precise than the removable paddles of the previous iteration.
I also tip my hat to PowerA for treating the Fusion Pro 3 to a retail package that belies its agreeable sticker. It includes additional thumb sticks, removable paddle buttons, an extra faceplate, and a premium storage case.
5. MOST VERSATILE
PowerA Moga XP-Ultra Xbox Controller
PROS
- Switches between compact and full-size gamepad configurations
- Excellent performance
- Smartphone holder is convenient
CONS
- Lacks adjustable triggers
The all-new Moga XP-Ultra touts a high level of versatility. Unlike its rivals, the controller can transform from a compact to a full-size gamepad by snapping into a grip with two mappable buttons. Also nice: Such a dramatic transformation doesn’t compromise on vibrating feedback or audio jack access.
Playing Sega Genesis classics on Xbox with the Moga XP-Ultra without its grip took me back decades, reminding me of switching from the original three-button controller to the much smaller six-button version. I believe this small controller will be a great option for up-and-coming gamers who are learning the ropes, as well as longtime players with smaller hands.
Believe it or not, the Moga controller also comes bundled with an excellent phone clip. The add-on accessory has a sturdy amount and adjustable clamp. It’s great for local and cloud-based gaming on Android phones.
The gadget’s beefy battery can deliver up to 60 hours of Xbox wireless gameplay between charges or up to 40 hours in Bluetooth mode. That’s an impressive feat for a wireless controller.
6. BEST BUDGET
HyperX Clutch Gladiate Xbox Controller
PROS
- Stellar gaming performance
- Sturdy build
CONS
- Could use more color options
Priced around $35 before additional deals and discounts, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate wired controller is the best for high-performance gameplay on a tight budget. The accessory has comfy grips, customizable buttons, and adjustable triggers. The last-mentioned feature is particularly impressive for a product in this price range, making the HyperX offering an exciting, much cheaper alternative to the original Xbox controller.
Having adjustable triggers made me reach for the Clutch Gladiate more frequently than for a standard Xbox controller. I liked being able to switch the essential buttons for optimal performance during first-person action games like Doom Eternal or racing simulators like Forza Motorsport. Having longer travel during the latter allowed me to get precise throttle and brake responses while racing.
The Clutch Gladiate also features strong rumble motors for tactile in-game feedback and a futureproof USB-C connector. Customizing the additional duo of buttons in its grips is super easy — there’s no need for additional apps for this task.
For an extra $10, you can snag an even more gift-worthy version of the controller with transparent housing and customizable RGB lighting. I tested it and liked its high-tech looks and reliable performance. That said, the fully transparent controller isn’t as grippy as the standard version.
