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Article updated on February 9, 2024 at 7:32 PM PST

Best Xbox Controller for 2024: Series X and Series S

If you've been looking for a new favorite Xbox controller, these are the best wired and wireless options available.

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Joshua Goldman
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Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
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Our Picks

$45 at Best Buy
Image of Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X and S
Best Xbox wireless controller for basics
Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X and S
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$52 at Amazon
A wired controller for Xbox Series X and S
Best Xbox wired controller for basics
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
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$120 at Best Buy
razer-wolverine-v2-chroma-01
Best Xbox wired pro controller
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
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$25 at Walmart
nacon-xbox-controller
Best Xbox compact wired controller
RIG Nacon Pro Compact
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$230 at Best Buy
scuf-instinct-wireless-xbox-controller-01
Best Xbox wireless controller for customization
Scuf Instinct Pro
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When it comes to controllers for yournext-gen Xbox console, there are countless options available. And it doesn't matter if you've got the full-size Series X or the more affordable Series S console. If you're looking for the best Xbox controller, start by considering size, features, design and the kind of games you most frequently play. You'll want to make sure you're choosing a controller that also fits your budget. We considered all those things while compiling this list of the best Xbox controllers on the market. And if you're looking for one to use with Xbox Game Pass and your phone, here's the best Xbox controller for cloud gaming.

What's the best Xbox controller?

Microsoft's standard controller for the Xbox Series X and S is the best controller. This wireless controller has all the basic controls you need and a good weight and feel so you can game for hours without issue. It runs on AA-size batteries, but there are several third-party rechargeable battery pack options as well as other accessories to change the look and feel of the controller.

But if you want to move beyond the basic Microsoft controller for Xbox, we've tested many third-party controllers, most of which do double duty as PC gaming controllers as well. Some are wired and some are wireless. Wired non-Microsoft controllers can be a lot less expensive, and some gamers prefer wired connections for cutting down lag in competitive matches. (And you never have to worry about a dead battery.) The official controller, available in a wide variety of colors, might be our gold standard, but if you're looking for your next favorite Xbox gaming controller, these are the best we've tested. 

Read moreXbox Game Pass Ultimate Review: The Best Content Deal in Gaming Right Now

Best Xbox controllers for Series X and Series S

$45 at Best Buy

Best Xbox wireless controller for basics

Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X and S

If you just want a good standard wireless controller for the Xbox, start with the one that comes in the box. Available in multiple colors, Microsoft's Xbox controller might not have a lot of features, but it is comfortable and can last for up to 40 hours on a couple of AA batteries. And if you'd rather have rechargeables, there are -- I've been using  that locks the controller into place for charging. There's a 3.5mm jack on the front edge next to the expansion port for connecting accessories like or . You can also remap its buttons, flip the sticks and use other customizations with the Xbox Accessories app.

$52 at Amazon

Best Xbox wired controller for basics

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox

We like the PowerA wired controller as a good, inexpensive option when you need an extra Xbox controller for guests or one to use while your wireless controller charges. There are two extra buttons on the bottom of the controller that can be mapped on the fly as well as a 3.5mm jack on the front for a headset. Just above the jack on top is a toggle for volume and a chat mute as well as a diamond texture to the bottom for better grip. Also, like many of PowerA's controllers, it's available in multiple colors, though prices jump around a bit between different variants. 

$120 at Best Buy

Best Xbox wired pro controller

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

Feature-packed is an understatement when it comes to the Wolverine V2 Chroma. The ABXY buttons and the D-pad all use Razer Mecha-Tactile switches. They feel amazing, with a crisp response and satisfying click similar to the clicks from a mouse. There are also six additional buttons: two top bumpers and four bottom triggers. The bottom triggers are especially nice because the design makes them feel like paddles you'd find on other pro controllers but with a sturdier design like the rear triggers. There are also lockouts for the rear RT/LT triggers. Slide the switches over and they cut the travel distance in half for quick shots.

The Razer Wolverine also includes a couple of additional thumbstick caps: one taller concave cap for accuracy, one domed cap for quicker movements. There are RGB lights, too, and you can use Razer's Synapse app for Xbox or PC to change them and remap the controller's buttons.

$25 at Walmart

Best Xbox compact wired controller

RIG Nacon Pro Compact

A good choice for smaller hands or anyone who just prefers a more compact controller. The grips are sculpted in a way that makes the controller comfortable to use even with larger hands and they're textured, which kept the grips from slipping or sticking to my palms. 

While it might not have the removable USB cable, extra buttons or swappable thumb sticks found on the company's pricier Revolution X Pro controller, it does have some features I didn't expect at this price. For instance, there's an app for the controller that lets you remap its buttons and adjust its sticks, trigger sensitivity and vibration. A switch underneath lets you drop between your custom profile and a classic mode. 

There's a 3.5mm headset jack on the front edge, which isn't out of the ordinary. But RIG includes a license for Dolby Atmos for Headphones support to give you a more immersive experience in games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Gears 5, Borderlands 3 and Forza Horizon 4. Pair it with RIG's own 500 Pro HX Gen 2 headset and you can really improve your gaming experience for less than $100. 

$230 at Best Buy

Best Xbox wireless controller for customization

Scuf Instinct Pro

This Xbox wireless controller has it all. It can be used wired or wireless. The thumbsticks can be swapped for greater precision or faster speed. Holding the controller, your fingers fall naturally between two pairs of remappable paddles. The controller stores three profile configurations for the paddles and it's preset for FPS, sport and racing games; a button on the bottom lets you quickly switch between them. Remapping can be done on the fly, so there's no need for an additional app. There are also switches for the triggers so you can change them from a long pull to a quick click. 

And then there's the look. You can choose everything from the color of the buttons to the style of the thumbsticks to whether you want rumble installed. Scuf also has a variety of faceplates in different colors and designs. The price is the only real drawback here, starting at $230 and going up from there depending on your customizations.