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10 Best Xbox Controllers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,498
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
9208 reviews

Ergonomics
The controller is fantastic for PC gaming, with a comfortable heft, grippy texturing, and responsive controls.
Button Layout
Customizable options for buttons and on-the-fly key presses add value at its price point.
Connectivity
The high-quality, durable charging/connecting cable is long enough for most uses.
Build Quality
Hall effect sensors mean no joystick drift ever, offering a longer lifespan than traditional potentiometers.
Additional Features
Triggers may need some tuning with the app, but once adjusted, they perform well without issues.

The GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller is a solid choice for gamers looking for versatility and precision. It's compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, making it suitable for a wide range of gaming platforms. One of its standout features is the Hall Effect Joysticks and triggers, which offer improved accuracy and durability, enhancing your gaming experience. The plug-and-play design is very convenient, allowing you to jump straight into gaming without complicated setup processes.

The ergonomic design is noteworthy, featuring a textured grip that helps prevent slipping during intense gaming sessions. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack, which is a great addition for those who use headphones while gaming, ensuring you can easily connect your audio devices.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Being a wired controller means you’re limited by cable length, which might restrict movement compared to wireless options. Although the customizable back keys are a nice touch, some may find the setup process for customization a bit complex if they're not familiar with such features. Despite this, it has received positive feedback, suggesting that many users are satisfied with its performance.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,498
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
9208 reviews

Ergonomics
The controller is fantastic for PC gaming, with a comfortable heft, grippy texturing, and responsive controls.
Button Layout
Customizable options for buttons and on-the-fly key presses add value at its price point.
Connectivity
The high-quality, durable charging/connecting cable is long enough for most uses.
Build Quality
Hall effect sensors mean no joystick drift ever, offering a longer lifespan than traditional potentiometers.
Additional Features
Triggers may need some tuning with the app, but once adjusted, they perform well without issues.
#2

Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller – Black – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS

Rating
9.6
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
43739 reviews

Ergonomics
The controller's slightly smaller design and improved grips enhance comfort and usability.
Button Layout
The blue letters on the buttons can be hard to read, especially for new players.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord ensures a stable, high-quality connection without disconnections.
Battery Life
The rechargeable battery life of up to 40 hours is impressive and convenient for long gaming sessions.
Customization Options
Adjustable hair triggers allow for customized trigger sensitivity.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent drift issues often seen with plastic ones.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller is designed for serious gamers who value high performance and customization. One of its standout features is the ergonomic design, which ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions. The button layout is highly customizable, allowing you to swap thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles to suit your personal gaming style. This level of customization is further enhanced by the Xbox Accessories app, which offers advanced configuration options like deadzone adjustment and button mapping to voice commands.

Additionally, you can save up to three custom profiles and quickly switch between them using the Profile button, which is a great convenience for those who play multiple types of games. Connectivity options are versatile, as you can connect via Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB-C cable. This makes it compatible with a range of devices including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS. The rechargeable battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours, and the controller comes with a USB-C cable and charging dock for easy recharging.

Build quality is robust, with refined components built to last. However, it is worth noting that the controller is relatively heavy at 1 pound, which might not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, while the customization options are extensive, they might be overwhelming for casual gamers who are not looking to tweak every aspect of their controller. This controller is best suited for dedicated gamers who are looking for a high degree of control and customization in their gaming experience.

Rating
9.6
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
43739 reviews

Ergonomics
The controller's slightly smaller design and improved grips enhance comfort and usability.
Button Layout
The blue letters on the buttons can be hard to read, especially for new players.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord ensures a stable, high-quality connection without disconnections.
Battery Life
The rechargeable battery life of up to 40 hours is impressive and convenient for long gaming sessions.
Customization Options
Adjustable hair triggers allow for customized trigger sensitivity.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent drift issues often seen with plastic ones.
#3

Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller – Blue Series X|S, One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS

Rating
9.3
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
43739 reviews

Ergonomics
The new design grips feel great and seem to address past issues with rubber grips coming off.
Button Layout
The satellite D-pad offers a superior feel and ease of rotation compared to traditional D-pads.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord offers a stable and high-quality connection, eliminating disconnection issues.
Customization Options
Adjustable hair triggers allow for customization based on gaming needs, enhancing the overall experience.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent wear and tear, reducing stick drift issues significantly.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller in blue is a premium choice for gamers looking for high customization and performance. Ergonomically designed, it features adjustable-tension thumbsticks and a wrap-around rubberized grip, making it comfortable for extended gameplay sessions. The shorter hair trigger locks are a great addition for those who prefer quicker actions during gaming.

The button layout is highly customizable, allowing you to swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to suit your preferences. Exclusive button mapping in the Xbox Accessories app further enhances personalization, even letting you change the Xbox button's color. With up to 40 hours of battery life, this controller supports prolonged gaming without frequent recharging. Connectivity options are versatile, including Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and a USB-C cable, making it compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS devices.

The build quality is robust with refined components designed to last, although it does come at a higher price point. One minor drawback is its weight, which at 1.65 pounds, might feel a bit heavy for some users. Another consideration is that despite the extensive customization options, it may take time to get used to all the features and adjustments. Ideal for serious gamers who value performance and personalization.

Rating
9.3
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
43739 reviews

Ergonomics
The new design grips feel great and seem to address past issues with rubber grips coming off.
Button Layout
The satellite D-pad offers a superior feel and ease of rotation compared to traditional D-pads.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord offers a stable and high-quality connection, eliminating disconnection issues.
Customization Options
Adjustable hair triggers allow for customization based on gaming needs, enhancing the overall experience.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent wear and tear, reducing stick drift issues significantly.

Buying Guide for the Best Xbox Controllers

Choosing the right Xbox controller can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive player, the right controller can make a big difference in comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment. When selecting an Xbox controller, consider the following key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
ErgonomicsErgonomics refers to how comfortable and natural the controller feels in your hands during extended gaming sessions. This is important because a well-designed controller can reduce hand fatigue and improve your overall gaming experience. Controllers come in various shapes and sizes, so it's essential to find one that fits your hands comfortably. If you have smaller hands, look for a controller with a more compact design. Conversely, if you have larger hands, a bigger controller might be more suitable.
Button LayoutThe button layout includes the arrangement and responsiveness of the buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks. This is crucial for gameplay as it affects how quickly and accurately you can perform actions. Standard controllers have a familiar layout, but some models offer additional buttons or customizable options. If you play games that require quick reflexes, such as first-person shooters, you might benefit from a controller with extra programmable buttons. For casual gaming, a standard layout should suffice.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the controller connects to your Xbox console or PC. This can be either wired or wireless. Wireless controllers offer more freedom of movement and less clutter, but they require batteries or regular charging. Wired controllers, on the other hand, provide a stable connection without the need for batteries but can limit your range of movement. If you prefer a clean setup and don't mind charging, go for a wireless controller. If you want a consistent connection and don't mind the cable, a wired controller is a good choice.
Battery LifeBattery life is the duration a wireless controller can operate before needing a recharge or battery replacement. This is important for uninterrupted gaming sessions. Controllers with longer battery life are more convenient as they require less frequent charging. If you often play for extended periods, look for a controller with a long battery life or one that supports quick charging. For occasional gaming, battery life might be less of a concern.
Customization OptionsCustomization options include the ability to remap buttons, adjust trigger sensitivity, and change thumbstick tension. These features allow you to tailor the controller to your specific gaming style and preferences. High customization is beneficial for competitive gamers who need precise control and quick access to certain functions. If you enjoy tweaking settings to optimize performance, look for a controller with extensive customization options. For more casual play, standard settings should be adequate.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the durability and materials used in the controller's construction. A well-built controller can withstand heavy use and last longer. This is important for gamers who play frequently or intensely. Controllers made from high-quality materials and with solid construction are generally more reliable. If you are a heavy gamer, invest in a controller known for its durability. For lighter use, build quality might be less critical, but still consider a controller that feels sturdy.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the controller works seamlessly with your Xbox console and any other devices you might use, such as a PC. This is important to avoid any connectivity issues or limitations in functionality. Most Xbox controllers are designed to be compatible with Xbox consoles, but some also work with PCs and other devices. If you plan to use the controller with multiple devices, check for multi-platform compatibility. If you only need it for your Xbox, standard compatibility will suffice.

FAQ