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10 Best Xbox Controllers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) – Carbon Black – Play on Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS, FireTV Sticks, Smart TVs, VR Headsets

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,343
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
33828 reviews

Ergonomics
The grip and textured triggers provide exceptional comfort and control during long, intense gaming sessions.
Button Layout
The hybrid D-pad delivers precise and accurate inputs, especially noticeable in fast-paced fighting games.
Connectivity
Switching seamlessly between Xbox, PC, phone, and even smart TV is effortless with stable Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless connectivity.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts impressively long—around 40 hours on two AA batteries—with the option for USB-C wired connection or rechargeable kits.
Build Quality
The sleek Carbon Black design feels great to hold and complements the controller’s solid build quality.
Compatibility
Switching seamlessly between Xbox, PC, phone, and even smart TV is effortless with stable Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless connectivity.

The Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) is designed with comfort in mind, featuring sculpted shapes and textured grips that make long gaming sessions easier on your hands. The new hybrid D-pad offers precise control, enhancing gameplay accuracy. Its button layout is familiar and user-friendly, including a convenient Share button for quick screenshots and clips. Connectivity is strong, supporting Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so you can easily switch between Xbox consoles, PCs, smartphones, and even smart TVs or VR headsets.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on two included AA batteries, which means less worry about frequent recharging. You can customize button functions using the Xbox Accessories app, tailoring the controller to your play style. The build quality feels solid and reliable, made by Microsoft, and it includes a 3.5mm audio jack for headset use and a USB-C port for wired connection when needed.

This controller is a great fit for gamers who want flexibility across devices and value comfort and customization. One downside is the use of AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery, which might be less convenient for some users. Additionally, while the design is modern, it may not differ drastically from previous models for those seeking a major change. For those seeking a dependable, versatile controller with strong battery life and good ergonomics, this model makes a strong choice.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,343
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
33828 reviews

Ergonomics
The grip and textured triggers provide exceptional comfort and control during long, intense gaming sessions.
Button Layout
The hybrid D-pad delivers precise and accurate inputs, especially noticeable in fast-paced fighting games.
Connectivity
Switching seamlessly between Xbox, PC, phone, and even smart TV is effortless with stable Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless connectivity.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts impressively long—around 40 hours on two AA batteries—with the option for USB-C wired connection or rechargeable kits.
Build Quality
The sleek Carbon Black design feels great to hold and complements the controller’s solid build quality.
Compatibility
Switching seamlessly between Xbox, PC, phone, and even smart TV is effortless with stable Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless connectivity.
#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
44491 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
44491 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 – White Series X|S, One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS

Rating
9.4
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
44491 reviews

Ergonomics
The ergonomic design with textured grips ensures comfort during long gaming sessions.
Button Layout
The satellite D-pad offers a smoother and more intuitive directional control.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord provides a stable and high-quality wired connection, superior to previous micro-USB cables.
Battery Life
The battery life is excellent, providing hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent wear and tear, eliminating issues with stick drift.
Additional Features
Adjustable hair triggers offer customizable sensitivity, ideal for different gaming needs.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller is designed for serious gamers who want precision and customization. It features adjustable-tension thumbsticks and a wrap-around rubberized grip, making it comfortable for extended gameplay. The button layout is intuitive, and with the Xbox Accessories app, users can map buttons and even change the color of the Xbox button's light to suit their style. This controller is compatible with multiple devices, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, and mobile devices, allowing for versatile use across platforms.

One of the standout features is its impressive battery life, boasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, which helps minimize interruptions during long gaming sessions. The build quality feels robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is well-suited for competitive gamers who appreciate customization and comfort. However, those who play casually or are on a budget might find it overkill or too expensive, especially given that full customization options come at an added cost.

Rating
9.4
Ergonomics
Button Layout
Connectivity

Most important from
44491 reviews

Ergonomics
The ergonomic design with textured grips ensures comfort during long gaming sessions.
Button Layout
The satellite D-pad offers a smoother and more intuitive directional control.
Connectivity
The braided USB-C cord provides a stable and high-quality wired connection, superior to previous micro-USB cables.
Battery Life
The battery life is excellent, providing hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Build Quality
The metal shafts of the thumbsticks prevent wear and tear, eliminating issues with stick drift.
Additional Features
Adjustable hair triggers offer customizable sensitivity, ideal for different gaming needs.

Buying Guide for the Best Xbox Controllers

Choosing the right Xbox controller can greatly enhance your gaming experience, whether you play casually with friends or are into more competitive gaming. There are many options available, each with different shapes, features, and technologies designed to suit different needs and preferences. Understanding the main factors that set controllers apart will help you find one that feels comfortable, performs well for the games you enjoy, and suits your play style.
Ergonomics and Build QualityErgonomics refers to how comfortable and easy the controller is to hold during long gaming sessions. This is important because a controller that feels awkward, too heavy, or too big/small can cause discomfort or fatigue. Build quality speaks to how sturdy and durable the controller is, which is crucial if you tend to play a lot or might drop it occasionally. Controllers can range from lightweight and compact to larger, more substantial designs, with different shapes for various hand sizes. To pick the right one, think about the size of your hands and whether you prefer something lightweight and portable or heavier and more solid; testing out a few in your hands at a store can really help here.
Wired vs. Wireless ConnectivityConnectivity determines how the controller links to your console or PC. Wired controllers connect directly with a cable, offering zero input lag and no need for batteries, which can be ideal for competitive play. Wireless controllers give you freedom to move around, but you'll need to consider battery life and the possibility of very minor delays in responsiveness, which usually aren’t noticeable for most players. If you like to play from far away or hate tangled wires, wireless might be best; if you’re particularly sensitive to delays or just want to skip recharging, go for wired.
Button Layout and CustomizationThis refers to the position and design of the buttons, triggers, and joysticks on the controller. Some controllers allow you to remap buttons or even physically swap pieces like thumbsticks, triggers, or paddles. For players who want a controller tailored just for them, or have unique accessibility needs, customization is very important. If you’re happy with the standard setup, a regular layout is fine, but if you find certain button placements uncomfortable or want more shortcuts for complex games, look for customization features.
CompatibilityCompatibility is about which platforms the controller works with, like different Xbox models, PCs, or mobile devices. Not every controller will work seamlessly with every device, and some require extra adapters or software. Think about where you’ll use the controller most—just one Xbox, or across other systems too—and make sure the controller supports all your needs to avoid frustration.
Haptic Feedback and Trigger SensitivityHaptic feedback gives you vibration and resistance effects that make games feel more immersive, while trigger sensitivity influences how the controller reacts to how hard or softly you press certain buttons. Basic controllers may offer simple vibration, while more advanced options have nuanced effects or adjustable triggers for added realism or advantage. If you play games that use these features, like racing or action games, advanced feedback and sensitivity settings can make gameplay more fun and precise. If you mainly play games where these effects don’t matter, you can look for simpler controllers.
Battery Life and Charging OptionsThis is how long the controller lasts before needing a recharge or new batteries. Some controllers use replaceable AA batteries, while others have built-in rechargeable batteries with USB or charging docks. Longer battery life means fewer interruptions, which is great if you game for many hours at a time. If convenience matters to you, look for controllers with easy charging methods, like USB-C or a charging stand; if you don’t mind swapping batteries, standard models work well too.

FAQ