It’s possible you don’t realize, but gaming controllers are in their golden age. Gamepads are more advanced, versatile and customizable today than they were a few generations ago. You can now choose from a wide range of third-party controllers, including those made by PowerA, Scuf and Turtle Beach. The cheap “little brother” controllers that looked cool, but barely worked, are gone.
I’ve played a lot of different games, including first-person shooters and fighters. Third-person action-adventure games, racing, independent roguelikes etc. I’ve tested a variety of Xbox controllers and the standard Xbox Wireless Controller has proven to be the best Xbox Controller for the majority. It’s also a good PC controller.
The Best Premium Xbox Controller
An alternative to the Elite
The Best Customizable Controller
The defacto Xbox controller is a great choice for those who want a gamepad that strikes a balance between quality, comfort and versatility. However, if your needs are more specific, you may also consider other options, ranging from the high-end Xbox Elite Series 2, Scuf Pro, to the quality budget choices like the PowerA Wired Controller.
What we are looking for
Connectivity
Quality
Extra features
Customization
Value
Best Xbox controller for the majority of people
Xbox Wireless Controller
The Xbox Wireless Controller features a dedicated share option for saving screenshots and clips, Bluetooth, and a USB port to charge Microsoft’s rechargeable play-and-charge battery.
You already know what I’m going to say. The controller that comes with your Xbox is the best. This may seem obvious, but the “standard” Xbox controller is actually the best choice for most Xbox players. This controller may not have all the features of premium controllers, but it is the culmination of many first-party controllers and four generations of controllers.
Microsoft’s proprietary protocol makes this the only wireless Xbox controller that is affordable. It’s true that the controller comes with AA battery instead of a rechargeable cell. However, this allows it to be flexible and can use rechargeable AAs, or even a battery pack. The controller can also be used as a USB-C accessory. Its user-replaceable battery means you won’t have to deal with a controller which has lost its charge over time.The standard Xbox Controller looks, feels, and plays great. It is available in cool colours.
The standard Xbox pad isn’t only great because it’s connected. Hardware is great for $60. The buttons, triggers and sunken dish-shaped controller all feel tight. The latter has a satisfying clickiness. The Xbox Wireless Controller may not be the best choice for a fighting game enthusiast, but it is a great all-rounder. While AA batteries are not ideal, you can use rechargeable packs like this one by Hori .Microsoft has matched the color of the Xbox button with the controller.
Microsoft offers cosmetic customization via its Xbox Design Lab. Prices range from $69.99 up to $99.94, depending on configuration. These controllers are great, whether you choose to make them yourself or select one of the many colors Microsoft offers.
Cheap Xbox controllers are available.
The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller, a wired controller that is budget-friendly for Xbox and PC, connects via Micro USB. It has two customizable buttons at the rear. The controller is available in a variety of colors and licensed designs.
PowerA’s Enhanced Wired controller is a great option for those who want a good controller, but don’t want to spend a lot. If you don’t mind a wired connection and don’t care about the price, it’s a great value. The full retail price of the Enhanced Wired Controller is $37.99. However, some colorways are available for as little as $25. The Enhanced Wired Controller is available in a variety of colors, as well as licensed designs from popular game franchises such Mass Effect, and Fallout. The controller’s design may lead you to believe that it is a cheap knockoff, but you may be surprised by its quality.PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller comes in a variety of colors, and has a unique design.
Let’s start with its biggest flaw: It uses a Micro USB connector (gross! I know). It comes with a long, detachable cord, but the lack of a reversible plug is annoying. This controller is not outdated at all. The build quality of this controller is excellent, and the two rear buttons are mappable. This is a great feature at a low cost.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller has a lot of standard features, but they are executed well at a price that is ridiculously low. The impulse trigger rumble is not present, but I would say it’s a feature that can be sacrificed. The Enhanced Wired Controller, on the other hand, comes with a 2-year warranty. This is twice as long compared to expensive options such as Microsoft’s Elite Series 2.You can customize the rear buttons to make them easier to use without causing any obstructions.This controller would be better if it had USB-C instead Micro USB.
If you want an Elite controller but have a standard budget, the PowerA Fusion Pro 3 is a great alternative. If you want an Elite controller but have a budget for a standard controller, then the PowerA Fusion Pro3 would be a good alternative. The Microsoft Elite Series 2 looks similar, with its four rear buttons, lockouts for the triggers and rubberized grips. However, it costs much less. It is lighter, has a smaller case and costs $10 less than the previous Fusion Pro 3. This is a great value at $79.99. Fusion Pro 2 still works fine, if you like the detachable paddles over the built-in buttons. But at this time, it is only worth it if heavily discounted or if that’s what you want.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is one of our favorites. The Xbox Elite Series 2 is an upgrade to the Elite controller. It offers a wide range of customization options, including rear paddle buttons that can be swapped, a D-pad you can swap, and analog stick layouts to match your playing style.
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 by Microsoft is a premium, fancier version of the standard controller. The controller is also older. It was released a full year before the Xbox Series X / S consoles. It has a USB-C connector and wireless support but lacks the Share button on the Xbox Wireless Controller. It makes up for it with its exceptional build quality, extra keys, swappable sticks and Dpad and plenty of customization.
Fusion Pro 3 by PowerA is the newest version of PowerA’s affordable alternative controller to premium models like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and other premium controllers. The Fusion Pro 3 comes with interchangeable sticks, friction ring, a small zip-up bag, and four programmable buttons on its rear.
You can instantly tell the difference in materials when you pick up a Xbox Elite controller. The Elite controller is made of a higher quality plastic, with rubberized grips as well as metal bits. The Elite controller is heavier due to its rechargeable battery and its higher-quality plastic. The Elite comes with a charging station and a zip-up case that allows passthrough charging.
