The best Xbox One controllers

The right controller can make all the difference, so it’s important to scrutinize your options when buying one. Whether you’re playing for pleasure or power, there are multiple reasons why one controller might be a better fit than another. And, to help you choose the most suitable one for your gaming needs, we’ve rounded up the best Xbox One controllers so that you can make an informed choice.

Xbox One Wireless Controller

Best Overall

The controller that comes with your Xbox One also happens to be one of the best for the system. The controller’s layout is similar to the Xbox 360 controller, with offset analog sticks that work perfectly for any game. The bumper buttons on the top and the trigger buttons have even been improved from its first iteration, making them easier to press and more accommodating for any hand size. While simple, the Xbox One Wireless Controller is a workhorse. Two AA batteries easily last for 40 hours compared to other brands. The controller can also be wireless or wired with a micro USB cable for less latency so that you can always be on top of your game.

Why we love it:

• Weeks of battery life for hours of gameplay
• Ideal button and analog placement to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes
• Great for any genre of game

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller

Best Value

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller combines form and function in one inexpensive yet stellar package. The simple design and layout of the controller help you get a better gaming experience by allowing you to focus on what’s on the screen. You also will not need any batteries or charging to play as the controller is wired as well, allowing for uninterrupted game time. The wired connection also helps reduce latency, so there’s no lag when you play. Simply plug it in — no syncing required. The dual rumble motors even add a ton of immersion so that you can focus on your game better when you get this controller.

Why we love it:

• Easy to use, as it features a plug-and-play functionality
• Reduced latency from the high-quality USB connection
• Has two rumble motors for a more realistic experience

Razer Wolverine Ultimate Controller

Best Customizable

Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate is an ideal controller when you’re looking to maximize your command over the game. With this controller, you have more than your typical buttons, as it includes several other buttons not found in other controllers to give you a competitive edge. This option also offers several ways for customization so that you can really tune your gaming experience to what fits you best. Plus, you’ll look the part with its fantastic chroma lighting that will put you in that gaming mood right from the get-go.

Why we love it:

• Accessible media buttons for convenient control
• Adjustable sensitivity levels for realistic gameplay
• Comparable customization to a mouse

Turtle Beach Recon Controller

Best Ergonomic

Experience comfort when gaming with this controller from Turtle Beach. It’s a wired option that doesn’t only pair well with Xbox consoles but also PCs. The controller features several highlights, such as cooling grips and vibration feedback, to keep you on top of your game. The controller also has excellent audio features that let you connect with your teammates and strategize clearly for better cooperation. You can even take advantage of the buttons by remapping them for personalized and smoother gameplay.

Why we love it:

• Features accessible control and customization buttons
• Comes with a non-slip grip to keep your controller from flying during intense gaming sessions
• Equipped with advanced audio settings to help you get the upper hand in the game

PDP Wired Game Xbox One Controller

Best Budget

With the PDP Wired Game Xbox One Controller, multitasking while playing is more accessible, thanks to its features to do such tasks, all at a fair price point. Customizing the buttons is very easy as soon as you install the PDP Control Hub app, giving you a slew of options for remapping, including but not limited to reconfiguring triggers, switching up the vibration settings, and more. It also comes with a standard 3.5mm audio jack for your headset to give you a more immersive gaming experience with other players.

Why we love it:

• Includes a dedicated button for sharing screenshots and video clippings
• Great for use in multiplayer games thanks to its audio jack for plugging headsets with a mic
• Has a detachable USB cable for easy storage

How to sync your new controller to your Xbox One

Making your Xbox One controllers work with your game console is a little different than just plugging them in like in the old days. Luckily, console makers have made syncing wireless controllers relatively easy.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with wireless controllers, though. On the Xbox One, syncing is easy, but there are lots of ways to troubleshoot if any problems arise with your Xbox wireless controller. Here’s what you need to know to sync your Xbox One with your controllers and deal with any problems that might come up.

Turn on your controller and Xbox One

Syncing your controller means powering it up. Xbox One controllers take AA batteries, but you also can get rechargeable battery packs for them. Either way, make sure your controllers are juiced up before trying to pair them — not having enough power often is the cause of connectivity issues (or problems that seem like connectivity problems).

With the Bluetooth controller charged or fresh batteries installed, turn on the device by pressing the Xbox button in the center of it. It will light up to indicate it’s been turned on. Then hit the Power button on the Xbox console.

Find the connect button on the Xbox One

To pair your controller to your Xbox One, you’ll need to activate the connection on both the console and the controller. First, locate the Connection button on the console. On the original Xbox One, you’ll find that button on the left side of the console, near the disc tray.

On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, the Connection button is on the bottom right corner of the front of the console, beneath the power button. Pressing the button should trigger the white Xbox logo to start blinking, indicating that the console is searching for a controller signal.

Press the connect button on the controller

Once you hit the connect button on the Xbox One, you’ll have 20 seconds to provide it a signal to make a controller connection — press the black Connect button on the top side of the controller. The Xbox logo on both the controller and the console will blink while they’re trying to connect. When they find each other, both logos will become solid, indicating the controller has synced with the console.

Repeat the process with any other controllers you want to sync to the Xbox, up to eight.

Customize your controller profiles

After you’ve synced your controllers to your console, you also can see what happens when you turn one on. Press the Xbox button on the controller to bring up the main menu, then navigate to the gear icon to pull up the Settings menu. Find Kinect and Devices, and navigate there to find your controllers. On the Controller menu, you can set which profiles, if any, each controller signs in when you turn it on (once you’ve synced it), as well as security measures to control who can sign in to different accounts on your Xbox.

Use a USB cable

You’re not stuck only using Xbox controllers wirelessly (and going through tons of batteries if you don’t have rechargeable battery packs for them). You also can plug them into your Xbox One with cables. Doing so will sync them to your console, so if you’re having trouble syncing wirelessly, using a USB cable might be easier. Plug a Micro-B USB cable into your controller, and you can connect it directly to the console. The cable can act as a power source for the now wired controller, allowing you to forgo batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, giving you an easier time by sacrificing a bit of convenience.

Update your controller’s firmware

If you’re having connectivity problems, it may be that your controller’s internal software is out of date. You can update that firmware from your Xbox One console, which can solve some issues. Head to the Settings menu and the Kinect and Devices menu, where you’ll find each of your connected controllers, either with a wireless connection or connected by a USB port. From this menu, select the controller you want to update and choose the Ellipses beneath the Controller button. From here, you’ll get a menu that allows you to check for firmware updates, which could fix any issues you’re dealing with.

About the Author

Robbie Jones has been a gamer for over 10 years. What started out as a way to pass some time with his friends turned into a full-blown hobby and obsession, and he’s figured out plenty of ways to use the knowledge for good. Whether it’s reviewing the latest game or accessory or checking out the best chairs and desks, he spends his time consumed by gaming industry news and now he’s here to distill it down and make it easy for everyone (including you) to understand.

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