The Best Xbox One Controllers
You might be surprised at how much variety there can be among Xbox One controllers. Thanks to their compatibility with both the titular console and PCs, these controllers are versatile and responsive. But not every manufacturer has a quality product to offer, which is why we've made this list of the best Xbox One controllers that are most worth your time and money. Read on and get your trigger finger ready for action.
What to Look For
There were a few questions these Xbox One controllers had to answer if they wanted our gamer seal of approval: are they comfortable to hold, are the controls responsive, and were they durable enough to withstand many hours of intense play? We found several options that made the cut. Zamia produced our favorite choice, thanks to the comfortable grip and tactile buttons. We also fell in love with the cool aesthetics and excellent feel of Moddedzone’s custom Xbox One controllers. Keep reading for more of our top recommendations.
Zamia USB Xbox One Controller
Top of the scoreboard
This option from Zamia is not just one of the most affordable Xbox One controllers, but it’s also one of the best. The asymmetrical vibration delivers a more realistic tactile experience when rumble is activated, and the smooth buttons enhance the immersive grip even further. The controller’s body is also durable enough to withstand falls and bumps without feeling rough to the touch. If you’re in need of an Xbox One controller that can do its job with ease and dependability, this is one you shouldn’t overlook.
Pros
- The affordable price point lets you buy multiple sets for gaming sessions with friends at home.
- Its USB cable is sturdy and reliably stays in your console or PC’s port.
Cons
- The lightweight design doesn’t have the same satisfying heft to it that other Xbox One controllers do.
YCCSKY Wired Xbox One Controller
Get a grip on your game
Convenience and comfort are the two things that make this one of our favorite Xbox One controllers. The anti-slip grip is designed to conform to the shape of your palm and take pressure off your elbows, letting you game without straining your arms. The headphone jack is also awesome, as it makes chatting with teammates to get the win that much easier. This is one of the ideal Xbox One controllers for gamers who want a seamless gaming experience.
Pros
- The size and durability make it one of the best Xbox One controllers for players with large hands.
- It links with your PC almost immediately when plugged in.
Cons
- For gamers with energetic presses, the control sticks may start drifting after a few months.
Moddedzone Wireless Custom Xbox One Controller
Play your own way
Gamers love to show off their personal style, and these Xbox One controllers are unbeatable in that regard. Moddedzone gives us a staggering number of patterns and colors to work with, ensuring anyone can feel cooler than ever whenever they get the win. And since they’re made using Microsoft’s own original controller design, you’re basically guaranteed a quality feel. These Xbox One controllers are some of the most appealing combinations of form and function in all of gaming.
Pros
- The one-of-a-kind designs make these Xbox One controllers an amazing gift for the gamer in your life.
- Anyone who’s used the default Xbox One controller before will immediately feel right at home with these since the weight and feel are nearly identical.
Cons
- These don’t come with batteries, cables, or other accessories needed for them to function.
Turtle Beach Recon Xbox One Controller
From the hardcore to the casual
Many Xbox One controllers will boast perks the default controller doesn’t have, but this one goes above and beyond. An incredible level of control is given to the player, including two remappable buttons, a textured and highly responsive pair of thumbsticks, and audio mixing abilities for your mic. It even touts self-cooling handgrips, which both maintain comfort and keep the controller steady in your palms. Few other controllers offer such a huge degree of customization and comfort as Turtle Beach’s Recon controller.
Pros
- Competitive gamers will love the enhanced audio that lets you hear everything from enemy footsteps to allies reloading.
- The cable is 10 feet long and braided, letting you sit a fair distance away from your screen.
Cons
- It only supports wired play and doesn’t have a Bluetooth feature.
Microsoft Wireless Xbox One Controller
Old faithful
One of the best Xbox One controllers is none other than the original. This balanced design is beloved by gamers for its responsiveness and durability, lasting years of heavy play. This improved model of Microsoft’s standby also includes an increased wireless range and a textured grip. If you’re overwhelmed by the choice of Xbox One controllers, sometimes the original can be the best option.
Pros
- Since these have been around the longest, there’s an abundance of troubleshooting information for them on the internet.
- It has a nice heft to it that reinforces your button commands without distracting you from the game.
- The ability to charge via either batteries or USB is a great bonus.
Cons
- It is slightly pricier than most third-party Xbox One controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t it risky to trust third-party Xbox One Controllers?
While there are still plenty of ripoffs and bad deals out there, the world of third-party console controllers isn’t nearly as sketchy as it used to be. Many Xbox One controllers can offer features not seen in the original design, and sometimes for a lower price as well.
Do I need a controller even if I play on PC?
Many PC games are optimized to be usable with Xbox One controllers. For some titles, it’s the superior way to experience them. Even if you generally play game genres that rely on a keyboard and mouse, it’s nice to have a controller on hand if you ever want to switch things up.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.