A gamer without a good Xbox one controller is like a Jedi with a broken sword. So, if you’re a gamer, having the right controller in your hands will definitely empower you to kill it in your favorite games on Xbox One!
Actually, a lot of people stick to the original Microsoft’s controllers. Even I felt that these controllers are great until a few months ago when I was over to my friend’s place for a gaming session. That’s where I used his Razor Wolverine Ultimate Xbox one controller for the first time and immediately decided to ditch the stock controller and buy an awesome Xbox One controller.
So, I tested out a number of controllers to know what fits well in my hands (and in my budget too 😜).
Microsoft’s Xbox controllers are excellent and always a safe purchase, but the days of all third-party Xbox controllers being cheapy monstrosities only fit for your little brother are over.
Compared to the stock units some of these controllers offer a bit more panache, more features and customization, and other niceties and customization options. They often cost a little less, too.
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List of Best Xbox One Controller 2024
Following are the top xbox one controllers available in 2024 that can fit in any budget.
1. Razor Wolverine Ultimate
Here’s the one I was talking about in the beginning – the Razer Wolverine Ultimate! It is by far the best wired xbox one controller. I got this deal on Amazon for just above $100 bucks and I am totally satisfied with it.
To make sure this adapts in your hands and the way you play, there are interchangeable thumbsticks and D-pad which you can select according to your preference.
Razer Ultimate Wolverine also gives you some unfair advantages 😉 over the regular controller. It is loaded with advanced buttons including 2 remappable bumpers, 4 remappable triggers and a quick control panel.
All these extra buttons can be mapped for multiple advanced techniques depending on the games you are playing.
I was blown away when I found out that more than 500 different customized setups can be made using all these buttons and trigger. On top of that, you can also adjust the sensitivity levels to match the customization that we do on our gaming mouse.
Another thing that I personally like about the Razer Ultimate Wolverine is the adjustable vibrations in both the standard rumble motor and impulse trigger. I always up it a bit to feel the game more while racing or shooting enemies.
Fan of flair and flashing lights? This Xbox controller includes Razer’s Chroma lighting which you can adjust according to style or match it with your gaming setup!
Clearly, the Razer Ultimate Wolverine is the best controller for Xbox one that you can buy in 2024 at a good price.
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2. Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller
For those looking for maximum performance in competitive gaming or more features, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is what you need. The controller is, on the surface, a sleeker version of the standard Xbox One Controller, complete with metal analog sticks, but it offers an unprecedented amount of options.
In addition to four extra analog sticks with longer range and a different shape, the triggers’ travel distance can be changed, the directional pad can be removed and swapped, and paddles on the back can be programmed to effectively replace the face buttons.
For many games – both first-party and third-party – Microsoft and its partners have created custom button mapping for the Elite Controller, as well.
Whether you’re a Battlefield fan or a devoted racer in Forza Motorsport, there’s a custom layout designed to let you get the most out of your controller, and you can use the controller’s app to customize buttons, yourself.
Surprised? I was too. Just to make you believe it check out its reviews on Amazon and see yourself how awesome this one is. Clearly, the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller is absolutely one of the most professional Xbox one controller of 2024.
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3. Scuf Infinity1 Xbox One Controller
Scuf is arguably the leader in custom controllers, especially in the eSports world where professional gamers need the best performance possible from their controllers. On the surface, Scuf offers everything that Microsoft’s Design Lab offers – custom triggers, body, buttons, analogue sticks, etc – and much, much more.
First up, all Scuf Infinity1 controllers feature a patented paddle system as standard, providing a quick and comfortable way to react to evolving combat situations without taking your thumbs off the analog sticks. Electro-magnetic remapping enables you to change the paddle functions on-the-fly with the use of an EMR key, allowing you to fully customize your controller layout on a per-game basis.
You can also switch out the analog sticks with Scuf’s Infinity Ring and Lock system. An included accessory is used to quickly remove the analog sticks from the controller, allowing you to change the design of the stick (domed, concave, etc) or replace old, worn sticks.
The crowning glory for any budding eSports player should be Scuf’s adjustable hair-trigger mechanism and trigger stop. This allows you to customize the tension and position of the triggers to get the best performance possible. You can also add a trigger stop, allowing the trigger to return to its initial position faster than conventional controllers.
These adjustments may only save a fraction of a second, but it can be the difference between life and death in competitive online gaming.
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4. Xbox One Wireless Controller (Original)
The standard controller that comes with every Xbox One console also happens to be one of the best you can get for the system. The basic layout of the controller is relatively similar to the Xbox 360 controller, with offset analog sticks that work perfectly for shooters, sports games, and everything in between.
The bumpers on the top have been improved since the first version of the controller was released, making them easier to press, and the triggers are wide enough for any size hand to pull them. Make sure you buy the newer version on Amazon to have these improvised bumpers.
It’s certainly simple, but this Xbox One Wireless Controller is a workhorse. Two AA batteries can easily last for weeks, compared to the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4, which must be charged on a regular basis. The controller can also be made into a wired controller by attached a micro USB cable, giving you less latency for sports or fighting games.
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5. PowerA Fusion
The PowerA Fusion Pro has all the style and pro features of an elite controller, drawing comparisons to Microsoft’s own Elite Controller. As mentioned, it has a pretty great build, and configurable paddles so you can tweak the gaming experience to be just the way you want.
Officially licensed by Microsoft, the FUSION is designed for Xbox One with 6 Interchangeable Analog Sticks, 2 Quick-Trigger Locks, and 2 Pro Gaming Buttons.
You can map these buttons to the settings of your choice. I use them to throw a grenade on the enemies without a single push! It enables much more accuracy and improved speed.
The dual rumble motors and impulse triggers on the Fusion Controller are quiet, yet bold, as they bring the game to life.
You can also plug your gaming headset into the PowerA Fusion controller and quickly change the volume and mic settings through the Xbox One dashboard. Priced at just under 30 dollars on Amazon this PowerA Fusion Pro is one of most durable Xbox one controller you can find today!
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6. AmazonBasics Xbox One Controller
If you’re simply looking for a cheap, solid Xbox One controller then this one from Amazon Basics will do the job nicely. You don’t get any fancy features like paddles, nor is it wireless, but it’s available in both white and black colors to match your Xbox One S or the original Xbox One black and most importantly, only comes in budget friendly price on Amazon.
The bumpers on the top have been improved since the first version of the controller was released. They are now easier to press, and the triggers are wide enough for any size hand to pull them.
It’s certainly simple, but the Xbox One Wireless Controller is a workhorse. Two AA batteries can easily last for weeks, compared to the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4, which must be charged on a regular basis. The controller can also be made into a wired controller by attached a micro USB cable, giving you less latency for sports or fighting games.
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7. Hyperkin Duke
Remember the original Xbox console controller dubbed as ‘The Duke’ from the early 2000s? The Hyperkin Duke is exactly that but with some modern improvements. And, that is why it makes it to this list of best Xbox one gaming controllers.
Hyperkin has completely retained the nostalgic design features. It has the same shape, size and even the old Xbox logo in a big circle at the center of the controller. The buttons are also old school. They have taken care of even the minute details to make it look as authentic as it can be.
Lookwise, this will definitely revive those memories if you have played Xbox in its early days.
No doubt, this design might not suit everybody as people might find it a little bulky. But Hyperkin Duke has added some modern features to the controller as well.
You get fully supported vibration feedback, precise analogue triggers and bumpers. There’s a 3.5mm jack to plug in your xbox one headsets.
It is a wired controller with 10ft USB cable. It would be great to see a wireless version as well. But, at a price point of just 50 bucks, you cannot expect much from it..
Hyperkin Duke may not be as advanced as other controllers on this list, but if you love old-school stuff, there cannot be a better option than this.
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8. Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition
You have already read about the Razer Wolverine Ultimate as I mentioned previously on this list. The Wolverine Tournament Edition is not as feature-rich but brings a little balance to the customizability and style.
Branding it as Tournament Edition is a clever call as it features the stuff which comes handy when playing at eSports events with adrenaline rush and pressure.
With Wolverine Tournament edition, you get 4 mappable buttons including 2 back paddles for easy access during heat of the play.
You also get hair trigger locks using which you can reduce the distance of button presses. That means, you can fire faster in FPS games. The gamepad also features non-slip rubber grip to ensure better control during those high-pressure matches full of excitement.
To add a little to the style quotient, there’s chroma lighting almost similar to the Ultimate edition.
The only drawback I could see was the face button which felt a little too stiff. Overall, this xbox one controller feels good in hands and works pretty well. But, if you have some more money to spare, you should go with the Ultimate Edition.
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Things to Consider Before Buying Your New Xbox One Controller
Customisability and Repairability
See, the only thing that differentiates a stock controller from a third party Xbox one controller is the customisability. And by customisability, I do not only mean the looks but the advanced mappable buttons and replaceable thumbsticks, D-pad etc.
Such level of customizability allows you to use your controller comfortably and also the freedom to adjust the controls according to the game you are playing.
Some Xbox controllers make gaming even easier with the help of extra paddles and various gaming modes. Also, if you want to go a step further, see if the controller has adjustable vibration motor strength or have multiple motors for triggers as well.
Repairability is also one of my concerns when I am spending a hundred bucks on a controller. It’s of no use if one day you wake up and your Xbox controller stops working.
Budget Matters
A question that I generally get from newbie gamers is whether they should spend extra money on a custom Xbox one controller or just stick to the standard controller.
My answer is “Yes, you must”.
Actually, most of the manufacturers have to compromise with the quality of the standard console which is bundled with the console to ensure that overall cost is bearable. And the reason the materials used to make the stock Xbox one controllers is not as good, the buttons feel cheap and we all get irritated how the thumbsticks wear after few months of use.
So, I suggest to spend a few more dollars and go for a third party to get better build quality, more precise and responsive buttons, customisability and extra comfort!
Connectivity & Extras
Wired or Wireless or both – a big question! More often, the aftermarket Xbox one gaming controllers allow you both type of connections. But to be able to work wireless, these Xbox controllers come with batteries which you gonna need to replace around every month depending upon your usage.
Some controllers come with rechargeable batteries and you can charge your controller batteries using any of the good quality chargers specifically come for Xbox one controllers.
Among other extras, you can watch out for buttons to control features like headphone volume or switch gaming configurations on the fly. These will help in those extreme gaming sessions when you do not want to put your hands off the controller even for a single second!
Frequently Asked Questions that all may have
Does Xbox One gaming Controller work with PC? It sure does! One of the best parts of owning an Xbox One controller is being able to take it straight over to a Windows PC with minimal setup. Any game you could play with an Xbox 360 controller on PC should also work with an Xbox One controller, just plug it in with a USB-A to micro-USB cable (grab an AmazonBasics Plug and Charge cable if you don’t already have a ton of those lying around).
How much does an Xbox One controller cost? A good one can cost you less than $100 for a wireless one and around $40 for a wired one. These are average costs across various manufacturers. If you want to go for features like RGB lighting etc the cost may shoot above 100 dollars too.
Why is my Xbox One controller flashing? This could mean two scenarios – the batteries are dying or your controller needs to be synced to your Xbox One console. If your controller has AAA batteries try swapping them with new ones otherwise plug your controller to the charging station.
If you are sure batteries are working fine, then your wireless Xbox one controller is not synced properly. To resolve that just connect the controller with the console via USB just once and it will sync automatically. Once synced, you can use it wirelessly.
How Do You Connect a new controller to the Xbox One?
Connecting a newly bought controller to your console is quite a simple process. Here are the steps to connect a new controller to the Xbox One.
- Turn on the Xbox One you want to sync with.
- Next, turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button. The Xbox button will flash, indicating that it’s looking for a console to sync with.
- Press and release the Connect button on your console. On the Xbox One X and Xbox One S, you’ll find this at the bottom-right of your system, under the power button. For the original model Xbox One, the button is on the left side of the console, right around the corner from the disc slot.
- Press and hold the Connect button on your controller. You’ll find this small circular button on the top of your controller. The Xbox button should flash a few times, then stay solid once connected.
If you’d rather, you can also plug a micro-USB cable into your Xbox, then connect it to your controller and press the Xbox button to sync them.
Also Check out: How to Connect Xbox one controller to PC