If you own an Xbox One, you’ll eventually find yourself shopping for a new Xbox One controller. Maybe you’re trying to replace one you smashed in a fit of rage while playing Dark Souls, or you’re looking for a good controller for your co-op partner. No matter the situation, picking up another controller is an inevitable part of owning a gaming system. However, in recent years, the market has become saturated with excellent Xbox One gamepads, making it difficult to determine which one is the best purchase.
Whether you’re looking for something cheap, powerful, or game-specific, here are the best Xbox One controllers available in 2021.
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Xbox One Wireless Controller
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 hands of any size 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 regularly. The controller also can be made into a wired controller by attaching a Micro USB cable, giving you less latency for sports or fighting games.
Important note: While this model is the standard controller for the Xbox One, Microsoft has released an updated “Core” version for the Series X with a more durable design, USB-C connection, and new share button. It’s entirely compatible with the Xbox One and, if you are looking for an upgrade, an excellent alternative (although you will need a USB-C connection for connecting it directly to a console).
Xbox Design Lab Controller
The plain black or white designs for Xbox One controllers aren’t the most exciting things in the world, but you don’t have to settle for anything less than a fully customized gamepad. The Xbox Design Lab allows you to create your own controller, with everything from the triggers to the analog sticks coming in an assortment of different colors. If you want to make your controller look like Waluigi, with a purple front and yellow back, you totally can, or you can go with something more sleek and subtle.
Previous controllers started at $65, with additional options for personalization. Currently, the Design Lab is working on a new model that will be available sometime in 2021, so sign up for alerts if your heart is set on this kind of customization.
Xbox One Elite Controller Series 2
One of the world’s most expensive controllers has proven popular enough to warrant a second version. Revealed at E3 2019, this new version builds on the original in almost every way — but we all know the biggest improvement is the shift to a USB-C port for charging its 40-hour battery. It can even double as a wired controller if you’re particularly sensitive to wireless lag.
The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes with interchangeable thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles, plus it has the ability to adjust the tension of its analog inputs for things like faster trigger speeds and weightier movement and aiming. They even redesigned the rubberized grip, a common point of concern on the original version. If you’ve ever wanted to toss your original controller in the trash and spend an extra $100 for some extra buttons, the Xbox One Elite Controller Series 2 is for you.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
On the third-party side, Razer’s Wolverine Ultimate controller offers just as many customization options as the Xbox Elite Controller, plus a little extra style for those interested in flashing lights. Bundled with interchangeable analog sticks and directional pads as well as remappable bumpers and triggers, you can create and save more than 500 different customized setups depending on the game you’re playing, and the controller’s sensitivity levels can be adjusted to give you the same level of customization you’d expect on a mouse. If you’re a fan of vibration, you can increase it in both the Impulse Trigger and the standard rumble motors, which should make your racing or shooting even more immersive.
Want a little more flair while you frag? The Wolverine Ultimate also includes Razer’s Chroma lighting, giving you gorgeous effects that can be changed based on your preferences or, if you’re a streamer, based on your audience’s reactions.
Scuf Prestige
Scuf makes some of the most comfortable controllers on the market today. Their elite controllers are similar to the standard Xbox One’s, but it definitely feels different when picked it up. The smooth plastic and subtle yet effective backside features make holding the Scuf a dream come true. It also has an interchangeable faceplate and built-in rechargeable battery, which will last around 30 hours. You can change the analog sticks and faceplate and overall customize the way these controllers look fairly easily. What’s great is that the Scuf Prestige controller is also magnificently light, weighing in at only 267 grams.
What really makes these controllers stand out isn’t the customization, light weight, or comfort holding it. Rather, Scuf has managed to find a way to make the four back paddles the most comfortable to reach out of all the other controllers. The bumpers have been redesigned on this controller to be more durable and have more points of contact. This actually has eliminated the issues the Xbox Elite Controller faced and, to some degree, the regular Xbox controller. Games that are bumper-heavy won’t wear the paddles out even after long, vigorous use.
Hori Fighting Commander Octa
The standard Xbox One controller is great for many games, but it struggles with 2D fighting games — the default layout of the buttons and the directional pad aren’t ideal for the quick movements needed in the genre. To solve that, Hori made the Fighting Commander line, with the most recent Octa model perfect for both Xbox One and Series X. It’s a controller that bears a remarkable resemblance to a certain Sega controller from back in the early 1990s, with D-Pad, joystick, and shoulder setups made for gaming. The Octa also is wired, which is necessary for serious fighting game events.
The configuration of the Fighting Commander is a little different than other controllers, with the RB, RT, LB, and LT buttons all located on the right side and two extra buttons included on the left side. The curved design of the back is more ergonomic than the controllers of yesteryear, but it should feel perfect for anyone who played Mortal Kombat on Genesis. The controller won’t set you back much, either, costing less than all other options on our list, and it’s much smaller than a traditional full-sized fight stick.
Xbox Adaptive Controller
Playing on a traditional controller can be an extremely difficult or even impossible task for players with physical disabilities. The Xbox Adaptive Controller aims to serve this group of players by providing a fully customizable hub for accessibility devices. Every button on the standard Xbox One controller is represented by an input port on the side of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and users can use 3.5 mm or USB devices to control these functions in whatever way serves them best.
If more than one person in your household uses the Adaptive Controller and they have different needs, you can also customize profiles and switch between them on the fly. The controller comes with a 9-foot cable to charge its battery, and it’s also compatible with Windows 10 PC games.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
If you and your friends tend to run through a lot of controllers, you know that replacing them can get expensive. This PowerA model is an affordable option, less than half the cost of a traditional Xbox One controller while still providing all the utility you expect. It also includes updates to the Xbox controller design like a share button, and has a surprisingly useful little dial for game audio and muting chat when you are with a team. The gripping materials also help you keep precision — and it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to pick from. Keep in mind that it is wired, so it will need to stay closer to the console (something that may also help controllers last longer).
Xbox Wireless Controller — Daystrike Camo Special Edition
Periodically, Microsoft offers special editions of its Xbox One controllers for fans who are looking for something a little extra. We particularly like this 2021 design that features red, gray, and black camo. It’s a nifty design that goes well with just about everything, and includes all the latest controller upgrades like textured grips on the triggers and bumpers, hybrid D-pad, a share button, and more. Everything works with the Xbox One, and if you are ever ready to upgrade to the Series X then full compatibility is assured for that model as well!
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