5 Best Xbox One Controllers (April 2024)

Xbox One may be taking a step back, paving the way for the current-gen Xbox series X/S. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many gamers who still prefer to keep close to their first choice. Lucky for you, our technology nerds haven’t completely abandoned designing the best Xbox One controllers for you. They consider so many factors that make a pad excellent, whether sweet battery life or high-quality ergonomics, right down to all budgets and preferences. 

So, as we scoured the internet looking for all the Xbox One controllers we could find, we narrowed the list down to the ones you simply can’t go wrong with. These controllers will serve you well, withstanding long hours of gaming and exuding desirable longevity for years to come. Here are the best Xbox One controllers we could find.

5. Turtle Beach Recon Xbox Controller

You want a controller that is comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions. And thanks to the Turtle Beach Recon Xbox Controller’s ergonomic shape, you can enjoy a fatigue-free experience playing games. Heat can also sometimes build up, and you may even feel sweaty when playing intensive games. So, Turtle Beach took that into consideration and attached micro-cooling grips for the utmost comfort. Sweet.

But beyond the niceties, the Turtle Beach Recon Xbox Controller has taken a revolutionary step to marry audio innovations with game-changing controls. That way, you never have to compromise on performance or find substitutes for sound. The controller is set to ‘superhuman hearing sound mode,’ which fine-tunes audio feedback more accurately. Additionally, it has immersive vibration feedback, bringing games to life.

Pros

• Has customizable rear paddles
• Has superhuman hearing mode 
• Comes with audio equalizer presets

Cons

• Bit clunky button switches
• Wired-only

Buy here: Turtle Beach Recon Xbox Controller

4. Turtle Beach React-R

Alternatively, consider the Turtle Beach React-R controller that’s compatible with Xbox and PC platforms. Since it's a wired-only controller, you’ll get a 2.5-meter USB Type-C to Type-A cable included in your package. It gives you enough space to move away from your console. Additionally, it offers excellent audio thanks to its wide-range audio controls that you’re free to tweak its superhuman hearing, game volume, and mic mute to your liking.

While controllers can tend to offer bland colors, Turtle Beach Reach-R makes it fun with the addition of new, exciting colors. And the aesthetics don’t stand in the way of design or quality either. You’ll find its design pretty solid, with well-balanced pacing. The same goes for its textured grip, which also helps to avoid slippage from sweaty, tense shootouts. Further, the face buttons, triggers, and the two programmable quick-action buttons on the back respond pretty quickly.

Pros

• Value for money
• Textured grip
• Solid design

Cons

• May feel less premium based on its cheaper price

Buy here: Turtle Beach React-R

3. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

If you dabble in the competitive scene, you may want to consider the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 premium product. It adds 30 new ways to play like a pro, from adding interchangeable components, a wrap-around rubberized grip, shorter hair trigger locks, and adjustable-tension thumbsticks. Each new feature seeks to elevate your gaming experience. It opens up the world of customization to fit every type of game out there. Plus, it paves the way to upscale how accurate your aim can be.

With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, firing on opponents works like a charm. Bullets discharge faster from your gun. Meanwhile, your focus is glued entirely to the screen, thanks to a sturdy, comfortable grip throughout your sessions. Depending on your preferences, you can swap out D-pads, paddles, or thumbstick toppers and leave the store with the exact design you’re looking for.

Pros

• Very responsive for competitive gamers
• Wide range of configurability
• Good battery life

Cons

• Costs more than the Xbox Elite

Buy here: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

2. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

When considering which controller to buy, comfort and performance are arguably most gamers’ prime concerns. With the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, you get the best of both worlds and then some. Holding the controller feels comfortable, even over long hours. Plus, the buttons feel joyfully snappy at each turn. It’s difficult for the controller to slip out of your hands, thanks to the wonderfully textured grip on its handles.

Take a step away from boring controllers and consider styling your next one with RGB lighting. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma looks divine, with the freedom to alter the appearance to your liking. Its response time is pretty good, towering above most controllers. And the face buttons and D-pad feel pretty great to use. Compared to its predecessor, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma adds more customizable buttons—six extra mappable buttons and RGB lighting options. It even competes stiffly with Xbox’s Series 2, providing better sticks and buttons.

Pros

• More customization options
• Snappy and responsive
• Feels comfortable

Cons

• Wired-only

Buy here: Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

1. Razer Wolverine V2

Unlike the Chroma version, Razer Wolverine V2 offers two additional remappable buttons, which are still good enough for quick-action prompts. It's incredibly precise, perfect for quick reaction-based games, and delivers a seamless performance across the board. Razer doesn’t leave comfort to chance, or styling, for that matter. You can hold the controller for a long time without your patience ever wearing thin. Plus, all along, the buttons feel pretty satisfying to use and responsive.

While it can feel a bit pricey, especially when it’s solely a wired-only controller, it still offers a good amount of high-end features. So long as you don’t mind plugging in for your gaming sessions, the Razer Wolverine V2 should provide a better stand-in for the standard gamepads.

Pros

• Fantastic ergonomics
• Very responsive
• Clicky buttons

Cons

• Back buttons may feel awkward

Buy here: Razer Wolverine V2

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best Xbox One controllers? Are there more Xbox One controllers we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.