Best Xbox One Controllers

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 1, 2024
Xbox One controllers are similar but different at the same time. The best Xbox One controllers incorporate various little details that make these gamepads more suitable for specific genres and/or more practical and comfortable for all games. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Compatibility
Connection(s)
Vibration
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

The low-friction, reinforced rings around the thumbsticks work wonders minimizing wear and providing buttery-smooth action. You can use the Hair Trigger Locks to make your character fire faster and/or save that always valuable in-game time with each trigger pull. The app will let you adjust the triggers' min/max values, button assignments, thumbstick sensitivities, and more. 

CONS

The gamepad is relatively heavy (~12.3 ounces with the 4 paddles). 

OUR VERDICT

Microsoft Elite White Special Edition is the best Xbox One controller on the list. You can swap the thumbsticks and/or D-pads to increase your accuracy and speed. The rubberized diamond grip and interchangeable paddles will let you achieve improved control. The gamepad is as customizable as it gets. 

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Xbox One systems and PCs (cable for wired operation included, wireless adapter not included)

Connection(s)

Wireless (2 x "AA" batteries included)

Wired (9-ft. USB cable included)

Vibration

Yes

Extras

Limitless customization in the app, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, carrying case, set of 4 changeable paddles, set of 6 changeable thumbsticks, set of 2 changeable D-pads

Warranty

3 months

PROS

The Halo combat laser-etched design, incorporating metallic blue accents and military insignias, looks badass. The D-pad design is responsive to both sweeping and directional movements, making the controller versatile and equally suitable for different genres. You'll be able to unlock the Resolute visor. 

CONS

The model doesn't have non-slip grips (the patterns are engraved into the plastic). 

OUR VERDICT

Microsoft Halo 5 Limited Edition is the best-looking controller within this lineup. Though designed for Halo fans first and foremost, the model will work wonders for other games too. It will definitely be able to add more character to your gaming entertainment center.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Xbox One systems and PCs (wireless adapter not included)

Connection(s)

Wireless (2 x "AA" batteries included)

Wired (cable not included)

Vibration

Yes

Extras

3.5mm stereo headset jack, Halo combat design (featuring metallic blue accents and military insignias), Halo 5 Bonus Req pack download code (Resolute visor)

Warranty

3 months

PROS

The new streamlined design with sleek handles is more practical in the long run. The textured grips will let you stay on target through any fatigue. The model's custom button mapping makes the Xbox One controller much more flexible. The new adapter incorporates a 66% smaller design and wireless stereo sound support.

CONS

The micro-USB port requires careful attention/maintenance. 

OUR VERDICT

Microsoft 4N7-00007 Wireless Controller doesn't change the game but it sure makes some major improvements to the proverbial game. These improvements will likely raise your performance as well as your comfort levels. Plus, the controller is really affordable, all things considered.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Xbox One systems and PCs (wireless adapter included)

Connection(s)

Wireless (2 x "AA" batteries included)

Wired (3.3-ft. cable included)

Vibration

Yes

Extras

3.5mm stereo headset jack, textured grips

Warranty

3 months

PROS

The laser-etched, battle-weathered look based on JD Fenix’s armor is awesome. The metallic blue accents add character and edge to the controller. The GoW logo in the middle looks right at home. The grips are textured, giving you that long-term precision, comfort, and improved control.

CONS

The controller chews up batteries relatively fast. 

OUR VERDICT

Microsoft Gears of War 4 JD Fenix Limited Edition, with its rugged appearance, will give you those extra immersion points. The usual textures here aren't painted but actually engraved into the gamepad, giving the controller custom GoW feel.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Xbox One systems and PCs (wireless adapter not included)

Connection(s)

Wireless (2 x "AA" batteries included)

Wired (cable not included)

Vibration

Yes

Extras

3.5mm stereo headset jack, laser-etched design (based on JD Fenix’s armor), textured grips, Gears of War 4 bonus digital code (digital multiplayer lobby banner and three Gears packs for special in-game items)

Warranty

3 months

PROS

The model is compatible with Xbox One systems, PCs, and tablets. The controller incorporates vibrations, allowing for a much more interactive, immersive, and engaging experience compared to vibrationless gamepads. Custom button mapping will let you customize the controller according to your needs and preferences in different games.

CONS

The markings on the buttons wear off with time. 

OUR VERDICT

Microsoft Red Wireless Controller keeps things pretty simple. Provided you don't care for any additional in-game goodies and don't feel like paying extra for aesthetics alone, this is the gamepad for you. It is comfortable and as effective as these controllers come.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Xbox One systems and PCs (wireless adapter not included)

Connection(s)

Wireless (2 x "AA" batteries included)

Wired (cable not included)

Vibration

Yes

Extras

3.5mm stereo headset jack, textured grips

Warranty

3 months

X

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Microsoft Xbox Elite

Elite Gaming Controller

Microsoft Elite White Special Edition doesn't just look as elite as they come, it is as elite as they come. There are so many little details here separating the controllers from its mediocre counterparts that you can start practically anywhere.

For instance, the low-friction, reinforced rings around each and every thumbstick work wonders minimizing wear and providing buttery-smooth action.

At the same time, the gamepad comes equipped with four slots for interchangeable paddles. You can attach and remove these paddles without any tools.

The Hair Trigger Locks are no joke too. You can use these things to make your character fire faster and/or save that always valuable in-game time with each trigger pull. These locks make sure to stop the trigger movement after the shot and prepare you for the next one.

The controller's app will let you customize your in-game experience even further. You'll be able to adjust the triggers' min/max values, button assignments, thumbstick sensitivities, and more.

As far as we're concerned, the only problem with the gamepad is that it is relatively heavy (~12.3 ounces with the 4 paddles).

In short, Microsoft Elite White Special Edition is the best controller on the list. You can swap the thumbsticks and/or D-pads to increase your accuracy and speed. The rubberized diamond grip and interchangeable paddles will let you achieve improved control. The gamepad is as customizable as they come.

Review of Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $129.15
Stock In stock
ASIN B00ZV0NH40

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Great buttons all around, all feel higher quality, smoother and more responsive.

Features

Feels quality the moment you handle it.
 

Microsoft Halo 5

Master Chief-Approved

Microsoft Halo 5 Limited Edition looks as badass as a Halo-inspired controlled should.

The Halo combat laser-etched design, incorporating metallic blue accents and military insignias, looks daring and imposing. The gamepad's appearance is definitely its biggest selling point.

That said, in addition to the controller, the package also comes with a bonus REQ Pack including the Resolute visor. The visor will make your Halo Guardian look even cooler than before (yes, that is possible).

Apart from that, what we have here is more or less your standard Xbox One controller. The D-pad design is responsive to both sweeping and directional movements, making the controller versatile and equally suitable for different genres. The 3.5-mm stereo headset jack will let you plug just about any headset right into the gamepad.

The model looks perfect but it, unfortunately, isn't quite. Since the controller doesn't have non-slip grips (the patterns are engraved into the plastic), it is not as suitable for long gaming marathons as its competition with non-slip grips.

Bottom line, Microsoft Halo 5 Limited Edition is the best-looking controller within this lineup. Though designed for Halo fans first and foremost, the model will work wonders for other games too. It will definitely be able to add more character to your gaming entertainment center.

Review of Microsoft Halo 5 Limited Edition

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $71.55
Stock In stock
ASIN B0136JP9MA

 

Microsoft 4N7-00007

Streamlined Look

Microsoft 4N7-00007 Wireless Controller keeps things simple, comfortable, and efficient. The gamepad doesn't present anything we haven't seen before and we like it that way. At the same time, the model incorporates multiple minor improvements that make a major difference.

The new-and-improved streamlined design with sleek handles is much more overall comfortable and practical. The textured grips will let you stay on target through any fatigue. The model's custom button mapping finally makes the Xbox One controller equally suitable for different genres.

The new adapter incorporates a 66% smaller design and wireless stereo sound support. Plus, it lets you connect up to 8 controllers at once.

On the other hand, the micro-USB port is somewhat fragile, requiring extra-careful attention/maintenance.

Though advertised as a wireless controller (the 2 x AA batteries required to use the controller wirelessly are included in the package), you can just as well use the gamepad the good ol' wired way (the 3.3-ft. cable is included in the package too).

All in all, Microsoft 4N7-00007 Wireless Controller doesn't just the game but it sure makes some major improvements to the proverbial game. These improvements will likely raise your performance as well as your comfort levels. Plus, the controller is really affordable, all things considered.

Review of Microsoft 4N7-00007 Wireless Controller

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $90.10
Stock In stock
ASIN B078T3R8YS

 

Microsoft Gears of War 4

Battle-Weathered Looks

Microsoft Gears of War 4 JD Fenix Limited Edition looks fantastic. We really dig the laser-etched, battle-weathered design that's based on JD Fenix’s armor. The metallic blue accents add character and edge to the controller. The GoW logo in the middle looks right at home.

As it is usually the case with these controllers, the package includes in-game goodies. This time, it is a bonus digital code that will let you access multiplayer lobby banner and 3 Gears packs with special in-game items. The packs drop random stuff but the items there are always impressive.

Setting the looks and bonus digital content aside, the controller is pretty standard. The grips are textured, giving you that long-term precision, comfort, and improved control. The 3.5-mm stereo jack will let you plug your favorite headset right into the controller.

On the downside subject, the model is wireless only. Usually, that's not an issue but the controller chews up batteries pretty fast, so you will have to replace them more often than you'd probably like.

All things considered, Microsoft Gears of War 4 JD Fenix Limited Edition, with its rugged appearance, will give you those extra immersion points. The usual textures here aren't painted but actually engraved into the gamepad, giving the controller custom GoW feel.

Review of Microsoft Gears of War 4 Limited Edition

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $139.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01HMT26EO

 

Microsoft Red

Red is the Way to Go

Microsoft Red Wireless Controller is an excellent controller but it doesn't necessarily present anything that could allow the model to edge out other controllers on this list, hence the last place.

That being said, we don't have any major gripes with this gamepad. The markings on the buttons wear off with time but that's almost always the case with these controllers.

The red finish looks pretty cool. The model is compatible with Xbox One systems and Windows 10 systems via Bluetooth. It runs on 2 AA batteries. The batteries last surprisingly long.

The controller incorporates vibrations, allowing for a much more interactive, immersive, and engaging experience compared to vibrationless gamepads.

Custom button mapping will let you customize the controller according to your needs and preferences in different games.

The gamepad comes equipped with a 3.5-mm stereo jack, so you'll be able to connect the controller with pretty much any headset. The usual textured grips will give you the additional control and comfort necessary for long gaming marathons.

In other words, Microsoft Red Wireless Controller keeps things pretty simple. Provided you don't care for any additional in-game goodies and don't feel like paying extra for aesthetics alone, this is the gamepad for you. It is comfortable and as effective as these controllers come.

Review of Microsoft Red Wireless Controller

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $97.12
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N4JYY1H

 

What Is an Xbox One Controller?

You would think that Xbox One controllers don't necessarily differ that much from each other. Well, that's true and false at the same time. Sure, there aren't any major differences. But there are many little details and extra touches that can make a major difference.

First and foremost, these controllers don't always look the same. There are many limited edition gamepads that replicate various titles' aesthetics and make these models much more interesting from the visual perspective. In addition to visual changes, these controllers always come packaged with additional in-game content.

Setting visual differences aside, it is all about textured/non-textured grips and other little details like that. Gamepads that do not incorporate textured grips provide less control and always prove less comfortable in the long run. Every controller on this list incorporates a 3.5-mm stereo jack, which is great since it lets you plug pretty much any headset into the 'pad.

Haven't really decided on a console yet? Consider our best pick in the best video game consoles review. After that, we would recommend these Xbox One external hard drives.

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Publish Date: 2019-09-23 14:21:53