If you ask anyone what the best controller is for the Xbox One, chances are they would say the official model. But maybe it’s a bit too bulky for your svelte hands, or the asymmetrical analog sticks never sat right with you (or maybe it’s just too dang expensive).
If you dislike the official Xbox One controller for whatever reason, there are plenty of great third-party controllers. This list includes some of the best Xbox One controllers from third-party manufacturers, many with their own unique features and designs to suit different folks.
Tip: learn how you can use a PS3 controller on your PC.
1. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Price: $149.99
A formidable adversary to Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 controllers, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, features an exquisite design, thanks to the customizable RGB strips embedded into its handles.
This premium-class controller offers a variety of customization options. You can change the color of its RGB strips or swap out the thumbstick caps. On top of that, the addition of six fully-remappable new buttons has added further depth to Wolverine V2 Chroma’s customization options.
Razer has expanded its Mecha-Tactile technology to both the action buttons and the D-pad to provide players with a more immersive gaming experience.
With this technology, you’ll hear a satisfying click and feel the impact of every push of a button. The buttons also feature Hair Trigger Mode with Trigger Stop-Switches.
However, the greatest downside of the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is that it doesn’t support a wireless connection. Sure, a wired connection relieves you of the need for batteries and minimizes response latency, but also limits mobility.
Pros
- Various customization options
- Elegant design
- Immersive Hair Trigger, Mecha-Tactile buttons
- 6 new remappable buttons
Cons
- Only supports wired connection
- High price for a wired controller
2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Price: $37.99
Technically, PowerA Enhanced is a budget remake of the Microsoft Xbox standard controller – except for a number of additional features.
This controller comes with two additional programmable buttons compared to the Xbox standard. A volume toggle has also been added to the controller.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is significantly lighter than the official Xbox controller, a feature you may consider appealing. That, however, is in part due to a lower-quality build.
The buttons and the D-pad are made of light plastic. D-pads are also made from the same material and not rubberized, making them slippery during intense gaming. Yet, PowerA Enhanced still delivers when it comes to performance.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Volume toggle option
- Two additional programmable buttons
- Lighter weight
Cons
- Low-quality build
- Only supports wired connection
- MicroUSB port
Tip: if you are a fan of retro gaming, check out some of the best console specific emulation controllers and dedicated controllers.
3. Nacon Revolution X
Price: $99.90
RIG’s wired controller, Nacon Revolution X, is filling the gap between premium-class controllers and standard budget ones. The controller is a bit wider than Microsoft Xbox controllers and features four remappable buttons on its back and grip.
The quality of the build is an issue for Nacon Revolution X. The same plastic material that makes this controller light and easy to hold makes it feel like a cheap product with low durability. The D-pad feels good to work with, but you may not get this satisfaction with every push of the other buttons.
However, where Nacon Revolution X truly shines is the customization. You can customize and remap all of your controller’s buttons. The controller app is not that easy to work with but makes up for its complexity by offering four unique user profiles in addition to its classic mode and a button to toggle between them. Also, the RGB ring around the right thumbstick indicates which mode you are on by its color.
Nacon Revolution X offers acceptable performance, though nothing significantly above average, and its customization options make it fun to use.
Pros
- Programmable buttons
- Four additional remappable buttons
- Four unique preset profiles
- Customizable sticks
Cons
- Does not support wireless connection
- Low-quality build compared to the price
4. Turtle Beach Recon Controller
Price: $59.95
Turtle Beach has brought together several incredible features in its Recon and still managed to keep the price fair.
The Recon features a design similar to the official Xbox controller, save for a number of adjustments. The handles are rubberized for a better, more comfortable grip. Additional buttons are also embedded above the Xbox button for adjusting volume and switching preset modes.
The Turtle Beach Recon controller’s buttons are resistant and, at the same time, highly responsive. The D-pad and sticks are smooth. You also have the option to customize the paddles for optimized aiming.
Recon doesn’t feature an app for button mapping, but you can reprogram buttons and set user profiles manually. The controller also comes with two additional unmapped buttons on its back.
An incredible feature of Recon is Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing mode. It enhances the sound of footsteps, bullets, and other directional audio, making the controller ideal for playing first-person shooter games.
Overall, if you are looking for a third-party controller that can offer you decent customization options, a high-quality build, and great performance at a fair price, the Turtle Beach Recon controller is an ideal option for you.
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Superhuman Hearing audio setting
- Pro-Aim Focus mode
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Doesn’t feature an app for customization
- Wired only
Good to know: these alternative controllers for PS 4/5 are ideal for those who prefer the Xbox One controller.
5. Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro
Price: $179.99
Thrustmaster’s eSwap X Pro is like a puzzle, except it’s not a fixed one: you can untangle it piece by piece and put it together again to create the picture you desire!
This is the most incredible thing about eSwap X Pro. You can detach the D-pad and sticks and swap them to come up with the most optimized position for your hand.
eSwap X Pro has a sturdy build, but even if you manage to damage it, you have the option to swap any broken parts with ease.
The controller comes with four mappable buttons on its back, but their arrangement, paired with the size of the controller, can make them feel out of reach sometimes. There are six additional buttons near the controller’s audio jack as well: three on the left for adjusting volume and microphone settings and three on the right for changing preset profiles and mapping buttons.
Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro’s major downside is its price. It is quite expensive for a wired controller, given the features it offers, but it is still a decent option among the available third-party controllers for Xbox.
Pros
- Customizable D-pad and stick positions
- Swappable parts
- Decent design and build quality
- Good performance and responsiveness
Cons
- Very expensive
- Wired only
- Micro-USB port
6. Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Price: $69.99
Don’t let the plasticky feel of the Hyperkin Duke trick you, this bulky controller features a solid build and offers appealing performance.
The new Duke is an upgraded version of the original and features many improvements while succeeding at creating a feeling of nostalgia. For new players, the arrangements of buttons may seem a bit off, but users of the original Duke would find it appealing to see that everything is where it is supposed to be.
One of Duke’s issues is its gigantic size. Although quite comfortable, the controller’s bulky design makes it unsuitable for small hands. It is also very heavy for a wired controller.
Hyperkin Duke comes with an AMOLED display in the middle in place of a simple Xbox icon. The display is actually a button. When you press it, a video of Xbox’s original startup screen will be played … and that’s it! There are no practical functions for it.
Duke’s buttons work smoothly and respond well to the smallest of touches. This makes the controller ideal for racing games where you can operate your car with a tiny bit of pressure.
Pros
- Solid build
- Good performance
- Nostalgic design
Cons
- Bulky design
- Limited customizability
- Wired only
- Heavy
7. Scuf Instinct Pro
Price: $219.99
Scuf Instinct Pro has emerged as a result of years of research to make every push of every button feel just right. The controller’s sturdy build ensures both its exceptional durability and its premium-level performance. The back of the controller is also rubberized to make the grip highly comfortable.
Scuf Instinct Pro comes with four mappable buttons on its back. These buttons are a bit resistant to prevent accidental pushes, but the resistance does not hinder responsiveness at all. The controller also allows players to toggle between three user profiles.
The customization options of Instinct Pro are not limited to button mapping and setting user profiles. Both the D-pad and thumbsticks can be swapped. You can decide to use either a tall stick for better aiming control or a concave one for faster movement responses. You also have the option to lock the triggers and indulge in the satisfying click sound with every press.
Pros
- Exceptional build
- Astounding performance
- Decent customization options
- Lockable triggers
- Swappable D-pad and sticks
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Expensive
As you can see, there are plenty of excellent third-party Xbox One controller options on the market. You can also connect a keyboard and mouse to Xbox One. However, if you still love your Xbox One controller, you can also hook it up to your Android phone to play games. In fact, you can connect any Xbox controller to Android.
Tip: if you’re aching to play old games on your Xbox One or Series X/S, why not install RetroArch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my third-party controller break easily?
Not if it’s licensed and from a reliable manufacturer with a history of making controllers. Besides, Xbox One controllers break pretty often themselves, which is probably why you’re reading this in the first place! Make sure you look into the warranty when you buy a controller so that you’re covered.
Are third-party controllers better than official controllers?
To some extent, this is subjective. In terms of ergonomics and design, you may well prefer a third-party controller, but you should also manage your expectations of build quality. First-party controllers will almost always be the most reliable and have the best battery life, as well as decent aftersales support. As with many things, you get what you pay for, so don’t go too cheap!
Are third-party controllers legal?
When buying a third-party controller, you want to make sure you’re getting a “licensed one,” which has been approved for use with the Xbox One. There are many super-cheap controllers on eBay (often sent over from China) that aren’t licensed, and you take a bit of a gamble when you buy them. They might work, but if they don’t, you’re on your own.
Why are there so few third-party controllers?
Back in the day, we used to see third-party controllers around more, and a big reason for the relative lack of them today is the rise of wireless controllers. Getting third-party controllers to work wirelessly is a more expensive and difficult process than wired controllers, and manufacturers likely just don’t want the hassle.
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
