These Third-Party Xbox Controllers Are Better Than the Original

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If you invested in an Xbox Series S or Series X, whether for yourself or someone else, you’re probably eager to start playing. Before you do, it’s worth considering upgrading the Xbox controller as well, as there are many third-party options that can unlock additional features and let you customize your gaming experience.

To be clear, the official Xbox Wireless Controller that comes bundled with every console is stellar and comes in a wide array of colors, including fully customizable finishes. Microsoft also makes a pair of feature-rich Elite wireless controllers for demanding gamers with deeper pockets. Like Sony’s DualSense controllers for the PlayStation 5, the standard Xbox controllers are excellent, and you'd never go wrong using one.

However, there's also a whole universe of high-quality Xbox controllers from various gaming hardware brands, giving you more options that you might not immediately consider, whether you need a second controller for when a friend comes over, want an extra backup gamepad to swap in if you're out of batteries or charging up, or want additional features you can't get on the standard Xbox controller, like remappable rear paddles. To determine the best alternatives to Microsoft’s own controllers, we spent a few weeks researching and playing the top-rated Xbox controllers from PowerA, Razer, Turtle Beach, and other brands.

The Best Third-Party Xbox Controllers

• Best Wireless Controller: Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

• Best Wired Controller: Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

• Best Budget: HyperX Clutch Gladiate

• Best Value: PowerA Fusion Pro 3

• Best for Mobile Cloud Gameplay: Razer Kishi V2 Pro

What to Consider

Wired Versus Wireless

Most of today’s best third-party Xbox gaming controllers are wired. Dealing with a cable guarantees that you or another player won’t ever have to worry about swapping or recharging batteries. For this reason, the wireless controllers we do review also work in wired mode.

A wired USB connection brings more instant input responses than a Bluetooth link. Of course, the tradeoff is that you might have to sit a little closer to the TV.

Customizable Controls

For an aftermarket controller to be worth the extra expense, it needs to have something the standard Xbox controller doesn't. The good news is that even budget-friendly options have features like additional customizable buttons. These handy add-on buttons are typically integrated into the grips, allowing you to press them while operating the thumbsticks.

Triggers with adjustable sensitivity via a dedicated button are another handy feature to keep an eye out for. If the controller is mostly for action-packed single- or multiplayer games, you’ll want the triggers to have a fast response. Racing simulators, on the other hand, require trigger buttons with longer travel for enhanced throttle and brake controls.

Depending on your budget and gameplay style, look for controllers with additional face buttons or swappable paddles. The button customization process usually requires installing a companion app (which is a quick and easy process).

Additional Features and Compatibility

Some of the best third-party Xbox gaming controllers have cool additional features like onboard RGB lighting and more elaborate audio controls. Other customization features, like swappable thumb sticks and faceplates, are also worth considering.

Save for the mobile-only Razer Kishi, the controllers here are compatible with the latest Xbox Series S and Series X consoles and the older Xbox One. They’re also great for PC gaming.

How We Selected The Best Xbox Controllers

Having spent hundreds of hours gaming with the current lineup of original Xbox controllers, I focused my research on third-party wired and wireless gamepads that offer strong alternatives to the standard set by Microsoft. Every controller I looked into has a standard button and thumb stick layout, ensuring you don’t waste time getting used to it.

I scrutinized budget-friendly models that cost less than the replacement price for those that came with your console that don't skimp on performance. I also evaluated pricier high-end gamepads that offer unique designs and additional features worth spending on. They included designs with swappable plates, customizable lighting, and additional buttons for tailoring the layout to your exact preference, to name a few significant bits.

After selecting the most promising controllers, I spent hours gaming with each pick, taking note of their feel in my hands, button tactility, responsiveness to my inputs, and haptic feedback.

Find the best Xbox controller for your gameplay style and budget among the thoroughly evaluated offerings below.

Stealth Ultra Wireless Xbox Controller

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is the third-party best wireless controller for Xbox consoles. It delivers a perfect mixture of high-tech design with a built-in color display and customizable RGB lighting, an extensive set of customizable buttons with exceptional tactility, textured grip handles, immersive haptics, excellent battery life, and a rich retail package with plenty of bundled accessories.

Overall, the product is a fantastic alternative to the original Xbox Elite Series 2 controller that’s worthy of its epic name and hefty price tag.

Over weeks of testing, I really liked the controller’s clicky buttons and RGB lighting. The keys have a nicer feel than the standard Xbox controller buttons, while the lighting treated me to a nice sense of occasion during my gaming sessions. Impressively, the accessory’s lighting is customizable locally without the need for a software suite.

Available for Xbox and PC, the Turtle Beach Control Center makes customizing the controller’s buttons and lighting easy. An Android app is also available, and it includes the option to add instant messaging and social notifications to the controller’s display. I wouldn’t recommend this, as the setup process is cumbersome and the notifications potentially distracting.

Like other Xbox controllers from the brand, the Stealth Ultra packs a wide array of audio controls, ranging from boosting the bass and treble to activating Superhuman hearing. The last-mentioned bit is essential for competitive gameplay because it will allow you or the giftee to detect footsteps and other difficult-to-discern sounds reliably. The sonic experience is easy to tune directly on the device, just like the lighting.

The controller’s retail package includes a charging dock, a storage case with a cable slot for charging, a wireless connectivity adapter, and swappable thumbstick covers.

Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Xbox Controller

Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma is the best wired third-party Xbox gaming controller. It has everything a great one should: an ergonomic design, tons of customizable buttons, and adjustable triggers. As its name suggests, the controller also rocks the gaming giant’s signature Chroma RGB lighting.

Sitting alongside its triggers and bumpers, the additional duo of buttons sets the controller apart from all rivals. The feature made a huge difference during fighting games by allowing me to access special moves by tapping the buttons instead of simultaneously pressing the X and Y keys.

I also really like the mech-tactile buttons and D-pad. The controls are not only super precise but also nicer to interact with than the standard Xbox controller buttons. You can order it with an Xbox-matching black or white housing. A cheaper version sans RGB lighting is also available.

Fusion Pro 3 Wired Xbox Controller

The Fusion Pro 3 controller offers a set of customizable controls that rival those of the wireless Xbox Elite Series 2, just in a wired form with a much lower price tag. The officially licensed accessory also has comfy rubber grips and a convenient volume dial, to name a few extra features. It's hands-down the most feature-packed Xbox gaming controller under $100.

I was particularly impressed by the highly adjustable trigger buttons of the Fusion Pro 3. Rather than offering only two sensitivity settings like most rivals, the accessory has three, just like the original Xbox Elite Series 2 gamepad that costs more than twice as much. The accessory's mappable buttons are also comfier and more precise than the removable paddles of the previous iteration.

I also tip my hat to PowerA for treating the Fusion Pro 3 to a retail package that belies its agreeable sticker. It includes additional thumb sticks, removable paddle buttons, an extra faceplate, and a premium storage case.

Instinct Pro Wireless Xbox Controller

The Instinct Pro is another solid alternative to the Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It has swappable faceplates for quick and easy customization. Though naturally, with that comes a higher cost. The product is the priciest on this list.

In addition, it has more robust grips and an extensive set of controls you can re-map. You can save and switch between up to three control configurations for different gaming titles.

A six-month warranty used to be an Instinct Pro downside, but not anymore. According to the manufacturer, the controller is now backed by a one-year warranty, which is more fitting for a product in its price range.

The retail package includes an extra set of thumb sticks, but replaceable faceplates cost $25 each. Scuff also offers a stylish storage case for an extra $15. Given the product's price category, I feel that it could use a bundled storage case and a rechargeable battery like other premium Xbox controllers, rather than the AA batteries currently required.

Clutch Gladiate Xbox Controller

Priced around $35 before additional deals and discounts, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate wired controller is the best for high-performance gameplay on a tight budget. The accessory has comfy grips, customizable buttons, and adjustable triggers. The last-mentioned feature is particularly impressive for a product in this price range, making the HyperX offering an exciting, much cheaper alternative to the original Xbox controller.

Having adjustable triggers made me reach for the Clutch Gladiate more frequently than for a standard Xbox controller. I liked being able to switch the essential buttons for optimal performance during first-person action games like Doom Eternal or racing simulators like Forza Motorsport. Having longer travel during the latter allowed me to get precise throttle and brake responses while racing.

The Clutch Gladiate also features strong rumble motors for tactile in-game feedback and a futureproof USB-C connector. Customizing the additional duo of buttons in its grips is super easy — there's no need for additional apps for this task.

For an extra $10, you can snag an even more gift-worthy version of the controller with transparent housing and customizable RGB lighting. I tested it and liked its high-tech looks and reliable performance. That said, the fully transparent controller isn't as grippy as the standard version.

Moga XP-Ultra Xbox Controller

The all-new Moga XP-Ultra touts a high level of versatility. Unlike its rivals, the controller can transform from a compact to a full-size gamepad by snapping into a grip with two mappable buttons. Also nice: Such a dramatic transformation doesn’t compromise on vibrating feedback or audio jack access.

Playing Sega Genesis classics on Xbox with the Moga XP-Ultra without its grip took me back decades, reminding me of switching from the original three-button controller to the much smaller six-button version. I believe this small controller will be a great option for up-and-coming gamers who are learning the ropes, as well as longtime players with smaller hands.

Believe it or not, the Moga controller also comes bundled with an excellent phone clip. The add-on accessory has a sturdy amount and adjustable clamp. It's great for local and cloud-based gaming on Android phones.

The gadget’s beefy battery can deliver up to 60 hours of Xbox wireless gameplay between charges or up to 40 hours in Bluetooth mode. That's an impressive feat for a wireless controller.

Kishi V2 Pro Mobile Gaming Controller

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro mobile controller is the best for cloud-based Xbox gameplay with an Android phone. The USB-C accessory is compatible with all Androids that have the same connector, including in scenarios when phones have a thin case. It has a dedicated Xbox button and a USB-C port for charging the phone while gaming.

Testing the Razer Kishi V2 Pro treated me to a similar, thoroughly excellent experience as the wired Wolverine V2 controller mentioned above. The mobile version has buttons with the same great tactility, including two additional keys embedded alongside its triggers and bumpers. The additional buttons will give serious gamers more customization options via a companion app.

An onboard audio jack is another feature that left me with a great impression of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro controller. Notably missing in the previous version of the product, the feature allowed me to enjoy not only game soundtracks but also an occasional podcast and video clip with my go-to wired earbuds.

In addition to providing stellar Xbox cloud gameplay, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is also ideal for standard Android gameplay. Thanks to a virtual controller mode, it will allow you or the giftee to map a game’s touch controls to its clickable buttons. A version of the controller in black that lacks an Xbox button, but still works perfectly for cloud gameplay is also available.

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