The PC may be the “master race” of gaming, but the reality is that plenty of console gamers are still slowly working their way onto the platform as certain exclusives are made available through PC as well as a specific console. For many of those players, a mouse and keyboard are just out of the question, unless a player wants to spend most of their time jolting diagonally across walkways before falling to their virtual death.

The obvious solution is to use a controller, but that doesn’t mean users need an entirely separate device for their PC. Xbox players can use most of their controllers with their PC, making the whole experience much more intuitive, even for those new to PC gaming. With the PC comes plenty of opportunities for better performance and more customization than with consoles, but not every Xbox controller will take advantage of a PC’s capabilities.

  • Xbox Core Controller
    Xbox Core Wireless Controller
    Best Overall Xbox Controller for PC
    $60 at Best Buy
  • Power A Enhanced Xbox Controller
    PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
    Best Budget Xbox Controller for PC
    $20 at Best Buy
  • Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
    Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller
    Best Premium Xbox Controller for PC
    $200 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Elite Core Series 2
    Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
    Best Customizable Xbox Controller for PC
    $122 at Newegg
  • nacon pro compact colorlight header
    Nacon Pro Compact Colorlight Controller
    Best RGB Xbox Controller for PC
    $40 at GameStop
  • GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
    GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller For Xbox
    Best Wired Xbox Controller for PC
    $44 at Walmart
  • best game controller deals
    PowerA MOGA XP-ULTRA Game Controller
    Best Portable Xbox Controller for PC
    See at Amazon
  • best game controller console deals
    Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller Cortana 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
    Best Retro Xbox Controller for PC
    $90 at GameStop
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Choosing Great Xbox Controllers for PC Gaming

Different users will have a different idea of what is the best Xbox controller for PC. This means that players should consider a few key factors to hone in on the controller that suits them best.

Ergonomics: Controllers come in many different sizes and shapes. While most Xbox controllers have a distinctive (yet standardized) controller shape, there are tons of options that play with the size of the controller, the amount of texture, and the height of the buttons.

Connectivity: Players can argue all day about whether wired controllers are better than wireless ones, but the fact of the matter is that outside of tournament play, the performance of both options is equal. However, some players enjoy the lower cost and the lack of batteries with wired controllers. On the other hand, wireless controllers are more convenient and can often connect with Bluetooth devices as well as PCs and consoles.

Customizability: Xbox is quickly catching up to PC in terms of apps that support customizability, but for now, PC is still leagues ahead. For players who love to remap their buttons, have multiple profiles, or even physically change the layout of their controller, finding a controller with plenty of ways to modify it is essential. Players who don’t care as much about customizability, or who just want some RGB lighting, can save money on their choice, though RGB Xbox controllers tend to be limited to wired options only.

Best Xbox Controllers for PC in 2024

Microsoft really hit the nail on the head with their core Xbox controller design. This wireless gamepad is the best Xbox controller for PC thanks to its superior battery life, strong connectivity, and comfortable grip. Plus, the Xbox core controller is available in dozens of colors, with even more options available through the Xbox Design Lab, which allows for unique personalizations.

Along with the attractive style options, the design of the Xbox core controller provides players with a supremely comfortable grip. The asymmetrical joysticks are intuitive, while the grippy texture wraps around the handles and the thumbsticks, enhancing breathability and preventing the controller from sliding around within a player’s grip. The hefty weight may not be everyone’s favorite feature, but plenty of wireless controller fans prefer this balanced sturdiness over lighter, cheaper-feeling controllers.

The controller’s performance is no slouch either, with players able to game with the core controller for up to 40 hours at a time. Users rarely report issues with stick drift, even after years of use, and the rest of the buttons are just as responsive throughout any kind of gameplay. Although the specs aren’t as impressive as some higher-end controllers, most players won’t find any issues with the Xbox core controller. Considering this is one of the most affordable brand-name controllers on the market, PC players looking for an Xbox controller can’t go wrong with this option.

PowerA is the go-to brand for many gamers on a budget. Their Enhanced wired controller is one of the highest quality options on the market, yet it offers extreme value as players can grab one for about $30. With a dozen color options to choose from, players can decide to splurge on a tie-in controller, such as the Tiny Tina edition, and still spend less than $40. Plus, the Enhanced controller is also available in a more compact size and with RGB lighting, with the price being at or below $45.

The PowerA Enhanced wired controller is built with durable ABS plastic and includes a fine texture along the back of the handles. The 10-foot cord is long enough to support gaming from a couch and can be easily wrapped up for point-blank PC play. Officially licensed by Xbox, the controller offers immersive rumble and all the buttons one would expect, even the share button.

Along with the standards, PowerA’s controller offers players two remappable buttons on the back of the controller for greater control during games. Remapping is incredibly easy, and no software is needed. This all-in-one package may not please wireless controller enthusiasts, but PC players on a budget who are okay with a wired Xbox controller will be more than satisfied by PowerA’s Enhanced wired controller.

Turtle Beach is best known for their Xbox headsets, but their foray into the world of wireless controllers has resulted in a controller packed with premium features. The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is a stylish controller that offers players tons of customizability, including remappable buttons, RGB lighting, and trigger stops.

The trigger stops are pretty self-explanatory, as are the programmable back buttons, two of which are smartly placed high on the back of each handle. The RGB lighting glows from stylish, yet minimal, LED lines running up the front of each handle. This lighting can be easily customized to basically any color imaginable. Plus, it can react to notifications or alert players to a low battery status.

Perhaps most opulent of all is the LED touchscreen at the top of the controller, reminiscent of the DualSense. From this screen, players can interact with messages, notifications, and a host of controller settings ranging from audio mixing to changing the LED colors. Although some users report issues with quality assurance, most users don’t have any issues, and Turtle Beach is a reliable enough company that any problems can be quickly addressed. The high price tag will certainly scare off some users, but those looking for a top-of-the-line Xbox controller for their PC may find the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra to be their best option.

Premium controllers are one thing, and customizable ones are another. The Xbox Elite Series 2 is one of the most expensive Xbox controllers available, but the price feels earned thanks to the superior quality along with the plethora of customizable options given to players. The controller comes in four standard colors, with the handles covered in a black, textured wrap, leaving a lot to be desired style-wise.

However, every other aspect of the Elite Series 2 seems to be perfect. Microsoft pulled out all the stops for this controller, offering players three trigger stop settings, as opposed to the more standard two, and the back buttons are full paddles, which are much easier to purposefully hit than just normal buttons. While the joysticks haven't yet been upgraded to use Hall effect sensors, the triggers have, meaning they're more responsive and durable than any other wireless Xbox controller.

Internally, the controller is just as impressive. Microsoft's app makes it easy to remap the entire controller, and players can save up to three profiles for their favorite layouts. Plus, the Elite Series 2 comes with physical parts for players to customize the ergonomics of the controller to best fit their comfort preferences. Considering the controller uses the same great connectivity as the core controller and keeps a 40-hour battery life, players wanting the ultimate customization for their Xbox controllers won't have to sacrifice more than their wallet if they go with the Xbox Elite Series 2.

The Nacon Pro Compact Colorlight is one of the best RGB Xbox controllers for PC, largely due to its wide design. This unique shape keeps most of the characteristics of the standard Xbox controller but lends itself better to titles with complicated controls, such as fighting or RTS games. Despite the clear plastic shell and elongated body, the controller is just as comfortable as its competitors. The two handles have significant contouring that helps maintain a good grip without the use of texture.

On the lighting side of things, Nacon's controller again excels in uncharted waters, implementing a sixth LED bulb while other options still only feature five. These LED bulbs are doubly impressive thanks to their dual-toned capabilities, which allow for a much wider variety of colors to be dynamically displayed. Although Nacon's software tends to be all over the place, the app used for the Pro Compact controller line is easy to use and available on both PC and Xbox.

Game ZXC even got the chance to evaluate the Colorlight in a hands-on review and found the controller to be responsive and the lighting brilliant. Overall, for players looking for an RGB Xbox controller that will play well across a wide spectrum of game genres, Nacon's Pro Compact Colorlight is the way to go.

GameSir's G7 SE is truly an innovation in gaming. The first controller with Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, this wired controller is one of the best controllers on the market overall. Game ZXC's review of the controller revealed just how buttery smooth the Hall effect sensors on the controller are and how comfortable the grippy texture is around the handles.

The only real downside to the controller is that it's a bit noisy. GameSir cuts costs by using a plastic shell that rattles quite a bit with the rumble packs. However, since players can customize the power of the vibration, along with almost every other aspect of the controller, this is a very minor issue to consider.

After all, the controller has everything else a player might want. Two remappable buttons sit on the back, audio controls are placed on the D-pad, the joysticks, and buttons are all comfortably contoured, and the customization app is convenient to use on either PC or Xbox. On top of all these great features, is the incredible price, which is often $45 and never goes above $50. Cheaper and more reliable than most Xbox controllers, wired or wireless, the GameSir G7SE is the best wired Xbox controller for PC, hands down.

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Best Portable Xbox Controller for PC
PowerA MOGA XP-ULTRA Game Controller

PowerA MOGA XP-ULTRA is a multi-platform game controller. Thanks to the various connectivity options it can be used to play games on mobile, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The controller uses a wireless connection.


Brand
PowerA
Platform
Android, PC, Xbox
Battery
60 hours (40 hours with Bluetooth)
Cable Length
9.8 feet
Weight
13.9 ounces
Pros
  • Convertible, portable design
  • Features remappable buttons
  • Wide compatibility
Cons
  • Connectivity can be unreliable at times
See at Amazon

PowerA once again delivers excellent quality and reliability with its latest wireless Xbox controller, the MOGA XP-Ultra. This controller utilizes a very unusual design that makes it perfectly portable and ideal for gaming on the go. Built primarily as an Xbox controller, the MOGA is also compatible with PC and smart devices, even going so far as to include a sturdy mobile phone clip.

What makes the controller really stand out is the ability to remove the handles. While there are some powerful rumble packs in the handles, the compact central component also has vibration feedback through the triggers. The small controller is much easier to carry around and, when used with the phone clip, makes for a durable mobile gaming accessory.

Although Game ZXC’s review of the MOGA found some connectivity issues, the controller’s intuitive design is praiseworthy and certainly a unique offering within the realm of Xbox controllers. For gamers who want to play Game Pass on every device possible, PowerA’s MOGA XP-Ultra controller is the best choice.

Even as some Xbox players move to PC gaming, it’s hard to forget about how it all started, especially with the anniversary of Halo having just recently passed. In celebration, Hyperkin released a retro-style controller shaped like the original Xbox gamepads. The Duke wired controller comes in three different colors, including a classic, transparent purple meant to complement Cortana’s original design, which is shown on the handle of that option.

The shape of the controller may feel odd to players who aren’t used to retro designs, but despite the call-back, the controller has all of the buttons necessary for gaming on the Xbox Series consoles. The two bumpers along the top are extremely tiny, which isn’t ideal, but with a super responsive wired connection, only a light tap is needed anyway. The controller also features immersive rumble and a 3.5mm headset jack for modern online gaming. Players who are pining for the old days should pick up the Hyperkin Duke wired controller before jumping back into Halo again.

FAQ

Q: Is an Xbox controller better for PC?

Generally speaking, yes, most players would prefer an Xbox controller for PC gaming. This is due to the comfortable design of the Xbox controller, the wide compatibility with PC and other gaming devices, and the ubiquitousness of the button layout lending itself well to any game genre.

Q: Is the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller worth it?

For players who want to take advantage of customizable features or who want premium features such as button paddles and hall effect triggers, yes, the Elite Series 2 is worth it. For players who are just looking for a very good wireless Xbox controller, the price may make the Elite Series 2 less than optimal.

Q: What controller do most PC gamers use?

The Microsoft Xbox core controller is most often what people think of when they think about PC controllers. The ease of connection and fairly affordable price make it a no-brainer for gamers looking for a PC controller that will last.