Xbox controllers aren’t just for the Xbox anymore—controllers designed for Microsoft’s game console work just as well on Windows, and most games will understand the control layout automatically. But which one should you get? There are a plethora of third-party options, of course, but Microsoft has also expanded its lineup of controllers to run the gamut from practical to lavishly expensive.
While most gamers will be happy with a middle-of-the-road pick, those who play competitively (or like to pretend they do) might want a controller with more capabilities. And those on a budget might want to save some cash for PC components and other upgrades. We’ve tested the most popular controllers to find something for everyone.
Updated 06/15/2023: Check out our latest review of the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller. This lightweight and comfortable controller may be aimed at Nintendo Switch owners, but it also works with pretty much everything including Windows, Android, and iOS.
Xbox Wireless Controller (2020) – Best Xbox controller for PC
Pros
- USB-C port is better for long-term support
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Refined, more tactile d-pad
- Grippy textures and slimmer body
Cons
- Rechargeable battery is not included
- Share button is hard to reach
Microsoft updated its standard Xbox controller for the Series X and S launch in 2020, and it’s still the best Xbox controller for most PC gamers. It has a refined design, comfortable hand-feel, and importantly, Bluetooth connectivity so you don’t need to add a new wireless dongle to your PC. Plus, it costs just $60, and often less when on sale.
Pairing the Xbox controller is completely painless. Simply long-press the Bluetooth button on the top edge, and select the controller in your PC’s Bluetooth settings. It will mesh perfectly with the controller settings in most Windows games, and there’s no additional software to muck around with.
This controller has the standard Xbox button layout, featuring asymmetrical thumbsticks and nicely tactile buttons. The round d-pad is a welcome upgrade over older versions, which had mushy, cross-shaped directional pads. The 2020 Xbox controller has a plastic body with a micro-dot texture on the grips and triggers to make it easier to hold onto during intense gaming sessions. The Elite controller adds rubberized grips and adjustable triggers, but it’s also a bit heavier.
Part of the reason for the lower weight is that the standard controller doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery. The continued reliance on AA batteries makes it lighter (even with the batteries installed), but keeping a box of batteries handy is less convenient than just plugging in a USB-C cable. There’s a USB-C port on top for wired gaming, but it won’t charge the controller unless you get the add-on battery pack.
While the Series X/S Xbox controller is recognized in Windows, there are no profiles or customizations like you get with the Elite Series 2. That’s probably fine as the standard controller lacks the additional rear paddle buttons of the Elite.
PowerA Enhanced Xbox controller – Best budget Xbox controller for PC
Pros
- Much lighter than official controller
- Physical volume toggle
- Only costs about $30
- Programmable buttons
Cons
- Uses old microUSB port instead of USB-C
- Mushy d-pad
- No wireless connectivity
For PC gamers on a budget, look no further than the PowerA Enhanced Xbox Controller. While it’s a little larger than the 2020 Xbox controller, the PowerA unit is much lighter thanks to its lack of batteries. Yes, this is a wired controller, but your PC is probably going to be close to where you game, whereas a console is most likely across the room.
If you can cope with the removable cable and its aging microUSB connector, the PowerA controller does everything the standard controller does and more. For example, there’s a hardware toggle right in the middle for volume control, and there are two programmable buttons on the back of the grips.
The button layout is identical to the standard controller, save for the additional controls mentioned above. The buttons don’t feel quite as stable as Microsoft’s controller, and the d-pad is mushy. However, it only costs about $30 most days, which is half the price of the official controller.
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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Best premium Xbox controller for PC </h3>
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Durable and nice in the hand </li>
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Built-in battery and USB-C charging </li>
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Fully programmable buttons </li>
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Customizable button and thumbstick hardware </li>
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