Top Xbox Controller Brands You Need to Know

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, choosing the right controller can significantly enhance your gaming experience, especially for Xbox enthusiasts. When it comes to Xbox controllers, several brands stand out for their quality, innovation, and performance. From well-known big names to niche manufacturers, these brands have developed a diverse range of controllers that cater to the varying preferences and needs of gamers. While the Xbox Elite Series remains a top contender, there are several others that have captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Curious to learn more about these top brands? Keep reading to explore the best brands for Xbox controllers and what makes them stand out.

Illustration of xbox controller

Best brands of xbox controller in 2025

Microsoft

Microsoft, a leading producer of gaming hardware since the release of the original Xbox in 2001, continuously innovates its Xbox controllers, with the Xbox Wireless Controller being a popular choice for many gamers due to its comfortable design and features and its compatibility with various devices like Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Android, and iOS; while the Elite Series 2 controller is a premium option for more competitive players, and though Xbox holds approximately 34.94% of the console market share, they remain a strong competitor in the gaming industry.

Razer

Razer, a prominent player in the gaming peripherals market with a 15% share in 2023, is recognized for producing high-quality Xbox controllers like the Wolverine V2 Chroma, which boasts superior mecha-tactile buttons, six remappable multi-function buttons, and customizable RGB lighting, offering a competitive edge. While the Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired controller, it is praised for its ergonomics, responsiveness, and additional features like the hair trigger mode, making it a popular choice despite its $149.99 price tag, often found on sale for around $99. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, released in 2024, is considered a top-tier wireless option, featuring Hall effect thumbsticks, Razer mouse switches for extra buttons, and HyperSpeed wireless technology, establishing Razer as a leader in the premium Xbox controller segment.

PowerA

PowerA has established itself as a notable producer of Xbox controllers, offering a range of officially licensed wired and wireless options, such as the Enhanced Wired Controller that was first available on September 22, 2020, and the Fusion Pro 3, released in April 2023, that feature mappable buttons and customizable options. With a strong focus on performance and affordability, PowerA controllers are generally considered a good budget option, praised as the best on the market by some users on Reddit, although some users have reported issues with durability and cable quality. For more detailed information about their innovative controller range, visit their official website.

SCUF Gaming

SCUF Gaming, founded in 2011, is a leading innovator in high-performance gaming controllers, holding over 29 patents and 68 pending, with approximately 90% of professional console gamers using their products in major esports tournaments; SCUF controllers offer unique features such as remappable paddles and adjustable triggers, setting a new standard for customized gameplay, and were acquired by Corsair in 2019 to further expand their reach and influence in the gaming peripheral market; the brand is recognized for its commitment to customization, allowing players to tailor controllers to their specific preferences with options for thumbsticks, triggers, and faceplates, therefore transforming the way controllers are used and providing a competitive advantage.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach, a brand renowned for its 14-year leadership in console gaming headsets, has adeptly expanded into producing high-quality Xbox controllers, including the Stealth Ultra, which boasts features like Hall effect sticks and mechanical switches. This controller is considered by some as one of the best currently available along with the Recon controller, which includes Superhuman Hearing and Pro-Aim focus mode. The company achieved the #1 best-selling flight controller by dollar sales in the U.S. in 2022 with their VelocityOne Flight, solidifying its position as a major player in the gaming accessories market. Their controllers feature customizable buttons and audio settings, with some offering up to 30 hours of battery life.

PDP

PDP, founded in 1990, has become a significant player in the gaming accessory market, offering a variety of Xbox controllers known for their quality and design, with features like customizable buttons, audio controls, and durable, detachable USB-C cables; while some users have reported issues with build quality, many find PDP controllers comfortable for extended gaming sessions and praise their value, often recommending them as a cost-effective alternative to first-party options. PDP controllers, officially licensed by Xbox, come in various styles, including wired and wireless options, and feature unique designs like the Afterglow series with RGB lighting, and are often bundled with a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Their controllers are compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs, making them versatile for a wide range of gamers. PDP aims to provide innovative, high-quality gaming products, and their controllers are a popular choice, especially for those looking for affordable options with robust features.

Hori

Hori, established in 1983, has become a respected third-party producer of Xbox controllers, praised for their comfortable designs and responsive inputs, especially for fighting games with their popular Fighting Commander series. Though some users find their wired controllers and sometimes "clicky" buttons to be less premium than first-party options, the brand offers customization through a companion app, allowing players to fine-tune sensitivity and button mapping across four profiles. The HORIPAD Pro model, officially licensed by Microsoft, is often cited as a good value alternative for those seeking a more affordable option.

SteelSeries

SteelSeries, a prominent brand in gaming peripherals, offers the Stratus Duo, a wireless controller praised for its compatibility with Windows and Android, providing a solid alternative to Xbox controllers with 20+ hours of battery life and a responsive, lag-free experience. Their Nimbus+ model, licensed by Apple, boasts a 50-hour battery and is designed for a variety of Apple devices. Although SteelSeries isn't a market leader in controllers, they provide high quality options in the gaming accessories market, which is projected to reach $7.2 billion by 2032. You can explore their products for more details.

HyperX

HyperX, a leading brand in gaming peripherals, offers the Clutch Gladiate and Clutch Gladiate RGB wired controllers, officially licensed by Xbox, featuring dual trigger locks and remappable rear buttons for a customized gaming experience. The RGB version, released on November 6, 2023, boasts customizable lighting with 3 effects, 7 colors, and 5 brightness levels. Both models include dual rumble motors for enhanced feedback and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, with the standard Clutch Gladiate introduced earlier in 2023.

Nacon

Nacon, a prominent gaming accessory brand established in 2014, is recognized for producing high-quality Xbox controllers, with the Pro Compact model being a popular choice among PC gamers for its ergonomic design and customizable features, and the Revolution X series offering advanced options like remappable buttons and trigger locks; while the new Revolution X Unlimited, launching in Fall 2024, aims to compete with premium controllers with features like an LCD screen and drift-resistant Hall effect thumbsticks, and a 10-hour battery life, making Nacon a solid contender in the Xbox controller market.