Best Xbox controller chargers in 2025: Batteries, charging stations, and docks

Your controller disconnects, your Xbox becomes unresponsive, and the controller won't turn back on — nothing ruins a great gaming session like finding out your controller batteries are dead. Sadly, it's bound to happen with any wireless Xbox controller, and what's worse is that you're stuck shelling money out for AA batteries, too. With these charging accessories, though, you can swap over to a rechargeable configuration, saving you cash in the long run. On top of that, you can keep your gamepad charging whenever you aren't using it, all but guaranteeing that you'll never run dry mid-game ever again.

The current-gen Xbox Series X|S consoles come with a revised version of one of the best Xbox controllers, with new features and a USB Type-C port for improved connectivity and charging capabilities. Paired with the best Xbox controller charging accessories on the market, even the most hardcore gamers will be able to keep them full of juice around the clock.

In the list below, you'll find a wide array of options, including everything from fancy charging stands and docking stations to simple, but dependable packs of rechargeable batteries that save you money while still bringing excellent value. We've even shared our favorite Xbox controller that comes with batteries like that right out of the box, along with some affordable regular ones that are ideal for people that want to use them instead.

The quick list

The best overall Xbox charging solution

While the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand efficiently charges controllers, it’s also one of the most stylish solutions. The dock proudly displays any Xbox controller from your collection with an assortment of available designs matching the materials and colorways of Xbox's official peripherals. Razer went the extra mile to deliver a highly functional, premium charging stand perfect for solo players, collectors looking to improve their displays, and beyond.

An evolution of older ControllerGear products (which was acquired by Razer), the Universal Quick Charging Stand is hands-down the best overall charging stand / dock for Xbox Wireless Controllers, with the latest models including full compatibility with both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One-era controllers, convenient magnetic contacts to secure your controller during charging, and an easy-to-use design that can plug directly into your Xbox or into the wall (if you have an extra wall charger lying around).

Razer's charging solution also offers comparable battery life and charging speeds to other fantastic products, and with longevity that guarantees plenty of playtime from your controller for years to come. The product is nearly perfect, but of course there are some caveats; the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand is more expensive than some alternatives, and there is no option for a multi-controller charging stand. Even so, though, it remains the best overall dock, and the choice we reach for in most cases.

Best rechargable battery

The Xbox Rechargeable Battery is the latest iteration of the old "Play & Charge Kit," with a more boring (albeit more informative) name and a handful of smart improvements. This new battery is compatible with Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controllers equipped with Type-C ports, and offers best-in-class endurance and longevity thanks to its larger-than-average battery cell and durable construction.

The battery pack is easy to install, slotting into the back of your controller in place of normal AA batteries, and includes an all-in-one charging solution that lets you top off the battery using the controller's existing port. It quotes up to 30 hours of playtime off a single charge, with a full charge from dead only taking four hours (and your controller is fully usable during that period).

It's not without its downsides — it's a fair bit pricier than cheaper alternatives, and also doesn't work with older gamepads that don't have the Series X|S-era Type-C slots — but it also gives you better battery life than most competing products, so we think it's still more than worth it. Just remember that this battery is not compatible with any charging stands or dock, and requires a physical cable in order to charge.

Best budget

PowerA has made a name for itself with a wide range of affordable, high-quality accessories for Xbox, and that has continued into the Xbox Series X|S generation. If you're looking for an affordable way to charge multiple Xbox Wireless Controllers at once, it's hard to beat the sheer value offered by the PowerA Dual Charging Station for Xbox.

The PowerA Dual Charging Station comes with everything you need to simultaneously display and charge two Xbox Wireless Controllers, with full compatibility across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S generations. The simple but effective design ensures your controllers look good, and there's even an effective mechanism to separate your controllers from the charger when they're full without removing them from the stand (which, in theory, should improve the lifespan of the batteries).

The Dual Charging Station's build quality and overall aesthetic doesn't approach more premium alternatives like from Razer, nor does it offer best-in-class battery life or charging speeds with its modest, affordable battery packs. Still, PowerA knocked it out of the park with its value proposition — especially if you tend to play a lot of couch co-op multiplayer with friends and family. If you want a little more quality, PowerA also makes the Duo Charging Station for Xbox, which features a more aesthetically pleasing design and superior build quality.

PowerA Duo Charging Station for Xbox

The Dual Charging Station is still a better value, but if you want to pay less than the competition and get better build quality and looks, the Duo Charging Station from PowerA is an excellent alternative.

Buy from: Amazon

Best rechargable duo

Need to add the convenience of a rechargeable battery on a budget? PowerA has you covered with its Play & Charge Kit, an officially licensed set of rechargeable batteries that carries the name of Xbox's past official solution. This kit includes two rechargeable batteries compatible with both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controllers, besting the Xbox Rechargeable Battery.

These batteries won't last as long as Xbox's much pricier rechargeable batteries, both on a charge and over the course of their life, but you're getting two batteries for less than the price of one from PowerA. They're also fully compatible with PowerA charging stations, meaning you can either equip more than two controllers with recharging capabilities with only one charging station, or you can replace aging batteries with fresh sets years down the line.

Unfortunately, solutions at the bottom of the price spectrum like these have some noteworthy drawbacks. In this case, the largest one to consider is the fact that PowerA's batteries have considerably less battery life than more expensive alternatives (and the Xbox Wireless Controller's standard longevity), but it's also worth noting that these batteries use the aging microUSB port for charging. It comes with the requisite cable, so it's not like it won't work; with that said, many folks try to avoid having to keep a microUSB cable around. If you're one of them, you'd be better off with a wireless option or one that uses USB Type-C.

Best rechargable controller

The Xbox Wireless Controller is an incredible peripheral for the vast majority of players, but there are many who may desire a more premium controller with superior comfort, a plethora of extra features, and a level of customization you can't find anywhere else. No Xbox controller fits the bill quite as well as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is also the best rechargeable controller for Xbox.

This flagship, pro-grade controller is one of the most versatile Xbox peripherals you can buy, and it also features an incredible, long-lasting rechargeable battery inside. With the Elite Series 2, you're getting four rear-facing paddles, tweakable analog stick tension, optional trigger locks, swappable D-Pads and analog sticks, and the ability to configure and rapidly switch between multiple custom profiles.

In the box, you get all of this, as well as a high-quality carrying case, extra components to customize the hardware to your heart's content, and a fantastic charging cradle to display and charge the 40-hour battery without grabbing a cable. Of course, you'll have to pay a pretty penny for this controller, as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 runs for an astonishing $180 (three times the cost of a normal Xbox Wireless Controller) at MSRP. It does go on sale fairly often, though, so there's a good chance you won't have to pay that price.

If you want to save some money, you can consider the Elite Series 2 Core variant, which gives you the base controller without the additional components, carrying case, or charging cradle (you can still charge it via an included cable) for a much lower cost. You can always pick up those extra pieces in the future with the optional Component Pack.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core

This is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 that you know and love, but in a new flashy colorway and without some of the extra features. You still get a premium, rechargeable wireless controller, but you have to pay a lot less to get it.

Buy at: Amazon

Best disposable

Opting for rechargeable solutions provides long-term savings and convenience, but Xbox purposefully continues to support traditional AA batteries in its Xbox Wireless Controllers for a reason. It opens up more avenues for players to choose how to keep their controllers charged, and can help controllers outlast the lifespan of the average rechargeable battery (by ensuring the battery can be easily replaced).

If you want to stick with the tried-and-true disposable battery, we suggest the Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA. These batteries may look identical to the oceans of batteries out there, but they provide best-in-class battery life and come from an established retailer you know you can trust. You'll get superior value and greater endurance from these lithium batteries over the aging alkaline standard used by competitors, and you can safely stock up on batteries without worrying about them degrading over time.

We still recommend choosing a rechargeable alternative like those listed above, but you can't go wrong with Energizer as a disposable option — especially if you have other electronics in your home that use these kinds of batteries. This is also a great option to keep spare controllers ready for action without splashing for a pricier rechargeable solution when it may not get enough use to justify it.

The best charging accessories for Xbox controllers

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Keeping your Xbox Wireless Controllers charged and ready for play isn't always convenient, but Xbox's commitment to using an open-source solution like AA batteries means the market is resplendent with awesome options for every player. For any player intending to get plenty of use out of their Xbox, though, we suggest a rechargeable solution for added convenience and savings over time.

The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand offers a premium design that perfectly matches the Xbox Wireless Controller, as well as fantastic battery life and charging speeds. The Xbox Rechargeable Battery features similar endurance and charging speeds, but relies on a cable instead of a charging station to top your controller off. You can also turn to PowerA for its more affordable alternatives, though you'll be sacrificing some battery life for those savings.

PowerA also offers the Dual Charging Station, which I strongly recommend if you're someone who plays games with friends and/or family on the couch often. Again, the battery life may not be the greatest, but when you're frequently in need of multiple controllers for couch co-op, charging quantity starts to beat out the best possible quality and longevity.

Of course, AA batteries still have their place, and Energizer makes some of the best, longest-lasting batteries in the business. Use its lithium AA batteries for your spare controllers, for your children, or even if you'd rather use disposable batteries in favor of a rechargeable solution. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of ways to stay in the action with the best charging accessories and batteries for the Xbox Wireless Controller.