Don't buy an Xbox controller when you can get one with drift-free TMR sticks, 8x the polling rate, and a charging stand for less at Amazon

The purple and black EasySMX D10 on a pink deals background — (Image credit: EasySMX)

There was once a time when Microsoft's Xbox Controller was at the top of the pile, thanks to its great feel and sturdy weight. Since testing out the offerings of GameSir, 8BitDo, and EasySMX, I can say that time is no longer.

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Technically, that's not cheaper than the Xbox controller, because Microsoft's gamepad is also on sale, but when you factor in the optional wireless adapter you need to actually play the Xbox controller wirelessly on PC, you're paying significantly more for the Xbox pad, and getting an inferior pick.

Let's start with the obvious. The D10's TMR sticks and Hall effect triggers not only make it snappier than the Xbox pad, but also mean it's less likely to break down in 12 months. If you're sick of stick drift, EasySMX has you covered.

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EasySMX D10 (on) on the charging stand on a black desk — (Image credit: Future)

The polling rate of 1,000 Hz is also eight times greater than the measly 125 Hz in the Xbox controller, which means it sends responses to your PC eight times more frequently. Though it's very much debatable how much value you get out of anything greater than 1,000 Hz, it has become the sweet spot for battery efficiency/speed.

I really like the D10's dock, too. Like the controller, it's covered in RGB, and the dock comes with a small USB port to slot in the 2.4 GHz receiver. This means it can both charge your controller when you're done gaming for the night and connect it to your PC, from a single cable. It's neat and tidy.

Thanks in part to the chunky build and asymmetrical sticks, it's actually quite a similar controller to the Xbox controller. Its weight is comfortable, and it fits smoothly in my palms.

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EasySMX D10 while turned on, in a hand outside — (Image credit: Future)

If you want to spend even less and don't particularly care about RGB or TMR sticks, the EasySMX D05 is also on sale—$10 cheaper than the D10— and is also well worth considering.

I've been testing this controller out for a few months now, and I'm a big fan. The only real caveats I have to bring to the table are that I think its triggers and D-pads are merely okay, and this is an area where Microsoft take a win. As well as this, the GameSir G7 Pro is a better controller for pure feel, though it is around $30 more expensive than the EasySMX D10.

Still, after getting my hands on tons of controllers over the last few years, I can say the D10 offers excellent value, and I'd be picking it over the Xbox controller pretty much any day of the week, and that's only partly because the charging stand means I'll never let the battery go dry.

Best PC controller 2026

1. Best overall:
GameSir G7 Pro

2. Best budget:
GameSir Nova Lite

3. Best high end:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC

4. Best for couch
Steam Controller (2026)

5. Best wired:
Scuf Valor Pro

👉Check out our full PC controller guide👈

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James is a more recent PC gaming convert, often admiring graphics cards, cases, and motherboards from afar. It was not until 2019, after just finishing a degree in law and media, that they decided to throw out the last few years of education, build their PC, and start writing about gaming instead. In that time, he has covered the latest doodads, contraptions, and gismos, and loved every second of it. Hey, it’s better than writing case briefs.