Buying guide for Best Xbox One controller charging stations

You’re coming around the final turn in first place, and the finish line is in sight. Suddenly, you’re in last place because your Xbox One controller ran out of power mid-race. Yikes!

Those annoying times when your Xbox One controller completely loses its charge don’t just cost you some sweet wins. If you’re constantly buying AA batteries so you can keep playing, you’re also spending a lot of extra money.

For Xbox One fans, a controller charging station is an investment that quickly pays for itself. Many great Xbox One games — Sea of Thieves, Gears of War 4, and Forza Horizon 4 — place heavy emphasis on online multiplayer mode. If you prefer playing with others, it is a fantastic feeling to focus exclusively on watching your opponents instead of your shrinking battery icon.

With so many Xbox One controller charging station models on the market, how do you know which is best for you? Price, quality, and the rate at which the device charges your controller are all major factors.

It doesn’t matter if you own an original Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X. An Xbox One controller is compatible with all of them.

Key considerations

Hours of play between charges

The finest Xbox One controller charging stations will keep a fully charged controller in your hands for over 30 hours. Those on the lower end of the spectrum will keep the controller powered for 10 to 12 hours before needing to tank up. The price difference between a controller charging station that provides mediocre battery life and one that would keep you playing longer is fairly small, so you may find it worth the splurge.

Charging time

Allowing you to play for as long as you can without stopping is the biggest reason to get a controller charging station. Therefore, a shorter charging time is always better. The difference between waiting for two hours versus waiting for four hours may seem minimal on paper, but those extra two hours could be spent having a blast on Xbox Live with your friends.

Overall quality

A quality Xbox One controller charging station will make it easy to pop in your controllers. It may sport bright LED lights that alert you when a controller is fully charged. Most importantly, it will do its job of powering you up quickly and efficiently. You may need to spend a little more on a charging station that gives you more play time or one that doesn’t fight you back when you try to insert a controller. For many diehards, however, the expense is worth it.

Xbox One controller charging station features

As previously stated, the biggest difference between Xbox One controller charging stations is how quickly they will fully charge a controller and how many hours of playtime you can get from a single charge. However, there are a few extra features you may find on some charging stations and not others, including the following.

• The ability to charge multiple controllers at once
• An LED light that clearly indicates when controllers are fully charged
• A battery pack per controller slot
• The ability to play games while recharging your controller
• A note on the packaging that reads “Officially Licensed,” which ensures that the Xbox One controller charging station has been approved by Microsoft

Xbox One controller charging station prices

With consoles that cost several hundred dollars and games that cost over $50, gaming is an expensive hobby. Thankfully, you can pick up a decent Xbox One controller station for a much lower price — usually between $20 and $30.

Pricier charging stations work faster and often hold a charge for longer than cheaper models. Thankfully, there are so many Xbox One controller charging stations on the market, it isn’t too difficult to find one that is both excellent and affordable.

Tips

• The majority of Xbox One controller charging stations have LED lights to let you know when your controllers are fully charged. Most of the time, a bright green LED means that your controller is good to go.
• If an Xbox One controller charging station incorporates a stand that attaches to your console, make sure it is compatible with your specific model of Xbox One before purchasing.
• There isn’t a uniform charging cord for Xbox One controller charging stations. Some plug into the wall; others rely on a USB cable. Double-check the type of power source a product needs before you buy it.
• Don’t be impressed if an Xbox One controller charging station claims compatibility with Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X controllers as a selling point. Xbox One controllers are universally compatible with all Xbox One consoles: every Xbox One controller charging station should be, too!

Officially licensed Xbox One controller charging stations should easily connect with your controllers. If your controllers don’t effortlessly snap into place, you risk a poor connection to the battery. It’s a bummer to return to the charging station hours later only to find that your controller is still without power.

FAQ

Q. Can I charge my Xbox One controller and play at the same time with my controller charging station?
A. This is rarely the case. Many Xbox One controller charging stations require a controller to be snugly inserted into the device at angles that would make it uncomfortable or impossible to use and play with at the same time. However, there are some Xbox One controller charging stations that allow you to charge and play simultaneously. If this matters to you, make sure you check the specs before making a purchase.

Q. Will a controller charging station work with all Xbox controllers?
A. No. Only Xbox One controllers are compatible with these devices. Wireless Xbox 360 controllers are not compatible with Xbox One controller charging stations.

Q. Do I need an Xbox One controller charging station that can charge multiple controllers at once?
A. It’s not a requirement, but it would certainly come in handy at parties or when friends are over. Besides, it’s better to have the option to charge two controllers at once than to risk leaving Player 2 in the cold for a few hours.